Below is a list of what you can expect at your physical, and many of the questions we get asked most frequently. Each year we find medical conditions that require further follow-up. Some directly affect your job performance (for example, poor vision). Other conditions may have a delayed effect on your health such as a high cholesterol level. These will be discussed at the time of your exam.

• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise!
• Blood work should be done at least 1 week in advance, so we have the results when you come in for your physical.
• Fast for 12-14 hours before lab work, water only that means no coffee, cream, or sugar.
• Please do not drink or use anything with caffeine or nicotine 4 hours before your physical.  They both elevate the pulse and can cause false step test and treadmill readings. 
  
• Please do not consume energy drinks for 6 hours prior to your physical.  These will also elevate your pulse and cause false step test and treadmill readings.  In fact, you should always avoid energy drinks.  A young healthy male recently died of a cardiac arrest from drinking energy drinks.
  

The following is what you can expect at your physical:

• Height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• A resting EKG if needed (Heart)
• Hearing and vision evaluations
• A pulmonary function test (lungs)
• A chest x-ray (if needed)
• Review of blood and urine test results
• Measurement percentage
• Grip strength test
• TB test or questionnaire
• Sit ups and push ups (if needed)
• Maximal stress treadmill (if needed)
• A comprehensive physical exam by a board certified occupational health physician who will go over your test results, discuss any areas of concern and suggest a game plan to resolve those concerns whether it be more tests, something you can do yourself or a visit to a specialist or peer fitness trainer.

The following is a list of questions we get asked most frequently:

Which cholesterol is the good one?

HDL is the good cholesterol because it protects against heart attacks by cleaning the artery walls, removing excess cholesterol from the body and lowering heart disease risk. According to the labs we use, HDL should be greater than 40 mg per dl for men and greater than 50 mg per dl for women, if you don't have other risk factors. (All laboratories use different parameters so check your lab sheet to see what their parameters are.)

Which cholesterol is the bad one?

LDL is the bad cholesterol because it can build up in the artery walls, and restrict blood flow or even block it completely. The result can be a heart attack, stroke or impotence. According to the labs we use, your LDL should be less than 130 mg per dl if you don't have other risk factors. (All laboratories use different parameters so check your lab sheet to see what their parameters are.)

How do I lower my risk factors?

• Eat less cholesterol containing foods - read food labels
• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight if you weigh too much
• If you smoke, stop smoking
• Eat foods/supplements that lower cholesterol:  oatmeal, flaxseed, omega 3 oils, psyllium, plant oils (olive, canola), benechol. If these steps don't lower your LDL level enough, your doctor may have you take medicine.

Quick and easy ways to help lower your cholesterol:

Diet:

• Buy lean meats. Cut away all visible fat before cooking.
• Remove the skin on chicken before cooking it. Try white meat not dark.
• Eat oatmeal.
• Don't eat fried foods or high-fat sauces.
• Bake, broil or grill meat instead of frying it.
• Don't eat egg yolks. Egg whites or egg substitutes are okay.
• Use low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk or 1% milk, low-fat frozen yogurt, low-fat cheeses and ice cream.
• Eat fiber. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber.
• If you're having a sandwich go easy on the mayonnaise, meat and cheese, and heavy on lettuce, tomato, sprouts.
• Choose extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey or veggie burgers. Brown meat and drain off fat and rinse with hot water or absorb fat with paper towels.
• Look for nonfat cooking methods on packaged prepared foods.
• For baked goods, substitute applesauce for the required amount of oil or margarine. Applesauce adds and holds moisture just like fat does.