How do I prepare for a wellness visit?

1. Know Your Medical History. Most doctors will ask you to fill out a medical intake form before your appointment. ...
2. Know Your Medications. ...
3. Will You Need to Fast? ...
4. Write Down all Your Questions. ...
5. Be Prepared for Possible Out-of-Pocket Costs.

1. Schedule an Appointment. ...
2. Fasting Before Physical. ...
3. List of Medications. ...
4. Bring Results of Medical Tests. ...
5. Bring a Current List of your Immunizations.

• 1) Get a good night's sleep. Try to get eight hours the night before your exam so your blood pressure is as low as possible.
• 2) Avoid salty or fatty foods. ...
• 3) Avoid exercise. ...
• 4) Don't drink coffee or any caffeinated products. ...
• 5) Fast. ...
• 6) Drink water. ...
• 7) Know your meds.

Do you take your bra off for a physical?

What: You will asked to remove any undergarments such as a bra, and will either be given a gown or simply asked to lift your shirt out of the way. Your clinician may first inspect your breasts visually—oftentimes when you are sitting and then laying on your back.

How much water should you drink before a blood test?

Ideally, start drinking more fluids the day before your blood draw, and continue to drink water before you have your blood drawn. Excessive amounts aren't necessary; most sources ecommend that an adult drink 64 ounces of water per day for good health, which is more than adequate for having your blood drawn.

What does a women's wellness visit consist of?

Well-woman exams usually include three things: a pap smear, a pelvic exam, and a breast exam. These exams are essential as they can catch early signs of cancer or other health problems before they get out of hand. At the time of the appointment, you may also speak with your doctor about other health concerns you have.

What is the difference between annual physical and wellness visit?

A physical exam helps your doctor figure out what the problem is and what needs to be done. When you're healthy and feeling good, you want to stay that way. A wellness exam helps your doctor understand what's working for you and how to best support your continued health and well-being.

What is a routine wellness exam?

During your wellness exam you may receive screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, mammogram, pap test, osteoporosis, or STDs. Your doctor may ask you about current stress, physical activity, diet, or drug use such as tobacco and alcohol.

Do you have to pee in a cup for a wellness check?

Your doctor's office will provide a cup or other container for urine collection. You may need to provide the sample at the office, or you may need to collect the urine sample at home (such as if your doctor needs to check a sample of your urine from the first time you use the bathroom when you wake up in the morning).

Can I drink water before a wellness exam?

Most of the time, there's nothing special you need to do to prepare for your yearly physical. If you're having blood work done, be sure to fast and drink only water for a specified period of time before your appointment. Prepare a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take regularly.

Can I drink water before wellness check?

If your appointment is at 8 a.m. and you're told to fast for 8 hours, only water is OK after midnight. If it's a 12-hour fast, avoid food and drink after 8 p.m. the night before. You also shouldn't smoke, chew gum (even sugarless), or exercise. These things can rev up your digestion, and that can affect your results.

How do I prepare for a yearly physical?

What do you wear to an annual physical?

You may be asked to disrobe or change into a gown, so wear clothes that are easy to take on and off. You don't need to be dressed up. In fact, if you have on a cumbersome outfit it will take you longer to get your clothes off and on again. Opt for clothes that you can slip out of and into quickly and comfortably.

Should I eat before a physical exam?

How long do I have to fast before having a physical exam? Because we typically take blood to check your cholesterol, we ask that you fast for about 8 hours before a morning appointment. If you have an afternoon appointment, there's no need to fast, but just have a light meal that morning.

What is included in physical wellness?

Physical wellness encompasses a variety of healthy behaviors including adequate exercise, proper nutrition and abstaining from harmful habits such as drug use and alcohol abuse. It means learning about and identifying symptoms of disease, getting regular medical checkups, and protecting yourself from injuries and harm.

What are the benefits of an annual wellness visit?

Can you have a well woman exam without a pap smear?

In recently updated guidelines, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women continue their annual “well woman” visits. That visit should include a pelvic exam — even if it does not include a Pap test, for cervical cancer, the group says.

How often should you get a pap smear?

Women age 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred. Women age 30 to 65 have three options for testing. They can have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years.

Can you get a wellness check on your period?

Yes, it's totally okay to get a pelvic exam when you're on your period. But most nurses and doctors would rather do your pelvic exam on a non-period day when you're not bleeding, or at least not bleeding heavily. That's because menstrual fluid (aka period blood) can affect the results of some lab tests.

What foods should you avoid before a blood test?

Do not eat and do not drink juice, tea, or coffee, especially with sugar, 10-16 hours prior to blood tests (depends on the type of test).

How can I hydrate fast for blood work?

You're allowed to drink water while fasting before a blood test. In fact, drinking plenty of water before a blood test is encouraged as it can help keep you hydrated. Coffee, juice, tea, soda, and alcohol can all interfere with lab results and should be avoided while fasting before a blood test.

Can I have coffee before blood test?

Avoid Caffeine and Sugary Beverages

You can drink water before the blood test, so you don't get dehydrated. However, avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine and sugar as they'll cause your blood pressure to rise.