1st December is World AIDS Day and this year the UN project on AIDS, UNAIDS focusses on empowering communities in tackling the AIDS problem UN General Secretary António Guterres has released his statement on the 2023 World AIDS Day where he promotes the key work of communities in tackling AIDS. From budgeting to programme implementation

On the UNESCO Day of Eliminating Violence Against Women ESHA Spain unequivocally rejects all forms of violence against women. Such actions are not only morally reprehensible but also a violation of basic human rights. ESHA Spain advocates for a society that fosters respect, equality, and empathy, where women can live free from the threat of

Navigating expat life in Spain and overcoming the challenges of loneliness. ESHA Spain present some targeted strategies, including considerations for accessing English-speaking doctors and therapists The initial thrill of embracing expat life in Spain is undeniable, especially during the early stages of adapting to a new life in this culturally rich country. However, as the

Following the Netherlands’ lead, the UK has now banned the party drug known as laughing gas. In January, the Netherlands became the world’s first country to prohibit the recreational use of nitrous oxide. This decision was prompted by a concerning statistic: over three years, the country recorded 1,800 car accidents linked to nitrous oxide use,

Introduction: Seeking therapy is a significant step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. The benefits of therapy are numerous, ranging from better emotional management to healthier relationships. However, one of the most crucial aspects of your therapy journey is finding the right therapist. For the expat community living in Spain, it can be

Understanding Gut Health Your gut, which encompasses your stomach, intestines, and colon, is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. But what exactly is gut health, and what is the gut microbiome? Gut health doesn’t have a universal definition and can vary among researchers, medical professionals, and individuals. For our discussion, gut health

A new study reveals how social media and influencers have become vehicles for tobacco companies to promote smoking among young people. The report, titled “Spanish Influencers and the Impact of Digital Smoke on Youth,” found that major influencers are exposing 51 million 18-24 year old followers to smoking content. The study, by the Spanish Association

Some scientists now believe that wrinkles drive the aging process The human face is a roadmap of aging. Creases, folds, and wrinkles emerge as time marches on. While lines and wrinkles clearly signal advancing age, new evidence suggests they may also actively drive the aging process overall. Youthful skin is supple and smooth, stretched taut

In the 90s a legend circulated at the doors of schools all over Spain that someone – no one knows who – was giving drugs to children. Their modus operandi varied by province: in Madrid, mothers warned their children about stickers impregnated with a mysterious substance that they gave you when you left school and

The debate around the merits of different diets is a never-ending one. Still, one thing that most nutritionists and health experts can agree on is the importance of protein. A high-protein diet has numerous health benefits, from weight management to muscle growth, increased satiety, and more. In this blog, we will explore the key advantages

Individuals experiencing long-term effects of Covid, particularly those who had been hospitalized, are more susceptible to significant organ damage, as disclosed in a recent study MRI scans displayed that these patients were threefold more likely to present abnormalities in several key organs including the lungs, brain, and kidneys. The researchers are convinced that there’s a

In 2022, the number of adults in Spain who had consumed fentanyl at least once in their lifetime has multiplied eightfold compared to 2018 Fentanyl, a substance 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more so than morphine according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is increasingly consumed in

In recent years, the trend towards plant-based eating has gained considerable momentum. This shift in dietary habits is not just a fleeting fad but rather backed by substantial scientific evidence highlighting the numerous health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet primarily focuses on foods derived from plant sources. This includes fruits,

Summertime. It’s a season synonymous with holidays, beach outings, and barbecues. Long, languid days melt into warm, sultry nights, and the convivial spirit of celebration seems to permeate the air. It’s also a time when we’re more likely to indulge in a chilled glass of wine or a frosty beer, as we soak up the

Due to the holiday period being a time of relaxation and over indulgence, we can become pray to unhealthy eating habits such as a diet high in fat content and drinking alcohol in excess. This can put a strain on our digestive system leaving us vulnerable to diseases such as pancreatitis Understanding Pancreatitis Pancreatitis is

If you are experiencing homesickness and difficulty in adapting to Spanish culture, then I highly recommend reading “Eva Hoffman: Lost in Translation” This memoir captures the remarkable journey of Eva Hoffman, a Polish-American author and scholar. Published in 1989, the book has attracted a lot of praise and attention for its insightful exploration of themes

