Standard medical checks?

Duke

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At the service academies, are there any mandatory health checkups that you have to go through? I've been noticing a rise in blood pressure during the past year, and I'm afraid that it may continue to elevate. I'm completely fit so I know it has nothing to do with that. I think it has something to do with inheritance. I was fine for my Dodmerb though.
 
The only time where everyone gets a physical examination is during either the junior or senior year (for USNA and USAFA I know its the junior year, should be the same for USMA, not sure about USGCA or USMMA, and I know that ROTC usually does it late junior/early senior year) for commissioning.

Any time you go in for sick call a BP will be taken. Any time you would like your BP taken you can always stop by the medical clinic and they will be happy to take your BP.
 
If I had high pressure before commissioning, would they say "no" ?
 
Hypertension may limit your choices at graduation, but the academy will do everything that can to ensure that you are commissioned.
 
Would they ever ask a student to resign or separate themselves if they have high blood pressure before graduation?
 
If you have a serious enough medical issue, you could possibly have your file go in front of a medical board which could recommend separation. Speaking just on hypertension, unless your hypertension was uncontrolled or led to other medical issues, they most likely would not separate you.
 
That's good. I'm going to the AF academy, but discovered this very strange trend in my blood pressure. Its around 136/70. I was previously at the 120/70 range during my Dodmerb examination. It's kind of getting me worried. On a bad day, it can end up in the 140/70 zone. :frown:
 
Once you get to the academy, start exercising on a regular basis, start eating well, it should keep your BP within a normal range. You could also be psyching yourself out when you take the BP. Before you do your BP the next time, sit quietly for 5 minutes, put your mind on something pleasant, then while still in the half meditative state, take your BP.. You will be surprised at the results. Do not think about the BP being taken.
 
Oh thank you for the advice. Also, sir, one more question. Before commissioning, you mentioned that one more medical examination will be administered. If my blood pressure is too high, could they actually deny me commission? Or would they just most likely assign me to a branch that is non pilot related. Thanks.
 
Hypertension may limit your choices at graduation, but the academy will do everything that can to ensure that you are commissioned.

If you have a serious enough medical issue, you could possibly have your file go in front of a medical board which could recommend separation. Speaking just on hypertension, unless your hypertension was uncontrolled or led to other medical issues, they most likely would not separate you.

Here are the answers.
 
Is any type of medical / vision test done on I day???
 
This is USNA specific, but all the academies do some sort of medical screen either on I-day or close to it.

On I-Day as you filter through Alumni Hall you will go through a quick medical screen, to include a height/weight measurement, and if you are over the height/weight limit a body fat measurement. You will also fill out a medical screening form, and if your health has changed from the time of your physical examination you will sit with a physician, PA or FNP. If you have prescription medications, they will be taken from you and a new prescription will be done up and new medications issued. If you have any OTC medications they will also be taken from you, and for certain medications (allergies meds mainly), new medications will be issued. If you have any vitamins, health supplements, protein mixes, etc. they will be taken from you. You will not be issues more.

You will have blood drawn for blood typing and an HIV test.

You will have a quick color vision test done. A more complete eye examination will be completed within the first 2 weeks of plebe summer.

Your immunization records will be checked, and if you need some immunizations they will be given at that time. You will also fill out some required forms for your medical records, and your medical records will be put together at that time.

That is the basic routine.
 
I have a "check on entry" to the Air Force Academy for my waiver. What does this mean?
 
During the first two weeks of USNA, is blood pressure also checked?
 
I have a "check on entry" to the Air Force Academy for my waiver. What does this mean?

It means a waiver was given with the condition that on R-Day the USAFA medical folks will do a quick examination to ensure that you are medically fit for USAFA. As long as everything is good to go there are no worries.

During the first two weeks of USNA, is blood pressure also checked?

At some point you will have a BP done. Duke, take a deep breath. If your BP is a little high during plebe summer no one is going to go ballistic and freak out, unless you start to freak. No one has a normal BP during plebe summer.

As long as you stress over your BP it will continue to be high. I am going to virtually grab you by the shoulders and scream in your face here.... STOP AND RELAX!!! YOU ARE A KID AND NEED TO STOP OBSESSING!!!!!

Now that you have calmed down, enjoy your summer. Your BP is not going to send you home on I-Day or during plebe summer. You will make it through your 4 years at the academy and you will learn to relax. If you go through life so high strung that you obsess over every little thing you will never enjoy life. Learn how to relax now.

Lecture over. Go out and have fun being a teenager.
 
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