The DNA results are in (part one of three) - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

This is a bit off subject
but...
How many of you have had your DNA tested?

I have done 3 tests to date ( I had 2 tests done about a month ago) but let's start at the beginning and compare. 

(For those who have not been following me since 2011)

The first one was done back in June 2010 by African Ancestry. They have the largest database for tracing African ancestry of any of the other tests out there. I began tracing my ancestry by using the online version of Ancestry.com, however, if you are African American you probably know that for us, it's very difficult to go back farther than 1865. Before then, most of our ancestors were property.

I wanted to cut to the chase and find out just where in Africa I came from. 

I ordered the maternal test kit (I have no access to information on my biological father) at the time the cost was $299.  OUCH!! A pretty hefty price but I had decided it was worth it because I wanted the information.

I waited impatiently for the results, which took 10 long weeks. This was back in the day before results were delivered online via email (from what I was told recently, African Ancestry still mails the results).

When I received the results I was very surprised to learn that my matrilineal ancestry was
100% Fulani from a tiny country in West Africa, called Guinea Bissau.

"where's that?"

is the usual response I would get whenever I mentioned my results. Turns out that Guinea Bissau (in 2010) was the 4th poorest country in the world! A country with scant few doctors, children in need of food, medicine and education and an almost non existent infra structure. A country where life expectancy is somewhere in the early 40's. The population of about 1.8 million were under military control and the US Embassy had suspended operation in June 1998. On March 2, 2009, President Vieira was assassinated by what preliminary reports indicated to be a group of soldiers avenging the death of the head of joint chiefs of staff. The only information and videos I could find were about coups and assassinations. 

Pretty grim and I was sad and disappointed to learn of my ancestry, partly because I had planned to visit whatever country that I was from. 

And then everything changed...I ended up starting a project called "It Takes a Village" and teamed up with a young hip hop artist, Hasan Salaam from NJ. 

Coincidence?

I think not

Click LINK - Take a look

if the link to the video below does not work please click the link above to view. Thanks 

Video Link

This is the type of hip hop story you won't see covered by the main stream media. Music is my weapon. Every single one of us has the power to change the world in some way. You don't have to be rich or famous. This project is a testament to that. Hasan Salaam x FLOW x Cobiana x Big Up GB x Baloberos x Impossible Music Sessions x It Takes A Village. Brian King Shivani Ahlowalia, Devon Austin, Austin Dacey, Raj Flow, Hasan Salaam, Willie Coleman Jr

If you would like to hear more about my DNA results (plus the 3 test comparison)

Comeback for part 2  - I get a new African name!!

The 2nd Opinion - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

I mentioned in my last post that we always like to use natural holistic healthcare when we can, so to that end we made a trip to San José to consult with Dr Stins.

We last met with Dr Stins in Dec 2016.

His office takes walk in patients, no appointment needed.

Dr Hendrik Stins Ham is a Naturopath, Homeopath, Iridologist, Specializing in Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, EFT, Color Therapy, and Holistic Medicine. 

 Dr. Hendrik speaks DUTCH-1st language, ENGLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN some FRENCH and ARABIC. 

Since my brother is here visiting we wanted him to consult with Dr Stins, I wanted to ask him about my eye issues and Lavanson took a tumble on one of the muddy hills last week and wanted to make sure that he hadn't done any damage to his head or neck.

We took the bus to San Jose at 10:10 am got off at the stop for Hospital Nacional de Niños and from there it is only a short taxi ride to his clinic (which is located in Bario Chino)

There was no wait when we arrived and we all met with the doctor together, although it is perfectly fine to see him alone. We probably spent about 45 minutes with him as he diagnosed our conditions. It's amazing how he seems to "just know" exactly what is wrong - no xrays or blood tests or long medical history forms to complete. 

Initially, he uses iridology to get a picture of what's going on in our bodies.

The iris of the eye is an extension of the brain with many nerve endings that connect to every organ and tissue in the body by way of the nervous system. ... Iridology maps those regions of the iris to the tissues and organs of the body and qualified Iridologists use this map to assess its state of health.

Pretty amazing!!!

