The Journal Edition # 200

Medical Tourism Special Edition • April, 2010 • Costa Rica, Central America •

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Medical Tourism Special Edition April, 20102

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Medical Tourism Special Edition April, 20104 Medical Tourism Special EditionApril, 2010 5


Stem cells are called by the ex-perts in obstetrics and gynecol-ogy as a “gift of life.” Are those primitive cells, the most basic or elementary body and are able to form any cell type in the body, which are differentiated, branch-ing and specialized systems or devices forming the body.

No one really expects that their baby or a close family member will suffer a serious illness, but when it happens it is better to be prepared for this situation, and what better way than to store your baby’s cord blood that can save your life.

One of the current benefits of hematopoietic stem cells from the umbilical cord is treating over 70 diseases that were previously considered incurable (see box) Currently, prospective parents have the opportunity to preserve stem cells from the umbilical cord blood at delivery either nat-urally or by cesarean section.

According to the gynecologist and obstetrician Dr. Cam Lin Badilla Apuy “harvesting stem cells is like life insurance for

children, siblings and even for parents, the idea is to never use it but it is there in case you need them. With a future disease, it is a great alternative for treat-ment”. Couples who have taken over this type of insurance, said Dr. Lin Badilla Cam “are people who have more concerns and are aware of technological ad-vances. Many participate on the recommendation of family and friends. “

Dr. Cam Lin believes that “a physician’s obligation to tell the couples that these options exist and there is only one time for the harvest, when the baby is born, the collection can be practiced in a vaginal delivery or cesarean just outside the placenta, is taken from the umbilical cord blood (blood rich in stem cells or prim-itive cells). “Stem cells have the ability to differentiate, for other types of cells that the body has, so they can cure various dis-eases, especially diseases of the blood, and there is talk of future regeneration of liver tissue, pan-creas regeneration , treatment for diabetes, and treatment of

diseases like Alzheimer’s.

The gynecologist, plays a vital role in this very moment, be-cause we have to make a proper collection does not just apply a good technique but taking full advantage of obtaining greater amount of blood, that mean the greater number of stem cells.

More likely to be cured: Seize this unique opportunity,

it has strong chances of cure, we are seeing now with transplants of bone cells, being highly com-patible. “Some of these diseases mentioned are rare, but when present are very serious. We know very possibility of com-patibility between brothers. “ Another important factor is that younger couples are now well-planned life, the children they want are people with some kind of profession or trade, and access to information of the highest sci-ence and technology, highlight-ed the Dr. Cam Lin.

For trasplantólogo, Dr. Ger-man Espino “There are embry-onic stem cells and adult stem cells. The former are contained in a histological structure called the “inner cell mass” which is part of the trophoblast. These are capable of giving rise to a living being if implanted un-der appropriate conditions (to-tipotentiality). They also have the ability to give rise to adult stem cells (pluripotent), which are contained in different adult tissues (hematopoietic stem cells, stem cells neurological, etc.). Both can be used to re-store diseased tissue through a procedure called a transplant. “ Dr. Espino said that the latest advances in stem cells show the potential of these cells for the treatment of not only malignan-

cy but also of an inflammatory or degenerative (multiple sclerosis). Although many are still in experi-mental stages, others are having more evidence in the scientific literature.

Benefits of Stem Cells ... “It is treating over 70 diseases that were previously considered in-curable” including:

• Anemias• Immune disorders • Leukemia• Lymphoma • Genetic disorders• Alzheimer • Parkinson• Bone marrow lesions • Diabetes Type-I• Cerebral Palsy • Heart problems• Muscular dystrophy• Tissue regeneration“Stem cells have the capacity to

become any cell that exist in our body,

helping to regenerate our tis-

sues.” Process Storage

The umbilical cord stem cells, which can be collected ONLY at the time of delivery either natu-rally or by cesarean, has a prom-ising future in regenerative medi-cine. In the human body there are several types of stem cells, which are characterized mainly because cells that have the potential to be replicated to help tissue regenera-tion. There are two types:

Mesenchymal: They have the ability to transform into cells that form tissues such as bone, carti-lage, muscle, tendons, ligaments. Be very useful to regenerate tis-sue affected by some diseases. Hematopoietic: These are capable of forming all cellular elements of blood such as red blood cells carrying hemoglobin and carry oxygen to all tissues of the body, white blood cells that fight infec-tion, the lymphocytes that are es-sential for responses immunolog-ical and creating antibodies and finally the platelets to the coagu-lation process.

Source: Dr. Espino Trasplantólo-go. * The trasplantólogo is re-sponsible for deciding if stem cells are used in treating a dis-ease. He also works closely with the medical technologist to moni-tor the process of obtaining stem cells is optimal.

Having made the decision to store baby’s stem cells, Cordón de Vida, will deliver a kit that is given by the parents to the doctor in the delivery room.T his kit con-tains the necessary elements for the obstetrician to intervene and savely collect the umbilical cord blood, rather than discard it. This process is completely painless and does not affect the baby or the mother. Once the kit contains the cord blood, a family member has to inform Cordón de Vida so that a representative can pick it up and send it to the laboratory for processing and storage.

This exclusive kit is designed es-pecially to keep the temperature stable, which guarantees the pro-tection of the blood and allows

the transfer to and from distant places or indoor. Thus, when the sample reaches the laboratory, performs the process of separa-tion and counting of stem cells. These cells are stored in “Cryo-bags” uniquely designed to allow in the future and thawing taking small amounts of sample and to perform compatibility testing (HLA) without sacrificing the in-tegrity of the cells.

