Healthcare in Mexico

Americans Sending Their Aged Parents to Mexico.

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 23:08:00 +0000

I love Google Maps

What happens as your parents age and start losing their independence and capabilities?

In Mexico, the answer is simple, the parent goes to live in the house of one of the children, and continues to work as much as possible in whatever way he or she can. It's common for these old people to take care of the children, cook, or even sit all day long at a tiendita and sell soda and snacks. They do these activities until they die.

Sadly, many people suffer from one or more disabling illnesses that affects their independence greatly. Perhaps mental disabilities are the worst, since they make it hard for people to interact with their families or friends. One time, I was in my car and I saw an old man in the middle of the road. I offered him a ride, and he took me to several well-known towns, unable to figure out where he was or where he was going. He didn't even remember his own name or where he wanted to go. Fortunately, his relatives saw me and I was able to leave him with them. They told me it wasn't the first of his "escapades."

Illnesses don't respect borders and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease affect old people in the United States too. In these situations, many people opt to put their parents in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Unfortunately, the prices of these facilities have gone up and many people can't afford them anymore, nor pay for the care their parents need at home.

The solution for many is to send their parents to a nursing home in Mexico. It is not only a much cheaper option than in the United States, but the weather is better and the food is more natural.

How much does it cost? I stopped by one of these places a couple of days ago. The cost for a single room with all care (referred to "as if the person were a baby") was $7,500 pesos for a month, which is about $570 American dollars. The home was run by nuns and they told me that they only admitted women over 70, that they were at full capacity, and that they had people on a waiting list.

The place looked clean. It had a big fountain with a statue of Jesus in the middle of a garden that was surrounded by the bedrooms. It didn't seem that it had more space than that, but considering the kind of situation people who lived there were, I don't think it's necessary. The place was clean and nice, and it had nice flowers and vegetation. Frankly, I think it's not a bad place at all to be if your mental capabilities are starting to fade.

Want to know more? Read about things about Mexican healthcare that surprise Americans.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Things Some People Find Surprising about Healthcare in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:03:00 +0000

Many patients prefer the way they're treated in Mexico

Visiting a Mexican doctor, even at a high-rated hospital, is somewhat different from visiting a doctor abroad. Here are some of the differences you'll find.

a) The doctor will spend at least 30 minutes with you, more if it needs to.

b) A doctor will make small talk with you. If you're a regular patient, he may even have a small conversation about a topic with you.

c) A doctor will give you his cellphone number and answer it.

d) If you're a regular patient, a doctor will give you his home phone and prescribe for you over the phone when possible.

e) A doctor will not require as many tests as they do in the US, just to make sure you wouldn't sue him later. On the same vein, a doctor will not typically have an expensive lawsuit-protection insurance that will raise his prices.

f) A doctor will expect you to keep your own medical records and bring them with you when necessary (it is advised to foreigners to get them translated to Spanish).

g) Some doctors still make house calls.

Do you want to know something in specific about a procedure or life in Mexico? Tell me about it.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

What Would You Like Me to Write About?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:08:00 +0000

I would like to hear from you

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I sit here and write an article about medical tourism in Mexico, healthcare in Mexico, retiring in Mexico, or how life and culture is in Mexico.

Coming up with a new topic everyday is not easy, but I try to do my best. And the reason I do this is because I want to help you learn something about any of these topics that you didn't know about.

But if there is something that you think I haven't covered, or something that you want to read about, let me know in the comments. I will be glad to do some research and write about it if I can.

Also, if you like my blog, support it by buying a copy of either The English Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico, a guide of the best doctors and health centers with experience treating foreigners in the most visited areas of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, a guide that explains how the Medical healthcare system works, what to do in case of an emergency, and what cultural differences you can expect from visiting a doctor in Mexico.

Thanks for reading, and see you next Friday!

Also, read about the top 5 countries with medical tourism growth potential.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

The Top 5 Emerging Medical Tourism Industries According to Fast Market Research

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:53:00 +0000

Are these the countries where you'll get medical care in the future?

One thing I learned from a professional journalist is to always look for the source. So let's start with that. Who is Fast Market Research?

According to their page, they are an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. As their name implies, they sell market and business research reports. They are based in the United States. I couldn't find any reviews about them, but they certainly have reports for all types of industries in several countries.

As usual, I didn't spend one thousand dollars on the report, but they did mention what the five emerging medical industries are. This means the countries with the highest growth and growth potential in the medical tourism industry. Note that this is different from the countries with the biggest medical tourism industries. For example, the US is third when it comes to the size of its medical tourism industry. However, it doesn't make it to the top 5 for growth or growth potential, at least according to Fast Market Research.

So what are the countries that rank the highest in medical tourism industry potential?

1. South Africa
2. Brazil
3. China
4. India
5. Mexico

Note that the order of the countries doesn't mean anything. It's not that South Africa has more potential than Brazil. It's just the order they appear in the table of contents. As I said, because of the price, I didn't read the report. But if you want to buy the report, you can find it here.

