In the following, we will inform you about how the analyses, treatments, lifestyle services and community events offered by CARE (Care Preventive AG, Neuwiesenstrasse 15, 8400 Winterthur; hereinafter "we", "us", "CARE") or its service partners work and for what purposes they are carried out, as well as about contraindications, risks and potential side effects. You will also find out how you should behave so that your analysis or treatment is as successful as possible. The following information concerns our analyses, treatments, lifestyle services and community events in a general way. For certain analysis and treatments, you will receive additional patient information specific to the treatment.
The following information concerns our analyses, treatments, lifestyle services in a general way. For certain treatments, you will receive additional patient information specific to the treatment.
For blood tests (Blood Check-up and other blood tests), some blood is taken from you, in most cases from the vein in the crook of the elbow. First, the puncture area is disinfected and then blood is taken using a sterile needle. The sample is placed in special tubes and then sent to the laboratory. The purpose of the blood test is to evaluate your general state of health based on the values tested and to determine your body's supply of vital substances and vitamins, for example.
Please come to the appointment on an empty stomach. This means that you should not eat anything or drink anything except water within 8 hours before the appointment. This way we can ensure the comparability of your test results.
After the blood sample has been taken, you can usually return to your normal activities. However, you may experience a small temporary bruise at the puncture site. You can apply a pressure bandage to the site to stop the bleeding and reduce the bruise.
In some cases, blood collection may be contraindicated. This means that in certain circumstances or with certain diseases, blood analysis is temporarily or permanently not recommended. Examples of contraindications may include:
A known allergy to certain test materials or disinfectants.
A serious bleeding disorder that increases the risk of complications.
An acute infection in the area of the planned blood collection.
Blood collection is usually a safe procedure. However, in rare cases, the following risks or side effects may occur:
Bruising at the injection site: This may cause slight pain or discoloration of the skin. Usually, the bruise will disappear on its own.
Dizziness or fainting: Some people may feel temporarily dizzy or light-headed before, during and after blood collection. It is strongly recommended to report to us if such incidents are known in the past and to sit quietly for a few minutes after the collection and drink enough fluids.
Infection: although less common, there is a small risk of infection with any type of injection or puncture. However, medical professionals use sterile techniques to minimize this risk.
If you have any unusual or persistent symptoms after blood collection, you should contact us directly.
During the Full Body Check-up, various medical analyses are performed by our medical staff. The aim is to evaluate the current health status based on the tests performed.
A Health Check includes the following services:
Blood test (Section. 1.)
Body analysis (measurement of body composition) (Section 2.2);
ECG (electrocardiogram) (Section. 2.3);
Blood pressure measurement (Section. 2.4);
Body composition analysis is a procedure used to obtain information about the composition of the body. It involves measuring various parameters such as fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass and water percentage in the body.
Body composition analysis is performed to serve various purposes:
Health and fitness level: The body composition analysis can help track progress in weight loss, muscle building or other fitness goals.
Body condition: The analysis provides information about the percentage of fat in the body, which allows conclusions to be drawn about potential health risks, among other things.
Individualized nutrition and training programs: Based on the results, tailored plans can be created to reduce weight, increase muscle mass or improve body composition.
Support in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases: In some medical situations, body analysis can help monitor the success of a treatment or assess the progression of certain diseases.
Preparation for a body analysis is usually simple:
Wear loose and light clothing to ensure accurate measurement results.
Remove metal objects such as jewelry, as they may affect the measurement results.
Avoid physical exertion, alcohol consumption and large meals or large quantities of liquids before analysis, as these factors may affect the measurements.
After the analysis, there are no special precautions you need to take. You can continue your usual activities.
Body analysis by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is usually safe and harmless. However, there are some contraindications for which the analysis is not recommended. These include:
Pregnancy: BIA measurements may be inaccurate during pregnancy and are therefore not recommended.
Implantable Medical Devices: Individuals with pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or other medical devices should avoid analysis as it may affect the devices.