HOURS:  Monday-Friday - 9am-5pm.  Saturday - 9am-12pm/noon

LOCATION:  San Jose - Paseo de Los Estudiantes, - Calle 9 and Avenida 10 

My prescription

After the consultation treatments are prepared for each individual as directed by the doctor. The assistants then explain how to take each one. This was especially helpful to us as the directions are all in Spanish - so I recorded each of ours -- just in case we should forget!

Unlike the traditional western medicine approach to my eye problem ("nothing can be done") Dr Stins is focused on the underlying causes and thinks that I can be helped.  

Can't hurt right? And we shall see....

Oh and BTW - the cost for the office visit was less than $20. 

Here's a little snippet of my prescription directions

After Our Doctor Consults from Devon on Vimeo.

My 1st Doctor Visit in Costa Rica - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #3

Today I went to my first doctor visit since arriving in Costa Rica.

Since we self insure, I reached out to some of the other Grecia expats for a recommendation for a doctor (I needed to find an ophthalmologist that spoke English).  After several recommendations, I decided to use Dr Mario Barrantes Domínguez at Clínica Helénica. 

• 
  
• Specialty in Ophthalmology. University of Costa Rica - School of Medicine.
• Doctor and Surgeon. School Aútonoma de Ciencias Médicas (Current UCIMED). 

The clinic is in a very modern building about a block from the hospital in Grecia. When I phoned the office on Monday morning and explained my problem (floaters and flashing in my right eye) I was offered an appointment for Friday but after I explained that I was told that these types of problems might require urgent care she informed me that the doctor was not in that day but she would phone him to see if he could fit me in. In about 15 minutes she called me back and said he could see me the following day (Tues at 5:30). Dr Barrantes also sees patients through the Caja.

I found Dr Barrantes to be an extremely informative and very kind doctor. He gave me a thorough examination for my problem which included eye dilation - which I hate - but excluding testing me for my current eye prescription. After the exam was over he took time to explain what could be causing my problem (using a large scale model of an eye). He told me that he found NO issues with my eyes and everything was normal, however to be on the safe side I should return in one month for a follow up. I was very satisified with the service and the treatment.

The cost was ¢ 50000.00 Colones or $88.435 USD.  Not bad

And just so happens one of our neighbor expats was there and had an appointment following mine and they offered to give us a ride home. Nothing  better than that!

Come to Grecia for the Healthy LifeStyle - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

Today, hundreds of doctors and medical researchers worldwide are investigating electro medicine as both an effective alternative to traditional methods of treatment and an avenue for discovering new possibilities for treating conditions such as spinal cord injury, muscular restoration, nerve regeneration, brain stimulation, bladder disorders, heart disease, tumors, and other chronic catastrophic diseases and disorders.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have this treatment done at La Terraza.

... a revolutionary new electronic machine, distinct in that it is based on the concept that the biophysics underlying the body's biochemistry also plays a significant role in regulating all of life's health processes. 

This is the ONLY machine of it's kind in Costa Rica.

see video below for more information

Do you want to know a secret? from Devon on Vimeo.

Experience the feeling
of true energetic and harmonic health
with Photon Genie

For information or to reserve your spot

contact La Terraza @ 

Email: Laterrazabb@gmail.com

Phone: 877- 298-7439

Alternative Health Forum - Grecia Costa Rica

Sunday July 23 marked the 1st alternative health forum held in San Roque de Grecia and hosted by Jeanetta Owens.

In general, the term “alternative therapy” refers to any health treatment not standard in Western medical practice.

Technically, “alternative” treatments are used in place of conventional medicine; when used alongside standard medical practices, alternative approaches are referred to as “complementary” medicine.

The field of alternative therapies is diverse: It encompasses practices spanning diet and exercise changes, hypnosis, chiropractic adjustment, and acupuncture.

For more alternative health info you can also follow my page Awakening to Wellness on Facebook

Grecia Alternative Health Forum

Purpose - The forum (which will be held on a monthly basis  - subject to change based on participation) is an opportunity for expats and the local community to connect with others and share knowledge, experience and products to help improve overall health through alternative practices. As we get older we instinctively begin to pay more attention to our health, but why put it off ?

Begin today no matter what your age and live a healthy happy life -- 40, 50, 60, 70 and beyond!

