Hearing loss and its impact on quality of life

There are many people around the world who have hearing difficulties. The British MRC Institute of Hearing Research estimated that the total number of people world-wide suffering from hearing loss will exceed 700 million by 2015 (www.hear-it.org). In developed countries, the number of people with hearing loss will reach 215 million in 2015. From that pool, some 90 million will be Europeans and it is estimated that in developing countries the number of hearing-impaired individuals will double those statistics (www.hear-it.org).

People with hearing loss may delay a decision to obtain hearing help through the use of hearing aids, assistive listening devices and other advanced technologies because they may be in denial or unaware of the fact that receiving early treatment for hearing loss can truly have a positive effect on their quality of life . A number of research studies carried out in the United States by the National Council of Aging have revealed that the use of hearing aids is clearly associated with great improvements in the emotional, social, psychological, and physical well-being of people with hearing impairment (www.betterhearing.org).

These studies have also shown that hearing loss treatment demons-trated improvements in ease of communication in relationships, perception of mental functioning, earning power, emotional stability, physical health, sense of control over life events, intimacy and warmth in family relationships, and group social participation. Research on hearing loss treatment through hearing aid use has also shown to reduce hearing loss compensation behaviors, frustration, depression, anxiety, self-criticism, anger, and feelings of discrimination (www.betterhearing.org).

If you suspect that you may have a hearing problem, it is important that you have an evaluation to determine your hearing status. Why miss out on the quality of your life and ease of communication? There are many advancements in hearing aid technologies and your audiologist can help you find your best option. Please stop by and hear what you may be missing!

For more information please contact Dr. Beatriz C. Alvarado at Clinica de Audiologia Especiali-zada (CLAUDIE) , tel: 204-8436 or email:
audiologiaespecializada@yahoo.com for a consultation about hearing loss and hearing aid technologies.

Book Review

Living in Panama
by Sandra T. Snyder, Second Edition
6" x 9", 340 pages, and three maps. Published by the author

Panama recently has assumed a new identity as a destination for retirees and snowbirds looking for an interesting place to relocate. They find Panama a dynamic country that is continually growing and changing, which is both exciting and stressful.

The book Living in Panama, in its updated and expanded second edition is designed to add to the interest and reduce the stress while helping newcomers to settle in Panama. The author, Sandra T. Snyder, is an expat who has lived in Panama for 12 years.

The book offers over 340 pages of information including guides to obtaining your driver’s licence, opening a bank account, paying utility bills, shopping, and just blending in.

The expanded Panama-on-Line sections provide additional resources through web sites, for everything from social clubs to WiFi locations, government offices to repair facilities. Professional associa-tions are listed and there is updated information on newspapers including English publications and radio stations, and there is a guide to live theaters.

The updated guide also attempts to answer some of the questions first put by new arrivals like: "Why do Panamanians drive the way they do?", "Where can I find a good school for my children?", "a church of my faith?"

The Author Sandra first arrived in Panama by sail boat. She and her husband fell in love with the country, finally moving here 13 years ago. She is also the author of “Spies, Crooks, and Others Along the Way”, a book of short stories. In California she had a career in marketing.

Whether you live in Panama City, Boquete, Coronado or Volcan, you will find "Living in Panama" a valuable resource for anyone contemplating a move to Panama, for new arrivals or those relocating for business. It is also useful for Panamanians looking for insider information.

The book is available from the publisher as well as local stores and on line at www.amazon.com. $20.99.

A presentation of the new edition will take place on Tuesday April 17 at 7 p.m. at Biblioteca Nacional.

A few excerpts

Identification Required
Panama law requires that everyone, nationals and exlranjeros carry a photo ID at all times. This can be in the form of a cedula for nationals, jubilado visa card (carnet) or other similar visa card issued by the Panama government, or a passport.

If you do not want to carry your passport with you, a copy of the page with your personal information and photo plus the page showing your entry to Panama is sufficient.

While your Panama driver's license has a photo and your fingerprint, it is not considered acceptable identification except in instances involving driving.