Body composition analysis using BIA is usually safe and has few risks and side effects. The possible risks include:
Electrolyte imbalances: In rare cases, BIA devices may display incorrect, high or low body water percentage values, which can lead to inaccurate measurement results. However, this can usually be avoided by proper operation of the device and interpretation of results by trained professionals.
Unpleasant or slight tingling during measurement: During the analysis, a slight tingling or discomfort may occur as weak electrical impulses are passed through the body. However, this is usually harmless and temporary.
It is important to note that body analysis using BIA does not provide absolute accuracy, but provides a general overview of your body composition. It is advisable to consider the results in the context of other diagnostic information and, if necessary, perform further medical examinations.
An ECG is a diagnostic procedure in which the electrical activities of the heart are measured and recorded. Electrodes are attached to certain parts of the body to obtain information about the heart rhythm and possible deviations. The electrodes detect the electrical signals of the beating heart and transmit them to an ECG machine. There, the signals are recorded as ECG waves.
The ECG is performed to diagnose heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular diseases.
Preparation for an ECG is simple:
Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as certain medications can affect ECG results.
Remove all metal objects such as jewelry, as they can interfere with the ECG signal.
Wear loose clothing to facilitate access to the body for electrode placement.
After the analysis, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately. You do not need to take any special precautions.
There are usually no specific contraindications for an ECG. It is a safe procedure that can be performed by most individuals.
Performing an ECG is usually safe and has no significant risks or side effects. The procedure is non-invasive and painless. Only electrical signals are measured and no electrical impulses are sent to the body. However, there is a small risk of skin irritation or allergies associated with the electrodes used. However, these side effects are rare and usually mild.
Blood pressure measurement is a procedure used to measure the pressure of blood in the arteries. It is performed to obtain information about the condition of the cardiovascular system. In the common method, a cuff is placed around the upper arm. This is inflated to temporarily stop blood flow and then gradually deflated while an electronic sensor monitors blood flow in the artery. Regular blood pressure measurement is used to diagnose and determine the severity of high blood pressure (hypertension), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It also allows monitoring of treatment and early detection of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and kidney problems.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, or physical activity prior to measurement as they may temporarily affect blood pressure. Wear loose clothing to expose the upper arm as the cuff will be placed around this area.
No special measures necessary.
There are no specific contraindications to blood pressure measurement. The procedure is safe for most people and can be performed regardless of age or gender. In the event of lymphatic drainage disorders such as after a mastectomy or shunt placement in dialysis patients, the unaffected arm should be used.
Blood pressure measurement is usually safe and has no serious risks or side effects. In some cases, you may experience a temporary feeling of tightness or discomfort in the upper arm where the cuff was placed. This discomfort usually disappears quickly.
Your CARE Score is an indicator developed by CARE that is based on the medical tests and questionnaires carried out and aims to make a general statement about your health. It was developed by medical professionals, coaches and data scientists. By keeping your scores within the recommended range, you can support a healthy lifestyle and proactively prevent disease.
To calculate your CARE Score, we assign a specific weighting to each measured and surveyed value.
Your CARE Score is an indicator we have developed that aims to provide a general statement about your health. It is important to note that the CARE Score is not a final assessment of your health, but only a single value regarding your health.
Based on your CARE Score, we suggest measures to improve your CARE Score. These suggestions are general recommendations based on current scientific findings and do not represent individually prescribed measures.
As a rule, the body cannot produce many vitamins itself. But vitamins are essential for many important biochemical processes in the body. These include, for example, detoxification reactions, the synthesis of messenger substances or tasks in the context of cell regeneration in the body. Vitamin B12 can strengthen your energy metabolism, your nerves and blood formation. Thanks to our injections with vitamin B12, which are injected directly into the muscle, the important and high-quality vitamin is given directly to the place where it is needed. The vitamin stores can thus be filled more quickly than, for example, with an oral intake.
