Services
 

FAQs about our Services


 
 

Odontology | Psychology | Nutrition | Medicine | Physical Therapy | Fitness Training | General Information

Odontology

How Often Should I Visit my Dentist?

It is recommended that you visit your dentist once or twice per year, although more frequent visitations may be suggested depending on a patient's individual needs. We at Mind and Health Medical Center recommend preventative dentistry (working with patients on a continual basis so that problems can be identified and treated before they become too serious).

Should I wait some days before flying back home?

There is no need to wait extra time in order for you to "recover" before flying back home. The treatment plan is completely scheduled and it also includes control appointments.

Does whitening harm my teeth?

No, there are modern techniques that are quite effective and they don’t damage your teeth. In less than two hours you can have your teeth bleached with laser technology.

How much will the procedure cost?

The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat, the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatments.

Generally, endodontic treatments and restorations of natural teeth are less expensive than the alternative, which is having the teeth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatments and appropriate restorations. With root canal treatments you save your natural teeth and money as well.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after an endodontic procedure?

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you only need to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular checkups and cleanings.

Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as natural teeth. In some cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Seldom, the tooth might present discomfort or become diseased months or even years after a successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.

TOP of Page

Psychology

What is psychology?

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The field of psychology is much broader than most people realize. It is much more than the study of people with bizarre behavior; psychologists are just as concerned with functional behavior as dysfunctional behavior. Psychology encompasses all influences on thought and behavior: learning experiences, brain function, genetics, peer pressure, cultural norms, personal motivation, parental influences, thought processes and the list goes on. It is a vast and diverse field, and because it synthesizes so many other areas, it has been called "the essential science." Its strongly interdisciplinary nature makes it an excellent liberal arts major.

What is the difference between clinical psychology and health psychology?

Clinical Psychology refers to the specialized area of psychology dealing with the study and remedy of abnormal dysfunctions involving human cognitions, emotions and behaviors. Health Psychology grew out of Clinical Psychology. This sub-specialization focuses on the interactions between psychological processes and physical health. Originally, clinical psychologists experimented with therapies for psychophysiological disorders (or psychosomatic conditions). Health Psychology matured as behavioral interventions and educational or psychotherapeutic techniques were applied to a host of medical problems (e.g., shortening the time needed for recovery from surgery, pain management, increasing the survival rate of cancer patients, reducing the risks of heart attacks, mitigating harm from diabetes, lessening the frequency of seizures, quitting smoking, etc.).

What are the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychologists are trained to observe, measure, and change the cognitions, behaviors and emotional responses of organisms. They learn how to design experimental research and how to carefully interpret data from scientific literature. Those who specialize in clinical psychology become well acquainted with various principles and techniques crucial to diagnosing and treating people with significant life struggles and with mental illnesses. They closely study the factors that affect the course of all human relationships, including those that influence a therapeutic relationship.

Psychiatrists are trained to recognize and understand medical diseases as well as the neurological and physiological processes involved in mental illnesses. They learn how to administer psychoactive drugs and other somatic procedures (e.g., electroconvulsive shock) in order to mitigate the symptoms of mental illnesses.

TOP of Page

Nutrition

What is healthy eating?

Healthy eating is about variety, balance and moderation. Eat a variety of foods using the Healthy Diet Pyramid as a guide to get all the nutrients you need. No one food supplies all the nutrients your body requires to stay healthy therefore it is important to enjoy a variety of foods from the food four groups, as well as within each food group. Balance your food choices over the day to get enough of each type of foods. Also, moderate how much you eat. Eat appropriate amounts without excessive fat, added sugar and salt.

What is the difference between calories and Kcal?

A calorie is a unit by which energy is measured. These units of energy are so small that a single food item will have tens of thousands of them. Therefore, to ease calculations, they are expressed in 1000-calorie units known as kilocalories (kcalories / kcal / *Calorie / *Cal). 1 kilocalorie (kcal) is equivalent to 1000-calorie units (*a capitalised version is sometimes used depending on which country the product or information is from).

However, confusion may arise when you speak of energy from foods. You would say 'calories' although the actual measure is kilocalories. If an apple provides 150 kcal (150 000 calorie-units), it is commonly said that an apple provides 150 'calories'.

What are the effects of a high-sodium diet?

A diet high in sodium is linked to high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Sodium acts like a sponge that holds water in our bodies. This makes our blood volume expand, which raises the pressure in our veins and arteries, hence leading to health problems as mentioned above.