STORY BEHIND THE STEM CELL:

The history of stem cells dates back to the 50s, when after the explosions of the atomic bomb-ings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there was an increase of fatal dis-eases of the bone marrow leading to develop treatments to replace the diseased marrow by healthy marrow. Although, at first, it was unknown what was the factor re-sponsible for re-establishing he-matopoiesis, animal studies, were key in which one could know that hematopoietic stem cells were re-sponsible for re-establishing he-matopoiesis.

HEALTH-TECHNOLOGY

“StemCellStorage..MythsandRealities”

• Treatment for more than 70 formerly incurable diseases.• Cordón de Vida, novel and safe alternative already available in Costa Rica.

For further information on 2208-1313 / 2505-5726 or the website: www.cordondevida.netE-mail: [email protected]


It is well known that a beautiful smile is a sign of wellness and self-esteem.

People who have lost their teeth by congeni-tal defects, trauma, root canal failure, severe gum disease (Periodontitis) or some other factors, often are embarrassed of smiling and even talking. They also have a hard time eat-ing their favorite foods and it can also cause other bite related problems like TMJ, muscle pain, back pain, headaches, etc.

At our office, ADULT DENTISTRY OF COSTA RICA, located in Plaza Itskatzu, Suite #201 we have the solution for your dental problems. We will do a full examina-tion with x-rays and 3D Cone Beam Tomog-raphy. Once your diagnosis is clear we will present to you a variety of treatment options and will determine what is best for you. At the same time, you can enjoy a well deserved vacation in Costa Rica.

Dr. Mario E. Garita DDS is a Specialist in Implant Dentistry. Graduated from Univer-sity of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Florida, U.S.A. He was the first implant spe-cialist in Costa Rica and is one of the few Board certified by the Costa Rican Board of Dentistry. He has more than 15 years of ex-perience in the field and is widely known for his capacity and understanding of the patient needs. He is the guide for all the other team member specialists that work around him providing top dental services in a wonderful environment.

The typical patient is the individual who expects the very best in dental cosmetic sur-gery at a fair price. This motivates our staff to be updated and give their best effort dur-ing any stage of treatment. From the first call to the final delivery of the new beautiful healthy smile. The materials and technology we use are the very best and newest on the market for the best quality results. Dr. Ma-rio’s experience is recognized and appreci-ated by many in the television industry. He is privileged to care for some very famous teeth and he knows how to give you that great smile you were meant to have.

Our office has its own laboratory with CEREC CAD/CAM technology which man-ufactures all metal free dental appliances like zirconium crowns, bridges, E-max, veneers, in-lays, overdentures, etc. This way the pa-tient can be assured that his new smile will be done with a more personal touch.

We also take care of all other needed den-tal procedures like cleanings, root canals, la-ser whitening, composite fillings, etc.

Following is a testimony of one of many happy patients:

“How I got beautiful teeth in stunning Costa Rica and saved thousands of dollars on dental work.

I was sitting in a plush leather operat-ing chair in the office of a wealthy Florida dentist, his waiting room filled with anxious patients, reception manned by three women working phones and billing.

In came the dentist, gray-haired, impecca-bly dressed, Gucci shoes and shirt, French tie matching his convertible Mercedes outside. He opened his hands wide flashed a gold Rolex, gave a little bow and with a hunter’s smile, asked “How can I help you?”

I didn’t know it yet but he would set me off on a journey of thousands of miles that would bring me to rain forests and volcanoes.

I’ve been a globe-trotting foreign corre-spondent for decades. I’d lost a tooth here and a tooth there. I remembered a dentist in a Mexican village, pumping his foot up and down on an old sewing-machine-like treadle, powering a slow drill cutting agonizingly into a now long-lost tooth. A molar had dis-appeared in Cairo to an Egyptian wearing a wine-red fez.

I realized now in Florida the years had taken their toll. I needed a lot of work.

For the next hour and a half the US den-

tist took x-rays and went over all the work I needed. Finally, with the help of an assistant, he began tallying up the cost on a large cal-culator with big bright green numbers. The total came to an unbelievable $24,000.

My wife and I were aghast.I said we’d think it over but could he please

help me first with the pain in my tooth – the reason I’d come in the first place? Could I have a temporary filling so I wouldn’t be in pain all weekend?

He checked his Rolex, frowned and said sorry, there was no time. He wanted $24,000 up front – this job was too big for payments. And yet he wouldn’t take the time to stop my pain? I decided to look elsewhere – maybe a foreign country and I would use the magic of the internet.

I’d heard somewhere that dentists were very inexpensive and good in Costa Rica, modern Mexico and South Africa. I had bad

memories of Mexican dentists. South Africa was too far away. I’d try Costa Rica.

Using the internet search engine www.google.com, I put in the key words, ‘implants and ‘Costa Rica’.

In a one-sixth of a second search the inter-net revealed that: ‘cosmetic/restorative den-tistry is a major industry in the small Central American country, that each year thousands of men and women visit San José, the capital, taking advantage of the low-cost, high-qual-ity care provided by Costa Rica’s cosmetic surgeons and dentists, that more than 14 per-cent of all visitors to Costa Rica come there for some kind of medical care’.

Featured prominently was someone known as Dr. Mario Garita, a ”world-re-nowned expert in implants’ and reconstruc-tive dental surgery”. It said he was trained at the University of Miami. Sounded good, but was the internet telling the truth?

I spoke to Garita on his cell phone. In per-fect English he told me to send my x-rays and he’d get back to me with a price.

Was he really as good as he said?My tooth was still hurting and I went to

a specialist in Fort Lauderdale who stopped the pain for one thousand dollars. He warned me not to go to Costa Rica that I’d end up with a mouthful of bad work. He told me he’d check Garita out but never did.

I bought two affordable round-trip tickets on Taca Airlines from Miami to Costa Rica and set out with my wife into the unknown world of foreign dentistry.

