A Monday Spent in the Hospital: A Day of Eye-Opening Discoveries and Dental Realizations
A Monday Spent in the Hospital: A Day of Eye-Opening Discoveries and Dental Realizations
Mondays usually feel predictable. It’s the first day of the week, filled with the routine of work, meetings, and plans for the days ahead. But this Monday was different. I made the deliberate decision to visit both the dental and optometry sections of the hospital. It wasn’t exactly an emergency visit but rather a check-up to see how well my eyes and teeth were doing.
First on my list was the optometry section. As someone who spends most of my workday staring at a laptop screen, I had already purchased a stylish frame and wanted to get blue-reflective lenses fitted to protect my aging eyes. I figured it would be a straightforward process – hand over the frame, pay for the lenses, and be on my way.
But the doctor had a different approach. He explained that before fitting any lenses, I needed to undergo a proper eye check-up to ensure that my eyesight was in good condition. After all, you can only protect what isn't damaged. His insistence made sense, so I agreed to the series of tests. The process was quite thorough, with various tools measuring different aspects of my vision. After it all, he smiled and said, “You can boldly say your sight is good.” A sense of relief washed over me.
However, he didn’t stop there. He took the time to correct a common misconception that I had unknowingly believed for years. “Not everyone who wears glasses has an eye problem,” he said, “and not everyone wears them purely for fashion.” He explained that some people use glasses not to correct vision issues, but to prevent age-related degeneration. As we age, the muscles responsible for holding the lens of the eye in place weaken, leading to potential issues like presbyopia. For this reason, he recommended regular eye check-ups, especially for those above 30. It was an important reminder that eye care isn't just about correcting problems but also preventing them.
With a clean bill of eye health, he inspected my frame to ensure it was a good fit for the lenses. Satisfied, he instructed me to submit the frame and make payment, promising that the lenses would be ready in 48 hours.
Next, I headed to the dental section for a scaling and polishing procedure. It had been a couple of years since I last had it done – in fact, I couldn’t even remember the exact date. I walked into the clinic expecting it to be a simple, routine procedure. But once again, I learned something new. The dentist asked me when I last had my teeth cleaned, and after hearing my answer, he quickly educated me. "This is something you should do every six months," he said. My eyes widened in surprise – no one had ever told me that before. Until that moment, I had thought of scaling and polishing as something you do at your leisure, like a pedicure or manicure, with no strict timeframe.
The dentist explained that regular cleaning is essential for maintaining both oral and overall health. It prevents plaque buildup, gum disease, and even more serious dental issues that could arise if left unattended. The procedure took about 30 minutes, and afterward, I felt an immediate difference. It was as though each of my teeth had become more sensitive to the air – in the best way possible. Breathing felt refreshing, and my mouth felt incredibly clean.
I was so pleased with the way my teeth looked and felt that I completely lost track of time and was slow to realize it was lunchtime. The dentist wasn't done with his advice though. Before I left, he gave me a list of recommendations: the best type of toothbrush to use, the importance of fluoride toothpaste, and why a dental kit is essential for maintaining good oral health. His advice felt like something I should have known for years, but better late than never. I left the dental office with a renewed commitment to my oral health.
In conclusion, this Monday was far from routine. It was a day spent learning valuable lessons about personal health and how much we often overlook. From understanding the importance of preventive eye care to realizing that dental procedures should be done regularly, it became clear that health is not something to be taken for granted. My time at the hospital was not just a check-up, but an educational experience that reminded me of the importance of taking proactive steps for my well-being. As I walked out, I felt lighter – physically from the clean teeth and emotionally from knowing I had taken solid steps towards protecting my health.
