A famous proverb states that "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything". Whether you are stricken with the flu, are recovering from triple-bypass heart surgery, need your wisdom teeth pulled out, or are seeking a little Zen in your stressful existence, the Rx and remedies are plentiful, and they don't necessarily come in a pill. Some of these include gyms and spas, holistic medicine, as well as diet and nutrition. A host of services aimed at enhancing and maintaining health and wellness are offered by a variety of health professionals, including the following:
1. Doctors
Doctors diagnose, avert, and treat diseases and conditions of all kinds through medication or surgery. Their primary tools are a patient's physical exam and medical history. There are different types of doctors for patients to choose from, those being as follows:
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Physicians. These are licensed practitioners who hold a Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) or a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
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Surgeons. These doctors perform surgery at hospitals in order to enhance a patient's bodily function, treat his or her injury or disease, or for some other purpose.
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Dentists. The majority of general practitioners perform examinations and routine periodontal or endodontic therapy (restorative/prosthetic), among other procedures. In the U.S., dentists may specialize in 9 different areas, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics pediatric dentistry, and periodontics.
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Optometrists
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Chiropractic doctors. Chiropractors diagnose, treat, rectify, and prevent skeletal, soft or neurological tissue dysfunction by utilizing manual therapies.
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Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)
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Physical Therapy doctors
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Doctors of pharmacy
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Podiatry doctors
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Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine. These practitioners diagnose and dispense treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine. This type of healing is known as alternative medicine.
Medical doctors who provide primary care are known as family practitioners (FPs), family physicians or general practitioners (GPs). Generalists offer preventive care for patients and treat chronic and acute diseases in patients of all ages. FPs may be either doctors of osteopathy or medical doctors, and they typically specialize in internal medicine or family practice. They are experts in common ailments and can treat any type of condition. FPs who hold hospital privileges may treat hospitalized individuals. They may also deliver babies (obstetrics) and perform surgery as well as procedures that are minor in nature in their office. The vast majority of FPs practice as hospital employees or in small-group or solo private practice.
Internal medicine is the medical specialty that deals with diagnosing and treating non-surgically a wide range of diseases in adult patients. Internists, or doctors of internal medicine may specialize in one of the following areas:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Infectious disease
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
2. Alternative/holistic medicine
Also known as holistic medicine, alternative medicine refers to disease-healing or treatment methods, with or without medication, that are not endorsed by the conventional medical community and are not part of the standard medical curriculum in the United States. Alternative/holistic medicine takes a global approach to prevention and self-care by analyzing a patient's emotional, environmental, physical, social, nutritional, and spiritual state and values, as well as his or her lifestyle. Instead of relying on modern science and medical tradition, alternative/holistic medicine practices are often rooted in belief systems that incorporate metaphysical or spiritual elements. In the event that a safe alternative is unavailable, this form of health care does not exclude surgery or medicine. Alternative/holistic medicine is extremely efficacious in treating an extensive range of minor and important health conditions. Some of the most popular techniques, many of which derive from Indian or Chinese medicine, include the following:
- Ayurveda
- Homeopathy
- Herbal treatment
- Osteopathic manipulation
- Yoga
- Breathing meditation
- Visualization
- Reiki
- Acupuncture
- Progressive relaxation
- Mega-vitamin therapy
Alternative/holistic medicine utilizes other methods and approaches, such as patient empowerment and the mind-body connection health model, not practiced by traditional medicine. This form of healing places emphasis on education and makes the patient a direct participant in his or her quest for well-being and balance.
3. Home health care
This arrangement is ideal for seniors who are recovering from an injury or illness and who prefer to live independently and avoid nursing home care. Home health care encompasses an entire line of services, including skilled nursing, speech therapy, and physical and occupational therapy. Providers may assist the elderly with such tasks as (1) eating, (2) bathing, (3) dressing, (4) housekeeping, (5) monitoring the daily intake of over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions, and (6) cooking. Most home health care providers are licensed home health aides, therapists, or practical nurses. Prospective clients should first verify that the home health care agency or provider is approved by Medicare and a certifying organization such as the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
4. Nursing care facilities
These cater to seniors and younger physically-disabled individuals needing regular nursing care and long-term assistance with daily activities. Nursing care facilities also serve adults who are 18 years or older who are in need of occupational, physical, and rehabilitative treatment following an illness or accident. Only patients with Medicaid (not Medicare) or private insurance or those who make a private payment are eligible for treatment at nursing care facilities. Patients are offered room and board and may have access to one of the following professionals:
- nurses;
- nursing assistants and aides;
- occupational, speech, and physical therapists;
- recreational assistants; and
- social workers
The services provided by nursing care facilities may be administered either at hospitals or in free-standing facilities.