Out of these countries, the only surprise to me is South Africa. But what do you think? Tell me in the comments.

Want to know more? Read about why many Americans are afraid of a universal healthcare system.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Why Are Many Americans Afraid of a Universal Healthcare System?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:05:00 +0000

The American healthcare system is by far the most expensive one

To many non-Americans, it is puzzling that the US has a system that's so different and that results in terribly expensive healthcare in a country that produces so much wealth. While many Americans want to change the system, many others resist the change and are even afraid of it.

As a result of the system that it's in place now, profits are the only motivator behind healthcare services and because the demand is very inelastic (everybody falls sick and everybody wants to get better), the prices keep rising. In fact, this is the number one reason why the medical tourism industry exists. People just can't go without healthcare, especially if their loved ones are the ones who need it.

Yet, the American healthcare system doesn't seem like it's going to change anytime soon. Here are some reasons why many Americans don't want it to change.

1.- An assumption that a system based on universal coverage is the same thing as a single payer system. It is not, but many politicians claim it is and many Americans believe it.

2.- A fear of rationing. That is, the idea that there will not be enough resources for taking care of everyone, and thus only the ones who can pay it should have it. However, since no country has limited resources, the truth is that all healthcare is rationed and under the current system, the incentive is for healthcare companies and pharmaceutical companies to use the limited resources there are to make the biggest possible profit.

3.- A fear of "sharing" the burden. Employers who give health benefits to their employees get a tax cut from that and like to take care of their own employees, but not of other employees, which they think it happens in an universal system, where employers contribute to the system, not to the companies that give healthcare to their employmees. However, even in an universal system, employers typically contribute according to the number of employees they have.

4.- A "We're number 1" mentality. Many Americans do believe that the US is the best in every single aspect, and they think that changing to a "foreign" system means going backwards or doing something wrong.

5.- The dark side of the American Dream. One of the most important beliefs of American culture is the American Dream, the concept that everyone, even the lowest of the low, can make it to the top as long as he has a vision and is willing to work hard for it. It is not a bad concept, in fact, it's great. However, the other side of the coin is that if someone didn't make it and is poor, is because he deserved it because he's lazy. And why should we pay for the healthcare of some lazy bum? In reality, poverty has little to do with unwillingness to work hard, and it's a very complex problem with roots that are outside the scope of this article.

Want to know more? Read about how every middle class woman in Mexico hires a maid and how this has impacted the Mexican culture.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Life in Mexico, the Maid

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:59:00 +0000

It's common to have a maid character in Mexican sitcoms

In Mexico, it is almost a rule that any middle class family has a maid. Getting a maid is somewhat of a status symbol for many Mexican women, and woe to the married woman who doesn't have one.

How much does hiring a maid cost? It depends a lot on the area. In Mexico City's most affluent districts, it might cost 40 dollars per day. In lower income areas of the country, it might be as little as 8 dollars per day. Most maids come once a week and work for several women. Others work two or three times per week in a single household. Some work everyday in the same household. And finally, a few of them live in the household, especially if they had to leave their hometowns in the countryside to go live in the big cities.

Sadly, almost no maid receives any benefits that they should get by law, for example paid vacations and social security. On the other hand, they typically get at least one meal. The ones who live at the employer's house also get free lodging, all meals, a small TV, and a day off.

The preponderance of the maid in Mexican households is so big that it's highly reflected on the culture. Telenovelas (soap operas) often have a poor, yet noble maid as a heroine that has to suffer the injustices of life and the explotation of the rich family she works for. However, her faith and her virtues help her overcome all obstacles and the family's son is able to see her for the great being she is, ditching the family-approved selfish bride to be for the true love of the maid.

As I mentioned before, having a maid is a status symbol. It is somehow denigrating for a middle class woman to do the heaviest house chores herself, especially if she has kids. However, the other extreme is when a woman relies completely on her maid to the point where the maid is practically the one raising her kids.

The relationship between a maid and a housewife is somewhat similar to the ones portrayed in the book "The Help." It is a love-hate relationship where two people on different sides of the paycheck (maids are always paid in cash, tho) live with each other. Some people treat their maids much better than others, obviously, and not all maids are the honest, noble women portrayed in telenovelas either. Lately, there's a movement toward ending the use of the word "maid" and substituting it for a word that's seen as less offensive. The one I personally dislike the most is "the woman that helps me." Moreover, no matter how much loved and appreciated a maid is (and they often are), she is never seen as an equal. They may eat the same food at the same table, but not at the same time. A maid might be brought with the family to the vacation in Acapulco, all expenses paid, but she's there to take care of the children and serve as an errand girl. I have never seen a maid being invited to a wedding of the family just like a co-worker or a relative would.

Does that mean that if you live in Mexico you shouldn't hire a maid? No, it just means that you have to pay her as fairly as you can and treat her humanely. In fact, for many poor and uneducated people, especially those from rural Mexico, being a maid is one of the best jobs they can aspire to, and it allows them to send their children to school.