In the past 24 hours, tragedy struck as eight people lost their lives due to drowning, three of them children The rising number of drowning deaths is becoming a cause for concern. Last June, 57 people fell victim to drowning, indicating a worrisome trend. Over the last day, Spain witnessed the unfortunate loss of eight

During the summer months many Spanish Cities are becoming Urban Heat Islands The urban heat island effect, a consequence of global warming and climate change, is becoming a reality with serious implications for human health in Spain. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, and Murcia are experiencing an increase in nighttime temperatures due to various

HM Hospitals take the healthcare of their International Patients very seriously. Here they offer some tips on how to keep healthy in the summer and recommend a full medical checkup before embarking on the much needed holidays. In short, for many of us, the long-awaited summer vacations have arrived! We should take the opportunity to

The case of Dele Ali reflects how childhood trauma is registered in the body in fragmented ways and traumatic memories are never fully integrated becoming a narrative just about something that has happened to us, like other memories. Until the trauma has been accepted and assimulated. Traumatic memories are often images and flashbacks that mean

The second heatwave of the summer in Spain began this Monday, July 10th, mainly affecting cities in the southern half of the country. As a result, some regions like Córdoba or Murcia are expected to reach or even exceed 44°C. Many living in Spain are wondering – how long will this heatwave last? High temperatures

Shape of Sound is recruiting for a Full-time Speech/Language therapist to become a part of our team in Gibraltar! Responsibilities Include: • The Speech Therapist is responsible for the assessment of referred patients that require rehabilitation services which includes: providing direct patient care to assess their medical condition, functional capabilities, limitations and restrictions and potential

The Gay Pride Madrid 2023 celebration will feature a variety of shows and events from June 23 to July 2, 2023. The 10-day LGBTIQ+ Pride festival includes talks, activities, performances and music concerts. The streets and squares of Madrid will be filled with Pride flags to raise visibility for the LGBTIQ+ community through peaceful protest and celebration. The opening

Gigi Luk from Harvard Graduate School of Education once said that bilingualism is an experience that shapes our brain for a lifetime. The perks of bilingual education are becoming more and more apparent, and experts are all nodding their heads in agreement that this learning approach can deeply impact our brains’ ability to learn and

Maintaining good mental health is equally as important as taking care of our physical well-being. It is an essential component for our overall survival, just like the air we breathe. However, the conversation surrounding mental health differs between men and women. Men often face various reasons that hinder them from speaking up about their mental

New Research Reveals A recent UK study indicates a significant increase in eating disorders and self-harm among teenage girls, aligning with similar findings across Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to a substantial rise in eating disorders and self-harm cases among teenage girls in the United Kingdom. An analysis of millions of UK general

In an article recently published in the Financial Times, UK therapists show concerns about the online therapy platform Betterhelp. Betterhelp was recently fined $7.8m for sharing client health information with social media companies The Financial Times, not typically known for its coverage of therapy and mental health, recently featured a headline addressing concerns about BetterHelp’s

Artificial intellegence (AI) is certainly a buzz word lately. ESHA Spain looks at some of the implications for healthcare Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in various ways. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and data analytics, AI can help healthcare professionals make more informed decisions, identify new

A recent study carried out by Alexandra Dane and Komal Bhatia from the Institute for Global Health, University College London, has found an alarming relationship between social media exposure and physical and mental health outcomes. The report, titled “The social media diet: A scoping review to investigate the association between social media, body image and

The recent wave of flu that has swept through Spain in the last few months can leave some pretty nasty side effects Continuous coughing and sneezing can lead to strains on the intercostal muscles, causing intense pain down both sides of the body. The intercostal muscles are a set of muscles located between the ribs,

Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can impact many aspects of a person’s life, including their ability to empathize with others. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it plays a vital role in building healthy relationships, creating connections, and maintaining

Since the beginning of November, flu infections have not stopped growing in Spain The flu in Spain is already epidemic in a large part of the country. Its incidence has not stopped increasing in recent weeks. Since the beginning of November, flu infections have not stopped growing. In mid-autumn, barely 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants

Mental Flexibility In a study published in ScienceDaily: Bilingual Benefits Beyond Communication in November 2010, the research team led by Ellen Bialystok of York University found that bilingual children outperformed monolingual children in speed of assimilation, between two or more mental tasks. Switching between two languages ​​develops the parts of the brain that control switching

