There are three types of hepatisis:

• Hepatitis A:  Typically there are minimal complications and no long-term infection, but it can make people very sick.  This type of hepatitis is preventable with a vaccine.  The virus is passed when eating or drinking something that contains the virus
• Hepatitis B:  Long-term infections are possible and can lead to liver damage, but most patients recover in 6 months.  This type of hepatitis is preventable with a vaccine.  The infection is transmitted when body fluid from an infected person is passed through sexual contact; sharing needles when injecting drugs; or from mother to baby at birth
• Hepatitis C: Infections are asymptomatic and most people get a long-term infection that can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).  This type of hepatitis is not prevevtable with a vaccine.  The infection is transmitted like Hepatitis B.

Lifesaving treatments for chronic hepatitis B can slow down liver damage and new treatments are available that can cure hepatitis C, but getting tested is the only way to know if you are infected.  At Medizyne, we offer lab tests to screen or detect the infection for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Diabetes is a fairly common condition where a person has elevated levels of blood glucose.

Type 1 diabetics are typically diagnosed with acute symptoms that require hospitalization but other types of diabetics including prediabetics, gestational diabetics and early Type 2 diabetics are usually asymptomatic (i.e., show no symptoms). Because Type 1 diabetes can run in families, it is also important for at risk individuals to get tested even if they don’t have symptoms. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. With Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin properly which causes glucose levels to rise.  Experts recommend routine testing for Type 2 diabetes if you,

• are age 45 or older
• are between the ages of 19 and 44, are overweight or obese, and have one or more other diabetes risk factors
• are a woman who had gestational diabetes

Your physician may request blood tests to diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. The blood tests show if your blood glucose or blood sugar, is too high. At Medizyne, we offer several diabetes panels and tests to assist in this evaluation with your doctor.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, factors such as lack of exercise, a diet high in saturated fat, and more than two alcoholic drinks per day can all increase your chances of getting the breast cancer. Being obese or overweight also increases the risk, so it's a good idea to follow a healthly meal plan and exercise regularly.

Developing an early detection plan is another effective way to take your healthcare into your own hands and possibly save your own life. The NBCF advises the following early detection plan:

• Beginning at age 20: Perform breast self-exams and look for any signs of change.
• Age 20 to 39: Schedule clinical breast exams every three years.
• By the age of 40: Have a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.
• Ages 40 to 49: Have a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.
• Ages 50 and older: Have a mammogram every year.(Half of all women diagnosed are over the age of 65).

You can create an early detection plan at NBCF's website. They will provide you with reminders and instructions for monthly self breast exams and reminders for a clinical exam once every three years. You can also start a Personal Health Record to keep track of your appointments, test results, and self-exams over the years.

If you've never had a breast exam before, now is the time to start. National Mammography Day is Oct 22. Many cities have a mobile mammography van-check the universities and medical centers near you.

Your physician may request blood tests for markers in order to detect cancer activity in the body as early indicators of breast cancer progression (the cancer getting worse) or recurrence.  While breast cancer blood marker tests are promising, they're not absolutely conclusive so it's essential to talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and risks of blood marker testing in your situation.  At Medizyne, we offer several cancer panels and tests to assist in this evaluation with your doctor.