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Based in the hospital district in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica Hospital Metropolitano is very much family hospital.

There are larger hospitals in Costa Rica who have made it their goal to focus on attracting the wealthiest of patients however, Dr. Felipe Herrera – the son of the founder of the hospital – explained how they are focusing on providing affordable surgeries to middle class patients in Costa Rica.

Hospital Metropolitano does not handle very complex surgeries and does not have an intensive care unit, they focus on low to medium complexity type procedures like hip and knee replacements, some general surgeries, cosmetic surgery and they have their own in-house laboratory which guarantees quick results.

Dr. Felipe’s father, Dr. Roberto Herrera (who did his residency in the USA) used to be in charge of administration at Hospital CIMA and as you walk around Hospital Metropolitano meeting their staff, you’ll bump into many ex-CIMA staff including the CFO and the COO.

Hospital Metropolitano – Safe and affordable.

Many of the most experienced surgeons in the country who previously worked only at Hospital CIMA in Escazu are now also using the excellent – but more affordable – operating room facilities at Hospital Metropolitano.

This means you save your hard earned money and you can sleep well at night knowing that you can still have the best Doctors in Costa Rica working.. READ MORE

A popular destination, Escazu is a prime suburb of San Jose located around seven kilometers from the centre of  Costa Rica’s capital city. Escazu, which is regarded as one of the most ‘upscale’ areas just outside of San Jose, features three neighbourhoods within its borders, San Antonio de Escazu, Escazu Centro, and San Rafael de Escazu, and is an excellent place for tourists to visit, easily accessible from all major highways and offering everything visitors could need in terms of both accommodation and entertainment, including bars and restaurants, pharmacies, nightlife, banks, grocery stores, a car wash and even an English cinema.

The suburb even offers a modern shopping mall in the form of Multi Plaza, considered to be one of the biggest such malls in the hole of Central America, as well as a country club, eighteen hole golf course and several bowling alleys. Another attraction for many Western tourists will be that many of the people in the Escazu area speak English, yet the area remains distinctly Costa Rican in nature, with its narrow streets, old fashioned ambience, local restaurants and soda stores, and of course that distinctive and typical laidback Tican lifestyle.

The climate is moist tropical, and many of the locations in the area are very highly prized for their extremely scenic outlook. All in all, Escazu is a peaceful, attractive and very relaxed place for tourists to visit, with a welcome dose of luxury and modern life for the Costa Rican traveler in need of a mild reminder of at least some of the comforts of home.

Costa Rica rental homes

With the present situation the way it is, many boomers face the prospect of working the rest of their lives, living without dignity or outliving their money. One viable solution is to move abroad to a country like Costa Rica where boomers can save money on: medical expenses, public transportation, an apartment can be rented for well under $1000, utility bills are because you don’t need heat or air condition in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, hired help is less than $20 per day, and a movie costs $3, to name a few things. A $2,000 Social Security check is a almost a millionaire’s salary here. Moving here definitely deserves consideration given the serious situation in the U.S.

Here is the situation in a nutshell.
“The economy’s finally bouncing back, and many Americans are starting to feel a bit more optimistic. But the nation’s biggest population group remains in a recessionary funk.”

“The first of the baby boomers–the post-war Americans born between 1946 and 1965–start to hit retirement age in 2011. And they’re not coasting gracefully into the golden years. The entire nation, of course, lost its spunk during the recession that lasted from 2007 to 2009. But the once-upbeat baby boomers seem to be taking the longest to shake off the blues. According to surveys by the Pew Research Center, 80 percent of boomers say they’re dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country, a higher proportion than any other age group, younger or older.”

“The Great Recession clearly hit baby boomer retirees at a vulnerable time, when they were close to retirement or at least should have been preparing for it. They got hammered by the recession. More than any other age group, baby boomers feel their long-term prospects were damaged by the recession. More baby boomers, for instance, say they’ve lost money on investments and endured damage to their household finances than any other group. Household net worth is still down about $9 trillion from peak levels of 2007, thanks to huge losses in home equity and stock markets still down about 20 percent from the 2007 high.”

