Whether you're going in for a routine check-up, school physical, or urgent care assessment, knowing what not to do before a physical exam can be just as important as knowing what to bring. A physical exam is your opportunity to monitor your health, detect early signs of illness, and discuss preventive measures. But certain behaviors in the hours or even days leading up to your appointment can skew test results or mask important symptoms.
If you’re visiting a Walk-In Urgent Care Clinic like NYUCC located at 251-05 Jericho Turnpike, Bellerose Commons, Bellerose, NY 11426, knowing how to prepare can help you get the most accurate evaluation.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the top 10 things you should never do before a physical exam and what to do instead for better results.
1. Don’t Eat a Heavy Meal Right Before Your Appointment
Why It Matters:
Eating a large, high-fat meal can elevate your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, potentially distorting lab test results.
Real-World Example:
If your appointment includes bloodwork (especially a lipid panel or glucose test), your breakfast burrito could lead to a misdiagnosis of prediabetes or high cholesterol.
What to Do Instead:
Ask the clinic if you need to fast, especially for early morning appointments. If fasting isn’t required, opt for something light like fruit or toast.
2. Avoid Overexerting Yourself with Intense Exercise
Why It Matters:
Heavy exercise can affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and hydration levels, which may interfere with your vital signs and urine tests.
Real-World Example:
A client at our Bellerose urgent care came in after a 5-mile jog. His pulse was elevated, and his hydration markers were off prompting unnecessary follow-up.
What to Do Instead:
Skip the gym on exam day. Light movement like walking is fine, but avoid strenuous workouts until after your appointment.
3. Don’t Hide Symptoms or Skip Medications
Why It Matters:
You may be tempted to present yourself in perfect health, but hiding real symptoms or skipping medications can lead to misinformed decisions.
Real-World Example:
A patient with mild asthma didn't use their inhaler for two days, hoping to “look healthy.” Their lung function test suggested major concerns that didn’t reflect their everyday condition.
What to Do Instead:
Be honest with your provider. Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and recent symptoms even if they seem minor.
4. Refrain from Drinking Alcohol the Night Before
Why It Matters:
Alcohol can affect liver function tests, blood pressure, and hydration potentially skewing several diagnostic markers.
Real-World Example:
Someone scheduled for a Walk-In Physical Exam at our Bellerose Commons clinic drank wine the night before. Their blood pressure spiked, leading to a borderline hypertension label.
What to Do Instead:
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment, especially if bloodwork or cardiovascular evaluation is involved.
5. Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
Why It Matters:
Dehydration can make it difficult to draw blood or produce a urine sample. It may also affect blood pressure and kidney function readings.
Real-World Example:
A teen came in for a school physical, but had consumed only coffee that morning. The clinic had to reschedule urine testing due to inadequate hydration.
What to Do Instead:
Drink plenty of water leading up to your exam. Aim for 8 ounces at least an hour before, unless fasting is required.
6. Avoid Excess Caffeine Before the Exam
Why It Matters:
Caffeine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing unnecessary concern or false flags in your results.
Real-World Example:
A regular patient at our Urgent Care In Bellerose, NY, showed unusually high blood pressure only to admit he’d had three espressos before the visit.
What to Do Instead:
Stick to a minimal amount of caffeine, or skip it entirely if you're prone to blood pressure issues.
7. Don’t Wear Tight or Complicated Clothing
Why It Matters:
Wearing restrictive clothes can make it harder to perform blood pressure checks, heart or lung exams, or simple flexibility assessments.
Real-World Example:
Patients wearing layers, tight leggings, or button-heavy outfits often spend extra time changing which delays the appointment and may make them feel rushed.
What to Do Instead:
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and easy-to-remove shoes for a smooth exam process.
8. Avoid Smoking or Vaping Beforehand
Why It Matters:
Nicotine can affect your respiratory and cardiovascular systems, skewing test results even a few hours after use.
Real-World Example:
A patient who vaped en route to NYUCC Bellerose had abnormal lung sounds, prompting unnecessary referrals.
What to Do Instead:
Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 2 hours before your physical exam—preferably longer.
9. Don’t Schedule When You’re Feeling Unwell Unless It’s Relevant
Why It Matters:
If you're dealing with a cold, fever, or other temporary illness, it may interfere with normal baseline readings.
Real-World Example:
A walk-in patient with flu-like symptoms received distorted blood pressure and respiratory results. They had to return for a follow-up exam once symptoms resolved.
What to Do Instead:
Reschedule your physical if you're acutely ill unless your symptoms are the reason for the visit.
10. Don’t Ignore Pre-Exam Instructions
Why It Matters:
Some physicals especially for work, sports, or travel may require forms, specific testing, or fasting. Ignoring instructions wastes your time and delays your paperwork.
Real-World Example:
An urgent care patient arrived for a DOT physical without fasting, despite pre-instructions. The clinic had to reschedule the appointment entirely.
What to Do Instead:
Double-check your appointment notes, call ahead, or review the NYUCC physical exams for guidelines.
Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for a Successful Physical Exam
A physical exam is a vital checkpoint for your health and with just a little preparation, you can make the most of it. By avoiding these common mistakes, you give your provider a clearer picture of your true health status and avoid unnecessary stress, testing, or follow-ups.
Need a convenient, walk-in physical exam in Bellerose, NY?
Visit us at 251-05 Jericho Turnpike, Bellerose Commons, or Schedule An Appointment Online At NYUCC Physical Exams today. Your health is worth a little preparation and we’re here to help every step of the way.
