You’re probably familiar with the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While eating correctly definitely helps, the fact is, at some point, most of us will need the help of medical and health professionals to help us feel better and maintain our well-being. Unfortunately, not everything can be solved by that trusty apple; injuries from car accidents, chipped teeth, depression, mold, and pests that invade our homes all require the help of professionals. Luckily, there is plenty of help to be had. This blog will explore nine medical-related services that can benefit you and your health.
1. Chiropractic Services
Any injury that results in limited mobility can be frustrating. Add to that the pain and loss of freedom and income, and you want the issue fixed quickly! This is where a chiropractor can help. These licensed healthcare professionals use various manual techniques to help the body heal itself.
Chiropractors focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system (bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments). They spend five to six years training to become chiropractic doctors, including a year of clinical internship. While they don’t prescribe medication, they take X-rays and perform non-invasive tests to diagnose patients and develop a treatment plan.
Mostly, a chiropractor will use their hands and the force of their body to adjust and align patients. While known for spinal and neck adjustments (cracking), they do much more, like stretching, massage, hot and cold therapy, and electrostimulation. Many chiropractors use devices like tape, braces, and shoe inserts to help solve issues. A chiropractor can refer you to a specialist if an issue requires more in-depth care.
You may choose to visit a chiropractic clinic after an injury from a car accident, play sports, fall, or exercise. Chiropractors can also help with pain and a range of motion issues from arthritis. If necessary, they will work with you to develop an exercise and nutrition plan to help improve your situation.
2. Mold Remediators
Mold can ruin not only parts of your home but also your health. There are many types of mold, and it can show up anywhere there’s moisture: the grout in the shower, the siding of a house, basements, attics, and even decks. This smelly fungus releases tiny spores responsible for headaches, allergic reactions, skin rashes, and respiratory discomfort; for people with underlying health conditions or allergies to mold, the consequences can be even more severe.
So, if you spot mold, it’s imperative to get a mold specialist to remove it immediately. A local mold remediation service can come to your home and will identify the source of the mold. They typically test it to know what form of the fungus they’re dealing with. Depending on the result, you may need to leave your home during removal.
You can expect the remediation team to suit up with biohazard equipment, including respirators. They’ll spray the area with an encapsulant, a paint-like substance that will keep the mold from spreading. They will remove anything infested, like drywall, carpeting, etc., and dispose of it properly. Finally, the crew will vacuum the air with a unique HEPA-equipped tool and disinfect the area. Following up with a post-remediation inspection ensures no mold is missed.
3. Cosmetic Doctors
Sometimes, we need a doctor to help us feel better about our appearance. This is not a shallow or selfish wish. Personal physical improvement can help with mental and emotional health, which is just as important as physical health. When looking to improve their aesthetics, many people turn to a cosmetic doctor or surgeon.
These are doctors who focus solely on improving a person’s looks. They are often confused with plastic surgeons who concentrate on reconstruction and repair (though they also perform cosmetic procedures). However, both doctors attend medical school, complete a residency, and pass exams to become board-certified.
Cosmetic doctors perform elective procedures to enhance features, proportions, and symmetry. Some treatments they provide include neck and facelifts, Botox treatment, liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose job), eye lifts, dermabrasion, facial implants, lip injections, and tummy tucks. Most procedures done by cosmetic doctors are not covered by insurance because they aren’t deemed medically necessary.
4. Physical Therapists
The goal of a physical therapist is to improve a patient’s movement, range of motion, and pain levels. These professionals attend three years of post-graduate education and must complete a 1-year internship to become licensed. A PT works with a patient’s general practitioner, surgeon, and specialist to develop a treatment plan. They review notes and radiographs and listen to the patient’s concerns.
A physical therapist typically works with people after a sports injury, bone fracture, or neurological event. They also work with people who have chronic conditions like arthritis and cerebral palsy. Physical therapists use various techniques, including exercises, stretching, hands-on therapy, and the use of a variety of equipment.
These medical professionals can also help patients learn the proper use of equipment like canes, crutches, walkers, braces, and wheelchairs. While they can’t prescribe medication, they can suggest a variety of therapies you can do at home, such as hot and cold compresses, stretching exercises, and nutrition. You may find a physical therapist working independently at an accident injury clinic, hospital, or long-term care facility.
5. Pest Exterminators
While pest extermination is not a direct medical service, it can go a long way to ensuring you and your health stay intact. Exterminators help keep vermin away from various diseases and can make us sick. Take rats, for example. Did you know they can carry over 40 diseases?
Even if they don’t run around with any sickness, they’re called pests for a reason. An otherwise harmless spider bite can send you, and even your pet, into a scratching frenzy. Pest exterminators can rob your home with just about anything. Their most common services include bed bug treatment, termites, ants, spiders, roaches, mice, rats, and squirrels.
The exterminator will inspect your home to find the source of the infestation and points of entry. They will use various methods to seal off entry points, including wire, mesh, fencing, door sweeps, and other barriers. Depending on the type of pest, an exterminator may use a chemical spray, gel, or pellets, as well as traps, to evict your visitors.
Having a pest control contract may benefit you and your health if you live in certain regions. For example, the Palmetto bug (giant cockroach) runs rampant in Florida. This is in no way a reflection on the cleanliness of a home, but rather the overpopulation of these buggers. So many Floridians choose to have an exterminator treat their homes a few times a year to prevent these creepy crawlies from coming over for dinner!
