Dentists
Any
dentistry
carried
out will
normally
have to be
paid for
as they
are all
private.
The yellow
pages of
the
telephone
directory
carries a
good list
of
dentists (dentistas).
You will
often find
a dentist
in the
large
supermarkets.
Prices are
similar to
the UK but
the
service is
much
better.
Many
dentists
in Spain
are
ex-national
health
service.
|
Drugs
Prescription
and
non-prescription
drugs are
available
from
chemists (farmacias),
distinguished
by large
green
crosses.
Many drugs
available
only on
prescription
in the UK
and other
countries
can be
purchased
over the
counter
here. You
are still
advised to
seek a
doctors
advice. |
Tap water
Over recent
years the
water system
in Spain has
undergone
great
improvements
and tap water
in built-up
areas is
relatively
safe.
Unfamiliar
water can
still cause
minor stomach
upsets and you
may wish to
purchase
agua mineral,
bottled
water. Agua
con gas is
fizzy water
and agua
sin gas is
still water.
In small
villages, the
water may be
well water and
not mains so
if in doubt,
ask.
Take
care of yourself
For those not used to the climate of Spain, especially
summer visitors, there are several things to watch out
for:
1.The
heat - Make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Always
carry a bottle of water with you when its very hot
- Alcohol is not the right liquid !
2. Prickly
heat - An
itchy rash
caused by
perspiration
under the
skin. If it
happens to
you, keep
cool, bathe
often and use
talcum powder
on the rash.
3. Salt
deficiency - Sweating can lead to a loss of body salt
so make sure you have plenty of salt with your meals.
4. Funny
tummy - new and strange diets can cause minor tummy
upsets. If you find yourself unwell, drink plenty
of fluids and avoid fatty foods. Fish and shellfish
from the Mediterranean should only be eaten cooked
and from a good restaurant.
If
you suffer from any health problems, consult your
doctor before you set off for Spain. Any medication
you take with you should be kept in their original
containers and if possible take copies of your prescriptions
with you. Make sure you have enough medication for
the duration of your stay. If you intend to live in
Spain, get your doctor to write out the generic name
for your medication and not the brand name, this way,
a drug can be matched with the Spanish equivalent.
Contact
with animals
Take care with
wild animals
such as cats
and dogs in
Spain. Many
can carry diseases.
A bite from an
infected
animal can be
a disaster.
Stray cats and
dogs roam all
over Spain and
the best thing
to do is avoid
contact with
them. If you
bring a pet to
Spain,
see our advice
section. |