I'm ending this article with a quote about maids that's common in Mexico: "When a new maid arrives, she doesn't bring happiness with her. But when she leaves, she takes it with her."

Want to know more? Read about how to find a good doctor or hospital in Mexico.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Finding a Reliable Doctor in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:31:00 +0000

I write a lot about medical care in Mexico, and how Americans and people from other nationalities can take advantage of the competitive prices of healthcare in the Mexican market.

However, what if you have already decided you want to move to Mexico or come get the healthcare you need? How do you know what doctor or hospital to go to?

One good idea would be to get a copy of The English Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico, which includes listings of doctors, dentists, specialists, hospitals, and clinics in the most populated or popular parts of Mexico. All the doctors on the book have experience working with foreigners and have the experience and accreditation needed for their respective fields.

If you're planning to visit Mexico on vacation, you might want to get a copy too, just to be safe and know where to go and what numbers to call in case something happens during the vacation.

You can buy the Guide on createspace.com here, or on Amazon.com here.

If you'd like to know more, read about Coca-Cola and diabetes in Mexico.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Diabetes in Mexico: Coca-Cola or Genetic Disposition?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:00:00 +0000

The "name on a can" promotion has been a success in Mexico

There is a saying that Mexican Coca-Cola is better tasting than the American one. I don't know if it's true or not, but for many doctors and health experts, Coca-Cola and other types of sugary treats are the cause of the high number of cases of Diabetes in Mexico.

Diabetes is the number 2 leading cause of death in Mexico, with 80,000 deaths per year. A short time ago, Mexico became the country with over 100 million people with the highest rate of obesity in the world.

One of the leading factors is the diet. As cities grew and people started to eat in fast-food restaurants and small restaurants, sodas became more and more popular. Today, Mexico is the country with the highest consumption per capita of soft drinks in the world. At 728 8-oz servings per capita, Mexico stands far from the second (Chile, 460) and third (US 403) places.

To most doctors, this is enough to explain Mexico's high rate of diabetes. However, a new study by the Stanford School of Medicine claims that genetics play an important role on chronic conditions. In specific, the report claims that Mexicans have a genetic disposition towards diabetes.

So, is it the diet, the disposition, or both? In any case, I'm sad to say that I don't believe that anything is going to change soon.

Want to know more? Read about the joint efforts of the Mexican Institute of Geriatrics and the University of Southern California.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

University of Southern California and Mexico's Geriatrics Institute Team Up

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 16:31:00 +0000

Mexico and the US working together towards a better future

A few days ago, a two-day workshop between the Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging at the University of Southern California School of Social Work and Mexico's and Mexico's National Institute of Geriatrics was held at Mexico City. The objective of the event was to foster dialogue and identify opportunities for partners from both sides of the border.

The International Workshop on Social Support for Older Adults, brought together scholars, researchers and other players together. The event was supported by the American Embassy in Mexico as part of the US-Mexico Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation, and Research.

Some of the topics covered were the global tendencies towards aging populations, reduced number of births, changes in the structure of families, and the development of networks and infrastructure that provide or block the specific needs of the senior citizens. Some of the topics were the health needs of aging populations and how to deal with them.

It is interested to notice that scholars from China were also invited to the even to share their ideas and their problems.

Want to know more? Read about the recent report on Mexico's health insurance industry.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Information about the Personal Accident and Health Insurance Industry in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 16:27:00 +0000


People not in poverty often prefer the public IMSS program instead

There is a new report, issued by Marketreportstore.com about the personal accident and health insurance in Mexico.

In specific, the report indicates that the personal accident and health insurance industry in Mexico has grown at an annual rate of 10% from 2009 to date. The pillars of this growth are the increasingly bigger allocation that Mexicans are giving to medical expenses, the constant, if slow, GDP growth, and government programs to encourage people to buy health insurance.

Out of the three types of insurance, travel, accident, and health, this last one accounts for most of this growth (88%). Also, 10 insurance companies cover 90% of the market.

Finally, only 18% of Mexicans use private health insurance, so these growth is generated by less than a 5th of the population.

I would have liked to write more about the results of the report, but at a cost of $1,500 dollars, I'll pass. I suggest you get a copy of The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico instead. However, if you want to get the report, you can find it here.

Want to know more? Read about how the US Healthcare system is the most expensive, but not the best.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Healthcare in the US, The Most Expensive in the World and not the Best

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:31:00 +0000

Let's split these claims in two. The first one, is from Reuters. According to Reuters, an American pays in average about $9,400 per year in healthcare.

The second one is from the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. According to the OECD, an American pays an additional $1,000 per year in pharmaceuticals and other medical non-durables. Moreover, according to the OECD, the US is 26th in life expectancy form males born in 2012 and 29th in life expectancy for females born in 2012.

Finally, as a country, the US ranks the highest in healthcare spending in relationship with its GDP, at 19%.

With these tendencies continuing, it is no wonder that Americans who can are going abroad, specially to Mexico for healthcare.