Dr. Garita arranged for us to stay at a small romantic Inn, a magnificent villa on a moun-tain-side overlooking all of San Jose and two volcanoes. It was run by a woman who specializes in hosting recovering dental and plastic surgery patients who said, “Why stay in a regular hotel with other guests gawking at bandages when you can recover among other patients discussing their procedures and healing more quickly?”

Next morning she drove us down to San Jose and we entered a small security-barred

and gated building on a busy street and climbed to the second floor.

There was only one girl at the desk and just one person in the waiting room, Walter Ferrari, an American from Texas. While I waited for Dr. Garita to arrive I questioned him carefully. His wife Daisy had been here before and had eleven implants at a ridicu-lously low price. He smiled and showed me his own movie star mouth shaped in San Jose and told me I’d just love Dr. Garita.

Garita was an implant specialist; his wife a cosmetic dentist, his father, a pioneer root canal specialist in Central America and a younger brother an orthodontist.

When he arrived Dr. Garita flashed a dazzling smile to my wife and took us into his office. We sat under a wall of diplomas showing he’d indeed graduated from the University of Miami Medical Center at Jack-son Memorial Hospital specializing in im-plant surgery and oral reconstruction.

His operating room contained exactly the same modern tech expensive equipment used by the ‘Rolex watch’ dentist in Florida. Garita, after taking his own high tech digital x-rays began work on me right away.

He started by making impressions of what teeth I still had, then went confidently through my mouth like a landscaper clear-ing a field, removing my failing crowns and bridges and going after tooth decay. Then he put in temporary teeth. Dr. Garita was totally relaxed and supremely confident. We came to his office for three days in a row then he told us to take a holiday in Costa Rica and come back in three more days.

We hired a driver and van who took us across the country 100 miles away on the adventurous road to Arenal Volcano. We sat back and relaxed as he dealt with winding mountain curves and soaring straight-aways past coffee plantations in the breath-taking countryside for which Costa Rica is famous.

On this rare day huge active Arenal vol-cano, which is usually covered by steam and clouds, could be clearly seen.

At its bottom was the famed Tabacon hot springs; twelve pools and several waterfalls, supplied by millions of gallons of rushing water heated by the volcano.

We joined hundreds of visitors from every country including the United States in rain-forest-surrounded hot pools and waterfalls. As we soaked in the steaming waters, years of tension melted away.

We left at dusk and began the scary drive up to our hotel Arenal Lodge. Just getting there was an adventure. The road was par-tially paved and snaked almost straight up to the top of a mountain.

We were taken to a posh room straight out of an adventure movie in Africa. A manager arrived and gently cleared out a trapped hum-mingbird. Then we leaned over our balcony and marveled at the rain forest leading up to the high volcano spewing red lava a mile or so away.

We had a romantic dinner and annoyed a family of retired American dentists by tell-ing them why we’d come to Costa Rica. But when we told them the price we were pay-ing, they were amazed. They said the same work back home in Pennsylvania, would cost $40,000.

Next morning the volcano was com-pletely covered by clouds. We breakfasted and watched in amazement as hotel work-ers placed fresh fruit on high stands for brightly colored birds. A large fur-covered raccoon-like animal came out of the jungle and begged for fruit, then ran off to hide and eat under the hotel. Later, emboldened, he climbed up the pole, scared off the birds, and ate in comfort.

We walked off on a nature tour and wound our way down the mountain path which we had been warned to stay on because of poisonous snakes. We made our way to a screened building housing lush plants and hundreds of exotic butterflies.

We went horseback riding in the rainforest with other guests, ducking under trees and wearing ponchos to keep dry.

Too soon, our driver was there to take us on the return trip to San Jose.

In his office Dr. Garita removed my tem-porary teeth and proudly brought in the new-ly-prepared crowns and bridges like a doctor holding a new-born baby. He set them one at a time inside my mouth. They fit perfectly and were much brighter than my old teeth.

The big moment came when Dr. Garita presented us with the agreed-upon bill for his services.

I’d had nine crowns, two root canals, one extraction, two bridges and two implants. And the total cost was less than $6,000. I’d saved $18,000.

We’d had a wonderful vacation and I’d re-turned with a mouthful of great teeth.

The big test came when I visited my own local dentist. He told me up front that in the United States the molded teeth alone would cost more than the entire dental work and va-cation in Costa Rica.

Then I opened wide and got his verdict.“This is the most magnificent dental work

I have ever seen,” he declared.I left smiling brightly and feeling very

clever. I had to get home right away and brush my teeth.”

So, now you know. Come visit us and give your smile a second chance.

Hey,Doyouknowwhatabeautifulhealthysmilecandoforyou?

CONTACTINFO:Phone: (506)2288-2160 (506)2288-2172USPhone:(305)517-5172E-mail:[email protected]@racsa.co.crhttp://www.dentalimplantscr.com


At Centro Fecundar Costa Rica - Panama, founded by doctors Ariel Pérez and Raúl Berbey we are cer-tified specialists in Reproductive Medicine, properly recognized by the American Society of Reproduc-tive Medicine, Costa Rica’s Medi-cal College and Panama’s Heath Ministry. We have almost ten years of experience during which, when results from both countries are put together, we have brought over 2000 babies to the world.

In our offices in San José, Costa Rica, located at Hospital CIMA San José and Avenida Escazú, we con-duct Artificial Insemination ($300) and Gamete Transfer (GIFT) ($2100) respectively, and in our office in Paitilla Medical Center in Panama City, we also treat cases of In Vitro Fertilization with Intracito-plasmic Sperm Injection ($2800).

Our In Vitro Fertilization Pro-gram is the biggest and most suc-cessful in Central America, with 507 cycles (cases) in the year 2009, with patients hailing mainly from Panama, Costa Rica and Florida (USA), however we have also re-ceived some cases from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala,

Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Antilles and Venezuela. The 278 pregnancies obtained just in 2009, set our global rate at 55%.