Street Vendors
All around town at major intersections you will find the street vendor. While sitting in your car waiting for your tum to move through the intersection, you can purchase the day's supply of plantain, fresh pineapple, mangos, peppers, tomatoes or whatever fruit or vegetable is in season. This convenient sales approach eliminates the necessity of stopping at a store, parking and getting out of your car when it is raining or you are short on time. The price is a convenient $1 a bag for whatever is being sold.

Tagua Nuts
In the 1920's before the introduction of inexpensive plastic buttons, about 20% of buttons manufactured in the United States were made from tagua nuts.

The Tagua Nut, commonly known as vegetable ivory, earned its name from its ivory-like color and texture. With the implementation of laws protecting the elephants from poachers for their ivory, tagua nuts have become a highly valued commodity by artisans and consumers alike. In Panama, tagua is skillfully carved by artisans into figurines, key chain tags, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, vases and buttons.

Metropolis Comics

Meet the Super heroes

Looking for adventure, drama and ways to feed your adrenaline rush, but don't want to risk your life performing acts of bravery? Look no further. There is a place in Panama City called Metropolis Comics that can make those dreams come true. In there you can find comics and graphic novels from your most cherished superheroes like Superman, Batman, Spiderman and the all-time favorite Mangas.

With their slogan: "We are more than a shop, we are a community", Metropolis Comics is a place where you can not only buy your comics, but also participate in the Hobbies Weekends, an event organized every Saturday by the owners, in which fans of comic play games, cards and enjoy a good time with new-found friends.

Metropolis Comics, located on Calle 62, El Carmen, next to Scuba Panama is the brainchild of Fernado Diaz Lozano and Javier Gomez. They decided to open the store in January 2006 to give Panamanian people the opportunity to experience the world of comics and at the same time bring individuals from different backgrounds and ages together, united by their common love and passion for these graphic novels.

The comics sell for as little as $3.50 and as high as $15.20. The store also has a good supply of sweaters, posters, action toys and other paraphernalia, all showing your favorite superheroes in all their glory.

Diaz Lozano, one of the owners of Metropolis Comics, said that with comics people can learn to speak English and at the same time, they are collectables that will increase in value.

Metropolis Comics has an advisory service and the staff will be happy to guide you within the complex world of superheroes.

According to Diaz Lozano, the most popular graphic novel at the moment is Civil War and it narrates the battle of the heroes of Marvel Comic, and has occupied the number one spot over the last 10 months.

Metropolis Comics opens Monday to Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information call 261-8734 or e-mail at info@metropoliscomiconline.com

Panama’s hidden export

Remon Racetrack produces star jockeys – and mounts

A close finish creates excitement in the packed stands at President Remon Racetrack.

You probably won't be able to put a dollar value on this thriving hidden export of Panama, but if you are a horse racing fan from the U.S., Mexico, Venezuela or Peru you will be well aware that Panama produces star jockeys… big time.

In the 80 years since the Horse Racing Club of Panamá first opened its doors to "The Sport of Kings" there has been a steady stream of top flight riders to delight and fatten the wallets of racing fans in many parts of the world.

Some of those deserving of a place in a local Hall of Fame are: Gustavo "Chichi" Moore, Hernani Mora, Manuel Icaza, Braulio Baeza, Jacinto Vásquez, Victor Tejada, Jorge Velásquez, Laffit Pincay Jr., Jorge Tejeira, Alexis Solis and Cornelio Velásquez.

In Peru Alexis Carbonell is a stand out rider and Blas Aguirre shines in Mexico, Venezuela, and here in Panama.

Panama has been equally prominent in producing winning throroughbreds and sires like "Keyhaven", "Croupier"", "El Gran Capo", "Kingling", "Right Note", "Rise a Lady", "Dependable", Sonorus", "Royal Medal", "By degree", "Donzel", "Pumpkin Monshine", "Sky Lark", "Salkhad", "Screen King", "Kazán", "Romancero", "Janina", "Tojo", "Iván", "Quimera", "Sicodélico", "El Manut".

Other horses that stand out on the Caribbean, as the winners of major races are "Montecarlo", "Barremina", "El Cómico", "Patilargo", "Pan de los Pobres", "Leonardo" y "Angelical", "Eugenio", "Espaviento", "By Pass", "Patricio" and "Man on The Moon".