High functioning anxiety can underlie the lives of many outwardly-seeming successful people and often goes undiagnosed due to being percieved as just the accepted consequences of a high pressure job Success at work, personal achievements and an active social life would appear to be a perfect and inspiring life and HFA sufferers are often perceived

Prevention is health. It’s time to take care of yourself! At Hm Hospitales, specifically at our Hm Sanchinarro Hospital, we are aware of the need to carry out periodic health check-ups for the prevention and monitoring of possible diseases and we are equally aware of the difficulty that people may have in getting all the

Paying attention to detail and seeking excellence are generally considered by society to be positive, but when we talk about perfectionism, we are talking about unhealthy extremes. Perfectionism is a personality trait that is not included in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a disorder in its own

There are moments in life when things happen to us that we don’t know how to handle. It could be an accident, the loss of a loved one, a natural disaster, a mugging, being the victim of sexual abuse, or suffering an extremely humiliating experience. These events usually generate very intense emotions and can cause

Welcome to Malaga!    If you are travelling to Malaga to visit the city, enjoy its people, gastronomy and fun, you want your health to be in safe and trusted hands and for that our preferred medical provider, HM hospitals has now opened hospitals in and around Malaga, and offers you the same  personalized   multilingual medical

Anuptophobia: what is it? To a certain extent it is common to want to have a partner, since it is nice to have that person next to you with whom you can share joys and sorrows. Falling in love and being in a relationship is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding experiences that

Have you ever wondered how we deal with the most difficult situations in our lives? How we respond to traumatic events such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, serious illness, or other catastrophic events? If you have ever lived or witnessed a situation of this type, you will have seen that not everyone

Having a purpose in life, doing physical activity and learning something every day are habits that people over 60 should adopt to improve their mental health. Reading, writing, talking, walking and completing crossword puzzles are all activities that help people over 60 stay more active. Many believe that being healthy is all about jogging daily,

My name is Chris Neill and I am a British Psychologist and Psychotherapist based in Madrid, Spain. I am presently recruiting for a process-based online therapy group that will start around the beginning of October. The group will meet online for 90 minutes once a week online and consist of 8-12 members and will be

For most people living and working in Spain September means one thing, returning to work or studies after having enjoyed the long-awaited summer break. This unwelcomed return to routine can cause some feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability or insomnia that have been called post-vacation syndrome or depression. The syndrome is controversial and depression may be

The Ministry of Health approves fourth dose of the covid vaccine for people over 60 years of age The Public Health Commission of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) has approved this Tuesday the recommendation of the fourth dose of the vaccine against Covid-19 for those over 60 years of age, although

ENJOY THE SUN DO NOT LOWER YOUR GUARD ENJOY THE SUN  LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN PREVENTION, EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND HEALTHY SUN EXPOSURE KEY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST SKIN CANCER   In Spain, 3,600 new melanomas are detected per year, while in the rest of the world cases of skin cancer rise to 160,000 The incidence

We are now well into the summer and if you are not already on holiday you will be counting down the days until you go. However, spending a day or two at your parents’ house or sharing a holiday apratment with friends can give rise to inevitable frictions which can spoil the holidays, often leading

The ruling prohibits conversion, aversion or counterconditioning therapies and consolidates LGTBI rights The Council of Ministers has given the green light this Monday, the eve of the International LGTBI Pride Day, to the bill for the real and effective equality of trans people and to guarantee the rights of LGTBI people, which aims to depathologize

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe that ASDs have multiple causes that, acting together, change the ways that people develop. We still have a lot to learn

Drink lots of water or avoid dark colors, tips to survive the ‘heat wave’ that is devastating Spain An episode of high temperatures will raise thermometers to 42 degrees for the next few days   – Keep spaces well ventilated. – Eat light and regular meals, rich in water and mineral salts, such as fruits

All children may experience very stressful situations that affect the way they think and feel. Most of the time, children recover quickly. However, sometimes children who experience intense stress—such as in cases of injury, death or possible death of a family member or close friend, or violence—will be affected in the long run. The child

The suicide helpline 024 was recently created in May 2022 and forms part of a wider strategy to combat the ongoing effects of COVID on mental health According to the ministry of health, the objective of this action plan is to contribute to the improvement of mental health by promoting support and healthier coping skills

Anger Management Anger is an emotion and, like all emotions, it helps us adapt to different situations, especially those that require a response to having our goals or objectives frustrated. Experiencing an adaptive anger reaction helps us overcome danger or aggression from our surroundings or environment. But when left unchecked, it ceases to be adaptive

The ministerial body will allocate 322,011.46 euros for the recognition of degrees obtained in the European Union The Ministry of Health has commissioned the company Tragsatec to carry out technical and administrative support in managing the recognition of titles obtained in the European Union for access to and exercise of regulated health profession in Spain.

