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Healthcare & Medicine

Personalabs Articles

The collection features detailed insights into online lab testing processes, actionable advice for cultivating a healthy lifestyle, and accessible guides on medical conditions. Each piece aims to simplify health understanding and encourage proactive health management.

What Is Lactational Amenorrhea? Everything You Need to Know | Personalabs

Following childbirth, the biological process of breastfeeding triggers a temporary state of natural infertility known as lactational amenorrhea. It occurs due to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, which suppress ovulation, delaying the return of menstruation. The term amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation, and in this context, it is directly connected to lactation.


A popular belief around lactational amenorrhea is that when you’re breastfeeding, and with the absenc...

CMP Vs. BMP: What’s The Difference? | Personalabs

When it comes to assessing your health and diagnosing potential illnesses, blood tests play a crucial role. Two of the most ordered blood tests are the basic metabolic panel 8 and the comprehensive metabolic panel 14. While they may sound similar, these tests have key differences and similarities. In this CMP vs. BMP labs article, we will explore how these tests differ and help you understand which is more appropriate for you.


The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel...

Plan B Spotting Vs. Implantation Bleeding: How To Know the Difference | Personalabs

Plan B spotting and implantation bleeding are distinct phenomena that can cause confusion due to their similar timing and appearance. It can be tricky to tell the difference between spotting after taking Plan B and implantation bleeding since both involve light vaginal bleeding. But there are a few key things to keep in mind. 


Spotting after Plan B is common and happens because of the hormonal changes caused by the morning-after pill. It usually shows up within a few days of taking it and isn...

Low MCV and MCH: Meaning and Treatment | Personalabs

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) are two essential components evaluated in a complete blood count, and they go hand-in-hand when diagnosing various blood disorders and physiological conditions. When an MCV blood test is low — especially in combination with a low MCH — it means that your red blood cells are smaller than normal and contain less hemoglobin than they should. This typically reflects an underlying problem with hemoglobin production, which leads to a...

7 Ways to Lower High AST and ALT Levels | Personalabs

The information in this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, consult your physician or any licensed healthcare providers if you have questions.


If you find out that your liver enzymes, like aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase, turned out to be elevated during a blood test, it can mean various things based on several factors. However, it’s often linked to disrupted liver function. Therefore, it’s imperative to e...

What To Do When Pineapple Burns Your Tongue: Here Are The Remedies | Personalabs

Sweet, juicy, delicious, but sometimes prickly on the tongue – that’s the pineapple! A common ingredient in tropical-themed recipes, the pineapple can be a complete delight if not for its ability to burn your mouth. While not everyone may experience such adverse effects, it is imperative to seek immediate relief.   


Pineapples contain bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins. Hence, when you eat fresh pineapple, the bromelain disintegrates the protein in the tongue, lips, and...

How To Lower High Chloride Levels | Personalabs

A high chloride level may indicate kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, digestive problems, and other metabolic disorders. That said, it’s imperative to lower it back to the normal chloride levels by consulting your doctor and getting further tested for the underlying disease, avoiding certain foods and medications, and ensuring enough water retention. Read on to find out how to follow these steps and why treating high chloride levels is important. 


Chloride is an electrolyte that regulates...

9 Ways To Lower GGT Levels Naturally | Personalabs

Getting high gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in your blood test may suggest health conditions affecting your liver and other organs. But there are steps on how to lower ggt levels naturally, which you can follow as soon as you get the said result. These include abstaining from alcohol, unhealthy foods, and air pollutants. Instead, include liver-friendly foods in your diet, take supplements, and do moderate exercises daily. 


A high GGT level alone does not indicate liver damage or the exact c...

High AST Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention | Personalabs

Elevated liver enzymes like AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) can indicate liver damage, often caused by external factors. Lowering these enzymes and restoring liver health requires following your doctor’s recommendations, which may include lifestyle changes such as limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting a balanced diet. Additionally, avoiding exposure to toxins and prioritizing regular exercise can further support liver function and...