“Unemployment is lower among baby boomers than other groups, but it can be particularly grueling on the unlucky boomers who lost their jobs–especially those without a college education. Unemployment, on average, lasts about 45 weeks for those 55 and older, which is 12 weeks longer than for younger job seekers. And unemployed boomers in declining industries like manufacturing or construction may never find work again in the fields where they spent their careers. Younger workers in that kind of predicament have an easier time getting new training, moving if necessary, and convincing employers to hire them. Doing that when you’re 55 or 60 is daunting.”

“They’re poorly prepared for retirement. Many baby boomers thought rising home values would anchor their retirement plans, one reason the savings rate plummeted over the last decade. The housing bust–which has driven home values down by more than 30 percent nationwide–wrecked that idea. And far fewer boomers have a guaranteed pension plan than in prior generations, which is likely to leave millions of Americans on the cusp of retirement in a huge hole.”

“The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College estimates that 51 percent of people between 55 and 64 will face lower living standards once they retire, mainly because they lack the financial resources to maintain their current habits. Many boomers will keep working well past retirement age, if they can find jobs. About 60 percent of Americans between 50 and 61 say they plan to retire later than they planned. And 35 percent of those 62 and older say they’ve already delayed retirement.”

“They sense national decline. America was still on the rise when boomers came of age in the 1960s and ’70s. It doesn’t feel that way any more. Washington politicians mount loud arguments but… READ MORE

Costa Rica Vacation Rentals

Costa Rica Real Estate for sale by owners

Jan, a Colorado native of 49 years and a Greeley resident for six, found herself in a difficult situation after she was figuratively “fired” from by her third dentist. Jan suffers from trypanophobia, defined as an irrational fear of medical procedures, and that includes injections, tools and syringes that are commonly found in a dental office. Studies have found that roughly 10% of Americans suffer from this phobia recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, the condition made it extremely difficult for Jan to receive the dental care and supervision she so desperately needed.

“I suffer from severe trypanophobia and am terribly afraid of injections, needles, pain or any situation involving those. Unfortunately, I’ve received numerous dental procedures which, inexplicably, had to be repeated, sometimes several times, with the result that pain never stopped following treatment. I saw another dentist and endodontist who informed me I would need to have all the dental work repeated over again. Naturally, I was disheartened.”

After experiencing repetitive dental procedures and extreme costs for those treatments in the United States, Jan was understandably concerned about finding a dentist who could deal with her dental problems that didn’t lead her into bankruptcy. After being informed that the latest round of first phase treatment for her dental issues would cost a minimum of ,000, Jan took to heart stories told by her friends of their dental treatment excursions to other countries.

Several of Jan’s friends related to her their experiences receiving dental treatment in other countries – individuals who were very happy with their treatments, costing a fraction of the same procedures and treatments in the United States. One of the destinations that received the most enthusiastic response and feedback was Costa Rica.

After accessing PlacidWay.com, a medical tourism portal developed by CEO Pramod Goel of Denver, Colorado, Jan researched her options and found several providers who could possibly help her obtain the quality yet caring dental care she was looking for.

After engaging in days of online research and eventually learning that Costa Rica’s dentistry programs were rated among the finest in the world, Jan had short-listed Wellness Dental, a facility in San Jose, Costa Rica. She researched their credentials and learned that Dr. Delfin Barquero was a professor at the University of Costa Rica and a prosthodontics and dental esthetic expert with a private practice in two Costa Rica locations – San Jose and Jaco Beach. Extra diligent regarding her research, she verified that Dr. Barquero was a member of the American Dental Association, belonged to the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas and was a lecturer at the 3M ESPE (Dental products and materials provider) in Seefeld, Germany.

She sent Dr. Delfin Barquero of Wellness Dental e-mail explaining her situation and past history. To her pleasant surprise, Dr. Barquero immediately placed a telephone call to Jan, and subsequently returned her every e-mail and phone call, taking the time to answer her questions no matter how trivial she felt them to be.

When all was said and done, Jan received over ,000 of comparable dental work for a fraction of the cost (less than one quarter) in Costa Rica. Comfortable with her research, and after receiving a free quote on what the trip, including medical care would cost, Jan made travel arrangements to travel to Costa Rica. She was very impressed with the excellent treatment and concern by the staff at Wellness Dental upon her arrival.