Today will be the last day of mandatory mask use indoors. A measure that has proven effective in containing the spread of Covid-19 and that will be maintained on public transport and centers with vulnerable populations. Specifically, according to the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, the royal decree that the Congress will approve on Tuesday

Emotions seem primal. We all release them from within us in a similar way. They accompany us from birth. They are peculiar and recognizable phenomena of our interior world. When something happens in the world, be it a gunshot or a seductive look, our emotions engage automatically, as if someone had flipped a switch. We

Metacognition and self-regulation approaches (sometimes known as “learning to learn”) seek to help students learn about their learning in a more explicit way. This is done by teaching specific strategies for setting goals, monitoring and evaluation of their own academic performance. Self-regulation means managing personal motivation towards learning. The idea is that thestudents have strategies

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias pose Imagine a gender- igual world, a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated Together we can forge women’s equality Collectively we can #BreakTheBias  

The United Nations’ (UN) International Mother Language Day annually celebrates language diversity and variety worldwide on February 21 Spain is known throughout the world, in addition to its characteristic culture, for its language: Spanish or Castilian. The Spanish language has been evolving for centuries to become what it is today, one of the most widely

From 7-13 February 2022, schools, youth groups, organisations and individuals across the UK will take part in Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is  Growing Together. Growing Together is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other grow. Challenges and setbacks can help us to grow and adapt and trying new things can help us to

Chaotic and intense: the keys to borderline personality disorder Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is misunderstood and difficult to diagnose and is often confused with pathologies such as bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it has its own characteristics and symptoms that differentiate it. What is borderline personality disorder? Borderline personality disorder is a

There are many definitions of psychology, but most of them share a common element that defines psychology as a science that seeks to help change. Generally, the objective pursued by a psychologist is that there is, after therapy, a variation of a certain behavior of the person or group that is defined as problematic by

What is considered normal mental health? Patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be pointers to seeking help for yourself or a loved one.   What is the difference between normal mental health and mental disorders? Sometimes the answer is clear. But often the distinction is not so obvious. For example, if you are afraid

Since the beginning of the pandemic, anxiety and depression are four times more prevalent amongst the Spanish populations   We are in a bad way. Mental health professionals have never been so busy. In Spain, 41.9% of the population has suffered sleep problems since the start of the pandemic and 38.7% have felt tired or

Alarming data showing the amount of vaccinated people admitted to hospital compared to non-vaccinated people may give rise to concern. This is not a true reflection of the data and partly due to what is known as the Simpson Paradox. The simple conclusion is that if out of 100 hospitalized by Covid, 70 are vaccinated

The recent death of Spanish actor Veronica Forqué, shines the focal spotlight on suicide and the difficulty of living Death by suicide is the primary cause of unnatural death in Spain and causes more deaths than traffic accidents. In 2020 3,941 people gave up living and took their own lives. What is surprising is the

Four questions: What is fear? What is fear for? What are you afraid of? What would you do if you weren’t afraid?  

Aaron Beck dies at the age of 100. One of the most innovative psychotherapists who throughout his life had only one concern and goal: to alleviate human suffering. His life and his work have changed the reality of many people, thanks to his remarkable contribution to the field of psychology. His work especially revolutionized the

October 10th 2021 has been assigned World Mental Health Day by the World Health Oganisation ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ The theme was chosen by members and supporters of the World Federation for Mental Health This was chosen to reflect an increasingly polarised world where 75-95% of people suffering mental health issues living in

First day back. Cup of coffee in hand, turn on the computer and start all over again. Emails to read and answer. Pending tasks and projects haven’t gone away and are still waiting for you. You close your eyes and remember that only yesterday you were enjoying the beach. Returning to the routine The feeling

  SUPERVISION, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION ARE KEY WEAPONS AGAINST THE “PERILS OF SUMMER”, ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN   Special attention to beaches, swimming pools, outdoors and in the sun   Paediatricians are keen to stress the importance of child vigilance to prevent drowning.   Sunstroke, insect bites, fungul infections and food poisoning are among the most

