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August 11, 2010 by Glynna Prentice

Mexico's climate is so varied that there's pretty much something for everyone, no matter what your taste. But if it came to a vote on the very best climate in Mexico, Lake Chapala, in central Mexico, might well win out. If you're looking for a Mexico retirement spot with a mild climate, Lake Chapala is about as perfect as it gets.

No less an arbiter than National Geographic, which has covered more places on earth than most people ever visit, ranks Lake Chapala's climate second-best in the world. Temperatures here are pretty pleasant all year round, and--even better--with no extreme highs and lows. Highs at mid-summer may reach the mid-80s F; lows during the depths of winter may drop to the high 40s. Most of the year, therefore, temperatures are in the 70s and 80s F. Add in the location--a large lake surrounded by mountains and sitting at about 5,000 feet above sea level--and you have a destination that's easy on the eyes and gentle on the body.

Learn more about Lake Chapala's climate, and the comforts of home...

As you may know, IMSS insurance is available to all foreigners residing in Mexico.

The application process may be daunting, so especially for your first time, you may want to go to an expert. Focus on Mexico uses Julie Vargas with Intermex, one of our expert speakers during the Focus on Mexico 8-Day Educational Program. There are others in the area, however. At that time, you will also be required to fill out a health questionnaire disclosing any pre-existing conditions. Julie completed our applications for us.

Okay, you're signed up for IMSS and you have your official card then learn what you're supposed to do next if you live in the Lake Chapala area...

Karen Mc Connaughey
Don't make a mountain out of a mole-hill!

Focus on Mexico alumnus Jim Vivian, originally from South Carolina, shared his experience with a dermatologist in the area. I was very interested, because I needed to make an appointment with a doctor, but wasn't sure who to go to. Since Jim has had a lot of familiarity with dermatologists, I think you'll appreciate his story.

He went to Dra. Andrea Biviana Ruiz Leal at Dermika Centro Dermatologico. He was thrilled to give Dra. Andrea a strong recommendation. Her contact information is at the end of this article.

"First, Dra. Andrea interviewed me, eliciting and discussing my medical history including all medications, vitamins, supplements, etc. that I take. I had to spend NO TIME pre-discussing everything I was going to tell the doctor with a nurse, a practice in the U.S. that I always considered to be like confessing your sins to an altar boy while you're waiting for the priest. (I'm not even Catholic; that just popped into my head while I was writing.) Then we discussed my 11 prior carcinoma surgeries and their outcomes. Next she treated about a dozen different skin eruptions, including keratoses, skintags and a prior surgery not yet quite healed, offering me a choice of "freezing" (liquid nitrogen) or "scraping" (small curved scalpel). I said, 'I have a choice?' Yes...I had a choice! Having had dozens of each in the past (but NEVER having been given a choice before), I quickly selected the freezing. Everything she treated is now healed nicely.

Judging from my many past experiences with dermatologists in Houston and Hilton Head, SC, the charges in the U.S would have exceeded $200 (and I would have had about six minutes with the doctor). For my visit and treatments totaling about 45 minutes (all with the doctor), Dra. Andrea charged me $350 Pesos. You do the math. As a "veteran" of many dermatologists and skin
surgeons, I strongly recommend Dra. Andrea at Dermika! Oh! Almost forgot. She was waiting for me when I arrived (slightly early) for my appointment.

Thanks, Jim

Read more about Karen's first visit with a dermatologist in Lake Chapala Mexico...

By Barbara Rotthaler

Aspects seen from the Natural Medicine point of view about exposure to the sun
WE NEED THE SUN ON OUR SKIN

It's a tragedy that dermatologists and sunscreen manufacturers have done such a thorough job of scaring people out of the sun. Their widely dispersed message to avoid the sun as much as possible, together with a cultural trend of spending more time indoors, has greatly contributed to the Vitamin D deficiency that's seen today.

