Lifestyle!

The weather has been fantastic over the last few days; it really does feel like summer has arrived. As I am frequently told here in Spain: this could change; we are after all, still in January. However last year, the weather was bad; the Costa Blanca was suffering from severe winter weather, including snow, cold winds, rain and in some cases snow. This year looks decidedly different.

Wildling enjoying the sun!

The temperature has been 28 degrees today, so Darrell and Chris have popped out for a walk. I should have gone with them, but as usual I am busy. I've had three articles to finish and deadlines to meet. I need to put aside an hour a day to go out myself, but the nature of my job, means I am stuck in front of a computer most of the day. I have some time off tomorrow, so will make an effort to get out and enjoy the hot weather.

As readers of 'Spanish Views' know, I am currently monitoring my blood pressure. I am a little concerned about how high it is at times. After getting in from work last night it was 179/108, which is exceptionally high, although may well have something to do with the brisk walk home. Today it seems to be lower than that figure, though still elevated, more than I would like.

Yesterday I asked my friends and neighbours, the best way to see a Doctor in Spain. Unlike the UK, Spain does not pay for interpreters when you attend surgery; that is our responsibility. Although rather annoying, having to arrange for someone to come with you, I am more than happy to do it. The NHS in the UK, has a habit of wasting tax payers money, paying for interpreters to attend with patients. If you choose to move to another Country and can not speak the language, you should pay yourself.

I do have a second option, which is actually my preferred one. The Santara Life Resort, just off Avenida Escandinavia, has private health care facilities; The Salvum Clinic. I can see a Doctor there for 50€ a visit, or pay 100€ subscription a year, only paying 20€ each time I see a GP in future. Whether I have an interpreter or see a Doctor privately, I will have to pay one way or another; nothing is for free in Spain, unlike the UK and rightly so. The trouble with Britain, is we are just far too used to getting a free ride, in every respect. The one thing you realise pretty quickly, moving to Spain, is the lack of access to benefits; health, social security and others. Here you have to work for a living!

So I'm currently monitoring my blood pressure for the next week, three times a day, at the same time, to see what needs to be done. I have a feeling I will have to probably go on blood pressure medication at some stage in my life, although not yet. A change in lifestyle and healthy living should be enough to lower it for the time being.

Back to work for me and a nice long walk tomorrow; an hour a day should keep the Doctor away!

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