We love the sun in summer, those long days on the beach getting a bit of colour after a year of being locked in an office. But those summer rays can be harmful if we get too much of them. That is why it is so important to use sunscreen that keeps our skin safe

HM Hospitales established a multidisciplinary medical team that intervened in HM Nou Delfos and carries out follow-up in HM Nens Israe, who is 10, was diagnosed with pelvic Ewing sarcoma and when faced with the impossibility of undergoing surgery in Morocco, her home country, her parents launched a crowdfunding campaign to pay for treatment abroad.

On the 26th June the Community of Madrid opened its’ municipal pools to the public, applying the security protocols set by the Ministry of Health against Covid-19, including a maximum capacity of 60 percent. Entrance prices have remained the same compared to previous years, with a one-day ticket costing 5 euros and a voucher for

Fibromyalgia derives from: “FIBROS” = soft tissues of the body, “MIOS” = muscles and “ALGIA” = pain. That is, “Musculoskeletal Pain”. To this definition we can add, “chronic, generalized and of unknown cause”. Fibromyalgia means “pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons” (fibrous parts of the body).Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome without a

Gregorio Marañón hospital in Madrid becomes the reference centre in Spain for COVID-19 sequencing A small group of researchers from the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid has been instrumental in helping to detect the different Covid-19 mutations in Spain. Thanks to the efforts of this center, where almost 4,000 cases of coronavirus variants have already

HM Hospitales and ESHA Spain are collaborating to bring you a 5% discount on antigen and PCR tests. Click on the link below to book your antigen or PCR test

If you are thinking of travelling to Spain, you will find this extract from the UK government website helpful. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If

For over thirty years the preferred pharmacological treatment for depression has been Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (the generic name for Prozac), citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline. The effect of SSRIs is to “take the edge off life” and in a way blunt experience, basically allowing people to care less, which is fairly

Anyone who has sat for hours in a waiting room understands that the passing of time is subjective, where time seems to ground to a halt accompanied only by the tick of a large wall clock. Compare this to how time passes when we are actively engaged in a pleasant task, what American Psychologist Mihály

This year’s theme to 2021 International Women’s day is #ChooseToChallenge. A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s

It was initially thought that during the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues would wash through the general population like a “tsunami” and that we were probably facing the biggest mental health crisis since WWII. So much so that a team of experts from the Universities of Sheffield, Ulster, Liverpool, UCL and

The Pfizer Laboratory initially announced a cut in supply of 44% on Friday to Spain According to the Spanish medical journal, Redaccion Médica, the Ministry of Health originally announced that autonomous communities would receive 44% less vaccines on Monday 18th January. The cutback has finally shot up to 50% in some communities and affects all

Testing for Covid-19 If you need to know your immune status against COVID-19, in HM hospitals we want to make it very easy for you:   No It is not necessary to make an appointment. Results ready in 24 h at the hospital or 48 hours on the website. If you have doubts about which

Many of my friends are teachers and they often tell me how they feel less and less motivated by the teaching sector and would suggest the seriousness of a situation where teachers are struggling to find personal meaning in what they are doing. This is especially relevant in an education sector that relies heavily on

Dr Soldado from HM Hospitales Paediatric Traumatology Ward in Madrid explains the novel state of the art process behind a Toe Phalanx Vascularized Transplant.   You can contact International patient at HM Hospitales in Madrid here https://www.hmhospitales.com/servicios-al-paciente/international-patient

What are the requirements for the recognition of a Dentistry degree in Spain? General Dentistry and other specialties In an increasingly globalized world, thousands of professionals in the dental sector leave their countries of origin in search of job opportunities. To prepare fully for working abroad you need to meet the challenges posed by validating

HM Fertility centre reopens with an emphasis on post-COVID-19 safety by performing polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR) at the begining of fertility studies and before each procedure. – On May 11th, the HM Fertility Center will return to full activity nationwide. – Specialists at the HM Fertility Center will perform free, periodic PCR checks on all

Paediatrician Dr. Maria Iasabel Romero from HM Hospitales offers some paediatric advice on children and COVID-19 HM Hospitales are now offering an online paediatric consultancy service. For more information or to make your appointment see here. https://www.hmhospitales.com/servicios-al-paciente/international-patient

