Retreats Costa Rica www.retreatscostarica.com

Blueprint for Success & Don't Forget the Coffee

It was great to celebrate the publishing of my new book "Blueprint for Success" with colleagues and friends in Costa Rica this past Tuesday Night.   When "Go Wild-Survival Skills for Business and Life " was published two years ago, I was thrilled to record the audio book right here in the rainforests of Costa Rica, where, gasp, still No Starbucks can be found!  Not too worry! I consider  Costa Rica Coffee to be among the finest Coffee  in the world.  If you don't believe me, just ask Grace Mena and the International Women's Coffee Alliance.   I am now working with Grace in planning the First Internationl Women in Coffee Conference to be hosted here in Costa Rica this October!   The International Women's Coffee Alliance is exactly the type of organization that our author team speaks about in "Blueprint for Success"---combining good business with giving back to the community .  The Java Divas that makeup the group also known as "Women in Coffee"  believe their business is not only making coffee, it's about making life better for women in Coffee Producing Countries, while improving their own leadership skills.  Visit the Women's Coffee Alliance and support their incredible work at http://www.womenincoffee.org/web/homepage.asp

  Working in collaboration with a team of authors on "Blueprint for Success" including Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard has indeed been a remarkable journey that entailed not only lots of coffee but creative input.  Thanks to my co-authors, clients and my own tribal support team who have taught me, not only what drawing a Blueprint is all about, but how you actually build your house, once you have a plan in hand.

Go Wild! Go GREAT! and Grab a Cup of Coffee! 

Order Blueprint for Success at www.gowildgogreat.com

Plan your next business meeting, executive retreat or convention in Costa Rica!

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Nip, Tuck and Knees in Costa Rica? Why U.S. Citizens seek Medical Care and Surgery in Costa Rica

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4legged nurse, Bucky

Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

She saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next to mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spend a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. i.e.  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget the hospital rooms in our medical spa hospital have flat screen T.V's and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hot Color and Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  But I must say Clinica Biblica compensates with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medial care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

Pain Management! Important!  Dr. Oeding puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  It was nice to see the celebration and I've never seen in the states.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com.  You can bring Rosemary's Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization.

 

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4legged nurse, Bucky

Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

She saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next to mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spend a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. i.e.  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget the hospital rooms in our medical spa hospital have flat screen T.V's and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hot Color and Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  But I must say Clinica Biblica compensates with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medial care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

Pain Management! Important!  Dr. Oeding puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  It was nice to see the celebration and I've never seen in the states.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com.  You can bring Rosemary's Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization.

 

During Your Retreat in Costa Rica! Don't Miss The Saturday Market

Whether living or visiting in Costa Rica's Central Valley be certain not to miss Escazu's Saturday Market.  Since I have been living in Latin America,  I've become a Food Market Junkie and let me tell you  the market in Central Escazu, situated in the town square is a treat for the senses!  Protected and blessed by the sculptures of onlooking Religious Saints at the Catholic Church, who needs the FDA stamp of approval?  So, if you  are joinining our personal growth retreats in Costa Rica this summer and fall.  Note:  Our Women's Retreat in October is now accepting regiestrations, www.retreatscostarica.com ask us to  pick you at the airport if you get in early enough, and take you to market first!   

The Escazu Market features incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables direct from Central Valley farms.  Over the years including several years owning a restaurant in Escazu, we have developed loyalty to our favorite and colorful vendors. There's the Strawberry Woman, the Orchid Man and Mario, whose farm used to adjoin our property  when we lived further up in the Escazu mountains. Every Friday Afternoon, Mario would play festive music as he loaded his vegetable truck - our auditory signal that the weekend was indeed here.   Now I'll admit we  used to get excited about the misting vegetable machines at Super Fresh Markets when I lived in Pennsylvania and still  treat myself when I'm in The States to a visit to the local Specialty Foods markets like "Whole Foods" .I do this just to see the immense varieties of organic and healthy food options available in North America.  However, Barry and I gasp at the prices!  After many years of living in Latin America, I guess we have sticker shock.  For example, today's Saturday market  bill  was under $10.00 and that's with a huge inventory of items needed for a party we are hosting on Tuesday Night.   

But it's more than the freshness and the pricing that makes Latin American Food Markets and The Escazu Market in particular such a treat.   The Saturday Market is where everyone on the mountain celebrates the end of another work week.  Musicians play, Neighbors Exchange News and it seems we all look up to the towering Escazu Mountains.   Gracias "El Senor" for another day in tropical paradise.

Retreats Costa Rica offers 8 day /7 night all- inclusive learning adventures for indiividuals and groups.

tour www.retreatscostarica.com

Executive Medical Check-Ups for Your Team Members? Explore An Executive Spa in Costa Rica!

Executive Check-Ups at CIMA-Costa Rica's Newest State of the Art Hospital

Costa Rica's Retreat & Recovery Centers

This Month's Continental Airlines magazine featured an extensive article on the growing popularity of "The CEO Executive Check-UP".  According to the article,  many companies are including these VIP Annual Health Checks which may or may not becovered by insurance in their executive compensations packages. Reason:  It's Good Business with ROI!   A 2002 University of Michigan Management Research Center Report found that executives who underwent such exams submitted 20% fewer health claims and lost 45% fewer workdays than executives who didn't.

With Spa-inspired settings, streamlined tailored services, state of the art  and economical medical care , including healthy lifestyle coaching amidst the rain forest, geared just for busy executives,  Costa Rica has become an international center for These  Executive Spa Retreats.

Costa Rica, is a short 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 hours from Dallas  and 4.5 hours from New York  it also has the advantage of eligibility as a tax-deductible meeting destination by current IRS Regulations.

Retreats Costa Rica arranges in advance to have client medical records sent to our physician team in Costa Rica. They will map out your complete testing and arrange to have all final results forwarded to your personal medical Dr.  We also handle all travel, VIP Hospital Check-In , transportation and plan an Executive/Personal Coaching Session.  Oh and yes, let's not forget making time for Costa Rica Leisure Activities and Tours while you're getting healthy.

Some corporate groups combine the Executive Check-Up Spa with their Annual Business Planning Session.  The Good News is Health Care Costs and Accommodations for a Costa Rica Executive Retreat/Check-Up are much less expensive then you will find in any major U.S. City.    Yesterday, I was in Clinica Biblica , another "state of the art hopital , when a U.S. film crew came in  to the hospital .They were following Dr. Oedding who is considered a leading international orthopedic surgeon.  I kidded with the Dr. that he has become the surgeon for the stars!

Expect continued growth in Costa Rica's Medical Tourism Industry as more and more people discover that  yes  ,you can get that operation, those expensive tests at a fraction of U.S costs and even  "that cosmetic work done" all while  healing and  relaxing  amidst the beauty of Costa Rica.

Maybe it's time for You or your Executive Team to get a "Latitude Adjustment"

Write for additional information

info@retreatscostarica.com

www.retreatscostarica.com