We are thrilled and proud to present the following speakers at the upcoming Medical Matters Event (February 6, 2012). Plan accordingly!

9:30 am & 2:00 pm
Michael Ryder, Physical Therapist
“How to Keep Those Aching Joints Moving & Why You Need To Do So”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
Sharp Healthcare – San Diego, California

10:00 am & 2:30 pm
Dra. Laura Garcia, OB/GYN
“Menopause & Hormones – Happy or Horrible?”
Puerto Vallarta

10:30 am & 3:00 pm
Dra. Kathlyn Ignacio, Internal Medicine
“Alternative Health Practices”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
Sharp Healthcare – San Diego, California

11:00 am & 3:30 pm
Dr. Miguel Saldaña, Plastic Surgeon
“Current Trends in Plastic Surgery”
Puerto Vallarta

11:30 am 4:00 pm
Dr. Rajy Abulhosn, Medical Director Executive Health Program
“Managing Your Health at 50 and Beyond”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group – San Diego, California

12:00 noon & 4:30 pm
Dr. Armando Joya, Bariatric & Gastric Surgeon
“Current Trends in Gastric Surgery”
Puerto Vallarta

12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
Dr. Julian Anthony, Urology, Specialist in Robotic Surgery
“Diagnosing, Treating and Managing Prostate Disease”
Sharp HealthCare, San Diego

1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Dr. Alberto Marron, Orthopedic Surgeon
“Application of Stem Cells in Orthopedics”
Puerto Vallarta

1:30 pm & 6:00 pm
Lily Padilla-Corona, Registered Dietician
“Health Diets – Myths vs Facts”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
Sharp HealthCare, San Diego

If you are receiving this newsletter in error, or would like to be removed from our mailing list – please accept our apologies and notify us – we will remove you immediately. On the other hand, feel free to send this newsletter on to your friends!

“Medical Tourism” is a big buzzword these days!  Described in Wikipedia: “Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare) is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers travelling internationally to deliver healthcare.” This can be anything from having cardiac bypass surgery to Botox to hip replacement all the way to having some minor diagnostic studies performed.

There are numerous reasons that people look to Puerto Vallarta for these types of services and procedures. Many Canadians have a very long wait for diagnostic studies such as MRI’s, CAT Scans and ultrasounds. A normal wait here is about twenty-four hours.  And when you are finished with your study, you will walk out with your results – no waiting! Folks from the United States might be uninsured at home and they are able to find substantially reduced rates for various surgeries than what they would pay out-of-pocket in the United States.  Or perhaps it’s a bit of a nip and tuck that is desired.  Breast implants to tummy tucks are less expensive here and performed in state of the art hospitals by board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeons.

It is vital that the potential patient does his/her homework! Ask for previous patient references, perhaps check for a couple of different quotes and-or have a variety (or at least two) consults with different physicians. As well, remember that medical services are not like the “flea market”. Prices are pretty much firm and set and do remember, “cheap” does not always mean “good”.  A good physician/surgeon is going to require pre-op lab work, pre-op cardiac consult and not just take on an unknown person without a thorough medical check up and background information.

There are countless medical tourism companies throughout the entire world. Some are well established, responsible and top-notch. Some though, are not even familiar with the area where they will be sending you. If a person chooses to go through a medical tourism company, make sure the company is reputable and will be with you every step of the way. And these are businesses, so prices will be increased. That’s not necessarily a “bad thing”, but it is important to know ahead of time!

Medical tourism can be a real boost to the local economy. Restaurants, rental agencies, tour companies and hotels can all benefit by this unique “vacation”.

So, perhaps having a colonoscopy in between your beach time and margarita nights isn’t exactly what you would normally plan during your vacation. But the cost savings and very personalized and professional service might just be worth it!

If you are receiving this newsletter in error, or would like to be removed from our mailing list – please accept our apologies and notify us – we will remove you immediately. On the other hand, feel free to send this newsletter on to your friends!

Two Upcoming Presentations!

