75% OR MORE SAVINGS COMPARED TO U.S. VETS

We all know that medical costs for humans in the United States are out of control. But, what about the cost of veterinary care? Living, in Mexico, with 3 dogs and 2 cats is something I could not afford in the U.S. – the vet bills would kill me. I don’t know how ya’all can afford, in these difficult times, the prices U.S. veterinarians charge.

Case in point: A client of mine, who resides in Northern California, called to ask if I knew a good veterinarian in Ensenada. His dog had a badly fractured leg that required surgery and the placement of a temporary pin while healing. The quote from his vet was $3,500.00.

I explained to my client that I, not only had a good vet; I had a past president of the College of Veterinary Medicine. A graduate of the most prestigious veterinary school in Mexico (UNNAM University in Mexico City). And, practicing medicine for 30 years. A general Veterinarian and surgeon.

My veterinarian, or I should say my pets’ veterinarian, of twenty years, is Doctora (Dr.) Maria Luz Hernandez Villela. She is “Beba” to all of her friends, colleagues and clients. Beba is, quite simply, the best animal doctor I have ever known – on either side of the border. She charged my client $480.00 for the three and one half hour surgery.

That is correct – $480.00 as opposed to $3,500. An 85% savings that included operating room charges, anesthesia and two surgeons. Dr. Roman Ramos collaborated with Beba in performing the surgery.

These two, skilled professionals, spent three and one half hours to complete the complex surgical procedure – a total of seven medical hours.. The difference in fees, of course, is based on the Mexican market as opposed to the U.S. market. But, there is another factor in this equation. These vets place their love of animals ahead of their pocket books.

In September of this year (2009), Dr. Beba and six other colleagues donated a weekend to spay 100 dogs in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur. And, plan to repeat the process on the island of Cedros, off the Baja coast, in the coming months. The pet owners are poor families that could not afford to neuter their dogs otherwise.

Beba devotes hundreds of hours each year, treating animals who would not otherwise receive treatment. She also works tirelessly to conserve endangered species like the Baja deer..

I mentioned Beba’s service as president of the college of Veterinarians. This was also unpaid volunteer work. Motivated by her zeal to provide the best continuing veterinary education possible. Throughout her career, she has organized international conferences to bring “state of the art” veterinary training to her colleagues in Baja California and the rest of Mexico.

Dedicated doctors, like Beba, Dr. Roman Ramos and Dr. Norma Fernandez, provide competent care to pets whose owners, oftentimes, can afford to pay very little or nothing at all.
For a variety of cultural and economic reasons, the demand for Veterinary care in Mexico is miniscule when compared to the United States. Therefore, it is undervalued. Proof positive are the three legged dogs you see everywhere in Mexico.

It is accepted as fact, among educated Mexicans: if you want to be a vet, in Mexico, you do not enter this profession for the money but for the love of animals.

I want to thank all the great vets in Ensenada who have provided such wonderful treatment to my pets and “foster pets” (estimates of 20 or more animals). Gracias, for keeping me out of the doggy poor house. I salute you and all my babies do too.

PAWS UP!

Doctor Beba can be contacted by calling:
Cell phone – 011 52 1 646 1941127

Doctor Roman Ramos and Norma Fernandez have their animal clinic & pet supplies (Arco de Noe) at: address- Cortez and Mexico Streets – next door to Pemex gas station. Tel. 011
52 646 1941127

Better known as PIWI, Dr Rafael has been a friend for 18 years. My ex wife Maribel, who suffered from severe vision problems, introduced us. I realized, from the beginning of my relationship with PIWI, that he is a good and caring person. He was enormously generous in treating Maribel. Providing lenses at his cost, or at no charge, knowing that her income limited treatment options.