Our laboratories of Assisted Reproductive Technology are equipped in compliance with the guidelines of the American Soci-ety of Reproductive Medicine with Sperm Banks and Frozen Ovum in both countries. In Costa Rica we conduct intrauterine insemination and GIFT procedures with extreme precision resulting in 9 out of 10 patients get pregnant within the first four attempts.

Knowing full well that we live in an ever-changing world, we apply the most recent innovations in the field of reproductive medicine (Su-per ICSI, cytoplasmic transfer, la-ser embryo hatching, embryo glue, blastocyst and intrauterine insemi-nation with gradients among oth-ers) and we include them within the standard services in order to mini-mize costs and improve results. At Centro Fecundar you will always receive the most professional and efficient service provided by highly qualified staff in an environment of trust and understanding.

CENTROFECUNDARCOSTARICA–PANAMA

En Centro Fecundar Costa Rica - Panamá, constituido por los doctores Ariel Pérez y Raúl Berbey somos es-pecialistas certificados en Medicina Reproductiva, debidamente inscri-tos en el American Society for Re-productive Medicine, el Colegio de Médicos de Costa Rica y el Minis-terio de Salud de Panamá. Tenemos casi 10 años de experiencia en los que sumados ambos países, hemos traído al mundo a más de 2000 be-bés.

En nuestras oficinas en San José, Costa Rica, ubicadas en el Hospital CIMA San José y en Avenida Escazú, realizamos casos de inseminación artificial (inseminación intrauterina o IUI) $300 y transferencia de game-tos (GIFT) $2100 respectivamente y en nuestra oficina en el Centro Médico Paitilla, Ciudad de Panamá, resolvemos además casos de fertil-izacion in vitro (in vitro fertilization) con inyección intracitoplasmática de esperma (intracitoplasmic sperm in-jection) $2800.

Nuestro Programa de Fertilización In Vitro es el más grande y exitoso de centroamérica, con 507 ciclos (casos) en el año 2009, de pacientes provenientes principalmente de Pan-amá, Costa Rica y Florida (USA),

sin embargo también hemos recibido algunos casos de México, El Salva-dor, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicara-gua, República Dominicana, Antil-las y Venezuela. Los 278 embarazos obtenidos en sólo el 2009, cerraron nuestra tasa global en 55%.

Nuestros Laboratorios de Re-producción Asistida están equipa-dos bajo las normas de la Sociedad Americana de Medicina Reproduc-tiva con Bancos de semen y óvulos congelados, en ambos países. En Costa Rica realizamos casos de In-seminación Intrauterina y de GIFT con extremada precisión por lo que de cada 10 pacientes que acuden a nosotros 9 logran embarazo dentro de los primeros 4 intentos.

Concientes de que vivimos en un mundo cambiante, aplicamos las más recientes innovaciones de la medicina reproductiva (Super ICSI, Transferencia Citoplasmática, Laser Embryo Hatching, Embryo Glue, Blastocisto, Inseminación Intrauteri-na con gradientes entre otros) y las incluimos como standard en nuestras técnicas para mejorar resultados. En Centro Fecundar siempre obtendrá un trato profesional, calificado, serio y eficiente, en un ambiente de confi-anza y comprensión.

One in every six couples over the world suffers from fertility issues and has been attempting to achieve a pregnancy unsuccessfully for over a year. The branch of science known as Reproductive Medicine helps couples achieve their greatest desire, a child of their own.

CENTRO FECUNDAR COSTA RICA – PANAMAcentrofecundar.comSan José, Costa Rica Ph: (506) [email protected]

CENTRO FECUNDAR COSTA RICA – PANAMAcentrofecundar.comSan José, Costa Rica Tel: (506) [email protected]

Una de cada 6 parejas en el mundo sufre de problemas de fertilidad y lleva más de un año de intentar embarazo sin lograrlo. La rama de la ciencia conocida como Medicina Reproductiva ayuda a las parejas a lograr su tan anhelado objetivo, un hijo.

CostaRicaInfertilidad,GIFT

Medical Tourism Special EditionApril, 2010 15

S T R A T E G I C L O C A T I O N

J C I ACC R E D I T E D H O S P I TA L S

STATE-OF-THE - ART MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

E C O N O M I C A N D P O L I T I C A L S TA B I L I T Y

QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DESTINATION

Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E


We provide bedside to bedside service, ensuring quality and continuity of care during the transport. The Lifeguard team members take extreme pride in making each transport as smooth & uneventful as possible.

Lifeguard Transportation Service, Inc. began its full service ground operations in New Orleans, Louisiana in November of 1998 and in January of 2001 Lifeguard added its second full service transport company in Birmingham, Alabama. In January 2002 Lifeguard proudly welcomed its third ground operation to Pensacola, Florida. In February 2003 Lifeguard greeted a fourth service in Dallas, Texas and we proudly opened our 5th ground ambulance operation in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2004. In January 2006 we acquired Medic One Ambulance Service which had operations in Nashville, Knoxville & Chattanooga, Tennessee & assimilate their operations into the Lifeguard team. 2006 also saw the opening of Lifeguard’s newest operation in Atlanta, Georgia; these 2006 additions almost doubled Lifeguards operation site size, employees and customer base. In 2008, Lifeguard began operations in Mobile, AL. At every location Lifeguard continually strives to give our clients exceptional customer service partnered with compassionate patient care.

Together the Lifeguard companies operate six aircraft and one hundred twenty-five ground vehicles. Our team members consist of over 700+ medical & non-medical personnel - pilots, aircraft & vehicle mechanics, EMT’s,

Paramedics, Respiratory Therapists, Registered Nurses, Physicians, and Administration & Billing Staff.