Both begin promptly at 10:00am!

Both will be presented at O’Rourke & Associates (Plaza Marina). This is on the far south end of the Plaza. (Old Lloyds). They will validate your parking ticket.

Both are “no charge” events but we do ask that you bring one of the following items if possible:

Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Bar of soap, Baby blanket, Glue stick, Ruler or Baby booties!

(These items will go to New Life Mexico and Hospital Regional).

November 11, 2011 (Friday)

“What’s New In Cardiology”

Presenters: Dra. Leslie Swindle & Dr. Adolfo Curiel (cardiologists)

They will cover all “heart” things – new meds, new equipment, new studies – a whole bunch of things!

There will be a question and answer period.

November 16, 2011 (Wednesday)

“Everything You Need to Know About HealthCare in the Banderas Bay Area”

Insurance, hospitalization, outpatient services, emergency services, what’s new in the area, veterans services (medical) & lots more!

Pretty much anything that I can think of!

There will be a question and answer period.

Then, when we are done, we will go across the street to tour the new Amerimed Hospital.

We do prefer that you RSVP so that we are able to plan accordingly.

If you have specific questions that you would like covered, please send them on!

Thank you! Feel free to forward this to your friends!

WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!

Pamela Thompson
pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com
322 107 7007 (Cell)

If you are receiving this newsletter in error, or would like to be removed from our mailing list – please accept our apologies and notify us – we will remove you immediately. On the other hand, feel free to send this newsletter on to your friends!

HealthCare Resources is proud to present a new Vascular Clinic!

Dr. Escoto, a wonderful, bilingual vascular surgeon

HealthCare Resources is proud to present a new Vascular Clinic! This is a screening clinic to check on your leg and feet circulation. (We still have space for the October 17, 2011 clinic and will be repeated on November 21 and December 28, 2011). This will be done with Dr. Escoto, a wonderful, bilingual vascular surgeon. And exciting news! He now is able to do the varicose vein procedure via Laser! Non-invasive, no overnight stays in the hospital! The article below was written in conjunction with Dr. Escoto.

What are varicose veins? Veins that appear to be gnarled and enlarged. Any vein can become “varicose” (which by definition means “abnormally dilated or swollen”) but most commonly affected are veins in the legs and the feet. Standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.

Symptoms of varicose veins can include:

• Veins that are dark purple or blue in color.
• Veins that appear twisted and bulging, sort of cord-like.
• An achy or heavy feeling in your legs.
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in lower limbs.
• Pain worsens after extended sitting or standing.
• Skin ulcers near the ankles, which can mean a serious form of vascular disease.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but they are much smaller. They are closer to the surface of the skin and are often red or blue. They can occur on the legs but as well, found on the face. They vary in size and sort of look like a spider web.

What are the causes? Veins return the blood from the rest of your body to your heart and is re-circulated. To return the blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity. Muscles contract and your lower legs act as pumps and elastic vein walls help return the blood to your heart. Tiny valves in your veins open as the blood flows toward your heart and then close to stop blood from flowing backwards. Age and pregnancy can be two of the main causes. Women are more likely to develop the condition. If other family members had varicose veins, chances increase. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins. If you sit and-or stand for long periods of them the blood does not flow as well.

To test for varicose veins the physician will do a physical exam including examining your legs while you are standing to check for swelling. You might also need an ultrasound to see if the valves in your veins are functioning normally or if there is any evidence of a blood clot. This is a non-invasive procedure.

Treatments:

• Sclerotherapy: (for spider veins). These are injections for small and medium sized veins (mainly spider veins) with a solution that scars and closes the veins. Oftentimes this needs to be done more than once.
• Laser: Physicians are now using a new technology of laser treatment to close off smaller varicose veins and spider veins. This works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. Non-invasive and no needles or incisions.
• Catheter assisted procedures: The physician inserts a thin tube into an enlarged vein, heating the tip of the catheter. As the catheter is removed the heat destroys the vein by causing it to collapse and seal. This is usually done for larger varicose veins.
• Vein Stripping: This involves removing a long vein via small incisions.
• Phlebectomy: The physician removes smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures.
• Endoscopic vein surgery: This is done in advanced cases involving leg ulcers. A thin video camera is inserted in your leg to visualize and close varicose veins and then the veins are removed through small incisions.