Dr. Rafael, a native of Ensenada, has practiced Optometry here for 35 years. This “Ask the Doctor” column is committed to introducing our readers to the best treatment professionals in Baja. A must criteria for featuring a professional is board certification and membership in their respective professional academy or association. This assures our readers that the care giver is current in “state of the art” practices and technology. Rafael, in addition to being a respected member of the National Academy of Optometrists, was chosen to represent Mexico in the Optometry Congress of Latin America.

Another criteria for our recommending a professional for treatment is the ability to communicate in English and testimonials from English speaking patients. Not only does Dr. Rafael speak fluent English, he has a great sense of humor. I always leave an encounter with PIWI with a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart. I especially like “getting him started” on the subject of Mexican politicians. The man is hysterical. I asked him why he was best known for his nickname Piwi. He said that as a kid he was shorter and fatter than the rest and was given that name. Instead of resenting the name he adopted it as his own. This speaks volumes to me about the character of the man who still wears a 1960’s Beatles style haircut and has the heart to laugh at himself.

In addition to having a good time in his office, the service is always excellent. Since PIWI has his own lab, your lenses can be ready in the time it takes to have a good lunch in one of Ensenada’s great restaurants, a short walk from his office on First Street (Lopez Mateos). We emphasize in this space, the importance of advanced equipment technology when selecting a medical professional. Ask Dr. Piwi about his equipment and he will proudly show you his computerized glaucoma analyzer and complete array of diagnostic equipment- all state of the art. Another “optics” advantage for Ensenada, that no other city in Mexico can boast, is The Augen Optical Company. Respected as one of the world’s finest optical companies, Augen is headquartered in Ensenada. The three minute proximity, of Dr. Piwi’s office to the Augen plant, is a definite advantage in providing exotic lens requirements quickly and inexpensively.

In these tough economic times, an important criteria for selecting an Optometrist is price. Like all medical related products, eye glass frame suppliers use a two tiered pricing system. One for Mexico and a higher tier for U.S. professionals. Whether hip replacement prosthesis, prescription medicines or eye glass frames, manufacturers charge Mexican professionals substantially less for the same product. That price differential is reflected in the designer frames offered by PIWI at 30% less that the same frame purchased from a U.S. Optometrist.

Frame choices, in Dr. Rafael’s office, provides the most complete array you will find anywhere on either side of the border: Fendi, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren – whatever your fashion choice, PIWI can supply it. He has a 1500 eye glass frame inventory, including an Ensenada exclusive for the new micromega .09 gram frames. Available in either titanium or gold . If you already have a lens prescription, PIWI will provide traditional eye ware or contacts at a substantial savings. You will be leaving his office in Beverly Hills style at Wal Mart prices.

My orthopedist for 15 years, he has protected me from unnecessary surgeries due to injuries sustained in extreme sports competition. Injuries most surgeons were eager to “put a knife too”.

Dr. Palacios is accredited by the Mexican board of Orthopedics and founder of the Ensenada Society of Orthopedics. In addition to his Mexican credentials, he is recognized by the Sharp Institute for Orthopedics in San Diego, California..

As an old, and getting older, athlete – the loss of cartilage has plagued me with arthritic problems. I asked Dr. Palacios to address the subject of arthritis because most seniors, like myself, have suffered some form of the condition. Dr. Palacios is recognized as an outstanding orthopedic care giver on both sides of the border. And his fees for service are half what is charged by surgeons north of the border.

Osteoarthritis: A common Ailment

Osteoarthritis is caused by chronic inflammation and the wearing away of joints. The most frequently affected are: knees, hips, shoulders and the spinal column. The prevalence and capacity to cause incapacitation and even invalidism makes this a socially important disease.
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. The loss of cartilage between the bones in joints, left untreated, will eventually lead to joint replacement.
Initial treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on the lifestyle factors predisposing the patient to the condition and non surgical intervention. Being overweight and lacking appropriate exercise are major priorities for prescribing preventive care.

The aid of anti inflammatory medicines, taken orally or topically is another “first line” of defense. And daily use of glucosamine will help to partially protect cartilage over time. In some cases the injection of cortisone in the joint will relieve symptoms of the condition.

