In the News Dos and Don’ts Before Seeing the Doctor– Part I

Just like brushing your teeth before going to see the dentist, there are some things that you want to do before you see your doctor. But there are some things that you DON’T want to do, as well. Here we highlight a few of those dos and don’ts.

DON’T…

Drink coffee or any caffeinated drink prior to going to your appointment. You will likely have your blood pressure taken (at any medical appointment) and having coffee or caffeine can affect your results. The same goes for tobacco and over-the-counter medicines.

DON’T…

Eat a high fat meal before getting blood drawn. Your doctor is likely ordering bloodwork to get an accurate picture of your overall health. If you eat a high-fat meal prior to bloodwork, the results may not be an accurate depiction. Stick to your normal diet as much as possible.

DO…

Drink lots of water prior to your appointment. In general, it is a good idea to hydrate before seeing any doctor.  Being well-hydrated will make your pulse and blood pressure at their best. If you are giving a urine sample, even being slightly dehydrated can cause artificial abnormalities that could confuse the results.

 DO…

Eat as you normally would before any check-up. You don’t need to change your eating habits in an effort to seem healthier at your annual appointment. Your doctor wants to get the best overall picture of your health to provide you with the best care possible. Plus, changing your eating habits over a few days isn’t going to change your overall health.

(Continued in Part II…)