Ways To Improve Thyroid Function Naturally

The thyroid gland plays crucial roles in metabolism, growth, heart rate regulation, and multiple organ functions. Therefore, if it’s underactive or overactive, it can trigger various health problems.

You can improve thyroid function naturally, specifically thyroid hormone production, through exercise, eating foods high in iodine, selenium, and probiotics, as well as proper stress management and vitamin D stimulation. Learn more about these steps as you read on.

Iodine has major significance in

Ways to Lower High BUN Level

Your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels provide valuable information about your kidneys that help diagnose diseases such as uremia and CKD. Test values beyond 20 mg/dL in a BUN test are considered abnormal and can be due to various factors.

However, a dangerously high BUN level, often starting from 50 mg/dL, indicates kidney damage that should be addressed immediately. If you have a BUN between 100 mg/dL to 250 mg/dL, it could be due to severe kidney dysfunction, specifically involving its abilit

What Does It Mean If Your MCV Blood Test Is High? > Personalabs

When your mean corpuscular volume (MCV) blood test shows high levels, it means that your red blood cells (RBC) are unusually large and that it interferes with blood functions. You can take the CBC test, inclusive of MCV labs to help diagnose conditions related to RBC physical changes. Find out more about this test as you read further down.

What Is an MCV Blood Test?

An MCV blood test measures the size of your RBC to help diagnose anemia, folate deficiency, liver disease, hypothyroidism, and ch

Perimenopause Fertility: Can You Do IVF if You Are Premenopausal? >

Perimenopause is a phase wherein the body begins its natural transition towards menopause. Women experience the symptoms at varying ages, and the signs can be either notable or subtle. As you start recognizing perimenopause and you’re reproductively challenged, it’s normal to ask questions regarding its effects on fertility treatments. One is how different in vitro fertilization or IVF is during perimenopause.

While you can still do IVF if you experience perimenopause, several factors must be c

Get Tested for Hookworm Infection in 3 Simple Steps > Personalabs

Hookworm infection, or any parasitic infection in general, is a major nuisance to your health. It may seem mild at first, but complications that could develop when it goes untreated range from anemia to protein deficiency.

The CDC reports that between 576 to 750 million individuals have the infection globally. In the US, it used to be prevalent in the southeastern regions. However, cases have subsided over the years due to improved living conditions.

Nevertheless, anyone can be susceptible to

Here’s Why You Should Take Endometriosis Seriously > Personalabs

Endometriosis affects 6-10% of women in the US. However, many women tend to brush it off and endure the symptoms until it’s too late.

Women with endometriosis suffer from minimal to severe pain, especially during menstruation. But it also triggers gastrointestinal problems, depression, anxiety, and infertility if not treated immediately. With these impacts, women should take endometriosis seriously.

So, if you are experiencing unusual discomfort in your reproductive area, it is best to check w

Preeclampsia Risk Factors Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

Pregnancy can be an incredible journey for many women. But it could also come with complications that put maternal and fetal health at risk. One of which is preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth. It is widely considered as the new onset of hypertension. But preeclampsia risk factors stem from different parameters.

Moreover, what’s alarming with this complication is that it could trigger preterm birth, low birth rate, or even

6 Foods That Worsen Autoimmune Disease > Personalabs

Nothing says betrayal than when your own immune system attacks your cells.

While this may sound like an absurd fictional plot, it’s actually a real medical condition called autoimmune disease. And in dealing with this condition, you will have to stir clear from some foods and drinks.

A person diagnosed with autoimmune disease attacks the body by mistake because the immune cells cannot tell the difference between a foreign invader and a healthy somatic cell.

As a result, it causes mild to cons

7 Home Remedies To Get Rid of Sore Throat Fast < Personalabs

The information in this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, consult your physician or any licensed healthcare providers if you have medical questions to get personalized answers.

Sore throats cause great discomfort due to their pain and swelling that often impede your routine. In some cases, it comes with fever, fatigue, and appetite loss, which often warrants a visit to your doctor. But most sore throats simply require home remedies

Lyme Disease: Its Long-term Effects and Why It Keeps Coming Back >

You’ve probably heard about Lyme disease through various channels and sources. After all, it made a buzz considering several celebrities contracted the infection over the years.