Lifeguard began its operations in Costa Rica on August of 2008 and has grown into a reputable and reliable company. We operate six urgent care clinics in preferred tourist destinations across the Pacific coast. Our aim is to provide tourists and residents of Costa Rica with highly professional medical care and standards in many of the beautiful tourist areas.

Our clinics are staffed with bi or multi-lingual physicians, paramedics, ambulance drivers and administrative clerks. In the event of a major emergency, patients are transferred to specialized medical facilities via ambulance units located at our urgent care clinics. Lifeguard also provides on-site clinics for various job sites, as well as providing physician services to specific hotels and resorts.

We operate a total of 10 ambulances which are situated at our clinics, projects, and hotels. We also provide air transports within Costa Rica from our clinic locations and can transfer them to specialized hospitals in San Jose.

Lifeguard has created strategic alliances with local air ambulances which provide exceptional service to all our patients who require an airlift.

The fleet of aircraft available to Lifeguard includes a Bell 212, Jetstream 32, and Cessna Grand Caravan.

Lifeguard is striving to change the face of medical transport, by empowering its employees with a positive attitude; by offering its customers a variety of transport options; and by demanding that excellence and quality service be

attained in every aspect of our company. Lifeguard strives to be a leader in the medical transport industry.

Lifeguard Air Ambulance, Inc. is a medical ambulance service in operation since 1980, providing transport for critical & non-critical care patients. Lifeguard Air Am-bulance, Inc. saw a 56% increase in its customer base in the first year of private ownership and bought its first aircraft. Over the next 20 years, Lifeguard has continued this positive growth with a small fleet of aircraft that in-clude a Cessna 421, two King Air aircraft, two Lear Jets and a Citation Bravo Jet.

April 1997 saw the opening of Lifeguard’s air operation in Birmingham, Alabama and today Lifeguard Air Ambu-lance continues to provide quality national & internation-al medical transport for critical and non-critical patients via mobile intensive care units aboard our aircraft. Cov-erage area includes but is not limited to: all of the United States, Europe, South America, Canada, Upper & Lower Caribbean, Africa, Azores Island, essentially World Wide. Lifeguard’s medical teams are certified in Advanced Life Support (ALS) & trained in Aviation Physiology.

Lifeguard • Costa Rica

Tel: (506)2220-0911

(506) 2291-0350

www.lifeguardcostarica.com

E-mail: [email protected]


Varicose Veins:a common problem

Do you have the uncomfortable problem of varicose veins or capillaries? your solution is here.

Varicose veins are a common problem that affects 40% of world population, affecting both sexes, although is more frequent in women than in men.

Las venas varicosas son un problema muy frecuente que afecta al 40% de la población mundial, afectando a ambos sexos pero siendo mas frecuente en mujeres que en hombres.

There is evidence that there is a family predisposition in the production of varicose veins that can be transmitted from generation to generation. Daily life situations and occupations that delay the venous return, are other factors that increase our varicose problem, such as standing for a long period of time, obesity, pregnancy and not practicing sports.

The most frequent location of the varicose veins is at the lower limbs, although they may occur in other parts of our body.

In normal situationThe function of veins is to collect and channel the blood to the heart. To accomplish this, the veins have valves that are leading this bloodstream and prevent blood from flowing backwards.

Besides being and exclusive esthetic problem, varicose veins may produce local pain, phlebitis (inflammation), ulcers, ruptures, bleeding, among others.

Spider veins and capillariesAre dilated venous structures with sizes between 0.1 and 2mm. They are located in the skin. There may be isolated or as grape clusters (which are esthetically unpleasant for women).

As a solution for capillaries and varicose veins I offer ambulatory treatments that allow the patients to return quickly to their usual work without limitations.

A non invasive tripex vein diagnostic study is practice in all patients, which collaborates in the choice of determining which of the treatments is the most suitable for your specific case, always achieving satisfaction.

The microesclerotherapy consist of directly injecting into an sclerosing vein or capillary with millimetrical needles and without pain this will disappear your problem.

When varicose veins are of a larger caliber, the eco sclerotherapy with foam is used, which permanently disappears the venous reflux with an excellent result.

Microsurgery or mini incision surgery has many advantages.

The patient can walk 2 hours • after surgery and return to work the next day.It is performed with local • anesthesiaOnly really affected veins are • treatedThe small incisions are • practically invisible.

Endovascular LaserToday we perform endovascular saphenectomy with laser rays. It consist of introducing a laser fiber into the saphenous vein guided by Doppler Ultrasound which produces an appropriate vein closure with excellent results, today being the best alternative with superior results of the ones achieved by conventional surgery. It’s an ambulatory practice, without injuries and a rapid recovery.

Varices: un problema

comúnTiene usted ese incomodo problema de venas varicosas o capilares? su solución esta aquí.

When this is alter and the valves fail, what occurs is an increase in the venous pressure by increasing the amount of blood that accumulates in the veins, causing dilatation,

tortuosity or elongation of the veins located in the dermis or under skin, that’s what we call a varicose vein.

Está demostrado de que existe una predisposición familiar en la producción de varices que se trasmite de generación en generación. Situaciones de la vida diaria y ocupaciones que nos retarden el retorno venoso son otros de los factores que incrementan nuestro problema varicoso, como el estar mucho de pie, la obesidad, los embarazos y el no practicar deportes. La localización mas frecuente de las varices es en miembros inferiores, aunque pueden presentarse en otras regiones de nuestro cuerpo.

En situación normalLa función de las venas es la de recoger y canalizar la sangre hacia el corazón. Para lograr esto las venas tienen unas válvulas que van dirigiendo este torrente sanguíneo e impiden que la sangre se devuelva.