There are some self-care measures that can be done to decrease the discomfort that varicose veins cause. Exercise, watch your weight, low-salt diet, avoid high heels, elevate your legs, avoid long periods of sitting or standing, don’t sit with your legs crossed.

For further information on the laser surgery or to make an appointment in one of our upcoming Vascular Clinics, please email me at pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com or call 322 107 7007.

Things You Need to Know About PV Doctors

Here in Puerto Vallarta there are many doctors and specialists offering high-quality emergency care and routine medical or surgical procedures. Here are some things you need to know when consulting a local physician, and how much you can expect to pay.

The average cost for a physician consult in the Banderas Bay area is between $400 and $900 pesos, depending on the specialty, if you are seen in his private office. If you see him in an emergency room (on an emergency basis) the cost goes up. That being said, sometimes physicians, out of convenience for the patient, will do a consult in a local emergency room, regular charge.

By the way, if he tells you to meet him at a restaurant or a bar, see someone else! (This has been known to happen!)

A house or hotel call will run a minimum of $1000 pesos. But it might be worth it. You might just feel too sick to leave your room. Physicians like to be paid in cash. Many do not accept credit cards for consults. Don’t plan on flipping out your insurance card to the receptionist when it is time to pay because they will just stare at you blankly.

Start the consult by writing out your name on a piece of paper. That’s simple enough! “Why should I do that?” you ask? Because mumbling your name that sounds like Greek to the physician will only begin the process on the wrong foot.

Note: This is very important if you are going for a diagnostic study or being admitted to the hospital. Correct name spelling around here is hard to find in the medical world. I spend many hours searching through computers with receptionists at various hospitals, diagnostic centers and clinics for a simple Jane Smith. “She’s never been here!” is the normal response. “Keep looking” I say firmly. Eventually it is found and spelled Jhune Smmit or some other garbled version.

When it’s time to sit down and speak with the doctor, have your list of current medications, allergies, and chief complaints in hand. “I have sort of a stomach ache” you say to the doctor. Gee, that is a pretty broad statement. Better to say “I have had a stomach ache in the lower right side of my abdomen, sort of a sharp pain off and on for a few days. I feel nausea at times. No diarrhea or vomiting and no fever.”

The more details you are able provide the better. Speak clearly and slowly (not like you are speaking to a five year old) but if you go too fast, you might be misunderstood. Remember that English is your physician’s second language. Would you want him to answer you in rapid fire Spanish?

If you have had previous lab work or diagnostic studies related to this current complaint, be sure and bring those with you. Don’t try to guess what your liver enzymes were four months ago. As well, knowing the names of the medicines you are currently taking (or have recently taken) is important. “I take a little yellow pill and a big white one every day” doesn’t cut the cake.

Do not leave until you are clear on your diagnosis, treatment and-or any diagnostic examinations ordered. Look at the checklist of questions you took with you to make sure each one has been checked off! It is amazing the number of times I call or email a patient after sending them to a physician and ask how things went, and if they were satisfied that and I am told “Well, he was nice.” I ask, “Did you understand everything he told you?” and the answer is “sort of, er, not really.” Incredible!

If the physician orders some type of diagnostic study, such as an MRI or CAT scan, get your facts. Ask him: What does this test measure? Why do I need it? What could happen if I don’t have it? Are there any alternatives to the test?

The Internet and Google are fabulous tools, but seem, at times, to be overworked. If you are given a diagnosis, by all means do some research – but sometimes the patient can get what I call “Internet overdose.” Stick with a few top-rated websites related to your particular malady. I have developed a good base of patient education materials that I am more than happy to share with you as well.

