Preparing for a physical exam is important to get accurate test results. However, some preparations and activities can negatively impact the exam. Knowing what not to do can help ensure your physical provides useful health insights.
Why Prepare for a Physical Exam?
Physical exams provide important baseline information about your overall health. They can catch issues early before they become problematic. Preparing properly allows your doctor to get the clearest picture of your wellbeing.
Preparing involves steps like:
- Being honest about your symptoms and health history
- Making a list of any medications or supplements you take
- Getting good sleep the night before
- Showing up on time and not rushing
Good preparation sets you up for an effective exam. However, some pre-exam activities can alter test results and hide potential issues. Avoiding these can improve the accuracy of your physical.
Activities to Avoid Before a Physical
Exercising
Vigorous exercise before a physical can impact test results. Exercise causes temporary changes like:
- Increased heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure
- Altered blood sugar and electrolyte levels
- Increased white blood cells
- Dehydration
These can mask underlying cardiac, metabolic, or other conditions. They can also mimic illness and infection.
To avoid misleading results:
- Don’t exercise vigorously within 24 hours of your exam
- Limit workouts to light activity like walking
- Resume your normal exercise routine after your physical
Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol before a physical can impact results in several ways:
- It causes dehydration, altering kidney function blood tests
- It can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate
- It impacts liver enzymes and blood glucose tests
To avoid these effects, avoid drinking alcohol for 24-48 hours before your physical exam.
Fasting Improperly
Fasting is often required before bloodwork. But improper fasting can skew results.
Issues with pre-physical fasting include:
- Fasting for too long – can cause electrolyte imbalances
- Fasting for too short – doesn’t allow baseline fasting levels to be measured
- Consuming non-water drinks – impacts blood sugar and chemistry
- Eating low-fiber – alters cholesterol and GI testing
To fast properly:
- Start water-only fast 8-12 hours before your appointment
- Don’t fast for more than 12-14 hours maximum
- Stick to water, black coffee/tea only while fasting
- Keep your pre-fasting diet balanced and fiber-rich
Smoking
Smoking before a physical exam can alter results in several ways:
- Constricts blood vessels
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure
- Impacts respiratory function tests
- Can impair wound healing for minor procedures
To avoid these impacts:
- Don’t smoke for at least 4 hours before your physical
- Refrain from smoking as long as possible beforehand
- Be honest with your doctor about your smoking habits
Losing Sleep
Skimping on sleep can change physical exam findings:
- Increases blood pressure
- Raises resting heart rate
- Alters basic metabolic and hormone levels
- Impacts mental function tests
To avoid misleading results from lost sleep:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep the night before your physical
- Maintain your usual sleep schedule for several days prior
- Take the day off work if needed to rest pre-exam
Tests Impacted by Pre-Exam Mistakes
Many aspects of the physical exam can be altered by improper preparation. Some examples include:
| Test | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Increased by exercise, alcohol, smoking, lost sleep |
| Heart rate | Elevated by exercise, alcohol, smoking |
| Blood sugar | Altered by eating/drinking, alcohol |
| Cholesterol | Changed by alcohol, diet before fasting |
| Respiratory function | Restricted by exercise, smoking |
Be honest with your doctor about anything that could have influenced your results. They can help interpret findings in context.
When to Reschedule Your Physical
In some cases, it may be smart to reschedule your exam if:
- You exercised heavily right before your appointment
- You smoked, drank alcohol or slept poorly the night before
- You are ill with a virus or infection
- You are menstruating – can alter some blood tests
Talk to your doctor if you think preparation issues may be skewing your results. It’s often better to reschedule than get inaccurate findings.
Preparing Mental Health for Your Physical
Your mental health also deserves attention pre-physical. Anxiety over medical tests is normal.
To manage anxiety and prepare mentally:
- Learn what to expect during the exam to reduce fear of the unknown
- Bring a supportive friend or family member
- Discuss anxieties openly with your doctor
- Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing
- Schedule exams during less stressful times
If you have a phobia of medical procedures, your doctor can suggest therapies or accommodations.
When to Schedule Routine Physicals
Regular wellness visits provide maximum benefit. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this schedule:
| Age | How Often |
|---|---|
| Infants & Toddlers | Years 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 months |
| Early Childhood | At ages 15 months, 18 months, 30 months, then annually to age 6 |
| Middle Childhood | Annually from ages 7-12 |
| Adolescents & Young Adults | Annually ages 13-21, then every 1-3 years ages 21-39 |
| Middle Age | Every 1-3 years ages 40-64 |
| Older Adults | Annually from age 65 |
Your doctor may recommend more or less frequent physicals depending on your health status and risks.
Questions to Ask at Your Physical
Annual exams provide an opportunity to address your healthcare priorities. Questions to consider asking include:
- What immunizations do I need?
- Are my cholesterol, blood pressure, weight on track?
- Should I get any cancer or disease screening tests?
- What lifestyle habits should I work on?
- Are there any supplements I should take?
- Do my medications need any adjustments?
Compile your own list before your appointment. Having it in writing ensures all your concerns are addressed.
Prioritizing Prevention at Your Physical
Preventative care is a key goal of an annual physical. Your exam should include:
- Detailed review of family history
- Immunizations recommended by the CDC
- Age-appropriate cancer screenings
- Risk assessment for heart disease, diabetes, etc.
- Baseline laboratory tests based on your needs
Preventing illness before it occurs is the best outcome. Discuss your risks and priorities with your physician.
Specialist Referrals from Your Physical
Your primary care doctor may recommend seeing specialists based on your physical exam, such as:
- Cardiologist – For concerns like high cholesterol, blood pressure
- OB/Gyn – If PAP or pelvic exam results are abnormal
- Dermatologist – After checking any worrisome moles or spots
- Gastroenterologist – If you need a colonoscopy or other GI testing
Specialists help diagnose issues the PCP can’t fully evaluate themselves. Follow through on recommended consults promptly.
Items to Bring to Your Physical
You can optimize your physical by bringing:
- Photo ID and insurance card
- List of current medications, supplements, doses
- Family medical history notes
- Vaccination records
- List of priority discussion topics
- Blood pressure monitor (if you have one)
- Eyeglasses and hearing aids (for sensory exams)
Having these items eliminates scramble and forgotten details. Keeping them organized also shows you’re taking your health seriously.
Choosing the Right Doctor for You
Having an PCP who you’re comfortable with maximizes the value of checkups. Considerations when choosing a physician include:
- Their credentials – are they board certified in family or internal medicine?
- Gender – do you prefer a male or female doctor?
- Bedside manner – do they explain things clearly and listen?
- Their clinic schedule – does it suit your availability?
- Insurance coverage – are they in your plan’s network?
- Languages spoken – can they communicate with you effectively?
Don’t be afraid to ‘interview’ doctors before selecting one. Your PCP will care for you for years to come.
Understanding Your Physical’s Blood Work
Blood tests check for anemia, infections, cholesterol, diabetes, organ function, and more. Common blood panels include:
| Test | Checks for |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Anemia, infection, clotting issues, etc. |
| Basic metabolic panel | Electrolyte balance, kidney & liver function |
| Lipid panel | Cholesterol & triglyceride levels |
| Blood glucose | Diabetes risk |
Ask your doctor to explain any abnormal blood test results. Follow their advice for rechecking or treating issues.
Conclusion
Preparing mindfully for your physical exam gives your doctor the most accurate picture of your health possible. Avoid activities that alter results in the 24-48 hours pre-appointment. Arrive prepared with information and questions. A complete physical with appropriate follow-up care provides substantial health benefits.