Osteoarthritis is a gradual deterioration of the joints and surrounding skeletal system and often leads to surgical intervention depending upon the patients age, lifestyle, and preferential medical options.

Surgical procedures include the following:

Arthrodesis: a bone fusion to relieve pain, usually in the ankles, wrists, fingers and thumbs. Two bones forming a joint are joined together. The resulting fused joint loses flexibility. However, it can bear weight better, is more stable and is no longer painful.

Arthroscopy: Using a thin tool, with a light at the end, the surgeon can see directly into the joint through a small incision. The arthroscope is connected to a closed-circuit television to view degree of damage: torn meniscus cartilage (the cartilage disk in between the two articular surfaces of a joint), articular cartilage debris, synovial or joint lining tissue and ligaments. Repair is done most often in this procedure for knees and shoulders.

Arthroplasty: the rebuilding of joints. This can be done by resurfacing or relining the ends of bones when cartilage has worn away and bone has been destroyed.

Osteotomy: the correction of bone deformity. Ideally for patients with misalignment of certain joints and mild osteoarthritis. Osteotomy can correct weight-bearing joints of the knee. Also useful for unilateral hip osteoarthritis for patients too young for a total hip replacement.

Resection: the removal of part or all of a bone. When diseased joints in the foot make walking very painful and difficult, or to remove painful bunions. Resection on part of the wrist, thumb or elbow can help improve function and relieve pain.

Revision Joint Surgery: Replacement of artificial joints and damaged bone with special plastic and metal parts. Necessary when a previous joint replacement wears out.

Synovectomy: the removal of the synovium or tissues lining the joints. Reduces pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis and prevents or slows down the destruction of joints.

Total joint replacement: the removal of damaged bone or joint tissue replaced with metal, ceramic and plastic parts. Used for many years with excellent results, especially for knees and hips. Other joints, such as shoulders, elbows and knuckles, may also be replaced. This surgery has enabled many people who were severely disabled to become more active.
A year ago, I became the recipient of a double hip replacement. Two months after my operation I resumed my triple five workout: running five kilometers with a 500 foot elevation five days a week.
I feel great and I suffered for years before visiting my good friend and doctor- Francisco (Pancho) Palacios. Go see him, you’ll be glad you did.

Breast reconstruction surgery in the United States costs between twenty and twenty five thousand dollars. Mastectomy surgery is typically covered by insurance but reconstruction is often excluded.

In Ensenada, Baja California a more labor intensive and caring approach to breast cancer is being offered that results in better treatment, fewer traumas and a superior breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction in Baja California costs between five and seven thousand dollars, that represents close to an 80% savings.

Women, who’s self esteem and sometimes even their marriages are crumbling because reconstruction is prohibitively expensive, now have an affordable solution. For those that cannot afford the five to seven thousand dollar tab (includes hospital and all other related costs), financing is available.

You say: “Yeah sure, I’m going to a roach infested, border town hospital and let some Mexican surgeons with dirty instruments cut on me.” Since my name is Jose I know which way you don’t want to go.

After five years of researching comparative border care I can state that Ensenada, Tijuana and Mexicali do not take a medical back seat to San Diego. Hospitals, operating rooms, and medical/dental offices are equipped with state of the art technology and treatment modalities. The care givers are well trained and committed to providing the best treatment available anywhere.

Intrigued by the difference in costs for breast reconstruction I began interviewing doctors, breast cancer support group leaders and victims of breast cancer. My data supports the premise that breast cancer treatment and reconstruction surgery in Baja California is often superior to stateside treatment and surgery.

A case in point is a breast cancer and reconstruction team headed by a French plastic and reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Francois Gouin. Yes, you read that right, a French surgeon practicing in Mexico. More about him later, his treatment concept is the important issue. The doctor’s approach is to involve a cancer specialist, the surgeon performing the mastectomy, a radio therapist, a chemo therapist, a pathologist, sometimes a psychologist and himself prior to any surgeries.