What is an emotion? One of the hardest questions for emotion theorists to answer has been, what exactly is an emotion? What attributes are shared by all emotions and what characteristic is necessary for a bodily response to be considered an emotion? Fortunately, there does seem to be some consensus that emotion is a coordinated

As Spain enters its sixth week of lockdown the government will detail their plans for how the lockdown will be eased. The latest data suggests that the daily death rate has reduced to 288, the lowest figure since the begining of the pandemic. This is still an alarming amount of deaths, but when compared to

In these difficult times, Sinews are offering an online grief support programme https://www.sinews.es/en/  

There is nothing I hate more than a psychologist with a list, but I suppose it is an easy way to spatially organise ideas so here we go. Get into the uncertainty: Our mind is set up to predict and anticipate for the immediate future and this is wonderful ability that has given us an

Spain is the second country with more new cases in the world Ministry of Health records more than 300 deaths and more than 9,190 infections of Covid-19 Spain is in fourth place in the world in number of coronavirus infections, behind China, Iran and Italy. But, it is the second country in number of daily

The overall life expectancy in the UK has dramatically slowed since 2010, with important socio-economic and gender divides that leave the poorest women with a lower life expectancy, whilst the most well-off people expected to live 0.5% longer than in 2010. This is the damning report from Sir Michael Marmot which tracks the health equity

Sleep is considered as a complex reversible state that happens at regular intervals and is activated by the brain. According to restoration theory (Oswald 1966), sleep is essential for restoring vital energy and promotes tissue repair and growth. Sleep has two main phases: REM and non-REM, with REM being the dreaming phase and has been

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, with approximately 1,276,106 new cases per year in the world. According to data of the Observatory of the cancer of the AECC, in Spain 31,728 new cases were diagnosed and 6,061 people died due to prostate cancer in 2018. The information provided on this site

As we edge ever nearer a hard Brexit, Dominic Raab writes an open letter to the British community living in Spain offering advice on how UK Citizens can be best prepared for Brexit. “No matter the terms of our departure from the EU, you will continue to be able to live and work in Spain.

A Psychiatrist deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health conditions Unlike a Counsellor, Therapist or Psychologist, a Psychiatrist is a medical Doctor who has specialised in Psychiatry. This allows them to prescribe medication when necessary, but also recommend other types of treatment. A Psychiatrist can treat a wide range of conditions including

The Spanish Government and private health service are joining forces against insurance fraud from British companies. ASPE (Alianza de la Sanidad Privada Española) placed a new complaint before the European Commission and together they take measures to prevent a burden to the Spanish healthcare system. It is believed that up to 800 tourists a day

A slightly misleading title, but in a recent article published in the British medical Journal suggests that vegans and vegetarians may be at higher risk of stroke compared to their meat-eating counterparts. A long-term study followed the eating habits of 48,188 participants, who had no history of heart disease, stroke or angina, during 18 years.

This excellent article written by Steve Garrett first appeared in the Good Men Project in 2018. Steve outlines his personal experience in a toxic relationship and the difficulties he had in dropping it. Sometimes we find ourselves unable to walk away from a toxic or damaging relationship. I was involved for far too long with

There are many confusing ideas about what sexuality is, but sexuality is not about how many partners you have sex with, or how often you have sex, or necessarily how you perform. Sexuality is more about your sexual feelings, thoughts and your attractions towards other people. Attraction can be physical, sexual or emotional and they

The linguistic platform “per la Llengua” claim that the patient was not attended to because he spoke in Valencian The Platform per la Llengua has denounced an ambulance crew member that shouted at a patient “long live Spain, long live the King, long live law and order!”, when he spoke in Valencian, according to the

According to a text published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, medication provides significant protective benefits Some parents are reluctant to give their children powerful stimulants to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but a new review, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, shows that medications provide significant benefits. In addition

The Bishopric of Alcalá maintains a paragraph on it’s website referring to homosexuality, “many cases can be solved with an appropriate therapy” The Community of Madrid will investigate the courses being offered by a child guidance centre linked to the Bishopric of Alcalá, also owned by the ex-bishop of Castello, Juan Antonio Reig Pla, where

A Reykjavik hospital mistakenly diagnosed three Icelandic tourists returning from Alicante with Chikungunya on the 8th June due to “a failure in the laboratory,” according the head of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health in Iceland, Thorolfur Gudnason. “The laboratory explained that it has found the cause of the error, which has already been corrected.

