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Just like any other test, you can prepare for your medical appointment. The main thing is to identify what can go wrong and avoid them, of course. Here are things to take note so your medical test doesn't go awry.
If you're getting: A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Exam
This screens for prostate cancer warnings so celibate for a full day before the exam. Ejaculation can raise normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels for six to 24 hours, say researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. Avoid sex or specifically, ejaculation. So watch only Cartoon Network the night before.
If you're getting: A Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy checks for colon cancer and other bowel problems. To help the laxative, try walking, which encourages waste to move downward faster. About 41 per cent of patients who walk have a good chance of a clean bowel, compared to 25 per cent of those who don’t walk, a Korean study shows. This is especially useful if you're unlucky as the pre-test laxatives don’t always work, says Dr Mark Welton, of the Stanford Cancer Center. Plenty of water helps as well.
If you're getting: A Lipid Profile
If you're going for a test that estimates your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you really don't want to be messing about with the results. Don't over-exert yourself prior to the test as intense exercise can alter your triglyceride levels for several hours. So go easy at the gym the day before. Also drink your coffee black; cream and sugar has the same effect on your triglyceride levels. In fact, while some doctors allow coffeee during the prescribed 12-hour fast, it's best to just stick to water and avoid anything else.
If you're getting: A Treadmill Stress Test
A Treadmill Stress Test measures your heart fitness and identifies signs of possible heart disease. Since it requires hooking up electrodes your body, the emphasis is maintaining a clean connection between your skin and these electrodes. Be careful how you clean up in the morning of the test. Skip body lotion or powder - both can weaken the reading of your heart's electrical signals.
If you're getting: A Blood Pressure Test
Anxiety over a visit to the doctor can spike your blood pressure by 5 points (systolic) and 3.5 points (diastolic). To reduce your blood pressure, hit the loo first. Urination reduces your BP. Then take slow, deep breaths for 30 seconds. Japanese researchers reckon that can drop systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.4 points and diastolic blood pressure by 2.3 points.
Beer With Benefits? Yes, your favourite brew at your pub can offer many benefits, as long as you don’t drink yourself silly.
The Nutritional Way To Outrun The Reaper If you want to see your 85th birthday, limit your alcohol to two drinks a day. This may make you less likely to die of cardio-vascular disease. As you savour your pinot, swallow these other stay-young secrets.
Put Yourself To The Test Going for an annual health screening is always good practice, but if you're not ready to take that step just yet, you can still allay your fears with these DIY self-tests.
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