But Lyme disease is not simply a condition for the famous.

In the US, it is considered the most prevalent disease transmitted via vectors. According to the CDC, an estimated 300,000 people acquire the infection annually.

Lyme disease is an infection commonly caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. You can develo

Blood Test Vs. Skin Test For Allergies: Which One Should You Get? >

Allergies are sometimes tossed around as simply your body’s reaction to irritants.

But allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening effects. Therefore, they should be taken seriously much like any other critical health condition.

With that being said, diagnosing allergies should be part of your priorities regarding health assessment. There are two methods that doctors either conduct or request in this process: a skin test or blood test.

These two types of allergy testing are the

Can Blood Tests Detect Lung Problems? > Personalabs

People value lung function now more than ever.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic took a huge toll on the worldwide population, the attention for lung health has been widened. Hence, for those experiencing breathing issues, it comes as no surprise to wonder if blood tests are necessary for diagnosis.

Simply put, yes, some lung problems can be detected by blood tests, but it is mainly regarded as supplemental.

While some people assume that respiratory health assessment is exclusively done through x-r

9 Benefits Of Online Lab Testing and Telehealth Services > Personalabs

Online lab testing has become prevalent in the US, revolutionizing the healthcare industry for decades.

With the internet explosion across industries, it was no surprise that traditional laboratory testing had been upgraded to the digital realm.

On top of that, telehealth services, including virtual consultation, are slowly taking part in this evolution. However, although this progress with online lab testing and telemedicine is promising as it is, some people remain skeptical.

Nonetheless, y

Aging Gracefully: How to Stay Healthy As You Grow Old >

Aging like fine wine is not entirely out of reach. Contrary to popular belief, you can age gracefully even without lots of money for professional care and whatnot.

Over the years, we have come to understand more of how aging works including factors that trigger its speed, such as sun exposure and stress.

However, while staying away from these triggers can retain your youth, more issues are still under the surface when aging is concerned.

Lifestyle and genetic factors should be considered if y

Is Bodybuilding Healthy or Dangerous? > Personalabs

When hearing the term bodybuilding, people often think about muscular men and women in great shape, glistening on the stage.

Indeed, it is hard not to associate bodybuilding with its competitive cluster. But there is more to this physical activity that enhances your body’s aesthetics.

For starters, anyone can be a bodybuilder. Furthermore, you can choose to be a bodybuilder and not join competitions which lessens the pressure.

On the other hand, a recommended step when engaging in this level

Synergy Health Advisors Articles

This section features blog posts written during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the company's vital remote healthcare services. These articles delve into how the landscape of healthcare adapted to unprecedented challenges, highlighting the accessibility and innovation brought forth by virtual care solutions.

COVID-19 At-Home Medically Supervised Testing | Synergy Health Advisor

At the end of April, the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA has surpassed 1 million with more than 63,000 deaths from the coronavirus infection. In comparison to other countries such as Germany and South Korea which had significant drops in their number of COVID-19 cases and fatality rate in the span of 2-3 months, the USA requires a great deal of coping up particularly in the matter of mass testing.

Wider access to testing is credited as the key movement for the quick and efficient control of

Back to work COVID-19 screening

America is going back to work and employee safety from COVID-19 is on top of every employer’s list!

The National Government is set to resume the operations of states and localities that cover the federal government and the private sector. To achieve a safe and orderly return of the workforce, President Donald Trump released the guideline for Open Up America Again which consists of a three-phased approach for the state and private businesses.

Gating criteria are also included and should be sati

Understanding the Benefits of Telemedicine

With the continuing global fight against coronavirus, it has been considered challenging to set an appointment with doctors, let alone, take a trip to the hospital yourself. As the public health crisis on COVID-19 persists, we are necessarily encouraged to limit our contact and exposure outside our very homes.

However, there are certain activities that still require immediate attention especially if it concerns our health such as going to clinics or laboratories to undergo medical testing for d