Second opinions are ok! If the first physician becomes offended that you are seeking a second opinion, that’s his problem, not yours. Do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable with the entire situation.

As always, I cannot stress enough the importance of establishing yourself with a local private physician. Best to meet your new physician when there is nothing seriously wrong. Get one now!

New Life Mexico is now moving their field work out in to the community to the areas where the children are the most vulnerable to drugs and crime. Beginning September 2011, they will be providing “Community Kids Clubs” known in Spanish as “Chidongongo”, one morning per week in six extremely low income “colonias”. These will address general issues with the children ranging from morals and values, communication, crafts, ecology and health issues. The clubs will operate from 9:30 am until to 12 noon, In addition, they will begin in October, once rainy season has come to an end as well as a “Community Sports Club”. This will begin as a basketball school which will be held twice per week in six colonias. The colonias have been selected as areas with a high number of working kids and kids at risk in danger of becoming the “next Street Kids”, gang members, drug dealers.

This will be an approximate total of 600 children participating.

For further, more detailed information on the work that New Life Mexico does, please contact Philippa Vernon-Powell (pvp@newlifemexico.com) She as well, can send you their most recent newsletter.

The main reason for my email to you, apart from announcing the new direction of New Life Mexico, is to request various physical item donations. Many of you will be returning to the area soon and perhaps you can tuck a few of these items in your suitcases. They are not large & don’t weigh much. As well, many are widely available here in the area at the 25 peso stores.

Items needed include: scissors, glue sticks, tissue paper, coloring books, notebooks, colored paper, markers, colored pencils, crayolas, stencils, craft supplies/projects, paint, paintbrushes, beads, sequins, board games (in Spanish), chalk, white T-shirts (aged 9-14), stickers, basketballs, whistles, nets, sports bags, water bottles, backpacks, pencil cases/boxes, erasers, sharpeners, geometry sets, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste.

Planning Ahead for Christmas

Yes – it seems like a long ways off but it will be here before we know it! We are hoping to provide a small Christmas Posada for each group with each child receiving two tamales & 2 mandarin oranges (cost total for this is 8 pesos each). In order to provide this, we are looking for 12 sponsors to pay for these (one sponsor for each group) which would be 800 pesos per group. (12 groups in total). As well, we hope to have a very small gift item for each child (an approximate 20 peso item) to include any of the following: bag of marbles, spinning tops, playing cards, key ring, hair accessory, kids nail polish, bracelet, necklace, hairbrush/comb, or any other item you feel the kids would like. These are extremely inexpensive items but can bring some joy to a very poor child’s Christmas!

By October, we will have specific drop of locations throughout the area so that you can conveniently leave the items for us to pick up – or we can make arrangements for pick up as well. Perhaps if you are a local business, condo association, etc you might join together as a “group effort”. The price for the above items is quite low and by joining in together as a group, even lower!

I look forward to hearing from you! I have always been extremely proud of my involvement with New Life Mexico. The work that they do here locally is so very important! As well, a charity that is completely transparent, open and upfront. (I am always amazed that Philippa will make a receipt for a pencil!).

I also insisted that Philippa have a New Life Mexico Facebook page. She is still learning, but she’ll get there. In the meantime, please see their page and “like”!

Cheers!

Pamela

HealthCare Resources Mid-Summer Newsletter
Some Upcoming Summer Stuff!

We know there are still plenty of folks in the area for the summer months. Our End of Life Presentation brought us a total of 225 attendee’s. Full clinics last month as well. And a great turn-out at the  “Mix and Mingle” Breakfast on July 8! Hurray!

To schedule an appointment at any of the clinics below, please email me directly. Include your phone number!

