"I enjoy a pint each night for its health benefits. The other glasses are for my exceptionally witty comebacks, sarcasm and flawless dance moves!"
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I've just been listening to the news from back home in Britain, red and amber weather alerts for the next three days, as snow continues to fall. Once again the UK is grinding to a halt, as public transport struggles to cope with extreme weather conditions; nothing changes!
I read an article last night, about churches throwing open their doors, to cater for the homeless, as temperatures dip to -10 and below. The fact that places of worship are not open at any other time of year, giving those without a home a place to stay, is rank hypocrisy. The church preaches to the rest of us, about 'loving thy neighbour' and the story of the 'Good Samaritan,' yet it can't even do its bit for the community in which it serves. The people who sleep on the streets are also part of their neighbourhood; churches are not an exclusive preserve of the middle class and wealthy. It's time these so called Christians, started practicing what the preach. The Church is the biggest landowner in the UK, for this reason alone, it should be compelled to cater for the homeless, at least until the British Government do something about this problem themselves....I wont hold my breath!
Wherever you are, keep warm, stay safe and if you see a person sleeping on the streets, do what you can to help!
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"Sometimes, a woman's INSTINCT is better than a man's EXCUSE!"
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For the past few weeks I haven't been feeling too great. I haven't seen a Doctor in about two and a half years, so I decided it was time to go today. As a Spanish Resident I do have a SIP card, which does entitle me to free health care. However nothing is quite that simple. In order to make an appointment and see a Doctor, I need to employ the services of a translator; Spain will not fund this service. Therefore every time I see a doctor, I would have to pay around 50€, quite expensive in my humble opinion. Getting hold of an interpretor when required is also no mean feat. I decided to avoid the public health care system here in Spain altogether; at least in the short term, so I can learn to speak a bit more Spanish first. For the sake of my own sanity, I will have to pay privately for now!
This morning I went up to Salvum Health Care at the Santara Life Resort. Here they offer a Health Plan for 150€ a year. This entitles you to reduced health care costs and Doctors Appointments. These usually cost 50€ a visit; as a member of Club Salvum, they cost 20€ a visit, a big saving. Don't get me wrong, it is expensive, but I don't have any other options open to me. As a non Spanish speaking resident, intending to live in Spain indefinitely, I need to ensure I have access to medical services.
Today I booked up for the MOT at a reduced cost of 50€. I had my blood pressure taken, which was rather high, as I expected and will have to have it monitored for seven days. I can get this done in the farmacia or at Salvum and will make an apointment next week to get all my results.
Despite having a free health service in Spain, there are hidden costs. Unlike the UK Spain doesn't fund a free health service for foreign residents, unless you are working, paying into the system, which is only right of course. I can ill afford to pay to see a Doctor, but I do believe investment in health is important at my time of life, so am prepared to fund a few tests for peace of mind. It will mean we have to tighten our belts financially for a while, but that is part of the course living here anyway; money is tight, for everyone. A 240€ medical bill is not something I have budgeted for and will just have to take it on the chin. As long as I get some answers, I am happy to pay. More tests tomorrow, fingers crossed they go well!
