The doctor's office, we were told, is located between the Belize Bank and Frank's Meats-on the side street with the median. It's a little clinic. So off we went on yet another excursion in town. Fortunately, we knew the Belize Bank was on the northwest corner of the town square and the side street with the median was right next to it. We found Maranatha Clinic, the sliding glass doors indicated it was "Open". We passed through the sliding glass doors and a door bell sounded. The waiting room was completely empty, the tv was on. We were surrounded by 6 closed doors, 2 unmarked, rooms 1-3 were exam rooms, and one door marked WC (water closet-restroom). Not a human to be found. We looked at each other and laughed nervously--we realized we didn't know how to bring attention to ourselves in this environment.
Soon, a gentleman came down the outside spiral staircase and entered the waiting room, he paused after we questioned, "Dr. Reyes?" "Yes" was his response. We quickly introduced ourselves and told why we were there. My BP medication is not available in Belize, so we were there to get his recommendation. He took us in to Room 2, it was decked out similarly to a doctor's office in the states, he washed his hands and proceeded to take my BP using an automatic cuff. We discussed my medications somewhat and then Dr. Reyes suggested that my husband and I share his Rx! No prescription was written, just "go see Catherine at Evergreen Pharmacy and she will take care of you." No chart was created, nor notes written--he must have an eidetic memory! We then spent the next 30 minutes talking about the health benefits of Belize and that many of his expats have been able to stop taking their BP pills. The cost was $35bzd ($17.50USD); follow-ups for the same diagnosis are $15bzd ($7.50USD).
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| Dr. Reyes' Office |
Ahhhh, the dentist--everyone's favorite way to spend time! Unfortunately, it's a must do at least twice a year. We are lucky enough to have a dentist office about a block from the apartment. Dr. Glenda Major lives next to her office, has evening weekday and morning Saturday appointments. She not only performs general dentistry but also is a dental surgeon...one stop dentistry!
Entering her office, you are immediately hit with the dentist office smell..that distinct aroma that permeates every dental office. The waiting room is small but equipped with a tv and enough dental wall posters to keep you entertained. Soon enough I was sitting in the chair, surrounded by equipment that was relatively familiar: overhead light, mayo stand, sink, counter and a spitting well! Yes, one of those sinks, next to the patient, where a cup of mouthwash laden water sits on a holder and that little round sink....The cleaning was 100% performed by the dentist, ultrasonic, no scraping in this office, it was a damp experience (water splashing on my face), but quick and the polishing was just like back at home. A brief exam of my past fillings and crowns--done! The cost? $80bzd ($40USD). 6 month reprieve!!
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| Dr. Major's Office |