Addressing a multitude of unexpected issues regarding Jan’s dental problems, Doctors Barquero and Vargas tackled each problem with professionalism and patience, and even made house calls to her hotel room. According to Jan, “I received the most advanced, perfectly executed, world-class dental treatment I have ever seen, by the most wonderful, talented team of specialists I could ever imagine.” The bio dental care Jan received from Wellness Dental in Costa Rica alleviated years of nagging pain that had left her dentists in the U.S. perplexed and unable to help her, even after nearly 10 years  of treatments, two extracted teeth and a growing reluctance to put herself through the “dental mill” once again.

“The understanding and compassion, I received from not only Dr. Barquero but the entire medical and hotel staff during my stay was phenomenal. I will return to Costa Rica every time I need dental work from now on,” says Jan.

Health and wellness medical tourism is rapidly growing into an increasingly competitive global industry.  These days, the growing need for affordable healthcare has increased options for treatments and procedures across local borders. One such facility called Wellness Dental in Costa Rica, offers to South of the Border convenience as well as luxurious accommodations to medical travelers seeking affordable cosmetic dentistry and dental procedures.

PlacidWay, a medical tourism resource and industry leader, provides up-to-date, accurate information and resources regarding the medical, health and wellness travel industry, and provides profiles of international providers, treatments and procedures.

Jan’s experiences mirror those of thousands of Americans who have taken advantage, and cheaper prices in regard to global medical options. Cheaper doesn’t equate to lower quality services. On the contrary, returning medical travelers to points around the globe have been and will continue to be impressed with the state-of-the art technology, expertise and quality of care they have received during their travels. Perhaps such competition is exactly what the medical health industry needs these days, when confidence in the American health care system has been shaken by the Health Care Reform agenda in recent months. Jan is certainly a believer – just ask her about it!

A, Davincis Dental Designers Group are a member of ADA (American Dental Association), America’s leading advocate for oral health. Check out Wellness Dental Group, Costa Rica, for your cosmetic dental needs and enjoy the benefits of getting your teeth capped, whitened or fixed while enjoying one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Your own retreats after medical procedures- Costa Rica rentals…

Resource

It was Costa Rica’s best-kept secret. I first scouted here three years ago. I fell in love with the setting, and the scenery. I enjoyed good food, and good company.

It reminded me of lake country in Europe…from the dramatic, rich green landscape, the warm bread and crisp pastries in the little Austrian bakery, to the mini Swiss village on one side of the lake.

I couldn’t believe just how affordable property was here, either. Only a handful of expats had discovered this location, and they preferred to keep it to themselves. But word is starting to get out slowly about this hidden gem…

At International Living’s conference in Costa Rica in August 2010, this place stole the show. Some attendees toured the area before the conference. They liked what they saw…and they couldn’t keep it to themselves. We should have had two small tours of the area, one before the conference and one afterwards. That soon turned into four bigger tours…and a lot of excitement. There’s something special about this location…

We’re talking about Arenal, in north central Costa Rica. It’s Costa Rica’s lake country, and it ticks all the right boxes for a growing number of expats and retirees. The weather hovers in the high-70s year round. There’s enough rain to keep the landscape fresh and green.

Arenal often reminds visitors of Lake Tahoe…without the crowds. If you love hiking, swimming, windsurfing, fishing, boating, bird watching, horse riding, or kayaking…this place is paradise. It’s a secret part of Costa Rica, where you’ll find gourmet food, good company, and property prices that seem to belong in a history book.

But the secret’s slowly getting out…as more expats, retirees and property buyers uncover this hidden corner of Costa Rica.

Lakes, Rivers, Waterfalls, and Hot Springs

Let’s start with the natural beauty. It’s easy when you have the right ingredients: the country’s largest lake (33 square miles), a lush landscape of soft rolling hills, lofty mountains, and a towering volcano. For much of the year, only fishermen and sailors break Lake Arenal’s mirror-smooth surface; for a few months, stronger lake breezes bring in windsurfers.

The sharply pointed cone of the volcano reaches 5300 feet. It’s live. That means a spectacular fiery display most evenings…and hot springs. Resorts offer a choice of outdoor pools, with different water temperatures, swim-up bars, and spa treatments–a perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.

The thermal water has reputed healing powers, and the volcanic mud is great for deep cleansing. There are a number of hotels that offer a variety of treatments…or you can simply soak contentedly outdoors in the heated water and relax.