Gouin’s team does not use breast implants, they use natural tissue, usually from the woman’s midsection (a tummy tuck is a bonus). The result is a more natural breast, both to the touch and appearance. Medically there is less risk of body rejection and future problems common to breast implants.

The team disagrees with a common U.S. procedure which is getting pre approval for breast removal. In the case of obvious cancer, during the biopsy surgery, the woman awakens to a loss of her breast, a fear that the cancer will spread and the stressful decisions regarding treatment alternatives. Gouin feels this approach is cruel and not in the best interest of the patient. His team only performs a “biopsy only” surgery first. If the biopsy is positive a three day thorough laboratory analysis is conducted to profile the type and size of the cancer. Only then do they feel confident in recommending the best treatment plan. The team then considers all the treatment alternatives: chemo therapy, radio therapy, surgery and reconstruction. A specific and well-debated plan for that patient’s unique needs.

This two step approach also allows the patient to be involved in her own treatment plan decision making. As mentioned earlier, Gouin also utilizes psychologists, experienced in treating breast cancer patients, when appropriate or requested. If surgery is a treatment alternative, the plastic surgeon, cancer specialist and mastectomy surgeon confer on how to best perform the surgery. The objective is removal of the cancer with a procedure that will enhance reconstruction.

Gouin insists that a plastic surgeon should always be part of the breast or tumor removal surgery. The manner and type of incision the surgeon makes for cancer removal greatly affects reconstruction results: ranging anywhere from making reconstruction nearly impossible to a breast almost identical to the original.

In some instances the cancer removal, if only a small lesion, can be combined with reconstruction surgery. The woman awakens from the mastectomy with an already reconstructed breast. In attitude studies among breast reconstruction patients, more than 70% of the women felt that they were not healed until the breast was reconstructed. Dr. R. Rouger, a psychiatrist who has treated mastectomy patients, says: “Reconstruction allows a woman to leave her existence as a patient and return to her life as a woman.”

I believe the U.S. medical system has not given enough importance to the psychological impact a mastectomy has for a woman. Maybe it is because Mexico’s medical community are more “Latino caring” and less medically efficient. It is more efficient to use an implant, it is more efficient to remove the breast at the biopsy stage. Efficiency is of the utmost importance when a day in the hospital exceeds one thousand dollars for the room alone. In Mexico you could stay in a hospital for a month for less than a one day stay in the States and receive better care. Cardio Med hospital in Ensenada is where Gouin and team do most of their surgeries. The nurse to patient ratio at this ultra modern facility, with only private rooms, is one nurse to every two patients.

There are 100,000 retirees residing in Northern Baja and their approval rating for medical and dental care is reflected in the waiting rooms of local physicians and dentists. English speaking doctors and dentists in Ensenada estimate that 35% (low estimates) to 95% (high estimates) of their patients are U.S. retirees. They could drive 70 miles North to cross the border for Medicare or an HMO but prefer their Ensenada physician or dentist whose office visits cost less than the gas to travel to San Diego.

The largest medical consumer group in Baja California are of course the three to four million Mexicanos who live in this wealthier of Mexican states. Tijuana’s per capita income is slightly higher than that of San Diego. Comparing education levels, the residents in TJ also score higher. A socio economic group who have medical options. They could go to the state socialist medical system at no cost or use the private medical system, which treats 30% of the nation’s wealthier citizens. The private system has to be especially caring in order to compete with the state run system and the nearby San Diego medical community.

Baja California specialists often refer Mexicano patients to specific treatment programs unavailable in Mexico. Scripps Hospital, Alvarado Medical Center and U.C.S.D Opthamologists refer certain patients for laser surgery in Tijuana . There, a type of laser that is pending FDA approval in the States, is successfully treating thousands of U.S. citizens annually. The patient has the choice of going to Canada or Mexico to correct their extremely poor vision or cope with coke bottle thick lenses.

