Recommendations

Stress, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco can artificially raise blood pressure and pulse.

Get a good night’s sleep before the examination. Abstain from alcoholic beverages for at least eight hours prior to the exam.

Do not smoke or chew tobacco for at least one hour prior to your examination.
Avoid drinking coffee, tea or soft drinks containing caffeine for at least one hour prior to your examination.

Limit salt intake and high cholesterol foods 24 hours before your examination.
You should not engage in strenuous physical activities 24 hours before your examination.

Advise your Paramedical Examiner regarding any medications you are taking, even nonprescription medications. Have available your physicians’ names, addresses, dates of past visits, names of any prescribed medications and any information regarding injury or major illness during the previous five years. If you belong to Kaiser or any other prepaid medical plan, have your medical record number available.

Drink a glass of water an hour or so before your appointment. This will help in obtaining a urine specimen.

If a blood specimen is required, you should not eat any food for eight hours prior to the examination unless otherwise instructed.