We administer vitamin B12 as an intramuscular injection. The vitamin is administered directly into your muscle by a professional. Skin irritation and swelling may occur at the injection site after the injection.
Vitamin B12 is a preparation that is frequently administered and is generally very well tolerated.
Vitamin B12: In the rarest cases, skin blemishes or allergic reactions up to anaphylactic shock may occur, as well as infections, which can very rarely take a severe course.
Please inform the medical staff if you are taking a blood thinner, as it may not be possible to administer an intramuscular injection.
Iron substitution for fatigue and weakness: Iron infusions help to replenish iron stores quickly and efficiently. Thanks to the direct infusion into the blood, the detour via the gastrointestinal tract can be bypassed and the iron is absorbed specifically where it is needed. By means of the iron infusion, a normal value can be achieved much faster in the case of iron deficiency than by means of tablets, which are also often not well tolerated.
Iron is used in particular for the formation and function of blood cells and muscle cells. The iron is deposited in the "iron store". One measure of the content of the iron store is the so-called "ferritin value". Based on this value, your doctor can estimate your current iron requirement and calculate the required iron dose.
Ferinject must be administered intravenously, i.e. via the vein. For this purpose, you will be given a so-called venous access, through which the drug will then be administered as an infusion. During the administration you will be supervised by a professional.
Ferinject and Venofer are preparations that are frequently administered and are usually very well tolerated.
Occasionally, a metallic taste, palpitations, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, phlebitis at the injection site, or infections may occur, which very rarely can be severe.
In rare cases, allergic reactions up to and including anaphylacti c shock may occur. Since this usually occurs during or immediately after an infusion, you will be asked to stay in the office for 30 minutes after the infusion. In very rare cases, a reaction may occur hours after the infusion.
Rarely, the infusion may not flow nicely into the vein (paravenous), but may also leak into the skin/tissue at the same time. Since leakage of infusion fluid from the vein into the tissue can lead to a long-lasting brown discoloration of the skin or, very rarely, local tissue necrosis, the position of the needle is carefully controlled before starting the infusion. For this reason, please avoid excessive movement of the arm when the needle is in place and let the staff know immediately if you notice any pain, burning or swelling.
Please tell the doctor if you:
Have known allergies, including drug allergies.
Suffer from severe asthma, skin rash or other allergies.
Suffer from immune or inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) or other diseases, especially with iron overload.
A pulmonary function test is a diagnostic examination used to assess the function of the lungs. Various measurements are taken to obtain information about lung capacity, airflow and volume. To determine this, a special device is used to exhale at different forces and speeds. The device measures parameters such as vital capacity (maximum volume of air that can be exhaled) and respiratory flow rate. This helps to diagnose respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis.
Please avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before the test as this may affect the results. Be careful not to eat large meals just before the test to avoid respiratory impairment. Please refrain from smoking immediately before the test as it affects lung function.
No special measures necessary.
A pulmonary function test is usually safe and non-invasive. However, there are certain situations in which it may not be possible to perform it. These include acute myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary embolism, unstable angina pectoris, large aortic aneurysm, severe hypertension, pneumothorax or recent abdominal, thoracic, brain, ear or eye surgery.
A lung function test is a safe procedure and usually has no serious risks or side effects. In rare cases, you may experience temporary dizziness or shortness of breath during the measurement. These symptoms usually subside quickly.
Oral supplementation of vitamin D involves taking vitamin D supplements in the form of tablets, capsules or drops. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is very important for bone health and many other bodily functions. It is mainly produced by sunlight synthesis in the skin, but can also be ingested through food or supplements. Vitamin D plays an essential role in improving bone health, absorbing calcium and phosphate, and regulating calcium levels in the body, which helps prevent osteoporosis. It also supports the immune system by helping to regulate it and boosting defenses. In addition, vitamin D supplementation can help prevent deficiency symptoms, especially in people with limited sunlight exposure or certain at-risk groups.
Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as vitamin D can interact with certain drugs.
