In today's hustle bustle world where so many of us are trying to beat the clock, the pressures of daily life take a toll on our physical and mental resources. The end result is fatigue and energy depletion. An increasing number of Americans are taking the bull by the horns by incorporating healthy habits into their weekly regimen. After all, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being is a self-responsibility. Many are turning to relaxation methods, offering themselves pampering treatments and resorting to fitness programs as well as rejuvenating therapies. Whether it is a pineapple body scrub, a jasmine-scented Shiatsu massage, a periodic check-up at the family doctor, a spinning session at the gym, an insulin shot administered by a home nurse, or a dental visit to repair a broken tooth, the old adage that "health is wealth" is applicable to a host of situations.
What follows is a run-down of the multitude of personal care services available in the marketplace:
1. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery
Plastic and cosmetic surgery involve various procedures aimed at transforming a patient's physical appearance to make it more attractive for him or her. Anti-aging surgery and reconstructive surgery are two types of cosmetic surgery. Individuals seeking to restore a particular part of their body to its original shape and enhance their appearance will choose cosmetic plastic surgery. In aesthetic surgery, parts of the body that function properly are reshaped. By contrast, reconstructive surgery corrects abnormalities in different structures of the body, whether they be caused by development defects, tumors, disease, accident or congenital defects. Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to restore a normal appearance to a specific body part or to improve the latter's function. The risks and success rate of plastic surgery differs from one individual to the next.
Patients can undergo a number of procedures at a plastic and/or cosmetic surgery center such as:
Cosmetic dentistry enables individuals to enhance the appearance of their smile, mouth, and teeth. It also contributes to dental health by offering restorative benefits Some of the most requested dentistry procedures include 1) the dental implant, 2) dental fillings, and 3) bonding (repair of broken or chipped teeth).
Cosmetic dermatology, performed at dermatology centers, treats patients for the cosmetic and medical aspects of skin care and skin disease. A wide range of cosmetic procedures is offered, such as the following:
2. Beauty salon/Hair salon/Hair cuttery
Men and women needing cosmetic treatments in the areas of hair, nail, make-up or skin care can visit a beauty salon. The beauty spa and the hair salon are variations of the beauty salon. The difference between a hair salon and a beauty salon is that the latter tends to specialize in body and facial treatments. Estheticians must be licensed to work at a beauty salon. For instance, cosmetologists must complete a course from a certified beauty school to perform facials.
Beauty salon services include the following:
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Haircuts/hairstyling/hair loss treatments
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Color services (highlights, streaks)
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Texture services
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Massage
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Facial treatments
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Nail care (manicure, pedicure)
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Make-up application
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Make-up lessons
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Waxing
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Bridal specials
Consumers can either purchase their desired beauty cosmetics such as makeup, skin and nail care, hair, body, bath and spa products from the beauty salon or from a beauty store. At a hair cuttery, stylists perform color treatments, blow-dry, styling, straightening, and haircuts.
3. Home healthcare
Nurses offer a full spectrum of in-home care services, including
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Cardiac care
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Disease and pain management
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Physical, occupational and speech therapy
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Infusion nursing
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Wound care
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Alzheimer's Care
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Hospice care program (which includes palliative care)
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Diabetes care
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Oxygen therapy
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Respiratory services
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Infusion therapy
4. Health clinics
Prospective patients will find health clinics focusing on different health care specialties, such as the following:
5. Vision care
For contact lens service, a routine eye exam, treatment of eye disease and vision care, consumers may consult an optometrist. Patients seeking refractive surgery can also obtain an initial consultation with an optometrist, who will refer them to a lasik optician and provide post-operative follow-up services.
6. Health clubs
Also known as fitness clubs, health clubs offer personal training and group exercise. The typical fitness club provides fitness training and cardio equipment and offers Pilates, aerobics, yoga, kick boxing and martial arts and cycling classes. Many health clubs also extend specialized services and amenities such as tanning, steam rooms, tennis and basketball courts, and child care.
7. Chiropractic services
A chiropractic office addresses musculoskeletal disorders and offers a comprehensive spinal examination. Chiropractors help alleviate the following conditions and symptoms:
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Neck pain
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Whiplash
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Headaches
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Slipped discs
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Lower back pain
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Pinched nerves
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Osteoarthritis
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Numbness in hands
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Shoulder/elbow/wrist pain
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Poor posture
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Hip/knee/foot pain