Are all foods labeled "trans fat-free" good for me in terms of nutrition?

Not necessarily.  If these "trans fat-free" foods lack nutrients, such as doughnuts or sweet rolls, then they are still low in nutrients and fiber, even when made with healthier oils.  Consider eating these types of foods only occasionally.

What are the additional nutritional needs of pregnant women?

Even prior to pregnancy and during the very early stages of pregnancy, it's very important to have a balanced nutritional plate. The caloric requirements of the body increase to about 300 to 500 extra calories a day all throughout pregnancy. And breast feeding requires an additional 200-calorie increase on top of that.

In early pregnancy, nutrition has a big impact on fetal development. Amazingly, the body compensates and takes the fats, carbohydrates and proteins from whatever you give it, but if you have a healthier, balanced diet there are fewer problems in development. There's an increased need of folic acid. Studies have shown that folic acid actually decreases spinal problems and genetic problems.

Since nutrition is so critical, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, we tell women to actually start on prenatal vitamins even before conception, and to continue that all the way through pregnancy. But it's very vital in the very early stages of pregnancy, during the first four to eight weeks of early fetal development.

TOP of Page

General Medicine

What is considered a normal cholesterol level?

  • Total cholesterol should be under 200.

  • LDL should be under 100.

  • HDL for a man should be above 40.

  • HDL for a woman should be above 50.

  • Triglycerides should be under 150.

  • Blood pressure should be 119/79 or below.

  • C-reactive protein should be 1.0 or less.

Does smoking affect blood cholesterol levels?

Smoking slightly increases total cholesterol and triglycerides, but significantly decreases the "good" or HDL cholesterol. This, together with the toxic effects of cigarette smoke, leads to damage of the blood vessels in the heart and legs. In fact, smoking doubles an individual's risk of heart attack at any level of blood cholesterol.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure. That’s why it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

There are several things that you can do to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range

  • Get your blood pressure checked regularly.

  • Eat a healthy diet.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Be physically active.

  • Limit alcohol use.

  • Don’t smoke.

  • Prevent or treat diabetes.

TOP of Page

Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy?


Physical Therapy is a health profession that combines the "science of healing and the art of caring" to treat movement dysfunctions. A physical therapist performs a comprehensive analysis of movement, which includes identifying joints dysfunction, tissue limitations, muscular imbalances and structural pathologies. In order to assist patients, physical therapists use a variety of methods to create changes in tissue and movement patterns to ultimately restore function.  Treatment consists of skilled manual therapy (hands on) with therapeutic exercise that simulates daily movements to rehabilitate the body, restoring maximal mobility and optimal mechanical motion, as well as provide preventative care.

What do I wear?

You should wear comfortable workout clothes that are loose-fitting. The physical therapist will need to examine, touch, and treat the injured area.

How often are my treatments? How long do they last?

Frequency and duration of treatment will be determined by your physician or after the initial evaluation by your therapist. The typical frequency is 2-3 times per week.

TOP of Page

Fitness training

If I am breastfeeding, Can I begin to exercise?

Healthy breastfeeding women may continue to exercise if they wish and it will not interfere with either the quantity or quality of breast milk.

How long will it take to see results from your Personal Training?

The length of time you will see results depends on your initial level of fitness, diet nutrition, genetics, and your commitment.

How much physical exercise should be done each day?

The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise most days of the week, in addition to resistance exercise (weight lifting). It also recommends a minimum of 60 to 90 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day for those trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss.

What kinds of exercise can you do to lose weight?

Walking briskly for 30 to 40 minutes a day will help the most, and you are less likely to become injured or overwhelmed with the requirements during the period when you are trying to lose weight. Weight training, Zumba and other activities are also great to add on to the walking several times a week.

TOP of Page

General Information

Can I do some sightseeing while I am in Costa Rica?

Yes, that's one of the many benefits. We can also put you in contact with our associate Travel Agencies ( Marbella and TACHIZ ) so they can show you the amazing plans they have in stored for you.
 

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     

Odontology | Psychology | Nutrition | Medicine | Physical Therapy | Fitness Training | General Information

 
Our Clinic | Services | FAQ | Meet Our Doctors | Photo Gallery | Why Costa Rica?
Post Operative Instructions | Hotel, Tour and Packages | Contact Us | Home | Español

 

Phone: (506) 2560-6062 | Fax: (506) 2231-6082 | E-mail: info@crmedicaltourism.com

Trade Mark 2012 Mind & Health Medical Center, All rights reserved.