Preparing for your paramed exam

There's no telling how the Florida health insurance insurance industry came up with the rather ominous term, "paramed" exam, but is nothing more than a simple series of tests used to determine your eligibility for your Florida health insurance along with your rating class. During the paramed, a registered nurse will:

You need to fast for at least 8 hours prior to your exam unless you are diabetic or have another health issue.
Insist on morning appointments only. Blood pressure and exam results tend to be better first thing in the morning. Many examiners are available on Saturdays as well.
If you are sick on the day of your exam, cancel it. We can always reschedule it when you are better.
Take your medications as you normally would.
Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam. Blood pressure, liver enzymes and more may be affected.
If you smoke, do not smoke for a minimum of 8 hours prior to your exam. Smoking raises blood pressure. For other tobacco, some of the companies will require that no nicotine is in your system...which means you will need to stop for 7-10 days prior.
Your weight - Check your weight in the days leading up to your exam. The last thing you want to do is pay 20% more for missing the cutoff by 1 pound. Take your shoes off, don't wear a belt, empty your pockets, wear light clothing, etc.. IMPORTANT - When the examiner weighs you, ask what they came up with. If you think it is wrong ask them to check it again.
Your height - stand up straight just like Mom told you to. Ask the examiner what height they came up with. If you think it is wrong ask them to measure you again.
Avoid Caffeine on the day of your exam. Caffeine elevates your blood pressure.
Cholesterol TIP - Eat plenty of oatmeal and bananas for the week prior to your exam and lay off the sweets and other cholesterol raising foods.
EXERCISE TIP - If you exercise, do NOT exercise on the morning of your exam. Exercise will raise your blood pressure.
Water - Drink lots of it and flush out your system for the week prior to your exam.