Throw in crashing waterfalls, deep caverns, and misty cloud forests…and a total of 790 square miles of conservation area, parks and reserves…and “unspoiled paradise” sums this place up.

A Warm Welcome is Waiting…

The expat group in Arenal is small, but very active, and welcoming to newcomers. They meet regularly, often at the Gingerbread Hotel. Once you’ve dined here, you’ll know why. The chef, Eyal, serves delicious, fresh, gourmet food. He prefers to use locally sourced products. On the taste front, his food ranks alongside the top restaurants in Europe or the US…and at much more wallet-friendly prices. It’s by far the best food in Costa Rica.

And Now for the Bargains

The bargain-basement real estate is as mouth-watering as the food. Local-style three bed homes start at $55,000. For $179,000, you get 15 acres of jungle, rivers, pasture, and a small house. A well-maintained 2-bed home in a private community is on the market for $89,000. A home with its own private lake set in two and a half acres is…                READ MORE

Costa Rica Retirement

The rain massage, also known as a light-spray massage, is a sheer shower of pleasure. As you comfortably lie on a table, your body is caressed with fine droplets of heated water from a row of jets at a temperature most comfortable for you while you receive a massage from one of our massage therapist.

Our team all certified massage therapists and spa specialists carry a sense of gratitude and taking care of others. Extensive research from many disciplines has gone into our treatments to provide you with the best possible spa experience. Yoga classes are taught by professionally trained instructors and provide standard yoga instruction. The time and duration of the class is determined by the individual clients depending on their preferences.

We are dedicated to helping your find the balance between inner and outer health, leading to true happiness, serenity and rejuvenation. Located on an exclusive estate on the Southwest coast of Costa Rica, our spa blends traditional and modern treatments from around the world with the beauty and bounty of the surrounding rain forest. In the spirit of feng shui and influenced by Asian architecture, our spa is a beautifully finished sanctuary that will feel like you’ve entered a temple… Costa Rica Yoga

Costa Rica Spas

Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

WELLNESS, ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND RECOVERY CLINICS

Costa Rica ranks first in Latin America for the development of curative and preventative diseases. As you might then expect, there are numerous centers devoted to health, such as spas, gyms and a growing number of Wellness, Alternative Medicine and Recovery Clinics in Costa Rica.

The country is becoming the place to be for recuperating after surgery, drug treatment, strength training, weight loss and general rehabilitation, with specialists devoted to a long-term plan for patients’ future well-being as well as just the short-term solution to immediate problems. All aspects of a person’s life, from their emotional well-being, to their physical and mental health, to their spiritual beliefs and values are considered taken into account when preparing for the holistic healing that is offered.

Not that these places dismiss conventional medicine entirely, quite the contrary but by offering advice on alternative medical care, behaviour modification, education, exercise and nutrition counselling, they provide anyone interested with a good grounding in other ways to live and take control of their lives and health. Certainly, for the healing and recuperation that needs to take place after any kind of surgery, these places are much more appealing than remaining in a cold, sterile hospital.

SPAS AND RESORTS

There are over five hundred spa resorts in Costa Rica, combining… Costa Rica medical tourism

Are you considering:
- Moving to Costa Rica?
- Living in Costa Rica?
- Retiring in Costa Rica? Or…
- Even Working in Costa Rica?

If so, then this videos are made for you! If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” then this video will provide volumes of priceless information to help you assess the country and make informed decisions.

The best and most innovative part of this one hour video is that you will watch over 30 minutes of personal interviews – people just like you who have taken the challenge to move to a foreign land and adopt a new and more relaxed lifestyle.

Click on the sample interview below and see why this real person (not an actor), made the move to live, work and retire in Costa Rica and how he felt about it. Visit our web site for more sample video interviews of real people and their reason for choosing Costa Rica for retirement.

To create an informative video resource for those wishing to move, live, work or retire in Costa Rica. This video is dedicated to the ever growing number of people who are discovering Costa Rica as the perfect place to live, retire or even work. It is our hope that this DVD will help you make an informed decision by viewing the wonders of Costa Rica, enriching yourself with facts and figures, and especially viewing the four testimonials of foreigners that have successfully made the move.

Our Costa Rica Retirement Video contains no advertising or endorsements of any products, services or individuals.Read more Our video is intended as an independent and objective information source about living and retiring in Costa Rica…

Costa Rica Retirement Videos