Passion Play in Pesé best in Panama

The holy week celebrations in Pesé their 53rd anniversary this year. The religious tradition was founded by father Luis Angulo who was Parish Priest in the parish of San José, the patron saint of the town.

Before his arrival there were a number of traditions to mark holy week, including clowns, devils and the dramatization of the ship and the castle.

Father Angulo noticed the popularity of the dramatic presentations and the quality of the scenic effects, and decided to establish in 1954, a new event on Good Friday, "The path of the crucification", with people playing the roles of the principle characters but without the central figure Jesus, believing it was too difficult a part to play.

A young man, Domingo Guillén, volunteered, and was asked by the priest "You dare?". Domingo replied "For sure" and he took the part of the carrying of the cross and the death of the Redeemer.

Performing the role of Christ also includes the sermon on the Mount of Olives before the start of the carrying of the cross.

The settings in the first year were very simple. The garden of olives was the inside of the church, and the actors travelled the streets to the scene of the crucification in the main plaza Mr. Jacinto Solis was in charge of the decorations.

Today the decoration of the sites all along the route is very elaborate.

We have all looked for it, so often in vain, but finally I found it

By Vito P. Cortese

It’s something we have all searched for during our travels to take back to loved ones, but the Perfect Gift always seems to be elusive.

For me, it’s a quest for something more meaningful, say, than a plastic key chain and a bottle opener. I always hope to find something special so when I present the gift it says more than: "now you can open my beer more quickly".

Recently I was fortunate enough to find such a gift. While exploring around Casco Viejo, I stumbled upon a jewelry store named Reprosa. Their jewelry was made of the usual stuff –gold, silver, pearls, and other precious and semi-precious stones. However, the jewelry they presented was anything but usual.

Reprosa stands for Reproductions and Originals S.A. and they not only have the hip and elegant store in Casco Viejo, but also have a larger store downtown and an informative website (www.reprosa.com). Reprosa specializes in creating authentic reproductions of historical items from a land that was to become what we now call Panama; the jewelry of the ancient people of the pre-Columbian period. They also make faithful replicas of precious coins and artifacts from the Colonial period.

All their reproductions are created from molds of the originals. "How did they get their hands on all these originals to make reproductions?", you might ask. The answer is simple. Museums and collectors loaned them. Reprosa has been granted an exclusive license to borrow from the national museum to replicate these precious artifacts.

The store's presentation gives a sense of history and prestige to the displayed articles. Gold animals, silver shells, lifelike orchids, and old coins were only a fragment of the much larger collection of beautiful necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings.

A cluster of dull grayish silver jewelry fresh from the mold, still stuck together and ready for sandblasting and polishing into its final lustre.
Una grupo de piezas de joyeria de plata recién salidas del molde, todavia unidas y listas para ser pulidas.

I had to learn more of the story behind the unique jewelry art. I found out about a tour of their factory in Costa del’Este and off I went.

From our arrival through the two secure doors at the factory and into a friendly and elegant stone hallway, I knew the tour was going to be something to remember. I was led up some stairs and offered a typical Panamanian beverage, a Seco punch and the fact that it was only 10:30 in the morning didn’t seem to faze anyone.

Our tour group was then introduced to our guide, Gloria. We asked a couple of questions, watched a short film about Panama, and learned about the history of Reprosa.

I was impressed to learn that all of Reprosa’s jewelry is entirely hand made. The pearls are hand-selected and you can see the staff selecting them while on the tour. The tour winds around the factory floor on a suspended walkway 20 feet above the activity.

I had an excellent view of craftsmen creating molds of jewelry by the "lost wax" method which was exactly how the native people created their jewelry.

After the tour of the factory, I had the opportunity to purchase some of the fine jewelry we had seen being made. I purchased a stunning pair of gold frog earrings and a gold frog pendant, which signifies health, life and luck as a gift for that special someone in my life. As I left the Reprosa factory, I was given a gift bag brimming with Panamanian goodies.

For me, the earrings and thependant I purchased had the perfect story to go with the gift. And, in case you’re wondering, the recipient affirmed that I had given her "The Perfect Gift".

