Getting Fit Before the Medical Exam
So, that medical exam you scheduled a while ago is now just a few days away. Like most tests, we want to perform at our very best. And just as we did (or should have done) in high school, preparing ahead of time will increase the likelihood of passing with flying colors.
Here are 5 tips of what to avoid before your exam:
- Avoid alcohol – As a diuretic, alcohol dehydrates the body. This may make it difficult to draw blood or produce a urine sample.
- Avoid exercise – This tip may seem counterintuitive. However, exercise elevates your heart rate and may require hours before it comes back down to a normal resting pace. Exercise can also reduce potassium levels in the body.
- Avoid caffeine – One culprit of increasing blood pressure and heart rates is caffeine. Caffeine can be found in many different foods and drink, including coffee, tea, and even chocolate. Hold off on consuming caffeine for at least 12 hours before your exam.
- Avoid nicotine – Nicotine in any form increases your heart rate above normal resting levels. It can also increase anxiety levels prior to your examination, which can impact some tests you may receive. If possible, work to quit smoking gradually before your appointment.
- Avoid fatty and salty foods – Blood pressure and triglyceride levels increase after consuming fatty or salty foods. Since it can take a few days for your body to cleanse itself, try to avoid these foods for 2 to 3 days before your exam.
Now that we know to avoid, here are 5 actionable tips you should take:
- Fast – Do not consume any food or drink besides water for at least 2 hours before your exam. Many times, you will be required to fast for 12 hours. It is a good practice to schedule your doctor’s appointment early in the morning to avoid going without food for most of the day.
- Eat healthy – Consuming healthy foods including, fruits and vegetables during the weeks leading up to your exam will replenish depleted vitamins and minerals in your body.
- Be prepared – The night before your exam, prepare yourself by making a list of any medications you are currently taking, any changes in your overall health that have occurred since your last visit, and questions you have for the physician.
- Drink water – Staying hydrated will help with your blood draw and urine sample. Drink plenty of water at least 2 hours before your visit.
- Sleep well the night before – Aim to get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep the day before your exam. A good night’s sleep will help regulate your blood pressure and increase alertness.
Doctor’s visits are much more endurable when we take steps to prepare. Let your next medical exam be a successful one by following each of the 10 tips covered above.
Featured Blogs
- Aging and Our Body’s Ability to Heal Itself
- What is Credit Health Insurance?
- Keeping Health Insurance After a Layoff
- Waking Up to the Impact of Insomnia
- How Life Insurance Benefits Women
- Electric Car: To Buy or to Lease?
- What experts say about raising the retirement age
- Coverage for healthcare treatment denied? Here’s what you can do.
- How are the proceeds of a life settlement taxed?
- Sharing the Road with Cyclists
- Buying Life Insurance for an Elderly Parent?
- What Every Renter Needs to Know about Renters Insurance
- Medicaid Unwinding: Your Questions Answered
- Does Uber Insurance Cover Passengers?
- Living Your Best Life After 60
- Weird Things Covered by Home Insurance
- Buying Health Insurance: A Millennial’s Guide
- Self-Love Ideas for Valentine’s Day
- Life Without Clutter
- Set Yourself Up for Success with Your Fitness Routine
- When to Upgrade Your Auto Insurance
- Winter Hydration – Do I Need It?
- What Does My Home Insurance Policy Cover?
- I’m 60+; Do I Need Life Insurance?
- Why Do I Keep Breaking My New Year’s Resolutions?
- Closing Out the Year with a Smile!
- How to Enjoy a Long Layover
- Are You Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance?
- 6 Cold Weather Safety Tips
- 10 Tips for Managing Cholesterol Levels
- How Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments Affect Your Taxes
- How Much Life Insurance Do You Need Right Now?
- LA County COVID Vaccine Info
- The Case(s) to Buy Life Insurance for Your Child
- SimpliSafe vs. Ring, Which is Right for You?
- What Medical Bills are Tax Deductible for 2019?
- Are You in a Flood Zone? The Answers Might Surprise you!
- The Safest Vehicles to Buy in Model Year 2020
- Freezing Pipes Burst! Am I Covered?
- This is Why You Pay Taxes on Employer-Sponsored Disability Insurance