Natural Medicine in its classic form only uses the five elements of Nature to treat and to heal people: Water, air, soil (mud), medicinal herbs and ....sun. Yes, the recommendation is: Expose at least 40 % of your body for 10 to 15 minutes daily to the sun. Without sunscreen, of course.

The sunlight exposure is part of the daily regimen in Vida Sana, the clinic for Natural Medicine in Guadalajara. Women and men at different times -- naked -- five minutes laying on the back, five minutes on the abdomen, and five minutes on each side...20 minutes total.

Learn more about how the Sun is helpful to our body's...

Participants reported less pain, a happier mood and overall better quality of life

(Reprinted from HealthDay News Wednesday, Aug. 18 ) -- Fibromyalgia sufferers may find relief from the chronic pain condition by doing tai chi, new research finds.

Researchers divided 66 people with fibromyalgia into two groups: one group did hour-long sessions of tai chi twice a week for 12 weeks; the other had a twice-weekly wellness education class followed by gentle stretching.

At the end of 12 weeks, the tai chi group reported improvements in their scores on questionnaires regarding both physical and mental fibromyalgia symptoms. That included decreased pain and increased ability to do daily tasks without pain; less fatigue, depression and anxiety; and an overall better quality of life. Patients also reported better sleep quality and improved physical conditioning.

The improvements were still evident at 24 weeks, according to the research reported in the Aug. 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Read More about how Tai Chi may help Fibromyalgia suffers...

Live on Vacation at La Reserva Ajijic, Mexico

Prices Range from $205,937 - $352,857 USD
(NOTICE: The clock is ticking... So don't wait! Take advantage NOW of these pre-construction prices - subject to change without notice. Imagine: Up to $40,000 US in savings...)



Welcome to La Reserva, Ajijic's premier marina, country club and exclusive home development on Lake Chapala where you can enjoy the elegance of an exclusive lifestyle, every single day.

Perfectly located in the Micro climate, La Reserva Yacht and Country Club is a one-of-a kind concept in Ajijic. A large clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and marina will be right on the lake boasting spectacular lake front enjoyment. A restaurant and a myriad of services and activities will attract residents to enjoy the outdoor activities in this active lifestyle community. Imagine Tai Chi and Yoga right on your doorstep, or how about kayaking early in the morning, a work out in the fully equipped gym (to keep you fit), or walk the dog along the jogging trail and so much more. Or, how about sailing in the sunset on Lake Chapala -- the perfect end to a perfect day.

• High red-brick domed ceilings and open floor plans - great for entertaining.


• Dome cupola in (large) kitchens and foyer (in some models).


• Open airy floor plans featuring skylights and lots of windows for natural light.


• Two bedroom plus den or 3 bedroom plus den models with 2 and 3 baths.


• Granite in kitchens and marble in baths.


• Stainless steel appliances.


• Fountains and fireplaces (some even have a fireplace on the terrace).


• Quality finishing is standard fare. No upgrades necessary.

Learn more about La Reserva, Ajijic's premier marina, country club and exclusive home development...

United States Dollars
1 MXN = 0.0773938 USD
1 USD = 12.9209 MXN

Canada Dollars
1 MXN = 0.0814403 CAD
1 CAD = 12.2789 MXN

Visit to Dermatologist (Jim): $350 MXN
Visit to Dermatologist (Karen): $500 MXN

Focus Alumna, Margaret Eberly shared a story with us recently about a couple from her February 2010 Focus program:

Today Phil Newbold called me. He and Audrey sold their Seattle-area home and are traveling to Ajijic next week to look for a house to buy. They are both very excited, and I'm quite happy for them both. They will close on their house sale at the end of this month and move ASAP.

Phil told me the funniest story about an encounter he had at the Mexican consulate in Seattle. I recapped his conversation as best I could remember it. It will definitely be your laugh of the day.

Phil heard that in May the Mexican immigration requirements changed...that the criteria for an FM3 visa had been relaxed. He decided to visit the Mexican consulate in Seattle to obtain a copy of the new criteria. When he arrived, there was a long line of Mexicans. Being tall, he definitely stood out from the crowd. A woman who was a consulate employee approached him and asked what he wanted. He explained his mission, and the following is the conversation he had with her.

