We are the Latin American agent for the SleepStrip, the world's first disposable Sleep Apnea screener, winner of a Medical Design Excellence Award in 2002, and we distribute SleepSense brand sleep lab sensors in Panama.

 SleepStrip Sleep Apnea Sensor and
SleepSense Sleep Lab Sensors for Latin America

Ex-Pat Health Care

For many seeking a better quality of life, moving to Central America seems like a good choice given the lower cost of living and spectacular scenery. However, one issue receiving scant coverage is the timely response for emergency healthcare.

The fact is that emergency response times are far greater on average due to a number of factors. Traffic congestion in the city and the lack of right of way for emergency vehicles is a major delay factor. In the country, where distances between homes and medical clinics are measured in miles and tens of minutes, many ex-Pats consider themselves to be on their own if an emergency. Even if a local doctor or nurse is close by, they may not be instantly available for a rescue call.

Cardiac problems represent the biggest risk for most people living here. Yes, other risks are accidents and falls in the home, etc. However, a heart attack or stroke remain the two highest risks for death. It’s the same in the US or Canada.

Since most people moving from the USA or Canada are of retirement age or older than 45, having a heart attack survival plan and having CPR training makes good sense. Knowing CPR and doing it correctly can more than double a person’s chances for surviving a cardiac arrest.

Consider the following facts:

• You have about four minutes after cardiac arrest before brain damage starts.
• Most people have not been trained in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Most people trained in CPR do not do it correctly under stress. For example, they do not use the correct amount pressure for chest compression, which is the most difficult aspect of CPR.
• The risk of rib fractures, lung punctures, cartilage separation and coronary artery and cardiac conduction system damage is higher from improper CPR technique.
• Rescuers are not consistent in maintaining adequate blood flow to the vital organs since they must fully release the applied pressure between chest compressions. This relaxation of pressure allows the heart to passively fill prior to the next chest compression.
• Rescuers can quickly become fatigued and often apply more force than is necessary during manual CPR, which is not only dangerous for the patient, but also causes the rescuer to exert greater energy and fatigue at a faster rate.
• People with CPR training fail to practice for the lack of a practice mannequin.

BioSafe Panama created a number of useful tools for ex-Pats to consider when moving to Panama or any Latin American country.

First, we created a heart attack survival plan with a number of suggestions and comments to assist in setting good expectations before or after moving here. The plan covers the questions you need to ask of yourself and of others in order to gain more control over your health.

Second, through our medical connections here in Panama, we have arranged for CPR training information on where and how to get this vitally important skill.

Third, we created a Yahoo Group to assist ex-Pats in finding dentists, doctors and other professionals who have been peer-reviewed by fellow ex-pats or that we personally have met with and confirmed their good standing in the medical community.

We hope that you take advantage of all these new resources available to you.

Copyright 2005 -2007 -- BioSafe Panama, SA