Good medicine is good medicine and has nothing to do with borders. Francois Gouin is a good example. He received his plastic surgery specialty in Paris under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Tessier, the father of craneofacial surgery. Fifty five percent of Dr. Gouin’s patients travel from the United States, Canada and Europe to be treated in Ensenada.

So whether it is breast reconstruction, dental implants, RK or any other elective surgery that you, the consumer, must pay for I suggest you compare the care and costs in Baja. I have and I can tell you that it will be at least 70% less expensive than the same treatment alternative in the United States. If the physician or dentist has U.S. patients you can talk to as a reference (they do not resent you asking) you can assure yourself of excellent care

OUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS COLUMN IS: DR. Ruben H. Chanes, Periodontist (a specialist in gum disease). Doctor Chanes also has a specialty in dental implants.

Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting three out of four individuals sometime in their lives.

Question: Dr. Chanes can you help us define “gum disease”?

Answer: Gum disease begins with Gingivitus: The gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Often caused by poor oral hygiene, it is reasonably easy to treat by a periodontist and good oral home care. If left untreated it can lead to periodontitus, and with time problem can spread to below the gum line.

The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.

Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. However, eventually, teeth can become loose and may require removal.

Q. Aside from poor oral hygiene are there other causes of gum disease?

A. There is a whole list of causes: diabetes, aids, smoking or chewing tobacco, stress habits such as clenching or grinding of teeth, hormone change during pregnancy, some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, steroids, epilepsy drugs and cancer fighting drugs.

Q. Left untreated, what are the consequences of periodontal disease?

A. A buildup of bacterial plaque is the enemy of healthy gums. If it is not removed, it hardens into a rough porous deposit called calculus or “tartar”. Toxins produced by the bacteria destroy supporting tissues around the teeth. Gums pull away from the teeth forming periodontal pockets or “gum pockets”. These pockets fill with more plaque , food, dried cells from the gum, bone and root surface, forming puss. As the disease progresses untreated, the pockets grow deeper. Plaque moves further down the roots of the teeth. Bone that supports the teeth may be permanently damaged . Untreated, the teeth can become loose and eventually lost.

Q. I have heard that gum disease can be contagious, is that true?

A. Recent studies have provided convincing evidence that transmission of periodontal pathogens occurs among spouses and between parents and their children.

Q. Left untreated, can gum diseases lead to other health problems beyond periodontal specific disease?

A. When horse traders buy an animal the first thing they check are the horse’s teeth and gums. This is the best indicator of how healthy the animal is in general. The same is true for the human animal. Research tends to support that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke. In pregnant women, the evidence suggest that 18% of low birth weight, among newborns, is caused by gum disease afflicting the mother. In addition, gum disease can affect your social, professional and sex life. Chronic halitosis is probable with gum disease.

Q. How is gum disease diagnosed?

A. The Periodonist will inspect the color and firmness of the gums and test teeth for looseness.

Also, a revision will be made to determine how your teeth fit together when you bite. A measuring instrument called a periodontal probe will be used to measure the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums. An X Ray exam is also important to evaluate the bone supporting teeth.

Q. Can any dentist treat periodontal disease?

A. A dentist who practices general dentistry can certainly diagnose signs of the disease, especially if the disease is advanced . However, Periodontists have extensive advanced training in the treatment of the disease. A minimum of two years of study beyond the DDS degree is required in both U.S. and Mexican dental schools. As a specialist they devote their careers, energy and skills to treating patients with periodontal disease. Periodontics is one of eight specialties recognized by both Mexican an U.S. dental associations.

OUR DENTAL PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS COLUMN IS:  DR. Marco Antonio Sam
DR. SAM IS A GRADUATE OF UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE MEXICO (UNAM), and  is a licensed dental surgeon and member of the Mexican Dental Association. In addition, he has Diplomats in Restorations Over Implants, (the use of  implants to anchor prosthetic dentures),  and Fixed Prosthetics Occlusion ( the practice of correcting an abnormal defect in the patients “bite”).

