Information for care Patients

1. Health Check-up

1.1 What is a health check-up and for what purpose is it performed?

The health check-up includes various medical analyses. The aim is to assess the current state of health based on the tests performed.

Depending on the selected service, a health check-up may include the following services:

• Blood test
• Bioelectrical impedance analysis (measurement of body composition or muscle-fat analysis)
• Blood pressure measurement
• Urine test

1.2 Blood test

1.2.1 What is a blood test and for what purpose is it performed?

A blood test is a medical examination in which a small amount of blood is taken from you and then analysed in a laboratory. Blood tests provide important information about your current state of health and can give indications of metabolic, organ-related or inflammatory processes.

Depending on the scope of the test, the following areas may be assessed, among others:

• Blood glucose metabolism (e.g. diabetes risk)
• Cardiovascular risk (e.g. blood lipids)
• Liver and kidney function
• Blood count (e.g. anaemia)
• Thyroid function
• Vitamin and mineral status
• Inflammation markers
• Additional parameters depending on the selected module

Blood tests are used both for preventive purposes and for monitoring progress or clarifying certain symptoms.

1.2.2 Behavioural guidelines

How do you prepare for the test and what must you consider after the test? For the most reliable results, we recommend the following:

• Fasting (if required): Depending on the blood values, it may be necessary for you to come to the blood draw fasting (usually 8–12 hours). During this time you may drink water but must not consume any food. You will be informed in advance whether fasting is required for your blood test.

• Alcohol and exercise: If possible, avoid alcohol the day before and intense physical activity within the 24 hours before the blood draw, as both can influence certain values.

• Fluid intake: Drink sufficient water. Good hydration can make the blood draw easier.

• Medication and dietary supplements: Generally take your medication as prescribed unless you have been explicitly instructed otherwise. Exception: you should NOT take thyroid medication on the morning before the blood draw, as it may distort the values. Please inform us if you regularly take medication or dietary supplements (e.g. thyroid medication, blood thinners, iron, biotin).

• Acute infections: If you are currently ill (e.g. fever, severe cold, acute inflammation), this may distort various blood values. In such cases it may be advisable to postpone the test.

What must I consider after the analysis? After the blood draw you can usually resume your normal daily activities immediately. However, we recommend:

• Pressure on the puncture site: Apply firm pressure to the puncture site for a few minutes after the blood draw to prevent bruising.

• Physical strain: Avoid heavy strain on the affected arm during the first few hours after the blood draw.

• Fluids and food: If you were fasting, eat something afterwards and drink sufficient fluids.

• Dizziness: If you feel dizzy, sit down or lie down briefly and inform the medical staff.

1.2.3 Contraindications

In most cases a blood draw can be performed without problems. However, there are situations in which special caution is required or a blood draw should be postponed, for example:

• acute severe infections or fever
• known severe bleeding tendency
• use of certain blood thinners (depending on the situation)
• pronounced fear of blood draws or tendency to circulatory reactions (e.g. fainting)
• certain local skin infections or inflammations at the planned puncture site

Please inform us in advance if any of these apply to you.

1.2.4 Risks and side effects

A blood draw is a routine procedure and is generally very safe. Nevertheless, in rare cases side effects may occur, for example:

• pain or pressure at the puncture site
• small bruise (haematoma)
• bleeding after the procedure, especially when taking blood thinners
• dizziness or temporary circulatory reaction up to fainting
• inflammation or infection at the puncture site (very rare)
• irritation of nerves or blood vessels (very rare)

If severe pain, increasing swelling, redness, warmth or fever occur after the blood draw, you should seek medical advice.

1.2.5 Accuracy of blood tests

Blood tests provide important medical information but always represent a snapshot in time. The results may be influenced by various factors, including:

• time of day and individual fluctuations
• food, fluid intake, alcohol or exercise
• stress and lack of sleep
• acute infections or inflammations
• medications and dietary supplements
• laboratory measurement methods and reference ranges

A single blood value is therefore not always meaningful on its own. In some cases follow-up checks, repeat tests or additional examinations may be useful. The interpretation of blood values is always carried out in a medical context and does not replace an individual medical diagnosis or treatment outside the agreed scope of examination.