Want to know more? Read about The Mexican "No."
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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

The Mexican "No"

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 20:16:00 +0000


There is no shortage of guests in Mexico, even for just watching soccer.

There is a joke about ex-pats that Mexicans will never ever say "no." Like many stereotypes behind a joke, it signals a tendency rather than a rule.

Mexicans value personal relationships much more than Americans. This means that Mexicans take things more personal. Sometimes, an American can seem too rough or rude to a Mexican, while the Mexican can seem too sensitive or thin-skinned to an American.

Another example is criticism at work. Americans tend to separate their work from their persons, but Mexicans do not. Thus, criticism of one's performance in public is much more embarrassing to a Mexican than to an American. Obviously, like with everything, there are exceptions.

At the extreme, saying "no" directly can be seen by some Mexicans as a mild insult. It may sound weird to Americans but when a Mexican says "yes" when they mean "no," it's because he doesn't want to insult you. To him, it's like if you are offering a gift, and then he insults you by rejecting it.

So, how do you know if a "yes" is a "yes" or a "no"? It takes practice. Here are a few tips.

Understand that it's a stereotype. Mexicans come in all types. And a person is an individual first, and a Mexican second. Also, it's a cultural thing and complaining about it is not going to go away.

When it comes to real important things, Mexicans have no problem saying "no." For example, a doctor or a potential employer will not be afraid to say "no" in a professional setting.

On the other hand, Mexicans have no problem saying "yes" to invitations to parties or get-togethers, when they know fully well they're not going. In Mexico, this isn't considered rude. On the contrary, it is the responsibility of the host to adjust for people not showing up, or showing up with an extra guest or two. At the very least, assume that a Mexican will show up with a friend, spouse, or romantic interest. Mexicans typically prepare extra food, just in case, which often gives them an excuse for a second, smaller reunion the next day, called the "recalentado," literally, the "re-heating" (of the food).

If someone who has lived in Mexico for a while was present at the time, ask him or her later if that "yes" was a "no." Over time, you will learn who keeps his word and who doesn't.

You'll eventually memorize some "code phrases." For example, "I'll see" means "maybe" and "I'll do everything humanly possible to be there" means "no."

Living in Mexico is a different experience, and you may find some Mexican traits that you do not agree with. I guess you could always avoid it by staying in a gated ex-pat community, but then you'd miss out on many of the great aspects that living in Mexico offers.

Want to know more? Read about how Americans aren't looking forward to retirement age anymore.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Fewer Americans Looking Forward to Retirement

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 19:13:00 +0000

Many Americans Just Keep Working

It used to be that retirement was something of a Golden stage for Americans. It meant a time where you could forget about working and dedicate yourself to your passion, hobby, or traveling without financial worries.

However, this case is happenning less and less for the average American. William Kilster, 63, from Colorado says that he sees retirement the way a woman tied to the tracks in one of those old movies sees a train. It's getting closer and closer, doesn't like it, but can't do anything about it.

"There's just not enough to retire with. It's completely frightening, to tell you the truth. I, like a lot of people, try not to think about it too much, which is actually a problem," says William.

The reason, as you might already know is that Americans have been losing purchasing power for decades and that traditional pensions are disappearing or being reduced. Since savings are closely related to income, the result is that more and more Americans are having less and less money saved for their retirement.

Susan McNamara, 62, from Boston, Massachusetts, says it's difficult it is for her to have any savings at all. "Over the years, all I've been able to do is pay the bills. Anything that's left over is used up when your car breaks down, or when the furnace breaks down. There is never anything left over, ever."

In addition, people retire at an age where they tend to need regular healthcare, which has gotten more expensive. They also typically expect to be needing even more healthcare in the short and medium term, especially if they just continue working.

What does this have to do with Mexico? As senior citizens find that they just don't have the purchasing power they expected, they tend to go to Mexico to get healthcare at a price that won't drain their finances so heavily. Some of them decide just to move to Mexico, where their level of income allows them to afford a much higher quality of life than it would in the United States.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

More Americans Moving to Mexico than Mexicans Moving to the US

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:50:00 +0000

There's even a TV show literally called Gringo in Mexico

The number of Americans that have emigrated to Mexico has been on the rise. Today, that number is twice as high as it was a decade ago.

There are 850,000 Americans legally living in Mexico. In addition, there are an unknown number of Americans that live permanently in Mexico, but never get a resident's visa. If you add Canadians, the second most numerous group of expats in Mexico, we could be talking about 1 million ex pats living permanently in Mexico. Again, the exact number is not known because many Americans don't get residents papers and are unaccounted for.

The number of Americans coming into Mexico is now bigger than the other way around. Despite what most people think, ex-pats in Mexico live all around the country, not just in famous resorts.