Watch for possible side effects and let us know if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Oral supplementation of vitamin D is usually safe, but may be contraindicated in some cases. Individuals with hypersensitivity to vitamin D or with certain conditions such as hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, or sarcoidosis should discuss the use of vitamin D supplements with our physicians.
Oral supplementation of vitamin D usually has only minor risks and side effects. When used as directed and in compliance with the recommended dosage, side effects are rare. In some cases, however, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or increased thirst may occur.
Health coaching includes services which are proposed and accompanied by our Health Coaches. These are exclusively non-medical services, which do not represent medically prescribed therapies and do not take place under the supervision of doctors.
Health coaching includes CARE's lifestyle services in, but not limited to, the areas of exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and sleep.The aim of health coaching is to improve your general well-being and, if possible, to optimize your health.
The blood tests and check-ups carried out do not allow us to judge whether you are suitable for one of the lifestyle services. You may have allergies or physical or psychological complaints that could be a contraindication for the proposed lifestyle services. Please therefore consult your (non-CARE) general practitioner to assess whether the proposed lifestyle services are suitable for you. It is your sole responsibility to undergo additional health checks, especially if you have any doubts about your suitability or are aware of any health concerns or problems.
Personalized supplementation is based on an analysis of your individual nutritional needs to create customized supplements that suit your body. This personalized supplementation supports the supply of nutrients, promotes your general well-being and contributes to the achievement of your health goals.
Inform CARE about your medical history, in particular any existing illnesses, medications, intolerances or allergies. Make sure that you take the supplements regularly and according to the instructions in order to achieve optimal results.
Watch out for possible signs of intolerance or allergic reactions and inform CARE. Stick to the recommended dosage and avoid overdosing. Discuss the effect and possible adjustments to the supplements regularly with our medical team to receive personalized recommendations.
Personalized supplementation may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications may include:
Existing allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients of the supplements.
Health conditions that require special medical care.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless the supplements are specifically designed for this.
Acute illnesses or infections that could temporarily change the nutritional requirements.
Personalized supplementation is generally safe, but can have some risks and side effects, including:
Possible allergic reactions to the ingredients of the supplements.
Gastrointestinal complaints, especially at the beginning of the intake.
Interactions with other medications or existing dietary supplements.
In rare cases, hypersensitivity to certain nutrients may occur. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.
IHHT is a training method in which you put a mask on your mouth and nose and the oxygen level is reduced and increased in short intervals. In doing so, the method simulates extreme altitudes and creates an effect called "hypoxic stimulus".
Improving physical performance: Training under conditions of reduced oxygen content is designed to stimulate the body to adapt to these conditions and to optimize oxygen use and utilization. This can improve physical endurance and performance.
Promotion of rehabilitation: IHHT can be used in rehabilitation after injury or surgery to support the healing process and accelerate recovery.
Optimizing health: It is believed that IHHT can have positive effects on metabolism, energy metabolism and blood flow. This can help to improve overall health.
Inform your doctor about your intention to do IHHT training. Your doctor can assess whether the workout is appropriate for you and give you specific instructions.
Discuss with your doctor any existing health concerns or conditions, especially those related to the heart, lungs or blood pressure.
Follow the instructions of your exercise provider or therapist regarding clothing and equipment needed for exercise.
Get enough rest and give your body time to adjust. Training can be strenuous, and adequate recovery is important.
Watch for any changes or symptoms after exercising and let your doctor know. Although exercise is usually safe, certain individuals may experience side effects.
Continue exercising as recommended by your doctor or trainer for long-term benefits.
IHHT training is not suitable for all people. There are certain contraindications where the training should not be performed. These include:
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Acute infections, especially of the respiratory tract but also other organs.
Acute illnesses such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, thrombosis, acute heart or kidney failure and all other serious acute illnesses.
Acute headaches.
Uncontrolled epilepsy.
Cardiac insufficiency.
Coronary heart disease / angina pectoris.
Severe circulatory disorders or advanced arteriosclerosis such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Heart attack or stroke less than 12 months ago.