Three people have been diagnosed with chikungunya after spending a few days’ holiday in Alicante. The Valencian Generalitat has activated a series of control measures after receiving the alert from Reykjavik, where the infected people are from. The tourists are members of the same family and are waiting for the results of a relative who

Spain enjoys one of the most pleasurable climates in Europe with an average of up 2905 hours of sunshine each year in places like Costa del Sol. But like many of the good things in life it comes with a cost and that includes dehydration, sunburn, skin cancer, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat stroke is

Summer is nearly here and we’re all itching to get out of the city and away on our holidays, but before heading off to an exotic destination it is important that get information about the necessary and mandatory vaccinations for travel. After all, you want to enjoy your holidays and not suffer after a mosquito

The amount of therapies on offer can be hugely overwhelming when you want to choose a therapy that is right for you. Therapies can differ in the academic theory behind them, the techniques that the therapist might use or the focus of the therapy. All these are worth taking into account when finding a talking

The College of Physicians in Madrid recently dissolved its’ Acupuncture section arguing it was a practice without scientific evidence The courts have forced the College of Physicians in Madrid (Icomem) to reopen its section of acupuncture. The College closed this section in 2017,arguing that it was a pseudoscientific practice, but the Association of Physician Acupuncturists

Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, a YouGov poll alarmingly found that 57% of 18-24-year olds surveyed admitted having felt anxious about their body image compared to 30% of 45- to 54-year-olds and 20% of over 55s. 10% of women have deliberately self-harmed as a consequence of their body image, compared to 4% of men

Are you unsatisfied with your health insurance or are you looking for one that meets your needs? Has your insurance premium been incremented due to an age increase?, has it been cancelled?, are you unhappy with the service?, is your medical directory or are your coverages insufficient?, are you looking for an insurance policy that

In SINEWS we are looking for a bilingual, English-Spanish, PSYCHIATRIST to join our team. Would you like to have a private practice in a high-profile location in the center of Madrid? Are the thoughts of taking a such a big step alone holding you back? We are a multidisciplinary, international team comprised of more than

According to the newly revised DSM V, nearly all psychopathology has some form of emotional dysregulation. For the first time addiction is now considered as a behavioural problem and not just linked to pharmaceutical substance and addictions to sex and gaming etc have been moved from the “impulse control” category to the substance related and

Are you pregnant and living in Spain? Maybe it is difficult for you get back to your home country to give birth, but you may be worried about the implications of giving birth in Spain. Be reassured: not only is Spanish healthcare famous for being one of the best, but its doctors and nurses are also

I’m sure you have been following recent developments in the Brexit negotiations very closely, so I wanted to give you a quick update about what all of this means for British people living here in Spain.   The European Council has agreed what is being called a “flexible extension” to the process of our departure

This is the 32nd tobacco-related Surgeon General’s report issued since 1964.  It highlights 50 years of progress in tobacco control and prevention, presents new data on the health consequences of smoking, and discusses opportunities that can potentially end the smoking epidemic in the United States. Scientific evidence contained in this report supports the following facts: The

Dental anxiety is more than just fear of the dentist, it also relates to anxiety or stress in any dental setting. Fear of visiting a dentist can result in people avoiding dental treatment for up to ten years, often when it is too late. Triggers for dental anxiety include needles, drills or the dental setting

Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger that is not emotionally involved than it is to relatives or friends. During talking therapy, a trained counsellor or therapist listens to you and helps you find your own way out, in a non-judgemental manner. The therapist will give a space to talk, cry, shout or just

A Doctor in Spain resigns claiming: “I am unable to work 31 hours non-stop” A doctor in La Rioja has left his job considering that he is “incapable” of working 31 hours in optimal conditions. Javier Yuste, until now worked in the health centre of Arnedo, but has decided to take this decision due to

It appears the Spanish government are working hard to maintain the rights of legally registered British Citizens living in Spain. British Ambassador Simon Manley has reassured the 300,000 brits living in Spain that the Spanish government will do all it can to maintain existing rights, but of course this depends to a certain amount on

Why Choose a Dentist in Spain? Dentists in Spain are becoming more highly valued and this adds to the many reasons why Spain is becoming one of the major dental tourist destinations and is enjoying huge popularity of late. Spain offers high quality dental care due to the stringent training that Dentists undergo in Spain,