Cuando esto se altera y las válvulas fallan, lo que se produce es un aumento en la presión venosa por incremento de la cantidad de sangre que se acumula en las venas, produciendo una dilatación, tortuosidad o elongación de las venas localizadas en la dermis o bajo la piel que es lo que se denomina varice.

Las varices aparte de un problema exclusivamente estético, pueden producir dolor local, flebitis (inflamación), ulceras, rupturas, sangrados, entre otros.

Vasos capilares o Spider veins Son estructuras venosas dilatadas con calibres entre 0.1 y 2mm. Están localizadas en la piel. Pueden presentarse aisladas o como racimos de uvas (las cuales son estéticamente molestas para las mujeres).

Como solución para capilares y varices ofrezco tratamientos de punta ambulatorios con lo cual mis pacientes retornan prontamente a sus trabajos habituales sin limitaciones .

A todos los pacientes se les practica un estudio diagnóstico no invasivo tripex venoso, el cual colabora en la escogencia de determinar cual de los tratamientos es el mas conveniente para su caso especifico, lográndose así su satisfacción siempre.

La microescleroterapia consiste en inyectar directamente dentro de la vena o capilar soluciones esclerosantes con agujas milimétricas y sin dolor que desaparecen su problema .

Cuando las varices son de un calibre mayor, se utiliza la eco escleroterapia con espuma, la cual desaparece permanentemente el reflujo venoso con un excelente resultado.

La microcirugía o cirugía con mini incisiones tiene muchas ventajas.

El paciente deambula a las 2 • horas de la cirugía y retorna a sus labores al día siguiente .Se realiza con anestesia local •

Se tratan solamente las venas • realmente afectadas.Las pequeñas incisiones • prácticamente no se ven

Láser endovascularHoy en día realizamos safenectomía endovascular con rayo láser, que consiste en introducir una fibra láser en la vena safena guiada por ultrasonido Doppler que produce un adecuado cierre de la vena con resultados excelentes, siendo hoy en día la mejor alternativa con resultados superiores a los de la cirugía convencional. Se practica ambulatoriamente, sin heridas y con rápida recuperación .

CONTACTINFO:Phone: (506)2222-4378 (506)8824-6644E-mail:[email protected]édica,PaseoColón


Contactinformation:Email:[email protected]

Tel:2665-2640

Addresses:

• ClínicaMadreTeresa.125msurdePizzahutenLiberia,Tel:2665-2640

• ClínicaSanRafaelArcángel,50msurdeLibreríaLaSuiza,Tel:2665-6639

• PlayasdelCocoencalleprincipalfrenteaintersecciónaOcotalcontiguoaPollosKrispy,Tel:2670-1940

Our country is one of the main tourist destinations in the world, not only for

conventional tourism, but also health tourism or medical tourism, which allows it to offer its vis-itors an added value according to their needs.

When emphasizing health tourism, it is im-portant to insist on the concept of integral health, that is to say, “ the total well-being of the individual”. There are many advertising ref-erences to health such as “the untiring search for the source of eternal youth”. In this sense, this country is privileged and it is a place of abun-dant and rich natural resources, thermal sources, clean air, medicinal plants, etc. In addition, Cos-ta Rica offers favourable and safe conditions for individual or clinical health.

The strong indicators in the health of its popu-lation, the recognized clinical prestige of its pro-fessionals in the different medical disciplines, the use and implementation of technology and medical facilities, the academic endorsement of our training universities, and the reasonable costs of medical services and support diagno-sis, among many other aspects, have allowed Costa Rica to achieve a place among the best countries in the tourist medicine world.

ClinicalLaboratoryanditsfunctioninhealth.

During the development and evolution of medical practice, the improvement and imple-mentation of techniques for biochemical and microbiological analyses to endorse clinical di-agnoses have contributed to the development of a branch of medical science as important as the medical practice itself: the clinical laboratory.

The clinical laboratory nowadays is consid-ered a fundamental tool in the medical field, and an integral part of the health process, like a ser-vice of support diagnosis. We can define clinical laboratories as physical places where clinical analyses for the study, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the health problems of patients are performed, as well as information centers for different diagnostic tests that it produces.

Costa Rica offers a career with an accredited Degree in Microbiology and Clinical Chemistry, and these professionals make up the majority of employees in clinical laboratories at medi-cal centers, both public and private in the whole country.

Navarro&AlpízarLaboratorysupportsHealthTourisminHealth.

This laboratory is already known by the ma-jority of the population of Guanacaste, both Costa Ricans and resident foreigners.

The Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory has of-fered its services in Guanacaste since June of 2003. At the moment it operates two locations strategically located in the city of Liberia, at the Madre Teresa Clinic and the San Rafael Arcán-gel Clinic.

From its opening it has counted on the man-agement and direction of three visionary and en-terprising Microbiologists who have made their company a leader in its field in the region. These professionals are graduates of the University of Costa Rica and have more than ten years of ex-perience in the management of a clinical labora-tory in the public and private sector. In addition to the area of Microbiology and general health they have specialized in other fields, which has allowed the company to have a global vision of the concept of health and the type and quality of service that it can offer the client.

The key to the success of this clinical labora-tory has been based without a doubt on a suitable combination of professional talented specialists, clinical results, high technology, permanent in-novation and a total dedication to the needs of its national and foreign pacients.

At the present time, it is positioned as the best private clinical laboratory center in the region, since it is the only one that provides different services like immunology or special tests, bacte-riology, hematology, immunohematology, para-sitology, mycology, serology and clinical chem-istry. These important areas of the first level of health show the great interest that this institution has in the culture of prevention, analysis, treat-ment and pursuit of diseases, so that thousands of people can have a longer life, with more qual-ity and tranquillity.