This past week, www.Mexicomatters.info interviewed Dr. Sam  about  how best to choose a dentist in Baja and the cost advantages of having implants done in Baja as opposed to the United States.
Question: Dr. Sam, how can a English speaking patient determine who is a qualified dentist in Baja California?
Answer:  First – ask the dentist by e mail, if not in person,  for his or her credentials.  A University degree as a dental surgeon in Mexico is the equivalent of a DDS in the United

States.  Mexican dental schools are of equal quality to those in the U.S. and hold their graduates to equal standards for qualification..
Second – ask to see the dentist’s  membership certification in  the “Associacion de Colegio de Dentistas”. The equivalent of a membership in the American Dental Association. This will provide assurance that the dentist is maintaining his continuing education requirements and is schooled in “state of the art” dental procedures. Not all dentists, whether U.S. or Mexican, adhere to the strict standards of membership in their respective  Dental Associations.

In addition to membership in the dental association, you should inquire about “Diplomados”,  a  certification in the dental specialty addressing your needs.

In the case of Dr. Sam, a specialty in Restorations Over Implants  and correction of abnormal bites.

A third qualifier should be the  ability to communicate in English and  testimonials from  U.S. or English speaking patients .  Do not be embarrassed to ask for references of any professional, regardless of country origin.

Q. Dr. Sam, what are dental implants?
A: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a specialist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.

Q. Are Ensenada dentists as well equipped to handle dental implants as dentists North of the border?

A. Answer: Absolutely, as long as the dentist meets the criteria of board certification, dental association membership and a certified specialty in implantation.   Licensing requirements in Mexico are equal to those in the United States,  as are   continuing education requirements for dental association membership.   Many Mexican dentists, like some U.S. dentists,  are licensed but not board certified.  Nor do they retain membership in the national dental association.  Therefore, they are probably not current in new modalities of treatment and dental material or  instrument innovations.

Q.  What are the advantages of having implants done in Baja as opposed to the United States.
A. First allow me to differentiate between dental procedures done in the interior  of Mexico as opposed to those here at the border.
At the border, dentists interact more with international specialists and innovators because of our proximity to the  United States.  Eighty miles from the U.S. border, we have ready access  to international dental conferences and seminars.  Access  to the latest in dental science is a given among  Ensenada dentists.
In addition,  almost all of the material we use,  as Baja dentists,  are manufactured in the U.S..  Quality of materials: fillers, prosthetics, bonding agents, esthetic enhancement products, etc. is  essential to providing high  quality  dentistry..  The  dental material and instruments used  by dentists in  California Norte are identical to those used in Baja.

Because of border proximity, material, from the U.S. is less expensive  for Baja dentists than Mexican products made by  companies located in the interior.

The most compelling reason for choosing dental implants  or any  dental procedures in  Baja is cost.  Costs for surgery  and general dentistry is  typically 40 to 60% less than in the United States. With any professional,   the qualifier of competence is typically years of experience.  I am proud to say that our implant team has enough experience same like in the U.S. on average.  My associates and I have  20  years of combined experience in providing dental implants for U.S. patients.  We have a long list of happy patients who can testify to having a positive result at about ½ the price of a dentist North of the border.

Q. Why is dental care so much less expensive in Mexico?

A: First we do not have to pay exorbitant mal practice insurance premiums.
Second the cost of rent, salaries for dental assistants,  and other dental practice employees, is a fraction of what is paid to “like” employees  in the states.
Dr. Marco Antonio Sam tel. 1783458, You can find Dr. Sam’s office at the corner of 9th & Gastelum, Ensenada Centro, 2nd floor Plaza Copacabana, look for the Nova Dent sign

Jose Perez is the founder of Mexicomatters, serving the foreign investor since 1984.
You can consult with Jose by calling 619 819 9369 U.S. Phone or 011 52 646 1766759, see our website www.mexicomatters.info
Jose email: leejose@mexicomatters.info

A U.S. citizen, I have been living full time in Mexico since 1985. My primary medical care has been provided by Mexicans: Doctors, dentists, sobador (a type of acupressure), curanderos (descendents of ancient shaman) and homegrown family “nurses”. In almost all Mexican families, one or more of the women act as first aid specialists. Treating minor health problems with a whole host of medicinal herbs to be taken orally or topologically. And injecting family members with medicines and vitamins requiring needle and syringe.

