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Preparing for the Medical Examination

As the medical examination required for a new life insurance policy will have a large bearing on the premiums that will need to be paid, it is important that you take a few steps to prepare for the examination. This is done by learning what types of tests will be done as part of the physical examination and how to improve the results obtained from these tests. In general, the better health condition that a person has, the lower their premiums will be each payment period.

Most insurance companies will require a number of tests to be performed, including urine tests, blood tests, blood pressure, and various questions about the person’s health that need to be answered honestly. Some firms may even ask for an EKG to be done to get a clearer picture of the person’s physical state. In most cases, the examination period will take less than half an hour to complete although the results from some of the tests may not arrive for another week. Positive results from the examination could save a substantial amount of money; preparation is important.

For the week prior to the examination date, it is important to eat a healthy diet that has a high percentage of vegetables and fruits. In particular, you should avoid foods that are high in fat and refrain from adding excessive amounts of salt to prepared foods. In addition, adequate amounts of water should be consumed to keep the body operating at high efficiency. When three days are left before the examination date, you should refrain from consuming alcohol as it can raise liver enzymes and be seen as a risk factor.

On the day before the physical exam is set to take place, there are a few important tips. The first is to avoid consumption of any caffeine as this compound can increase blood pressure and give an inaccurate reading on the tests. Also, some medications, such as over the counter pain drugs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin) and nasal decongestants can skew test results and should be avoided. Although it goes against common sense, you should also not participate in any strenuous exercise or physical exertion on the day before the tests. For the best results, you should fast from the night before the tests, only drinking water until the testing is completed.

Getting a restful night of sleep and remaining relaxed about the next day’s appointment will also help deliver favorable test results. In addition, you should help demonstrate your commitment to a healthy lifestyle (for instance, by having a list of your regular physicians on hand during the examination as well as their phone numbers if there are any questions). When asked questions about behavior and health state, be as honest as possible and give complete answers so there will be no gray areas for the insurance company to question. Fraudulent information can nullify your policy.


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