It’s easy to get swept up by various treatments and services offered in the market, especially when almost all health-and-wellness businesses in the world have found their place in social media and digital marketing. Simply open any of your various social media accounts, and you would be bombarded by various marketing materials promoting the latest and most “effective” diet fad, the hottest shake meal alternative, and many others.
When our health is paramount, and the future of the global economy is uncertain, we need to be smart about what treatments we invest our money in. While there’s nothing wrong with focusing on our looks, our health must come first—and here are some health, body, and wellness treatments and services that are actually well worth the investment.
Annual physical
An annual physical examination helps your primary care provider to determine and understand the overall status of your health. Undergoing the exam regularly can also give you a chance to talk to them about any symptoms or ongoing pain that you’re experiencing, so they can help you track possible diseases and treat them early. They can also help you identify minor issues that may turn into major medical concerns in the future.
Flu and pneumonia vaccine
While we’re waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine, we can also protect ourselves by having our flu shot and pneumonia vaccine at least once a year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says that getting our flu shot is more important than ever, especially with winter coming up, and recommends that adults get the flu shot during fall because the vaccine usually takes effect two weeks after being administered. On the other hand, the pneumonia vaccine can help prevent pneumonia from kicking in if you contract COVID-19, making the virus less likely to be fatal. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about the best course of action for you.
LASIK or laser eye surgery
LASIK, or laser eye surgery, is a kind of refractive eye surgery that corrects astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. For many people, it has become a long-lasting alternative to contact lenses and specs. But not everyone needs LASIK—if you have a good overall vision and see well enough that you only need glasses or contacts from time to time, or if you have other diseases like diabetes and other conditions that affect your immune system or ability to heal, you may not be a good candidate for laser eye surgery. But if you are generally healthy and have been suffering from terrible eyesight for a long time, it may be a good option. Getting the surgery is extremely convenient and can save you from a world of trouble and lens expenses in the future. Consult with your doctor to know if you would greatly benefit from the procedure.
Nutritionist
There are a lot of well-meaning “entrepreneurs” on the internet who present themselves as nutritional experts. Still, nothing beats consulting with a truly licensed nutritionist who spent many years studying it. If you have an unhealthy relationship with food, consider consulting with your doctor and ask them to connect you with a nutritionist who can help advise you on matters of food and diet so you can have a relationship with food that improves your health and wellness.
Laser hair removal
While it’s true that having unwanted hair in different areas of the body isn’t necessarily harmful to your health, constantly having to shave them is not only inconvenient; it can also cause hair bumps and other skin infections when you shave the wrong way or try to remove them without professional help. Laser hair removal is a convenient and safe way to get rid of unwanted hair permanently after just a few sessions without you having to worry about re-growth.
Counseling or therapy
Various studies have shown that our physical health and mental health are intrinsically linked. We are more than just our bodies; we are also our minds and emotions, which is why it is never a waste of money, time, or energy to go to counseling or therapy. You don’t need to have experienced extreme trauma or undergo really terrible symptoms to decide to seek professional help; if you, like millions all over the globe, found yourself triggered by the events of the past year, then don’t deprive yourself of practical help like therapy and counseling. Your pain is valid, and you deserve help just like everyone else.
Our Health Is Worth It
Of course, nothing beats the same old boring strokes like regular exercise and a proper diet as our first line of defense against disease. So protect yourself and the people you love by doing everything you can in your power to keep yourself healthy.