July 18, 2011
Ear Clinic
Have your ears checked and cleaned by our fabulous ENT, Dr. Diaz-Nuñez. One of our most popular clinics!
(Note: This is NOT a hearing test!).
Cost: 375 pesos (PLUS members pay 350 pesos)

July 21, 2011
Skin Clinic
A scalp to toes skin cancer screening performed by an oncologist.
275 pesos (PLUS members pay 225 pesos)

July 26, 2011
Mammogram Clinic
Mammogram, ultrasound if necessary and manual exam.
920 pesos (PLUS members pay 820 pesos)

 August 2, 2011
Women’s Health Clinic
Includes pap smear, pelvic exam, consult.
775 pesos (PLUS members pay 700 pesos)

Optional Bone Scan: 600 pesos

Ongoing

• Colonoscopy – Just do it!
• Complete Men’s Check Up
• Complete Women’s Check Up
• Cardiac Check Up
• Discounted lab work and diagnostic studies

Every Monday throughout the summer, 4pm, join us at Los Mangos Library for “Classic Movie Mondays”. Great films from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Great fun and cheap price! (Yummy popcorn as well!).

Our “Mix and  Mingle” event of July 8 was such a success, we are planning one again soon in either Sayulita or San Pancho. For those in Vallarta, why not plan a day at one of the northern beaches and explore the area?! And if you live in the northern bay, please do send me an email so I can pick your brain for location, participants, etc!

I am rotating days at Hospital Medasist and the new Hospital Amerimed. Perhaps you’d like to set a time to meet, go over local healthcare information, tour the hospital(s), ask questions, obtain information. I am happy to do this – so send me an email and we can set up a time!

Our PLUS membership has been a huge success! The benefits are currently being updated and will be up on our website soon. This is a great way to save money on everything from our clinics to inpatient services at two hospitals and as well, we will create a personalized medical record for you. Email me for details!

Be sure and stay WELL hydrated during these steamy summer days! Dehydration can cause some strange symptoms from dizziness to nausea. Drink your water! And a super way to “Keep Cool” are the very popular cooling scarves that are being seen all over town. With specialized “cooling crystals” imbedded in to the high quality fabric, easy to use by just soaking in water for about 30 minutes. Place on your neck and woo-hoo! Cool for hours! No website yet – but please feel free to email me for details and photos. And they even have them for doggies!

One last note – - I am really attempting to put in to place the fall-winter schedule for speakers programs, clinics, presentations. If you have a group that might be interested, please contact me. And – very open for suggestions and new ideas!

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone that you think might be interested. It does take me a couple of days to get it out!

Remember that we work with 26 physicians – there is no increased charge to you to have us make your appointments. Actually, oftentimes, you will receive a discount. It is very important to ESTABLISH YOURSELF WITH A PERSONAL PHYSICIAN. Let us help you do this!

Here’s to a happy and healthy summer!

Pamela Thompson

P.S.   One of the very best ways to keep up to date on everything going on in the Banderas Bay area is at www.banderasnews.com You can go there and click on the HealthCare Resources icon and it will take you to all of our articles, recent and past.

HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta
Some Upcoming Summer Stuff!

Yes! It’s a little bit warm out there – where are those rains? Soon, I hope!

I’m so surprised (pleasantly!) as to how many people are in the area for the summer months! Things definitely move slower here now but we at HealthCare Resources remain busy with activities and planning for next high season!

We do hope you are able to participate in some of our upcoming activities!

The new Hospital Amerimed is open! Located across the street from Plaza Marina (just before the airport), it’s been a long time coming as we have watched for months the construction! We now invite you for a tour of this state-of-the-art facility!

Please meet me in the Lobby of the hospital. There is valet parking available!

“Breakfast With a Plastic Surgeon”

Here is your chance to ask your questions regarding plastic surgery, Botox and other “fixer-up” procedures as we sit down and have a chat with Dr. Miguel Saldaña.

“Mix, Mingle, Network” Breakfast

Bring a friend, say hola to friends, enjoy breakfast, network with others about your business or charity, have breakfast! (BTW, breakfast is on your own – but Coco’s prices are very economical – and yummy!)

We will be featuring a few new businesses including the new MailBox Etc folks along with some others!

And what do we do MOST here in the summer? We try to stay cool! We’ll be featuring the new “cooling scarves” that are becoming THE item to have this summer! Demo’s, scarves for sale (you’ll want at least two!). Doggie ones too!

