Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label Preventative Care

How to Prepare for a Cholesterol Test: What to Know Before You Go

Getting a cholesterol test soon? Whether it’s your first time or a routine checkup, preparing properly ensures accurate results —and less stress on test day. From fasting rules to medication tips, this guide covers everything you need to do before your cholesterol test. Let’s break down the essentials so you can show up confident and ready. 🧬 What Is a Cholesterol Test? A cholesterol test—often part of a lipid panel —measures the levels of: Total cholesterol HDL (good cholesterol) LDL (bad cholesterol) Triglycerides It helps your doctor assess your heart health and risk for cardiovascular disease . ✅ How to Prepare for a Cholesterol Test Here are the top steps to take before your cholesterol screening. 1. Know If You Need to Fast Many cholesterol tests require 9–12 hours of fasting . Only water is allowed during that time. No food, coffee, tea, or alcohol. 👉 Ask your doctor if your test requires fasting—some modern tests don’t. 2. Drink Water ...

Fasting for Blood Work: Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know

If your doctor has ordered blood work, there’s a good chance you’ve been asked to fast beforehand. But what exactly does fasting for blood work mean? What can you drink? Can you take medications? What happens if you accidentally eat? This guide breaks down all the do’s and don’ts of fasting for blood work , so you can walk into your lab appointment fully prepared—and avoid messing up your results. 🩺 Why Fasting Before Blood Work Matters Certain blood tests require fasting because food and drinks can temporarily change the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides , and other substances in your blood. Fasting helps ensure your results are accurate and reliable for diagnosis and treatment. ✅ Do’s: What You Should Do Before Fasting Blood Tests 1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Your healthcare provider will tell you exactly how long you need to fast —usually between 8 to 12 hours before your test. 2. Drink Water 💧 Yes, you can and should drink water during your fas...