As to why Americans are coming to Mexico:

-It's close. You can always take a flight home or even drive back.
-It's cheap. Compared to the living prices in the US, living the good life ("la buena vida") in Mexico is rather inexpensive.
-Healthcare is actually affordable. One of the main reasons Americans come to Mexico is because they can't afford the healthcare they need anymore. Many times, they decide to stay.
-There are always ex-pat communities. You don't have to be the only gringo in town if you don't want to.
-Most brands are chains are found in Mexico. Because ex-pats are so numerous, companies have invested in making the most common products they are used to available in Mexico.
-Roads and Internet are great. Of course, unless you take a dirt road to some rural village, but some Americans come precisely for that.
-Mexico's culture. This is not the space to talk about Mexico's rich culture. Suffice to say, it is a culture famous worldwide.

Great, Relatively Unknown Mexican Beach Towns

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:43:00 +0000

When most people think about beaches in Mexico, they think about the ever popular Cancun, Acapulco, and Los Cabos.

However, if you want a different experience, one that's less commercialized, where natural beauty hasn't been tampered with, there are plenty of places to visit. Here are a few ones I recommend

Sayulita. Not only is Sayulita beautiful, but it's also very close to the bigger Puerto Vayarta, in the West Coast of Mexico.

Troncones. Located in the state of Guerrero, Troncones is still undeveloped, but that's what makes it so charming. The more developed Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, is only 30 minutes away, if you really can't live without a supermarket.

Puerto Morelos. More developed than the other two entries, it still is not the mega star that Cancun is. A hour trip from Cancun will take you to this village, where snorkeling takes a new dimension.

Todos Santos. If big chain hotels are not your thing, then you'll love Todos Santos. A quiet little town not far away from famous Los Cabos, it hasn't lost its traditional Mexican flavor. Don't let the picture make you think it's just a rural town, its beach is amazingly beautiful.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to go to the best hotels in Cancun, Acapulco, or Los Cabos. Those destinations are popular for a reason. However, if you're a bit more adventurous, and would prefer a less crowded destination, a more natural experience, even if you have to give up some luxuries, Mexico has several not-so-hidden places for you.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Assisted Living in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 22:06:00 +0000

The Golden Years South of the Border

Assisted living is one of the services that Americans look for in Mexico.

Let's understand first what assisted living is. At the end of their lives, many Americans find that they want to have the highest quality of life they can afford over a long period of time. Also, some people suffer from illnesses or diseases that need constant care. Finally, some children have to financially support for the care of their parents in their senior years. For all these people, assisted living becomes an economically viable option.

However, because assisted living is related to the quality of life in the long run, people want to have the best one they can get at a price they can support on a permanent basis. Many of these senior citizens or their patients find that they can get a much higher quality of assisted living in Mexico for the same price that they would pay for lower quality assisted living in the US.

There are three main types of assisted living:

Independent living. Independent living is the choice for retired people in reasonable good health. The service arranges for them a beautiful place to live, where they can participate in social activities and have medical services nearby. The price usually includes the services of a maid once a week, and meals, although many people choose to cook for themselves just for the pleasure of it. People who choose independent living don't have to worry about looking for a decent and safe place to live, or deal with landlords, plumbers, or electricians. The price allows them to have a high quality of life while saving money for future health care problems.

Assisted living. Assisted living is the choice of people who need regular medical care, have lost some of their independence capabilities, or just want to take life easier. In addition to the services of independent living, it includes programmed meals, and frequent healthcare services. People who are in assisted living typically enjoy or participate in social activities provided by the institution.

Nursing care. This service is reserved for people who have lost a lot of their independence capabilities, typically due to a physical or mental condition. This type of care is akin to hospital care. Depending on the case, it may include some basic social activities.

Institutions don't always fall neatly into one of these categories and their services may include one, two, or all three types of assisted living.

Finally, there is another reason why senior Americans choose to get assisted care in Mexico. In Mexico, senior people tend to be loved, respected, and appreciated. Mexicans see the elderly as a source of wisdom and experience. Sadly, it is something that Americans seem to have lost, judging from the increasing number of children who forget about their parents once they are sent to a nursing home.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Medical Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 16:05:00 +0000

Some days it's harder to come up with something new. Today is one of those days. That's why I decided to share some medical jokes in today's post. Next Friday, I will be writing again.

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A lady came in for a routine physical at the Doctor’s office . “Here”, said the nurse, handing her a urine specimen container. “The bathroom is over there on your right. The Doctor will be with you in a few minutes.” A few minutes later the lady came out of the bathroom with an empty container and a relieved look on her face. “Thanks! But they had a toilet in there, so I didn’t need this after all!”

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Due to a job transfer, Brian moved from his hometown to New York City. Being that he had a very comprehensive health history, he brought along all of his medical paperwork, when it came time for his first check up with his new Doctor. After browsing through the extensive medical history, the Doctor stared at Brian for a few moments and said, ” Well there’s one thing I can say for certain, you sure look better in person than you do on paper!”

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Brian, one of the worlds greatest hypochondriacs, bumped into his Dr. one day at the supermarket. “Doc!” Brian exclaimed, “I’ve been meaning to tell you, remember those voices I kept on hearing in my head? I haven’t heard them in over a week!” “Wow! What wonderful news Brian! I’m so happy for you!” his Dr. exclaimed. “Wonderful?” asked a dismal looking Brian. “There’s nothing wonderful about it. I’m afraid my hearing is starting to go now!