1.3 Muscle-fat analysis

1.3.1 What is a muscle-fat analysis and for what purpose is it performed?

Muscle-fat analysis is a method used to obtain information about body composition. Various parameters such as fat mass, muscle mass, visceral fat area and the water content in body compartments are measured.

The muscle-fat analysis is performed in order to achieve several objectives:

• Health and fitness level: The analysis of body composition can help track progress in weight loss, muscle building or other goals.
• Physical condition: The analysis provides information about body fat percentage, from which conclusions about potential health risks can be drawn.
• Individualised nutrition and training programmes: Based on the results, tailored plans can be created for weight reduction, increasing muscle mass or improving body composition.
• Support in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases: In certain medical situations, body composition analysis can help monitor treatment success or assess the progression of certain diseases.

1.3.2 Behavioural guidelines

How do I prepare for the analysis? Preparation for a body composition analysis is generally simple. For the most accurate and comparable results we recommend:

• Food intake: Do not eat large meals in the last 2–3 hours before the measurement. Avoid consuming very large or very small amounts of fluid immediately beforehand.

• Fluid balance: Ensure normal fluid intake on the day of the examination. Dehydration or excessive drinking may distort the results.

• The InBody measurement is based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Since this method strongly depends on the current fluid balance, standardised preparation is important, especially for follow-up measurements.

• Alcohol and exercise: Avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours before the measurement. Alcohol should also ideally be avoided for 24 hours beforehand.

• Bladder emptying: Ideally go to the toilet shortly before the measurement.

• Clothing: Wear light, comfortable clothing. Remove metallic objects such as jewellery, watches or belts.

• Menstrual cycle (in women): Cycle-related water retention may influence the measurement result. If possible, the measurement should not be performed during menstruation.

What must I consider after the analysis? No special precautions are necessary after the analysis. You may resume your normal activities.

1.3.3 Contraindications

Body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is generally safe and harmless. However, there are some contraindications where the analysis is not recommended. These include:

• Pregnancy: BIA measurements may be inaccurate during pregnancy and are therefore not recommended, particularly in advanced pregnancy.
• Implanted medical devices: People with pacemakers, implanted defibrillators or other medical devices should avoid the analysis as it may interfere with the devices. Each patient will also receive verbal clarification about this on site.

1.3.4 Risks and side effects

Body composition analysis using BIA is generally safe and carries minimal risks and side effects. Possible risks include:

• Electrolyte disturbances: In rare cases BIA devices may display incorrect values for body water content that are too high or too low, which can lead to inaccurate measurement results. However, this can usually be avoided through proper use of the device and interpretation by qualified professionals.
• Unpleasant sensation or slight tingling during the measurement: During the analysis a slight tingling or discomfort may occur as small electrical impulses pass through the body. This is usually harmless and temporary.

It is important to note that body composition analysis using BIA does not provide absolute accuracy but rather offers a general insight into your body composition. It is advisable to consider the results in the context of other diagnostic information and, if necessary, conduct additional medical examinations.

1.4 Blood pressure measurement

1.4.1 What is a blood pressure measurement and for what purpose is it performed?

Blood pressure measurement is a procedure used to measure the pressure of the blood in the arteries. It is performed to obtain information about the condition of the cardiovascular system. The common method involves placing a cuff around the arm. This cuff is inflated to temporarily stop blood flow and then gradually deflated while an electronic sensor monitors the 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 diseases. It also enables monitoring of treatment and early detection of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and kidney problems.

1.4.2 Behavioural guidelines

How do I prepare for the analysis? Avoid alcohol, coffee or physical activity before the measurement, as these can temporarily influence blood pressure. Wear loose clothing to expose the arm, as the cuff will be placed around this area.