Myocarditis (inflammation of the /heart/pericardium).
Cardiac arrhythmia.
Aortic stenosis.
Uncontrolled arterial hypertension or pulmonary hypertension.
Uncontrolled bronchial asthma.
Severe anemia or other blood disorders.
Pregnancy.
Drugs or alcohol influence.
IHHT training is usually safe and has only minor risks and side effects. However, in some cases you may experience mild discomfort such as headaches, dizziness or fatigue. These symptoms are usually temporary and subside after the training.
Cryotherapy in a cold therapy bed involves the application of low temperatures to the body to achieve therapeutic effects. The body is enveloped by a membrane without getting wet. It is a non-invasive type of cold therapy at a temperature of 4 to 6 degrees. Body temperature is lowered during the five-minute therapy. Cold therapy provides relief from inflammation by constricting blood vessels, which can reduce inflammation and pain. It also promotes muscle recovery after injury or intense exercise and increases overall well-being by releasing endorphins.
Inform your therapist of your medical history, especially cardiovascular disease, skin conditions or sensitivity to cold.
Remove jewelry, metal or other objects that could cause injury.
Wear appropriate clothing that allows access to the areas of the body being treated.
Cover your body well to avoid hypothermia, as sensitivity to cold may be temporarily increased.
Watch for signs of redness, swelling or skin irritation and inform your therapist.
Take time to warm up sufficiently after therapy, for example by gentle exercise or warm clothing.
Cryotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications may be:
Cardiovascular disease such as hypertension or coronary artery disease.
Sensitivity to cold or cold urticaria (a skin reaction to cold).
Pregnancy.
Open wounds or skin lesions.
Neurological disease or seizures.
Acute infections of the body.
People with Raynaud's syndrome (vasospasm in parts of the hand).
Acute circulatory disorders.
Fever.
Cryotherapy is usually safe, but it can carry some risks and side effects, including:
Skin irritation, redness or cold burns.
Dizziness or nausea due to sudden exposure to cold.
Enhancement of cold sensitivity symptoms in individuals with cold sensitivity.
Rarely, allergic reactions to the materials used may occur.
The VO2 max test records the maximum oxygen uptake capacity of your body and thus assesses the fitness of your cardiovascular system. During the test, the participant wears a mask that analyzes the air they breathe and measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. The measurement takes place on a stationary bike under increasing load until exhaustion. This method provides precise data on aerobic capacity and provides information on general fitness and endurance performance. VO2max measurements are often used in sports, rehabilitation and healthcare to assess training status, create personalized training plans and identify health risks.
Inform the medical team about your medical history, especially cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases or chronic issues.
Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and caffeine at least two hours before the test.
Wear comfortable sportswear and suitable trainers.
Make sure you are rested and well hydrated to achieve optimal results.
Take time to recover, especially if you have been tested to exhaustion.
Watch out for signs of dizziness, nausea or breathing difficulties and inform the medical team and especially the doctor.
Keep warm and hydrated to stabilize your circulation.
Discuss the test results with your doctor and health coach to receive personalized recommendations and training plans.
The VO2max test may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications may include:
Cardiovascular diseases and risk factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or a recent heart attack.
Respiratory diseases or acute respiratory infections.
Pregnancy.
Orthopedic or muscular injuries that prevent intensive physical exertion.
Neurological diseases or seizures. We will not perform or stop a VO2 Max measurement if you have any of the following symptoms:
Discomfort and/or pressure in your chest, throat, jaw or arms (especially during active/physical activity)
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (especially during active/physical activity)
Shortness of breath not associated with strenuous activity
Irregular or very fast heartbeat (especially during active/physical activity)
You are taking medication or recreational drugs that affect your cardiovascular health
You have known or previous problems with exercise testing, such as uncontrolled asthma, uncontrolled/high blood pressure or heart rate, or fainting/syncope.