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Sam goes to the doctor for his yearly checkup. “Everything is fine”, said the doctor, “You’re doing OK for your age.” “For my age?” questioned Sam, “I’m only 75, do you think I’ll make it to 80? “Well” said the doctor, “do you drink or smoke?” “No” Sam replied. “Do you eat fatty meat or sweets?” “No” said Sam “I am very careful about what I eat.” “How about your activities? Do you engage in thrilling behaviors like speeding or skiing? “No” said Sam taken aback, “I would never engage in dangerous activities.” “Well,” said the doctor, “then why in the world would you want to live to be 80?

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Preparing and Recovering from Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 19:27:00 +0000

One of the most common procedures that Americans come to Mexico for is bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight loss surgery. Since weight loss surgery is normally not covered by health insurance, patients have to pay for it themselves. In the US, the costs of this type of surgery are so high that it's out of the reach of many people, or it would require a big chunk of their savings or cutting back in other expenses. This and the quality of the service of Mexican doctors, who typically have studied in the US, cause many Americans to decide to have their surgery in Mexico.

However, bariatric surgery is invasive, and in order to get long-term benefits, you should prepare for it.

Obviously, your doctor will have to evaluate you and take some tests. In general, you need to be in a reasonable good condition in order to be able to qualify for the surgery. You also need to be within a certain weight range, which will depend on your age, gender, and other factors. Your doctor may ask you to follow a certain diet for a period of time (from a couple of weeks to a couple of months) before the surgery. Alcohol and tobacco are typically restricted as well. It is important that you follow the instructions of the doctor to the letter, as making "exceptions" may lead to complications during or after the surgery.

Another good idea is to find out what type of medications you'll be taking and decide where to obtain them. They might be cheaper in Mexico, but you may not be able to bring enough of them to the US, or depending on the specifics of the law, none at all! Sometimes the name of the brand is different in Mexico than in the US. If you prepare, you won't find that you run out of medication or that you can't bring them into the US. In addition, the law is very strict and you can find yourself having to pay a hefty fine (or risking jail time) for something as innocuous as bringing back a small bottle of antibiotics, so this is one aspect you should definitively research about in advance.

If you plan to do any sightseeing in Mexico, do it before your surgery, always keeping in mind your dietary restrictions, specially alcohol.

Right after the surgery, it's common to feel nausea. You may be asked to stand up and even walk a little to avoid the formation of blood clots. Your doctor will instruct you on when you can start to move and how. Expect to wait at least a week before being able to move normally (although without great physical efforts), but even then you may still feel a little pain or discomfort. You might find it convenient to move to a hotel rather than staying at the hospital. One with a gym would be better, since you will have to follow an excercise routine, consisting mostly of walking. A treadmill will allow you to walk without going far from your room.

Your diet will have to be very restricted for a few days. You'll have to start with a liquid diet, broth, apple juice, tea, protein drinks, water, jello, etc. Coffee and milk are usually not an option. As the days go by, you'll be able to eat more solid food.

Sleeping may be an issue. Depending on the type of surgery, you'll have to avoid sleeping on a specific side. You'll have to train yourself to sleep on the other side. If, unfortunately, it's the same side you've always slept on, you may want to start the training while you're still back at home.

Finally, bring something that you can amuse yourself with. A couple of books or a laptop can greatly enhance your experience. I personally recommend a small Spanish phrasebook. Mexicans in hotels and hospitals will speak to you in English, but taxi drivers or other people might now. However, even if all you can say is "buenos días, me llamo Robert Ervin," that's more than enough to please Mexicans, who always love when Americans show they have made an effort in learning a phrase or two in Spanish.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Mexico to Host the World Medical Tourism Congress

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:16:00 +0000

12 million medical tourists per year

Mexico's position as the second most important medical tourism destination has managed to have the country selected as the host for the 7th World Medical Tourism Congress. The event will take place from the 20th to the 24th of September of 2014 in the nation's capital.

Renee-Marie Stephano, president of The Medical Tourism Association, sponsor of the event, recognizes the fact that thousands of Americans travel to Mexico, not just to enjoy its beaches, culture, and natural beauty, but also to get the health care that they can't afford in the United States.

So, how popular is Mexico as a medical tourism destination?

In 2013, 12 million international tourists came to Mexico for health related trips, which is the equivalent to 10% of the country's population. Out of those 6.5 million are Americans. The main reason they come to Mexico is the lower cost of health care and medical services. Depending on the procedure sought, an American patient can save from 40% to 90% of the money he would have payed in the United States.

Moreover, Americans are also lured by the short distance, which means cheaper transportation costs; the quality of the service, due to Mexican doctors typically receiving all or part of their training in the United States or Europe; and the warmth of the service, which is very different from the automated process in the United States.

Also, since the industry is generating $2.85 billion dollars per year, it's not a surprise that the Mexican government is investing in infrastructure, safety, and promotion for international tourists.