The laws regarding the distribution of medical care creates major differences between our two cultures. In Mexico you do not need a doctor’s prescription to buy most pharmaceuticals or obtain laboratory tests and X Rays. The result is more “self diagnosis and treatment”. For example: If symptoms exist indicating an infection, Mexicans will go directly to a laboratory to confirm the existence of one. If an infection is detected, the patient will most likely go to a pharmacist for the necessary antibiotic. This approach eliminates the need for a doctor visit and the accompanying costs.

If there is an injury to the muscular skeletal system, Mexican patients will most often go to an X Ray lab to determine the extent of the injury before visiting a physician. If it is simple tendonitis or contusions, without fractures or dislocation, home care is the self prescription. Anti –inflammatory medicines and natural products will be the treatment plan. If injections are required, a family “nurse” or neighbor will do the honors. Many of my Mexican friends inject themselves. Again, skipping the doctor.

This approach of bypassing the physician for simple maladies greatly reduces the cost of health care and unnecessary visits to the doctor or emergency room. I have seen no downside risks to this approach. Contraire, I find that Mexicans are taught to be more responsible in selecting treatment alternatives by first determining “what is wrong”. A common, preventive health, measure is taken when a family member is not ill but feeling a malaise – kind of a sub par health condition. A syringe filled with B 12 is purchased at the pharmacy and injected at home. I don’t know whether placebo affect or a real cure, but I have seen positive results among friends and family from this self administered treatment.

Mexican cities are like Chinese communities, herbal stores are everywhere. These natural medicines work and are prescribed by herb specialists, family members, friends, “curanderos” (descendents of shaman) and physicians as well. Mexican physicians and dentists are trained in herbal medicine, unlike their U.S. colleagues, and often prescribe them. In lieu of pharmaceuticals with negative “side affects”.

The first Spaniards arrived in Mexico in 1519. They were amazed that the Aztecs had acquired such a vast knowledge of medicinal plants. Unfortunately, six years before Cabeza de Vaca’s arrival, the Spaniards destroyed the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. And, in the process, destroyed approximately 3,000 distinct medicinal plants utilized by the natives.
Curanderos (fem. Curanderas) are found throughout Mexico and in some areas of the Southwestern United States. Still practicing shaman traditions dating back thousands of years. The word curandero comes from the word “curar” which means to heal. They are folk healers: On the material level with herbs, amulets and other natural treatments. On the spiritual level using religion, God, saints, prayers and petitions to heal.

Another Mexican healer, found in quantity, are called sobador. In Ensenada there are a dozen I know of. You can see their roadside signs as you drive through neighborhoods. Sobadores use a combination of acupressure, massage, heat and a suction method applied to painful muscle tissue. I have been successfully treated by them for muscle-tendon injuries. They often brought me immediate relief from pain.

In rural areas of Mexico, Curanderos and Sobadores are sometimes the only practitioners for miles. Like all healers, whether physician or witch doctor, there are good ones – bad ones and a few charlatans. However, I find it easier to find a good curandero or sobador as opposed to a good physician. Those who are competent are well known in their communities. Referrals are easy to come by.

So, if you need a physician, a dentist or surgeon, Baja California has the best and at 30% – 50% less cost. If you have a minor ailment, that could be treated by a natural healing alternative, or a health problem traditional medicine cannot treat, we at Mexicomatters want to help in locating a competent healer for your needs. Whether traditional or alternative. And please visit our website for other articles about medical care in Baja.