1.4.3 Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications for blood pressure measurement. The procedure is safe for most people and can be performed regardless of age or gender. In cases of lymphatic drainage disorders such as after a mastectomy or in the presence of a dialysis shunt, the unaffected arm should be used.

1.4.4 Risks and side effects

Blood pressure measurement is generally safe and has no serious risks or side effects. In some cases there may be a temporary feeling of tightness or discomfort in the arm where the cuff was placed. This discomfort usually disappears quickly.

1.5 Whole body MRI

Important information on understanding, benefits and limitations A whole-body MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a modern imaging examination method that makes it possible to visualise many regions of the body without radiation exposure. As part of medical screening, such a scan can provide indications of structural changes or abnormalities even before symptoms appear. This information page is designed to give you a realistic and well-founded understanding of what a whole-body MRI can - and cannot - do.

1.5.1 What is a whole-body MRI in a screening context?

A whole-body MRI in a preventive or screening context is:

• An overview examination of several regions of the body
• A snapshot of your state of health at the time of the examination
• A preventive screening, not a targeted individual diagnostic procedure

The aim is to recognise potential abnormalities at an early stage, but not to carry out a complete medical clarification of all conceivable illnesses. The examination is carried out according to standardised protocols that provide the broadest possible overview. For time, technical and medical reasons, however, not every structure can be examined in equal detail.

1.5.2 Contraindications - when an examination is not possible or only possible to a limited extent

A whole-body MRI works with a strong magnetic field. For safety reasons, the examination is not possible or only possible after prior consultation in the following case.

• Pacemakers, defibrillators or other active electronic implants
• Certain metal implants, joint prostheses, vascular clips or cochlear implants (depending on the material)
• Metal splinters in the body, e.g. from previous injuries
• Pregnancy
• Pronounced claustrophobia
• Tattoos with metal-containing colour in the examination area (in rare cases)
• Body weight or girth above the technical limits of the MRI device

Please inform us of any implants, previous operations or pregnancy before booking an appointment so that we can clarify suitability in advance together with our partner institutions.

1.5.3 Behavioural instructions before and after the examination

Before the appointment:

• If possible, wear metal-free clothing without zips, buttons or underwiring
• Remove jewellery, piercings, watches and hair clips with metal
• Bring existing implant ID cards, if applicable
• As a rule, you do not need to be particularly sober; we will communicate any exceptions individually in advance

After the examination:

• You can drive again immediately afterwards and resume your usual activities
• The findings will be discussed at a separately arranged appointment

1.5.4 Risks and side effects

An MRI does not involve X-rays and is considered a very safe examination procedure. Nevertheless, there are individual, mostly rare aspects about which we would like to inform you:

• Feeling of tightness or anxiety in the tube, especially in people with claustrophobia
• Noise pollution due to the loud knocking noises of the device (hearing protection is provided)
• Heating of metal implants in rare cases
• If contrast medium is used: very rare allergic reactions

If you experience any discomfort during the examination, you can cancel the scan at any time by pressing a call button

1.5.5 What can a whole-body MRI do?

A screening MRI can, among other things:

• Provide indications of major structural changes
• Visualise abnormal findings in organs, vessels, spine or soft tissue
• Serve as a guide as to whether further investigations might be useful
• Support increased personal health awareness

In some cases, findings can be discovered that have not previously caused any symptoms. This can be valuable - but always requires careful medical categorisation.

1.5.6 What can a whole-body MRI not do?

A whole-body MRI in a screening context cannot and should not replace a complete diagnosis. The following applies in particular:

• Not all diseases, early stages or functional disorders are visible on MRI
• Very small, early or diffuse changes can remain undetected
• Certain diseases require specialised individual examinations or other procedures (e.g. laboratory analyses, endoscopies, functional tests)
• An unremarkable finding does not mean that no disease is present
• An abnormal finding does not automatically mean that there is a serious illness
• Both false-negative and false-positive findings are generally possible

1.5.7 Significance of findings and follow-up clarifications

The results of a whole-body MRI must always:

• Be considered in the overall medical context
• Be interpreted taking into account complaints, previous illnesses, age and risk factors
• Be supplemented by further targeted examinations if necessary

MRI findings alone do not constitute a conclusive diagnosis. However, it can provide an opportunity to decide on sensible next steps together with medical specialists.