These numbers don't take into account the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have chosen to live in Mexico and that use the local medical services.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Having a Rhytidectomy (face lift) in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:00:00 +0000

Having a younger-looking face is reasonably easy with the help of today's technology and medical developments. One of the most common treatments people get in order to look younger is rhytidectomies. Don't let the name scare you tho, it's just the medical term for what people typically call a face lift.

In simple words, a face lift is a medical procedure that eliminates wrinkles and sagging from your face. A surgeon typically eliminates and folds skin tissue. He may also stretch some of the skin. The procedure is done with general anesthesia.

Since every face is different, each surgery has to be customized for each patient. However, there are three areas that are commonly treated in a face lift: the bags under the eyes, the cheeks, and the neck. With time, these three elements add to the effect of giving a face an aging look

Very often, patients who get a face lift also get blerophasty eyelid surgery, another type of cosmetic surgery. This is to avoid having to go to surgery twice and because the areas that are going to be treated are very close. This way, they can get both benefits and go through the recovery process only once. Some patients decide to have other cosmetic surgery procedures at the same time for the same reason. These procedures include liposuction, tummy tucks, and others.

If you would like to get a face lift, you need to qualify for it. Here are some factors that are considered negative for patients who want to get a face lift:

Smoking
Hypertension
Diabetes
Poor wound healing
Poor blood circulation
Unrealistic expectations
Poor-self esteem
Poor perception of reality

Note that the three last ones are psychological. A person must have a healthy mind before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure.

Costs

Last time I checked, a face lift in the United States cost $10,000 dollars. However, the amount might have increased since then. Moreover, a face lift is normally not covered by health insurance, so a patient has to pay the whole procedure from his or her own pocket. In addition, some extra charges may apply, since hospitals don't typically disclose the full cost until after the procedure is done. In some cases, this leads to those infamous extravagant charges, like $400 dollars for clean sheets. You can read my post about these practices here.

This is why many Americans get their face lifts in Mexico, usually saving from 30% to 50 of the cost. Some of them decide to spend the money they saved in one of Mexico's destinations, like Cancun or Los Cabos, before getting their surgery.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

What Is a Breast Lift?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:10:00 +0000

One of the procedures that foreign women come to Mexico for is a mastopexy, typically called breast lift. Don't confuse it with mammoplasty, the procedure used to augment the size of the breasts, commonly called a boob job.

A breast lift is used to give one or both breasts a more aesthetically pleasing form, usually by modifying the contour and elevation of the breasts. It is the 7th most common cosmetic procedure among medical tourists. In addition to its aesthetic benefit, it is also less risky than a mammoplasty.

The effects of a breast lift usually lasts for decades. Women get a breast lift to counter the effects of aging on the breasts, which causes them to sag. When this happens, many women feel less feminine or attractive. In the United States and Europe, this procedure tends to be expensive and it's not typically covered by health insurance, because it's cosmetic. However, in Mexico this procedure is much more affordable, and the low risk makes it even more attractive.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some factors to take into account. One of them is the viability of the tissue of the areola. The surgeon has to make sure that there are no factors that would affect its sensibility. If a woman is planning to have children in the future, the surgeon may have to make sure that she will be able to breast feed. Other factors to consider is bleeding and blood circulation, infections, reactions to anesthetics, and breast cancer (individually or in the family). All of these elements have to be studied before a patient is authorized to have a breastlift.

After the procedure, the patient needs to avoid exercise, sexual activity, or any activity that requires a lot of effort for at least 2 weeks. Light activity is typically authorized, although only your surgeon will be able to evaluate that. After the 2 weeks, the level of effort in activities can be increased in small increments. A patient normally has to keep certain habits for life after a breast lift, although these are not really disruptive to a normal life. She has to keep a good diet and exercise regularly, since overweight can cause the breasts to start sagging again. Also, the scars will be permanent, although they are difficult to see and will become even harder to see over time.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

What to Do in Case of a Scorpion Sting

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:47:00 +0000

I'm doing something that's typically very stupid. I was just stung by a scorpion and I'm here writing about it instead of going to the hospital.

I'm not suicidal. I already called the doctor and described the type of scorpion and the symptoms. The doctor told me to take an antihistamine, and look for certain symptoms. At any sight of the symptoms, I'm ready to take a taxi and go to the hospital. The type of scorpion that stung me (small and black) is not lethal to adults and it typically results in some fever and pain for a few hours.

Still, I have the taxi phone number ready.

Anyway, what to do in case of scorpion sting:

Scorpions are common in certain parts of Mexico, and you have to find out if the area that you're going to be in or live in has scorpions. Ask about the type of scorpion, the type of reaction, and what people do in case they get stung.

Also, get antihistamines and have them around. They can delay the reaction of the body to the poison and buy you extra, valuable time.

Finally, have a doctor's number nearby and find a hospital that's nearby. You may not be able to drive, so get the number of a taxi service that you can call 24/7. Obviously, it's much better if you know the name and address of a doctor or hospital nearby.

