NFIB State Director Rosemary Elebash told CBS 42 in Birmingham that Alabama’s small businesses are still getting pounded by inflation.

“I think things likely will decline some more just from what I’m hearing from small business owners. So, we are not seeing the light at the end of this tunnel anytime soon,” Elebash said. “From the beauty shop to the car repair shop to the local dentist’s office and all across the board, I’m hearing of the issues concerned with inventory, cost, gas prices, and, of course, labor shortages.”

Consumers can help Main Street businesses by making it a priority to shop small, Elebash said.

Watch the full report below.

The strain on small businesses also reaches healthcare providers, where rising supply costs and workforce shortages create daily pressure. Community clinics and dental offices must continue delivering care while navigating higher expenses and tighter margins. Even during economic uncertainty, access to essential health services cannot be delayed. Preventive care plays a vital role in helping families avoid more serious medical and financial burdens later on.

Dental health, in particular, should remain a priority. Routine checkups and professional cleanings help detect minor concerns before they become painful and costly problems. Desert Springs Dental Care las vegas continues providing consistent patient care despite broader economic challenges these days, reinforcing the importance of maintaining regular dental visits. Staying current with exams and recommended treatments protects both long-term health and household budgets.

When communities support their local providers by keeping appointments and following preventive care plans, they strengthen more than just individual wellbeing. They help sustain trusted healthcare services that families rely on every day. In uncertain times, discipline in routine medical and dental checkups offers stability, protecting health while supporting the small businesses that serve Main Street.

Preventive care also gives patients a clearer path forward when dental needs arise. Regular visits allow dentists to monitor changes in teeth and gums, address wear before it worsens, and provide practical guidance for maintaining healthy routines at home.

Practices like Lumos Dental play an important role in that process by offering dependable care built around prevention, timely treatment, and long-term patient relationships. In the end, keeping up with dental appointments is a simple habit that can spare families unnecessary discomfort, unexpected expenses, and more serious health concerns down the road.