6. Elderly Care Facilities
There comes a time when you may need to consider elderly care facilities when thinking about you and your health or a family member’s health. While elderly care facilities include nursing homes, it’s not the only option. There’s no reason to think because you or a family member need a new environment or level of care, that a nursing home is the only option.
An elderly care facility can be as simple as an adult community. These complexes can include smaller homes, apartments, or condos for people of a certain age who can still live independently. However, the homes and grounds are easier to care for and may include landscaping, cleaning services, and transportation. They have activities and facilities geared toward older people who want to socialize and stay active.
The next facility to consider would be an assisted living facility. This is usually an apartment or suite where residents keep their independence but have support from a medical professional when needed. This building usually has a medical clinic on site for those in need. It will also have dining services, recreational activities, transportation, and other amenities that balance freedom, safety, and well-being.
Another option to consider is adult daycare. Suppose you have an older family member vying with you and needs company and assistance throughout the day. In that case, an adult daycare facility is a safe space for them to participate in activities, socialize, and grab a few meals.
If none of these options meet the specialized care you or a loved one needs, you may consider a nursing home or memory care facility. These residential complexes provide round-the-clock care and supervision for people dealing with dementia, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and sensory issues. Memory care units are available inside many nursing homes to provide patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia with the unique care they need to be as comfortable and content as possible.
7. Psychiatric Clinics
The mental health clinics of today have come a long way in the US since the first hospital for mental illness opened in 1768 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Once a place to house and hide those dealing with psychiatric issues, today, these clinics strive to restore mental health and help people return to productive, happy lives. Depending on the client’s needs, these facilities may be in or out-patient.
Severe mental or psychiatric illness is any condition that leads to impairment in a person’s ability to complete routine tasks such as holding a job or caring for their children or themselves. Conditions treated at a psychiatric clinic include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, psychosis, and substance use disorder. Patient clinics offer long-term care that provides a safe and supportive environment with the help of doctors, nurses, therapists, and counselors. Patients have their medication managed and monitored and meet with a psychiatrist regularly.
An in-patient facility allows a person to become stable and regain a balanced functioning level. Outpatient clinics provide medication management, therapy, and skills training in supportive surroundings, allowing patients to return home and work when possible. Your doctor can advise you as to the best facility for your needs.
8. Wellness Spa
A trip to the wellness spa can provide you with relaxation and well-being that you won’t find at a regular day or beauty spa. Wellness focuses on holistic techniques to give the guests a relaxing environment to rejuvenate and recuperate. A wellness spa’s services include therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, facials, and other skincare.
These services are aimed at loosening stiff muscles, stimulating circulation, and priming relaxation of the body and mind. Hydrotherapy is often offered as a Jacuzzi tub, sauna, and sensory deprivation tank. These water treatments allow the muscles to relax, improve circulation, and detoxify your entire being. You can participate in yoga and meditation sessions to enhance mobility while focusing on mental clarity, mindfulness, and stress reduction.
Other therapies at a wellness spa can include acupuncture, Reiki, cupping, IV therapy, and cupping. If you’re looking for a manicure and cucumber facial, a day spa is for you. But a wellness soap is better if you want to connect the mind, body, and spirit.
9. Dental Offices
If you’re genuinely concerned about yourself and your health, you can’t leave a trip to the dentist off your list of medical services. While dentists do the obvious cleanings, fillings, and polishings that are important to oral health in their own right, an excellent dental service does much more than that. A dentist examines your teeth, gums, tongue, head, and neck to detect abnormalities, infections, and misalignments that can cause illness, discomfort, and pain.
They will take X-rays to determine any issues that cannot be seen with a visual exam. Dentists can extract decayed teeth, repair cracks and chips, and treat gum disease. Your dentist will also consult you on proper oral hygiene to ensure your teeth and gums stay in the best shape possible. Should you need specialized care like oral surgery, braces, or dental implants, your general dentist will refer you to a specialist like an orthodontist or cosmetic dentist. Your medical routine should include at least two visits to your family dentist annually.
Cosmetic Dentistry
In the realm of medical services that can significantly enhance both your appearance and overall health, cosmetic dentistry stands out as a transformative option. Dental services encompassing cosmetic dentistry offer a range of procedures designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile while addressing various dental concerns.
One of the primary benefits of cosmetic dentistry is its ability to boost self-confidence and mental well-being. Procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding can effectively correct imperfections like stains, discoloration, chips, and gaps, giving you a radiant and attractive smile that you can feel proud of.
Beyond the cosmetic enhancements, many dental services within cosmetic dentistry also contribute to oral health improvement. For instance, dental implants not only restore missing teeth but also prevent bone loss and maintain the integrity of surrounding teeth and gum tissue. Similarly, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners not only straighten misaligned teeth but also promote proper oral hygiene and prevent issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Moreover, cosmetic dentistry procedures are often minimally invasive and relatively quick, offering immediate results and minimal downtime. With advancements in dental technology and techniques, patients can achieve their desired smile transformation efficiently and comfortably, further encouraging individuals to prioritize their dental health and overall well-being.
We all need medical services from time to time. It’s vital for you and your health that you visit them when needed. We hope the information here helps illuminate what many medical professionals do to support us.
