Reflections - Health and Well-being!

Like most men, of a certain age, normally the wrong side of 40 and in my case approaching my 47th birthday, I have been trying to change my lifestyle to accommodate for my advancing years. I have never really been a fan of exercise and have always eaten the wrong things. My live and let live attitude to life has served me well until now. In all honesty, my physical health has always been pretty good; I have never broken a bone or been in hospital and rarely get colds or flu; my well-being has never really been a source of concern. As a middle aged man, I am overweight and used to smoke heavily, indulging in a beer or two, whenever I could; who doesn’t after all. Generally I have spent most of my life putting my own mortality to the back of my mind, enjoying every day like it was my last. Not a bad outlook on life when you are in your early twenties, rather different today nearly three decades on!

Since moving to Spain over two years ago, I haven’t used the National Health Service. I have a SIP card, to access free health care, but was mindful that in order to see a GP, I would have to pay for an interpreter to accompany me to the surgery. This is very different to the procedure employed by the Health Service in the UK. Interpreters are paid for by the state at a huge cost to the British tax payer. As I approach my fifties , I am becoming more aware of my own physical condition, which hasn’t been great of late. After all the stress and difficulties, involved in my move to Gran Alacant, time and circumstances have taken there toll. In the UK I could book in for a check up, relatively easily; in Spain I would need to navigate the system first, before securing an appointment with my local Doctor. Not being able to speak Spanish was my biggest difficulty; certainly not the fault of the Spanish system, most definitely a hazard I would have to overcome, if I wanted to successfully use my entitlement, without hindrance!

I chose to attend Salvum Clinic, at the Santara Life Resort; they offer access to British speaking GP’s, for a 150€ yearly membership fee. I was able to see a Doctor at my convenience, at a cost of 20€ a visit. When one factors in the cost of employing an interpreter, this cost is relatively reasonable in my opinion. I paid 50€ for a full check up, just to make sure everything was OK. All of these services, I Can obtain free of charge, but for peace of mind I paid for the privilege and I am glad I did. Most of my test results came back fine, no problems at all, but there were issues of high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are now being treated. It was important for me to sit down with an English speaking Doctor, who could explain areas of concern and suggest changes to my lifestyle, without having to go through a third party. As an individual I want to discuss my health on a one to one basis; Salvum Clinic offered me the right service at the right time.

Moving to Spain has been lifesaving in many ways. I haven’t felt so alive in years, According to statistics, people who live in this part of the World, live longer than my British counterparts. In fact the region is known for its life enhancing properties; so I was in the right place to start making changes to the way I live. Mediterranean countries are known for their healthy diets, a fact that is as clear as day, especially walking around the supermarkets, shops and outlets, up and down the Costa Blanca. My diet in the UK was not the best; a busy lifestyle tended to dictate what I ate; processed and prepackaged food was a fact of life for me. It was easier to buy a microwave meal or take a quick detour to Mcdonalds, than it was to cook a meal from scratch. Of course this is true for Spain also; convenience is something we all have to accept to an extent. In Spain however I don’t have the luxury of choosing ready meals from well stocked shelves in Marks and Spencer. It is far more difficult to buy ‘easy options’ and I have reverted back to a more traditional way of shopping and cooking.

I also have far more time to plan and prepare meals living in Gran Alacant; I no longer live the busy stressful existence I used to in Britain; spending hours sat in traffic queues or sat behind a desk in an office. Having more quality time to oneself and ones family is an important factor in any persons well-being. I enjoy spending a portion of my day constructively away from a working environment, partaking in activities that promote a positive outlook on life. It is important that all of us take time out to recharge and unwind from our busy schedules. I have been able to achieve a far healthier work life balance living here; more important at my time of life, than ever before. Having a high powered career and all the stress that goes with it, is no longer a priority, being happy and fulfilled is!

As well eating healthier, I also needed to increase my level of physical activity; no mean task for a writer, who spends his time blogging with a lap top on his knee; here lies the problem! Spain is a beautiful part of the World, the scenery is amazing, especially along the Costa Blanca. I am trying to walk everyday, for at least half an hour; that’s not a lot I hear you say! However when you lead a busy life, it can be difficult to fit in the correct amount of physical activity each day; it is important you do though. I have began the process of walking, increasing my cardiovascular activity and trying to lose a few pounds. In order to bring my blood pressure down, I have to do things, I wouldn’t otherwise contemplate; surprisingly I am actually enjoying it.

Gran Alacant promotes an outdoor lifestyle, situated along the Costa Blanca Coastline; it really is stunning. Water sports, walking, hiking, bike riding are a common part of life here. Like everyone, I enjoy everything that this region has to offer. In the UK, I would spend 99% of my time, sat indoors avoiding the weather, writing and leading a life of solitude; some days I wouldn’t even see another soul; this is not good for a persons well-being. Embracing what Gran Alacant has to offer, has of course been a difficult process, especially after what I lived through, but it is a heeling place and I have been lucky to lead a far more active life. Walking to work, along the shore line, through the various nature reserves and even to the local shops every morning has been a blessing.

Someone told me the other day, that things start to go wrong in your middle age and as long as you deal with any difficulties that arise, you can enjoy a happy fruitful life. It has been important for me to get to grips with my health now, when I am young enough to adjust my lifestyle. All of us know what is happening with our bodies and we should take notice of any changes that occur. Giving up smoking after 34 years was the catalyst that made me rethink my outlook on life. I can’t do the things I used to when I was younger. I have to take a step back and reassess the way I live my life. I have been lucky, living in a country I love, enjoying the time I spend here. I am fortunate that the issues brought to my attention after my scan at Salvum, are easily manageable. As long as I do as I am told, I should be able to enjoy life wherever I am; everything in moderation of course!

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