I’ve received numerous emails from folks “looking for something to do” this summer – so stop by and meet others interested in the same thing and get some ideas!
I will be available to answer your health-related questions from insurance to physician referrals. PLUS membership information and a chance to pick up your cards.
A little bit of everything!

RSVP not required but preferred so that Coco can have a heads up!

We hope to see you there!

Don’t wait until an emergency arises to discover what is available here for healthcare. Spend some time doing your homework whether it be finding an insurance company or establishing yourself with a personal physician!
We are here for all of your healthcare needs!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Very WARM regards,
Pamela Thompson
Healthcare Resources Puerto Vallarta
www.healthcareresourcespv.com
pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com
Cell 322 107 7007

This is also another example of a person taking responsibility for their health care! These folks were note-takers, question-askers, researchers and communicators. The process moved quickly and smoothly because of their great participation and search for the correct answers. To say I am humbled is an understatement.

http://www.banderasnews.com/1106/hb-pvhealthcarethanks.htm

Yvonne Lefebvre – Brampton Ontario, Canada
June 8, 2011

My husband and I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta for over 30 years. We started with one week a year and now we stay 3 months. Of course we are getting away from the Canadian winter, but more than that we have fallen in love with Puerto Vallarta and it’s ambiance.This year, we had an unexpected health crisis arise while in Puerto Vallarta. Over the years I had taken notice of Pamela Thompson and admired the work she was doing, so in January I attended a workshop and casually met Pamela.

Within 2 weeks I was calling her for an appointment for my husband regarding an ear problem. Within a few days Pamela had made an appointment with Dr. Diaz Nuñez and so began our journey through the health system in Puerto Vallarta… we were referred to oncologist and surgeon Dr. Daniel Velasco.

We had a 6 week period of investigative procedures that included CT scans, biopsies and surgical removal of lymph nodes, along with bloodwork and Xrays. We had day surgery at Medasist Hospital. Never have we felt such true compassion and support in a time of a medical crisis.

Pamela is a true angel who was supportive and always thinking ahead for us … arranging for records to be translated … communicating with insurance company, and our family doctor in Canada, and setting up appointments with doctors in Puerto Vallarta. Pamela was always there to give encouragement and a hug when needed. Pamela will always be a part of our life.

We would like to thank Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Diaz Nuñez for his expertise and quick action in referring us to oncologist and surgeon Dr. Daniel Velasco. Dr. Diaz Nuñez showed us great compassion and support.

We thank Dr. Velasco for his expertise, his knowledge and his kind and companionate manner. His medical knowledge and the workup given to Frank was acknowledged by an oncology team here in Canada as top notch.

Dr. Velasco always took time and explained my husbands diagnosis to us so that we were informed and prepared for the rest of this medical treatment. We will never forget him and will always remember his philosophy on life. I think we have found a true friend for life.

Also I must mention the personnel at DIV, each person from the receptionist to the technicians, and a special thanks to Luis and to Dr. Rodriguez, the radiologist who kindly hugged me when we had good news from my husband’s CT scan.

The staff at Medasist Hospital, who were always smiling and ready to help with questions, etc. Thanks to Edgar at the front desk. Also the nurses in emergency department thank-you and thanks to the always cheery cleaning lady who so kindly let me know that my husband had returned from surgery. Also thanks to Xray techs and lab personnel.I must say that we originally thought we should return home but, with Pamela and the doctors support, we stayed and had our workup done. Upon return to Canada, we took all the labwork, Xrays and specimens to our doctor and he was very impressed with the excellent workup that we received in Puerto Vallarta. This greatly expedited the process here in Ontario.

Nobody wants to get sick away from home. But to have experienced the medical system in Puerto Vallarta with the help of Pamela Thompson and the medical team we had, we could not have been in better hands anywhere else in the world.

No words can express how grateful we are to have been treated so well. Next year we will have a Fiesta with our new friends to give thanks for a great life.