July 23 - Invited speakers

Dr. Lazaro Gonzales - Ozone Therapy San Roque Abajo

Gil Monge - Owner Ruta Sana Natural Market  (Organic fruits, vegetable, products)

Ser La Luz Retreat Center - Owners Michael & Ed 

Lavanson Coffey - Applied Kinesiology 

Melaney Phillips - Earth Matters - Owners Melaney & Catharine Phillips (natural predominantly organic wonderful goodies for the body and home)

Don Baker - Anti Aging

Logan Thompson - Holistic Solutions ( Consultations, Alternative Therapies, Seminars, Training, High Potency Supplements, Chemical Free Beauty Products)

Lucy Watler - Attorney at Law

Johnny Walker - Liposomal Vitamin C
Dr Sherman Thomas - Forum Interpreter - a graduate of the University of Costa Rica, PhD in the Philosophy of Chemistry 

If you are interested in attending one of our forums or would like to be a speaker or have products, services or advice to share please leave me a comment or email me at urbandoggs@ gmail.com or for questions and/or reservations please call Jeanetta at 506 2494 0970 CR or 786 363 9036 US.

Hope to see you at the next forum!

Below is a video of the 1st forum

Alternative Health Forum from Devon on Vimeo.

A Death in Paradise - Our Life in Costa Rica

Today's topic is one which we do not like to think about very often, but it happens. People die, even in paradise.

In March a friend of ours who lived on the ridge (El Cajon) opposite ours (San Luis) passed away. His name was Mark Sandler and he and his wife Laurie had lived in Grecia for a number of years. I took photos of them at the re-wedding back in August. 

Mark had a heart condition and was being treated here in Grecia. One afternoon he was not feeling well and laid down for a nap before dinner. He never woke up. Mark had suffered a heart attack.

Mark & Laurie

I am so impressed that in Mark's honor some of the Grecia expats are putting together a new program to  help save lives. 

Background below

This brings me to some important information you need to be aware of if you are going to live here, particularly in Grecia. 

The healthcare system here is very good (the WHO rates Costa Rica's healthcare one notch above the US) but the best care depends on where you go (which often depends on where you live and how you get there).

I always try to impress upon people when they are moving here to please take into consideration their access to GOOD medical.

For minor injuries and general maladies, all pharmacies in Costa Rica are required to employ an in-house pharmacist, who is able to treat minor problems and prescribe certain medications. 

The 3 best hospitals (all private) are -- Hospital CIMA in Escazu, Clinica Bibilica in San Jose and Hospital Clinica La Catolica in Guadalupe, San Jose. I have also heard that Hospital Mexico -- which is a Caja (operated by the Costa Rican Department of Social Security), has an excellent cancer treatment center.  

Part of the problem is, first of all, when there is a life threatening emergency, you need to get to the hospital in order to receive treatment. If you need an ambulance consider where you live. We are up on the San Luis ridge. It took 20 minutes for the ambulance to reach Mark and the ambulances here do not carry all the state of the art medical equipment needed (as in Mark's case).

As an expat you have options for medical

**(if you are living abroad but not in Costa Rica be sure to check out medical availability for the country of your choice)

1. You can self insure because the cost of treatment here is very low (1/3 to 1/5 less depending on the type of treatment). That means you can go to a private doctor if you need to and go to one of the private hospitals. (this is our chosen option for the moment)

2. You can buy Expat Health insurance. I think AIG has a policy and I have a friend here who sells coverage if you need it. 

3. You can rely on the medical that the local people get through the Caja. The problem with the government medical is that the process is very slow. You might have to wait months for x-rays and sometimes there is just no time for that. Expats are sort of healthcare "snobs" we are used to what we have in the states and the clinics and hospitals here are just not set up like that. You can get great care but (i.e ) you might have to sit in a crowded room on a hard back chair with an IV in your arm for hours or spend hours waiting in the hallway in an emergency room. In Caja facilities the family is responsible for a lot of the non medical care of the patient - like providing food and bathing. Expats often complain (we are very good at that) about the healthcare procedures here but complaining is not going to change anything. It is what it is. Just educate yourself to what is available and make an informed choice. 

4. Or...Of course you can always hop on a plane and go back to the states. 

Mark's story is below and there is a gofundme set up to raise funds. 

I am going to be involved in further discussions about options here in Costa Rica and will update you on what I find out.

Remember, it's not bad -- it's just different!

 I also included the link for the fundraiser. I know most of you do not live here but if you would like to help us save lives we would welcome your contribution.