Their reports are accepted in internationally prestigious medical centers in countries like the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Italy and Germany, among many others.

Technologicalinnovation The Costa Rican population is used to evalu-

ating the portfolio of supply of services of pri-vate medicine that its available to the great met-ropolitan area.

However, due to the great growth of infra-

Navarro&AlpízarClinicalLaboratorydevelopinghealthtourismintheGuanacasteregion.

structure and social and economic develop-ment, combined with the increasing displace-ment of the population towards the region of Guanacaste, as well as the increase of foreign residents, companies like the Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory are a clear example of small national companies that are able to offer equal or bet-ter service in their area, without neglecting the technological innovation, scientific quality and the continuous improvement of each one of the processes they offer.

For the year 2014 Navarro & Alpízar Labo-ratory is projected to be a center of reference for other laboratories in the region, supporting excellence and validity of its tests, accredited according to the requirements of norm ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001, besides the technological and scientific innovation of its services and their administrative and financial efficiency.

In fact the Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory counts with quality equipment in each of its work areas, that is equal to that found in the laboratories of reputable private hospitals in the capital city, as well as in other important medi-cal centers of the world.

In the area of the Hematology the Laboratory owns two equipment Sysmex Kx-21N (automat-ed haematological counters that offer multipa-rameters for test-tube diagnosis in the clinical laboratory).

The chemistry clinic area has a Vitros 250 (equipment that processes 250 tests per hour, with an efficiency better than 80% and with a memory of storage of 5000 patients, with up to 30 tests by 250 patients) and Vitros DT 60 II. This equipment is based on the principle of chemical drought, that, within its multiple bene-fits, offers the nonproduction of liquid waste that increases the bio-security of the user and helps environmental conservation.

This laboratory is the first in the region at the private level that has automated the work area of clinical Immunology, with an Immulite

j( automated analysis of quimioluminiscen-te immunotest for determination of tumorlike markers, infectious hormones and, in serum, urine for the test-tube diagnosis shapes ).

In addition the laboratory has acquired a modern computer science system that allows it not only to store data of the patients, but in addition to obtain a data base that endorses the information, and makes easier the processes the service to clients among other things.

Developingtouristmedicineandcommunitysupport.

Taking the country as a tourist health destina-tion, the Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory since its creation, has contributed to the social and health development of the population of the region.

With the purpose of contributing to the social development of the inhabitants of the region, it has initiated a program of community support, not only with the constant technological inno-vation, but especially, offering free diagnoses, for example, to the residents of the Old Peoples Home of Liberia.

The objective is to improve the public health condition of the group of older adults that are increasing in the country, due to the demograph-ic consequences of the aging process of the pop-ulation, as well as to the susceptibility of some of these people to poverty and inequality.

Also the Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory makes constant donations of its services or promotions for beneficial events in the community, to the Association of Palliative Care, rural schools and other centers and associations that request it.

Also it supports and sponsors popular local cultural events in the community with advertis-ing and publicity.

This allows the company to become a leader in the community to help maintain, improve and develop the indicators of well-being of the com-munity.

Another field of health like prevention, that Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory has penetrated, is the field of occupational health.

Most of the workers from different companies in the region come from not only this zone, but they also come from the central plateau as well as from different countries that see in Costa Rica a suitable place to live.

This laboratory, specializes in offering a ser-vice of support diagnosis, and works together with numerous companies of the region that take care of the well-being of their workers, like factories, hotels, banks or construction compa-nies.

Without moving away from the tourist medi-cine concept, it is important to emphasize the efforts of small companies like the Navarro & Alpízar Laboratory, that for many years have been specialized and offered a portfolio of ser-vices of quality and confidence at reasonable cost, without taking advantage of the constant increase in the cost of living in the region, in-corporating and updating technology and not forgetting the support of the social welfare of the population of the Chorotega region .


CRSMSantaMonicaEMERGENCYCARECENTER

CRSMCENTRORADIOLOGICOSANTAMONICADEGUANACASTEDR.M.GUARDIAC.Director-Radiologist20yearsexperience

AcrossfromHospitalDr.EnriqueBaltodanoLiberia,Guanacaste,CostaRica(506)2665-0704

Incaseofanyemergency…1. Call (506) 2665-0704 or (506) 8388-28592. Physcian in charge: Dr. Monica Guardia director, radiologist and primary care physician3. Have your information available

IncaseoftraumaWe will provide immediate assistance. If you need an ambulance service we will provide one. If you will require transportation service with air ambulance service please provide information of insurance company. WE WILL BRING OTHER SPECIALISTS TO OUR FACILITIES AS REQUESTED.

Casts If you need one, we will have our orthopedic team evaluate each individual case. We also provide crutches and any other type of immobilizations.

Specialiasts(Referrals)Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Surgery, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, ENT, Ophthalmology and Psychiatry.

[email protected]

CRSMemergencycarecenterPRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS, X RAYS, BREAST HEALTH CENTER AND ULTRASOUNDS

PrimarycarephysicianWill cover all of your needs with full bilingual physician. Physical exams, annual checkups, PAP smears . We provide the best service and referrals to the best specialists in the Guanacaste area.

Xrays We provide all major areas in Radiology for plain films as well as contrast media. For requirements. Contrast media includes barium enema, IVP (intravenous pyelogram) , upper and lower gastrointestinal studies for adults and children.

UltrasoundsAdults and children, male or female. Sonography is one of our best programs offered for the following areas: neck, soft tissues, shoulder, knee, breast, abdominal, OB/GYN, transvaginal.

BreasthealthcareMammography and ultrasounds are provided. We cover follow ups.