Reprosa opens new store in Casco Viejo

Reprosa, the jewelry store renowned for reproductions of pre-Colombian huacas and of beautiful things, which vary from orchids to pieces of eight, has opened a branch in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter. The pictures above give a hint of the variety and at the right is the balconied facade of the store –very low key because regulations in the Casco Viejo prohibit large or hanging signs.

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This non-profit clinic helps to keep homeless animals of the streets

By David Dell

Dogs have been called man’s best friend, occasionally, humans prove that the friendship extends both ways.

“Spay Panama” is a non-profit organization, that was set up in 2001, so that affordable spay/neuter facilities would be available throughout Panama for persons of low-income and also for people who feed and care for homeless animals.

Pet owners give post-operation comfort to their animals.

Recently, I witnessed the group in action in the mountain town of Volcan. Francia Pinedo, a local realtor, donated the use of her office for a day so that sixty cats and dogs could be treated. When I entered the office of Volcan Real Estate the scene was reminiscent of a post-disaster triage. To my left several volunteers were trimming the fur and disinfecting cats and dogs prior to sedation. To my right, on a blanket covered floor, 8 or 10 pet owners were lovingly massaging their animals as they recovered from the procedure.

The organizer of this temporary clinic is a 66 year-old expat, Dottie Atwater. She exudes high energy and a commanding presence in the room, something that seems to agree with her, as I would have guessed her age at being ten years younger than it was. An attempt to interview her was interrupted as a small black dog suddenly vomited at our feet. Dottie rushed off and returned with some paper towels and started cleaning up. She asked the owner if the animal had been fed that morning. The young girl, sherpishly admitted she had. Dottie, placed a motherly arm around the girl and reassured her that despite the incident, the animal would be fine.

"Why do you do this," I asked Dottie? She said that it broke her heart to see starving and diseased animals on the street. She went onto explain that besides the humanitarian side of taking care of homeless cats and dogs, there is a very real public health issue. Many of the cats and dogs she explained, have venereal disease. This is transmitted between the animals and of course can be a problem as children and animals often share the same play-space.

I was amazed at the efficiency of the operation. Each animal is first weighed, tagged and examined. After the procedure, they are given a pain-killer, an anti-inflammatory, treated for ticks and fleas, and finally they receive a B12 vitamin shot. Although the vets are paid for their work, everyone else involved, is a volunteer. There is a wonderful atmosphere of sharing amongst the volunteers. Ruby McKenzie, from the sister town of Boquete brought over a large weighing scale, and in return the Volcan people will provide their autoclave for use at the Boquete clinic. The anethetist, Dr. Chely also hails from Boquete. Dottie tells me that normally Dr. Chely is paid a nominal fee, but on this last occasion he refused to accept any money.

Dottie Atwater, organizer of the clinic is a commanding presence.

"Taxi," someone yelled from a back room. This was the signal that another dog had been successfully treated and needed to be moved from the operating table to the comfort and care of its owner. Immediately, two local ex-pats, Gene Robinson, a former Homeland Security officer and Wally Ewen, a retiree, rushed into the operating area and lifted the sedated animal off the stainless steel table and carried it over to the recovery area, and the next four-legged patient was placed on the vacant operating table. The three vets, Doctors Andreas Tello, René Guarjardo and his wife Letty work tirelessly on a production line basis.

Strange as it may seem, the wonderful work that these people carry out has drawn some criticism. Some vets claim that this is taking work away from them. This argument is countered by the fact that in this clinic, the three Panamanian vets are being paid for their work. They receive $20 per dog and $10 per cat. People who bring their animals are asked for a contributory donation, but if they cannot afford it – the operations are carried out for free.

“Spay Panama”, is the brain child of retired Panama Canal employee, Pat Chan. Chan has reportedly spent over $100,000 of her own money building a clinic in Panama City. Temporary clinics, such as the one held in Volcan, are held all across Panama. If you wish to attend a clinic or make a donation, contact Spay Panama through their website: www.spaypanama.org or E-mail Pat Chan: pchan@spaypanama.org

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