Hay Fever in Spain Allergic rhinitis, or Hay fever, as it is more commonly known is a cluster of symptoms that affect the nasal passages. The hay fever season in Spain is particularly long and can last from January until November. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and many plants will release potentially

According to a study published in Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training (Vol. 43, No. 4), therapy interventions in a client’s native language are over twice as effective as therapy that is carried out in a second language. The implication of this is that the English- speaking community in Spain should seriously consider using an English-speaking counsellor

The President of the Popular Party, Pablo Casado, has affirmed this Thursday that he is in favour of repealing the current abortion law adopted in 2010, and return to the previous law that was approved in 1985 by the Government of Felipe González. This is a law could send doctors to prison from between 1- 3

English- speaking counsellors and therapist are available in all regions of Spain.  Our members are counsellors and therapists who come from many different countries and may not necessarily be British, but American, Australian, African or even Scandinavian. The background, nationalities, experience, education, and gender of the therapist can be found on our web site directory

If English is your mother tongue then using an English-speaking Doctor in Spain may have better treatment outcomes. You may have lived in Spain for many years and speak Spanish very well, but effective communication between physicians and patients is critical to providing optimal health care. Communication failures can occur when both parties speak the

Women now are unquestionably the leaders in the healthcare industry in Spain, although a glass ceiling prevents their presence in positions of responsibility. This situation is changing from year to year, and  Redacción Médica and it’s Editorial Group, Sanitaria 2000, are contributing by organizing the second edition of the Sanitarias Awards 2019, where last year 

We all know that a balanced mediterranean style diet is good for us, but recent research has shown that it may be as good as preventive medicine in reducing cardiovascular incidents. A Mediterranean diet, composed of a lot of vegetables and olive oil, with little meat and sweets, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease up

In January 2019 the Spanish Government launched a website that outlines how Brexit will affect British Citizens living in Spanish territory. At present al European citizens are entitled to the same healthcare that they would receive in their country of origin. A temporary stay is covered by a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), whereas pensioners

In a bid to curb concerns about the rise of so-called pseudo therapies, the Spanish Government is creating a plan that would ban any therapy that is not supported by scientific evidence from publicly run health centres and hospitals, it will also prohibit any centre offering pseudo therapies from calling itself a “health centre”. This

Madrid opened its first sex doll “brothel” in storm of controversy in 2018. The new phenomena of realistic sex dolls is forcing society to consider a new form of sexuality and reflect on how this affects women. According to Daniel Garcia, founder of Luxury Agency Dolls, Madrid’s first doll brothel, they are just like any

In light of a new meta- analyses carried out by the University of Otago in New Zealand into the benefits of fibre in our diet, John Cummings, professor of experimental gastroenterology at the University of Dundee has been quoted “The evidence is now overwhelming, and this is a game-changer that people have to start doing

The Spanish Consumer, Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AECOSAN) has warned that ice cream imported from the UK could have an undeclared nut content and be a danger to people with nut allergy. Although the ice cream called “Ice King” does not carry the usual warning “may contain nuts”, nut traces were found in samples

  Dr Lu Qi is Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health and has recently published research on the links between genetic obesity and sugary drinks Sugary drinks are a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. The term “soft drink” refers to any beverage with added sugar or other sweetener,

  Thomas Cuemi. President of International Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry (Ifpma) The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry (Ifpma) has updated its Code of Good Practices in the face of 2019. This last update includes a global ban on any IFPMA company member making gifts to healthcare professionals. Paragraph 7.5 of the code refers to the

How to register in the Spanish National Health Service Registering Although this is principally written with British citizens in mind the majority does also apply to citizens of other European countries. The first thing that you will need to do is register as a resident at the “Oficina de Extranjeros” or the police station closest

Common Cold Although Spain enjoys a lot more sunshine than most Northern European Countries, it doesn’t mean that we are free from catching colds or the flu. Both are respiratory illnesses with the common cold, otherwise known as Upper Respiratory Illness (URI), being the main reason why people will visit the doctor, A cold is

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist? Psychiatrists A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who has graduated from a medical school. A psychiatrist’s training focuses on general medicine while in medical school. They will then go on to 3-4 years of residency where they will specialize in psychiatry. While for many