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7 things you should not do before a physical exam

by NYUCC | Tue Feb 15 2022 | Blog

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A physical exam is a comprehensive examination that assesses overall health. Various screenings detect changes in your body that could compromise your health, ranging from weight to blood pressure. If you’re in good health, it’s easy to put your annual physical on the back burner.  
However, getting a walk in physical exam is the best way to ensure you’re in good shape. Make annual exams a habit to ensure that you stay healthy for years to come. When you go in for a physical exam, you don’t want to do anything that might temporarily affect your body’s performance and cause it to deviate from your baseline levels.  
Some of the top things you should avoid doing before your walk-in physical exam are listed below: 

  • Avoid alcohol and nicotine

Before the appointment, it is not advisable to smoke a cigarette. It may have an impact on some outcomes. Your blood test results may be affected if you smoke. If you’ve been asked to fast before a blood test, you should also refrain from smoking. 
Because smoking can raise the level of white blood cells in the blood, it’s best to avoid smoking for 10 to 12 hours before the sample. 

  • Avoid over-the-counter medications

If you’re taking any caffeine-containing or stimulant-containing medications, such as adderall or other ADHD medications, check with your doctor ahead of time before the walk in physical exam to see if you should take them before the exam.

  • Avoid caffeinated drinks

If you’re having blood drawn while fasting, coffee isn’t an option. Blood work may be performed as part of a routine physical examination by your healthcare provider. Is the goal to keep your test results safe and avoid drinking coffee even if it might affect the outcome?
Any beverage other than water should not be consumed before a blood test unless your healthcare provider has given his or her approval. Diuretics, such as black coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages, can dehydrate you and cause test results to be inaccurate.

  • Avoid strenuous exercise

This is one of the things you must do in order to pass your physical exam. Avoid exercising or engaging in any physically strenuous activity the night before or the morning of your assessment. Physical activity may cause an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Avoid salty and fatty foods

If your doctor is trying to get a good read on your cholesterol, a heavy meal high in fats before your blood work could hurt your results. If this is how you usually eat, however, it will have a smaller impact on your results and will be discussed with you by your doctor if necessary.
To give your doctor the most accurate reading of your health, avoid making any drastic dietary changes in the weeks leading up to your exam. Avoid these foods for the three days leading up to your evaluation. Those who are able should do it for a week, but a minimum of 24 hours is required.

  • Don’t be dehydrated

Staying hydrated before walk in physical exam is just as important as staying hydrated before any other aspect of your health. Hydration makes it easier to read your health statistics in a more comfortable and accurate manner.
Staying hydrated will also help to reduce the risks of complications associated with blood draws in patients. Staying hydrated also aids in the control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

  • Don’t get panic

The fear of medical tests is known as medical test anxiety. Medical tests are diagnostic, screening, or monitoring procedures for a variety of diseases and conditions. While many people are nervous or uncomfortable when they are tested, it rarely results in serious problems or symptoms.

Conclusion

Make an appointment with your preferred PCP. If you have a family physician, they can perform a physical examination for you. If you don’t already have a primary care physician, your health insurance company can provide you with a list of walk-in physical exams near me.
You can make the most of your time by properly preparing for your physical examination. You may need additional tests or screenings in the future, depending on what your PCP discovers. You’re good until next year if no additional tests are required and no health issues arise.