1.5.8 Your role as an informed patient

By deciding in favour of a screening MRI, you are taking an active role in your healthcare. This includes:

• Understanding the limitations of the examination
• The willingness to have findings clarified further if necessary
• Categorising the results without jumping to conclusions or causing unnecessary concern

A conscious and informed decision is a central component of responsible prevention.

1.5.9 Role of care

care organises access to preventive examinations in collaboration with the radiology partner Arvin Health Services GmbH, radiological service providers and medical specialists. Our task is to provide transparent information, realistically categorise expectations and forward the personal data required for the examination to the respective partners, taking into account consent and data protection. Both the partner institutions and Arvin Health Services AG carry out the examination and provide the specialist medical findings. The subsequent medical consultation is carried out by Arvin Health Services AG. We do not carry out a full medical suitability test before the examination; if you have any health reservations or uncertainties, we recommend that you consult your own doctor in advance.

1.5.10 Summary

A whole-body MRI as a preventive examination is:

• A supplementary option for preventive healthcare, not a substitute for medical care or targeted diagnostics
• An instrument for early orientation, not for final judgement

Responsible handling of the results requires information, context and, if necessary, further medical clarification.

2. care Score

2.1 What is the care Score and how is it calculated?

Your care Score is an indicator developed by care based on the medical tests performed and questionnaires completed, intended to provide a general statement about your health. It was developed by physicians, coaches and data scientists. By keeping your values 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 reported value.

2.2 How do I interpret my care Score?

It is important to note that the care Score does not represent a final assessment of your health but merely reflects an individual value regarding your health.

2.3 Measures to improve the care Score

Measures to improve your care Score are mainly suggested based on the available medical data and the responses in the health questionnaire, and less purely based on the level of a care Score. These suggestions are general recommendations based on current scientific knowledge and do not constitute measures individually prescribed by a physician.

3. Personalized supplementation

3.1 What is personalized supplementation and for what purpose is it performed?

Personalized supplementation is based on an analysis of your individual nutritional needs in order to create tailored dietary supplements that are adapted to your body and to your medical situation as recorded at the time. This personalized supplementation supports nutrient supply, promotes your overall well-being and contributes to achieving your health goals.

3.2 Behavioural guidelines

How do I prepare for supplementation? Inform care about your medical history, in particular existing illnesses, medications and supplements you are taking, intolerances or allergies. Ensure that you take the supplements regularly and according to the instructions (usually 3–4 tablets daily) in order to achieve optimal results. What should I particularly consider after taking the supplements? Observe possible signs of intolerance or allergic reactions and inform care. Adhere to the recommended dosage and avoid overdosing.

3.3 Contraindications

Personalized supplementation may not be suitable for everyone. Contraindications may include:

• Existing allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients of the supplements.
• Medical conditions that require specialised medical care.
• Acute illnesses or infections that may temporarily change nutrient requirements.

3.4 Risks and side effects

Personalized supplementation is generally safe but may involve certain risks and side effects, including:

• Possible allergic reactions to ingredients of the supplements.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly at the beginning of intake.
• Interactions with other existing medications or dietary supplements.
• In rare cases, hypersensitivity to certain nutrients may occur. Therefore, prior medical consultation is advisable.

4. Expected standard of care

Please note that although certain care services may include medical services, the activities themselves are neither prescribed by care or its physicians nor performed by specialised medical personnel. Be aware:

• That the current offering does not include a complete assessment of whether your health condition is suitable for the activity you have chosen.
• If activities are recommended by us and our physicians or service partners, these are general recommendations. If you have any doubts, you should consult your treating (non-care) physician regarding whether your health condition is suitable.
• That you cannot expect higher standards from us or from one of our third-party providers than those considered best practice for the respective activity.