If you get stung, identify the color and size of the scorpion that stung you. The more clear it is (yellow or bright red) and the bigger it is, the more dangerous it is. Small black scorpions, the type that bit me, are the least dangerous.

Some people say that you have to capture the scorpion in order to show it to the doctor, but I find this approach impractical and might just get you stung again. Just stomp on the scorpion and then take the body to the doctor if you must.

Also, have some antihistamine. 25 gram pills will do for black scorpions, 50 for yellow ones.

If you were stung by a clear scorpion, go immediatley to a doctor. If you were stung by a black scorpion, it will probably not be an emergency, so you have more time to get help. Look for blocked throat, pain, or fever, in which case treat it as an emergency. If the affected person is a child or a senior citizen, treat it as an emergency.

Fortunately, in Mexico, emergency services aren't expensive. You'll end up paying around $50. If you go to a very expensive hospital, you may pay $200. Also, Mexican doctors have developed a very effective antidote against scorpion venom, since scorpion stings are not unheard of in certain parts of Mexico.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Undocumented Americans Living in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:43:00 +0000


Helping those in need is one of the reasons Americans decide to stay

Obtaining an American visa, even a tourist visa, is a hard and long process for most Mexicans.

But obtaining a Mexican tourist visa, is very easy for most Americans. All you need to do is be an adult, have a passport, and not be looked for for a crime. The visa will be valid for six months and is given with basically no questions asked.

There are some Americans that don't go back before their 6-months visas expire. They decide to stay in Mexico longer for different reasons. Some of these reasons are:

a) They just like the culture or the way or living in Mexico better.
b) Senior citizens in particular, like that in Mexico, they get much more respect than in the USA.
c) Life expenses are cheaper for a good quality of life. Every middle class person is able to hire a maid.
d) Some Americans find an opportunity to make a difference.
e) Some Americans with family in Mexico decide to relocate.

In addition, the Mexican government doesn't keep track of Americans under tourist visas, so when your visa expires, nobody will come get you. Also, in Mexico, an undocumented American is not considered "illegal," but "irregular." This is like losing your driver's license, you can't drive, but you are not fined or jailed for it.

Some Americans get jobs. Like Mexicans in the US, many of them are hired by closed friends or relatives, or they get their salaries under the name of someone they trust. There is a strong demand for native speakers in English schools, and a few of them hire these Americans under the radar. Another common profession, specially in tourist areas, for Americans is bar tending.

The downside is that they can't hold jobs. However, aside from working under the radar, most Americans work for their American companies over the Internet or have retired and have a pension and savings. Also, many of them go back to the US twice or more a year anyway, so they leave before their visas expire and just get a new 6-month visa when they go back to Mexico.

What happens if an American is caught working with no papers? Not much. He'd have to pay a $500 fine, which is cheaper than the cost of becoming a regular. In theory, he could get deported, but it never happens.

If an undocumented American takes a plane out of the country, he only pays a $50 fine, and that is only if the clerk at customs decides to bother. At a last resort, some Americans have bribed an official to get a stamp with dates "corrected." Such corrections cost about $100.

Of course, most Americans who have decided to stay just follow the legal process, although this is long and expensive. However, for Americans who haven't decided yet to stay, this is very unappealing.

How many undocumented Americans are there in Mexico? Nobody knows, precisely because they're undocumented.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Integrating a Medical Check-up in Your Vacation or Business Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:23:00 +0000

In Mexico, senior citizens are seen with respect.

General medical check-ups are some of those things we say we will get one of these days but we never get to do.

People never get medical check-ups because they are not urgent. And in this world where we're always in a hurry and there's always a task that was due yesterday, we just can't plan for something we don't see the concrete value right away. A medical check-up is a preventive measure, so when we get one, we do it while we're healthy and thus we generally don't feel physically better after one. And then there's the problem with medical check-ups being

However, a medical check-up can detect a serious health problem in its early stages, where it's easier and cheaper to cure it or control it.

On the other hand, we do plan for vacations and business trips. Unlike medical check-ups, we see the concrete benefits of these trips right away, and thus we end up planning for them.

So, why not plan for both? Many Americans travel every year to Mexico for vacation or business. In addition, there are many hospitals and clinics in tourist destinations that offer medical check-ups. These can be set with an appointment and thus you don't have to lose a lot of time. In fact, many tourists get them when the sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day. This allows them to enjoy the morning, avoid the heat of the mid-day, and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

A medical check up involves many tests, but it also involves a lot of talking. A doctor will talk with you about your medical history, the medical history of your family, your lifestyle (stress, alcohol, smoking), the risks associated with your gender, age, or profession, your diet, medications that you may be taking, and any current problem you may have.

A medical check up in Mexico will be much cheaper than in the US, take place in a beautiful destination, and most importantly, will detect any problems early and avoid you future pain and costs.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Medical Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Robert) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:31:00 +0000

I have an important event to attend today, so I'm just posting a medical humor cartoon from one of my favorite strips: The Far Side.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.