You are pregnant
Your CARE doctor decides that a VO2 measurement is not possible due to medical reasons, such as (but not limited to) cardiovascular disease or risk, or without prior clearance from a cardiologist. Before the test is carried out, a CARE doctor will assess you, respectively your file.
Please let us know if one or more of the above conditions (or others that you may consider medically relevant) apply to you.
The VO2max test is generally safe, but can carry some risks and side effects, including:
Short-term shortness of breath or hyperventilation due to intense exercise.
Temporary dizziness or nausea due to physical exertion.
Muscle soreness or fatigue after the test. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur in people with known health problems.
The VO2 max measurement involves physical activity with a continuous increase in intensity until the maximum possible training intensity is reached. There are inherent risks associated with maximum exercise intensity, such as (but not limited to) heart attack, stroke, damage to small or large blood vessels such as dissection or rupture, muscle damage or tear, and asthma attacks.
The VO2 max measurement only measures the VO2 max value (without other specific organ functions). The VO2 max measurement is not a complete cardio-pulmonary exercise test (i.e. spiroergometry), which provides further diagnostic information such as a continuous ECG recording or graphs that can be used to determine the cause of an abnormal result. In addition, the test/measurement will not be terminated if there is a potentially asymptomatic life-threatening situation/cause that cannot be diagnosed/monitored, such as (but not limited to) cardiac ischemia (i.e. insufficient blood supply to the heart), as there is no ECG recording; hypoxia, as there is no continuous measurement of oxygen saturation; hypertension or pulmonary hypertension, as there is no blood pressure or O2 pulse measurement, etc. A physician will be present and available in the office during the measurement, but there will be no continuous monitoring by a physician during the test.
The results of the VO2 max measurement are generally not discussed with a doctor or health coach. You will receive a PDF with the relevant results. However, if desired, a CARE doctor can be contacted to discuss the results.
Community Events are various activities for CARE Members and pre-approved guests ("Participants"), including but not limited to running, morning walks, 10km walks, Qigong, yoga, morning swims, ice baths, breathing exercises, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), strength training, functional and flexibility training, conditioning, fasting classes, sound baths and other non-medical offerings (collectively, the "Community Events" or "Activities"). Community Events are exclusively non-medical services that do not constitute medically prescribed therapies and do not take place under the supervision of doctors.
The activities are offered either directly by CARE or by third-party providers ("Third-Party Activities") and are led by one or more instructors ("Instructor").Third Party Activities take place either on CARE's premises or on the premises of the Third Party Providers.
Make sure that you are well trained and physically healthy at the start of the activity.
Consult your (non-CARE) general practitioner before participating in activities to get medical clearance if necessary, especially if you have any doubts about your fitness or are aware of any health problems or concerns.
Follow the instructions of the person instructing you and, if necessary, the staff of third-party providers or CARE.
Be sure to report if you feel unwell, in pain or if your condition otherwise does not feel normal.
Even if all possible precautions are taken, the activities may entail inherent risks, including but not limited to:
Circulatory problems such as heart attacks, respiratory problems such as asthma attacks;
Neurological events such as concussions and seizures, musculoskeletal injuries ranging from strains to fractures;
Temperature-related conditions such as heat stroke or hypothermia, metabolic disorders including dehydration or hypoglycaemia;
Emotional or psychological stress that manifests as panic attacks or anxiety; and
Unforeseen medical events such as allergic reactions or sudden illnesses.
Please note that although certain CARE services may include medical services, the activities themselves are not prescribed by CARE or its physicians and are not performed by medical professionals. Please be aware of this:
That the current offer does not include a full assessment of whether your medical condition is suitable for the activity you have chosen.
Where activities are recommended by us and our doctors or service partners, this is general advice and you should consult with your (non-CARE) general practitioner as to whether your medical condition is suitable.
You are solely responsible for undertaking any additional tests or investigations that may be required, particularly if you have any doubts about your suitability or are aware of any health issues or concerns.
That you cannot expect higher standards from us or any of our third party providers than what is considered best practice for the activity in question.
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