[dilanium]

I was reading through thehealth requirements and if my waist is greater than 88cm I will need the extra blood tests. I find this annoying as my BMI is 24.2 but my waist is 90cm.

(I can't help it if I'm 191 cm!)

http://a232.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01069/13/28/1069098231_l.jpg

I wouldn't be so worried except I'm a bit paranoid with people taking my blood, I often have to get stuck 5 times before they actually find my vein.

Does anyone think this will be a problem? Should I just go on a crash diet to loose the few cm?

-Liz

[lockstock]

Keep hold of your blood. If your BMI is over 35 and your waist is 36'' or more if you're female then they do the extra test. I know, I've just had the medical and had to have the extra blood test. Now on my reckoning 90cm is nowhere near 36'' - 1cm to spare according to my tape measure! When you book your meds ask to speak to someone who knows about NZ meds and see what they say.:nice1

[CjChris]

When they are coming at you with the tape measure, suck your belly in like the supermodels do! :D

(The nurse measured me over top of my clothes :uhoh You might want to wear a close-fitting top that day to help yourself out as much as possible!!Also, avoid salty foods and anything carbonated for several days beforehand in addition to drinking a lot of water to flush out anything that might bloat you, thus making your waist a few cm bigger than it actually is.)

[dilanium]

Those are good tips. I've also got enough time that I might be able to tone up that region and lose a few cm to be on the safe side.

I really want to avoid the extra tests at all costs... but then I've passed out giving blood before. I do find it odd though, that I have no problem sticking animals with needles but if one comes towards me I freak out. :)

[thirtysomethings]

Make sure they are measuring your waist and not your hips to. And ask them to do it again if your not happy with the result.

[Andy-Dee]

Our Doctor just got me to suck in and I made it through. I think depending on the Doc and whether the rest of your medical is ok or not - they will pass you.

[migratory birds]

Don't worry about it! Never go on a crash diet for anything or anyone!!

I think 'lockstock' is correct - it's an "and/and/and" kind of thing (if BMI is over a certain number AND waist is as well add'l bloodwork is neccessary)

If it needs to be done, just find the best phlebotomist (vampire, blood draw-er, lab tech) you can. Drink plenty of water before the draw and apply a heat pack to the inner arm for about 10 minutes before the draw to bring the vein to the surface).

[dilanium]

I think 'lockstock' is correct - it's an "and/and/and" kind of thing (if BMI is over a certain number AND waist is as well add'l bloodwork is neccessary)


This is copy and pasted from the medical certificate:

In light weight clothing and stockinged feet:
If BMI > 35 in adults or > 97th
percentile for applicants aged 15-19
years of age, or waist circumference of females greater than or equal to 88cm, males greater than or equal to 102cm,
arrange and attach fasting lipids and fasting glucose tests.
(Refer to the Handbook for Medical Examiners for further information)

Thank you for your advice on the bloodwork, some of that is advice I've not heard before (especially the part about the heat pad, but it makes sense)

[constablechuck]

My wife was just a few cm's over and had to have the extra tests, her cholesterol came back a bit higher than normal, the medical assessors at NZIS must not have been concerned because they approved her medical certificate in about six weeks without any problems or further tests.

[dilanium]

I'm honestly not concerned about the ability to get through. I'm in good shpae, and I know my cholesterol will be high, but not horribly so.

I'm really just trying to avoid being poked by more needles than I HAVE to be.

But thank you for your kind words and assurances.

[M&J]

My advice would be to save having extra bloods done if you fast from 12am the night before your medical they can use that blood for the extra tests. They need to test fasting glucose and fasting lipids. I had to have these and if I hadn't eaten any breakfast I could of has it all sorted there and then.

This way you only get stuck with one needle if they find the vein first time that is!!

It is also easier if you have a morning medical so you don't pass out with hunger.

[dilanium]

That is a great idea, thank you! :nice1

[anna_c]

I had a similar problem - BMI under, waist slightly over. They did do the extra test, however, they simply took more vials with the same needle, so there wasn't any more being jabbed with needles.