Looking good and keep feeling fine
When you´re on holiday your body can go through many extreme changes. Dramatic changes in climate, air, food and water can leave your body looking and feeling worse for wear, which can be completely avoided with a few basic health precautions. Funny tummy
'Funny tummy' is a common holiday complaint which is not always a reflection on the cleanliness of the bars and restaurants or the freshness of their food. More often than not simple things such as a change of water, diet or climate can all cause a mild bout of upset stomach - but a few rushed toilet trips are not indicative of a major problem. If you do have a mild bout of 'funny tummy' it is important to drink a lot of liquid, particularly water and eat plain but nourishing food. Avoid fatty, highly spiced foods or any foods that you would not normally eat. The Costa del Sol is extremely strict in its application of health and safety requirements and most places are above average in their sanitary precautions.
Drinking the water?
Although most areas on the coast have their own fresh water supplies (the Mijas water is even bottled and sold), some areas may have poor quality drinking water. It is always best to ask about the water supply where you are staying rather than take a chance. Nearly all bars and restaurants have bags of ice delivered on a daily basis, which is made from clean, fresh water and is as safe as any bottled water you can buy in the supermarkets. Prickly heat
Many people suffer from 'prickly heat' - an itchy rash caused by excessive perspiration trapped under the skin. It usually strikes people when they have just arrived and have not yet acclimatised to the heat. If you do get 'prickly heat' make sure you keep cool, bathe often and use a mild talcum powder on the rash. Air-conditioning may also help you until you acclimatise. Medical assistance
You may feel more secure using a private practitioner of your choosing, that speaks your language, although state medical attention is generally extremely good on the Costa del Sol and most hospitals and clinics can arrange a translation service by request. To be reimbursed by the NHS for any medical treatment, you must make sure to present an E111 form. This form needs to be validated at your post office before you leave on holiday. Not all private clinics accept an E111 form, so ask prior to accepting any treatment. A doctor usually arranges any hospital treatment. If you require urgent treatment, it will only be provided free in a public ward at a state hospital. Refunds for private treatment can only be made if it is given in a life or death situation, where state hospital facilities are not available. It is a good idea to check what coverage your holiday insurance provides. Duty chemist (Farmacia de guardia)
The address of the nearest duty chemist (one that is open out of normal hours) is posted on the door of all pharmacies (farmacia). If the address is not easy to find, we suggest that you write it down and ask a policeman or take a taxi. Prescriptions
Medicines prescribed by health scheme practitioners can be obtained from any chemist (Farmacia). You may have to pay up to 40% of the cost unless you are a UK or other EEa pensioner, in which case the medicines are free of charge. Dental treatment
Dental treatment is not usually available free of charge and the costs will not be reimbursed through the NHS. There are a large number of dentists on the coast, speaking most languages. Don't let a tooth problem ruin your holiday, most dentists are competitivley priced, highly efficient and offer emergency treatment. Insurance
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a wise idea. Read the small print if you are planning on being adventurous. Some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities', including scuba diving, mountain biking and even trekking. So, if you've come to the Costa del Sol for more than the sun and the sand, hopefully you will have taken your leisure pursuits into account. Medical attention
The emergency number for medical attention is 061
For the local ambulance services:
Fuengirola, Málaga, Marbella and Torremolinos 952 30 30 34 State Hospitals
The state hospital numbers are:
Benalmadena 952 44 35 45
Fuengirola 952 47 42 29
Málaga 952 30 77 00
Marbella 952 77 27 49
Torremolinos 952 38 64 84 |
