Patients do not frequently consider dentist visits to be a relaxing experience. In fact, the nervousness of having dental work done can be reflected in the fewer than two-thirds of adult Americans who report visiting a dentist during a Year period. In light of these kinds of stats, dentists are turning to the way of the spa in order to offer dental experiences that are more relaxing for their patients. It may seem hard to accept, but these days a visit to the dentist may even have you appear more relaxed than you originally came in.
A reasonably new trend, spa dentistry joins spa and dental treatments to alternating degrees. Some dental practices are infusing treatments such as reflexology, a strategic foot massage, to help calm nervous patients. Other practices might even offer more in depth spa treatments equal with dental procedures, such as aromatherapy, massaging dentist chairs, paraffin hand wax treatments, and scented neck pillows. Patients can also relish gourmet refreshments such as coffee, herbal tea and fresh baked cookies. Spa dental offices may also offer concierge, mineral essential facials, and even virtual reality glasses to show movies during dental procedures. Waterfall fountains and peaceful music will bring a sense of calmness to some who live in more posh environments.
"Dentistry has chosen a philosophy of making the patient feel like they are anywhere but the dentist office." says Dr. Shilpa Trivedi, chief dentist at Preferred Dental Care ( http://preferreddentalcare.net ) To that end, the practice equips diversions for squeamish patients, involving a large selection of music to produce an ambient atmosphere; massage mats controlled by the patient; lavender pressure point cream massaged into the temples to ease stress; and lifescape glasses. Baskin Robbin milkshakes, hot towels, lip balm, and ibuprofen is even made convenient to patients who have had their mouth numbed.
Patients of a practice are tucked below a fuzzy blanket while heated lavender-filled pillows aid the neck and back. Instead of withdrawing from bright lights, patients rest their eyes underneath a lavender eye mask, and their hands receive a skin-softening treatment in lavender-scented mittens. As for the male patients they would rather have the movies through the virtual-reality glasses. The relaxation techniques are efficient for making the anesthetic work better and easing any pain associated with the dental treatments.
All this frou-frou treatment is more than some socialites idea of "me-time." Both relaxation procedures and oral health have shown to be important for patients at risk for conditions like heart attack or related circulatory diseases. As the dentist treats potential gum disease, a massage therapist helps patients capture anxiety through a massage.
Decreasing stress techniques are particularly good for patients with known heart disease. In fact, not only these kinds of techniques but also smaller dental appointments early in the day reduce heart attack risk. For example, patients who have undergone heart value replacement are at higher risk for an unusual life-threatening condition called bacterial endocarditis. Dentists who are working with heart patients may find relaxation techniques and monitoring for complications which could prove to be a life saver.
Almost one third of people that have no home in the US are veterans. This is the main reason why Rod Wittmier's program on Self-Expression and Leadership involves taking along an elderly or a young veteran in a mentoring program. The program is known as VetsMeetsVets and its first ever gathering was held in early January. The next gathering planned is on this spring. This is according to The Seattle-Tacoma News that covered the story.
Old veterans help the younger generations.
A man named Skip Irving that came from Bonney Lake was in the army in the years 1969 to 1972. His time in the army is believed to be easy going compared to other soldiers who went off in Vietnam.
One of Irving's friends didn't have it as easy. The two shared a house in the mid-?70s, after each was out of the service. Irving learned to be careful when waking his friend, who slept with a knife under his pillow.
?It took him so long to get better,? said Irving, now 61. ?It was tough for people to know what he was going through.?
He hopes a new mentorship program, called VetsMeetVets, will provide stability for today's veterans struggling to return to civilian life from places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. And he feels a duty to help the country's service members.
?It's payback, quite simply,? said Irving, a manager at Schucks Auto Parts in Enumclaw. ?I have a good life, have been reasonably successful. My kids have grown up and are successful. It's time to pay back.?
The program is the brainchild of Rod Wittmier, who has launched an ambitious plan based on a simple idea: A challenge can be easier when someone who has already gone through it gives advice.
The Buckley resident has launched VetsMeetVets, a series of events to link younger veterans with older ones. That can mean anything from questions about filling out health insurance forms to spending a day fishing, Wittmier said.
The first event is Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Buckley.
?It can be tough when you first get out,? said Wittmier, a 53-year-old veteran who taught other soldiers how to fix electronics. ?But if someone is there to say, ?Hey, I can help you with this,? then it becomes a whole lot easier.?
He was motivated while listening to sermons stressing service. His business experience provided the know-how.
?I'm a businessman,? said Wittmier, who owns a Web site consulting firm. ?And as a businessman, if I ever wanted to do something new, I would create a mentor relationship. I would find a CEO who had already done what I wanted to do. I'd pick their brain, run questions by them.?
So, he figured, why not transfer that idea to help returning vets?
Wittmier emphasizes it's a totally different approach to most veterans programs, which he describes as ?reactionary.?
?They wait until someone is homeless or is fighting an addiction. I thought, ?Why don't we start serving and honoring and loving our recent veterans immediately after they return??
Wittmier is thinking big. He invited every mayor in the area and expects several to attend. So will representatives from county, state and federal veterans agencies, and a staffer from the office of U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn.
Wittmier admits he has no idea how many veterans will take him up on his offer. The older ones are easier to recruit ? he conservatively expects 30 to 40 to show up Saturday ? but the younger ones are more elusive.
?I would hope that we have people standing and struggling to get into the door,? he said. ?But really, I have no clue how many people will come.?
He hopes the event can be a model for others across the country. But he doesn't quite consider himself a world-changer.
?If I can connect 25 younger vets with 25 seasoned vets, then I'm happy,? he said. ?I will have made a difference.?
Both Robert D. Thomson & Rishi5 Modi5 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert D. Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dog Care, Real Estate and Dental Practice. Sally Smith is the editor in chief at Yada Yada Marketing , a Clearwater Internet Marketing Firm with many diverse clients.. Robert D. Thomson's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.
Rishi5 Modi5 has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dental Practice. Rishi Modi is author of this article on . Find more information about. Rishi5 Modi5's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.