WEWILLCONTACTYOURPRIMARYCAREPHYSICIANBACKHOMEBYREQUEST

FULLBILINGUALHEALTHCARE…

We provide the best health care services in Guanacaste as Primary Care Physician, Radiology ( X rays, Ultrasound and Mammograms) and Trauma Center.

• CRSMEMERGENCYCARE

• We provide the best service with specialists en all major areas.

• Trauma center• Ground and Air Ambulance service to San

Jose or International transportation.• WE ARE HERE FOR YOU 24/7• (506) 2665-0704 or (506) 8388-2859• [email protected]


“Because safety comes first”

Occupational Medicine - Emergency calls

InordertoachievethisweofferSeveralServices,suchas:• Occupational medical services• Ambulance Service• Food Health and Safety Management• On Call Emergency Service• Paramedic and Nursing Services• Blood Lab• Cosmetic Dermatology• Reconstructive Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

We have the privilege to work with leading companies, such as:

ExclusiveResortsPrivate club with villas and luxury houses located in several destinations around

the World, one of them located here in Papagayo Gulf, Costa Rica.

We have provided 24/7 on call service for them since their opening.

LibrevilleInvestmentsA company dedicated to the management of staff camps for the construction

industry. The camp hosts approximately 400 employees working at the Papagayo Project. We have opened an office inside the camp that provides service nightly from Monday to Friday.

MarinaPapagayoCosta Rica’s first and only luxury marina - the jewel of the Pacific American

Coastline. We have provided 24/7 on call service for them since their opening.

HiltonGardenInnHotelWe provide discounts and credit in dental and medical services for the employees

of the hotel. Also we provide service for the guests with our 24/7 on call service.

BecausesafetycomesfirstOur mission is to satisfy our client’s health related needs through high quality and personalized ATTENTION, always looking to

provide premium service and exceed expectations.

WhyjustvisitCostaRica……if you can visit Costa Rica and also get a New Smile!

(506)26701234(506)26701235(506)88220901

[email protected],Guanacaste,CostaRica.

Dr.DaiannaMoralesDentalSurgeon,LatinAmericanUniversityofScienceandTechnology,CostaRica

Dr.GustavoGutierrezDentalSurgeon,LatinAmericanUniversityofScienceandTechnology,CostaRicaPeriodontist,UniversityElBosque,Colombia.

Have a great adventure in Costa Rica, experience our ecological richness and combine it with high quality medical and professional dental care.

We understand that everybody wants to have a smile they feel great about! At Odontología Integral Dental Clinic. you will obtain exceptional results and have a pleasant experience as well, all for an excellent value.

We look forward to understanding your needs and giving you the smile you’ve been dreaming about.

Get in touch with us, plan your visit ahead of time and let us recommend the best option for you.

Your Smile makes the first impression.. .Leave it to Us!

Su Sonrisa hace la primera impresíon.. .Permitanos cuidarlá!

[email protected]

PlayasdelCoco,Guanacaste,CostaRica.

(506)26701234(506)26701235(506)83089986

Our NEW medical center in Playas del Coco

We have now opened our NEW medical center in Playas del Coco offering services such as:

•CosmeticDermatology:Providing skin care procedures such as botox, restyline filler, skin rejuvenation, mole removal and more

•ReconstructivePlasticandAestheticSurgery:Such as breast augmentation or reduction, abdominoplasty, face lift, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, brow lift, glutear implants, and more

•BloodLab:Providing all kind of blood, urine and stool examination.

•DentalCare:Offering painless, aesthetic procedures


Hotel & Villas La Condesa is located at Monte de la Cruz, Heredia, a beautiful mountain range.Only 30 minutes from Juan Santamaría International airport and 25 minutes from San José.

ROOMSWe offer you 95 pleasant rooms, designed for the confort of our guests. All them with an incredible view of the Central Valley, cable TV, mini bar, coffee maker, safety deposit box, direct dial phone and free high speed wireless internet.60 standard rooms29 Junior suite4 Executive Suites2 Suite Presidential

RESTAURANTS&LOUNGES

Miramonte RestaurantEnjoy our gourmet menú in a sober and elegant environment, along with the breathtaking view of the Central Valley.Patio de los Condes RestaurantWe invite you to enjoy our regional specialties with our traditional buffet or a la carte menú, all in a very attractive atmosphere.

LACONDESAHOTELMirador de la Cava del CondeThe perfect place to dance, enjoy your favorite drink or have a pleasant conversation in a medieval castle like bar.

VILLASOur fully equipped pinewood villas will make your stay a peaceful, comfortable and fun experience while surrounded by your family and friends.We offer you 3 different types of villas that accommodate 2-8 persons.

CONFERENCEROOMSAll our conference rooms are specially designed to make your meetings, conferences, banquets, or special events a great success. We have 8 rooms with capacity for 8-450 personsWe also offer a 50 seat auditórium fully equipped and an excutive office.All rooms with air conditioning, direct phone line, free high speed wirelees internet Access.

Tel: (506) 2267-6000Fax: (506) 2267-6200email: [email protected]://www.hotellacondesa.com/


Buena Vista Arenal Lake $849.000 / 1.400 sq.ft

$3.700.000 / 13.58 Acres

Ciudad Cariari $2.7560.000 / 8.500 sq.ft

Visit our web site: www.k-westdevelopments.com for more pictures and details.

Or call 2670-0011 for more information.

Property: $6.500.000 / 9 acres Property: $130.000 / 5.400 sq.ft

95 Storages units / $1.500.000 Restaurant $998.000 / 3000 sq.FT open 24 hrs

Duplex $1.840 sq.ft / $175.000 per side Liberia residential Home $210.000 / 1.840 sq.ft

Visit our web site: www.k-westdevelopments.com for more pictures and details.

Or call 2670-0011 for more information.

Documents

The Journal Edition # 200