PN = Phil Newbold
CE = Consulate employee

CE: Do you have an appointment?
PN: No, I don't.
CE: Did you call the consulate offices?
PN: I tried several times, but no one answered the phone.
CE: Did you call the English number or the Spanish number?
PN: I called the English number. No one answered.
CE: (long pause) We are short of staff at this time.
PN: Can I call the Spanish number and leave a message for someone to call me back?
CE: Yes, you can.
PN: Will anyone call me back?
CE: (long pause) Sometimes. They are not always good about that.
PN: Can I get information today?
CE: No, you must have an appointment.
PN: While I am here, can I make an appointment?
CE: No, you must call us to make an appointment.

This ended the conversation. Phil returned home and made reservations to go to Ajijic and to meet with Julie Vargas. I think this is a harbinger of what we can expect when dealing with the Mexican bureaucracy....which is no better than the U.S. or Canadian bureaucracy. A good sense of humor will definitely help!!!!

Read more about Kristina's global family...

By Karen McConnaughey

It's normal to forget where you've parked your car, or a person's name occasionally, but it's also normal for the brain to slow down around the 40s, making it harder to acquire and retrieve new information.

So..."Congratulations, you're normal," says Dr. Barry Gordon, founder of the Memory Clinic at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, and author of Memory: Remember and Forgetting in Everyday Life. "Our brains weren't built for perfect accuracy," he says. "They're not tape recorders, which is pretty much what we ask of our heads."

Don't panic, there are things you can do to improve your memory. And, that's to our benefit, because we certainly want you to remember Lake Chapala and definitely the Focus on Mexico team!

Actually, it's not necessarily lack of memory but a lack of concentration that slows us down too!

Here are some ways to help mend your memory....

By Karen Mc Connaughey

Best advice: Take a couple of pairs of good walking shoes, so you don't have to miss anything on the tour!

Bill and I went on the Mexico City Christmas Tour in 2009 with Charter Club Tours. We had an exceptional time. Rosie and Carlos and their whole team are the perfect hosts. We know there are other tours available in town, but I wasn't able to get information about what their tours are like. I just know that this one is wonderful. We paid about $1,000 USD each and felt it was worth every penny - one of the best tours we've ever been on.

We started inquiring about the tour in September before anything was posted. I guess I wanted to make sure we had a seat. As it was, we had a full bus, plus a van of people for the 9-day tour.

The tour bus was comfortable, first-class accommodations. However, it is an eight-hour trip to Mexico City, so it is still a little tiring. A couple of our travelers took the plane to Mexico City and a taxi to the hotel. However, when I checked that option in August, your ticket could cost between $200-$300, which could add another $600 to the budget. Therefore, we probably would not opt for this if we take the tour again. But it is something to consider, because it is a long trip. You also may want to take sandwiches with you. You will make stops along the way, but they are your typical road trip stops, and you know what kind of food is generally available at those places, no matter whether you're in Mexico, Canada or the United States!

We arrived at our hotel, the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel and Towers, around 4:30 p.m. It is centrally located on Paseo de la Reforma overlooking the famous Angel of Independence and just two blocks from the largest Christmas tree in the world, a fact that was certified by Guinness World Records. The tree stood at 110.35 meters high (362.04 feet), had a diameter of 35 meters (over 114 feet) and weighed 330 tons. We had a wonderful view from our window and could see both the Christmas tree and the Angel glorieta. Reforma was closed every evening around 8:00, and crowds of people would gather around the Christmas tree to celebrate its lighting. Afterwards, the streets were full of people and performers reveling in the joy of the Christmas holiday. It was absolutely magical! We enjoyed the experience a few times while we were there. What fun everyone was having. It was the perfect hotel to be in during the Christmas holidays in Mexico City.

Some tips and good advice about the wonderful things you'll see on the Charter Club Christimas Tour in Mexico...

Bicentennial of the Mexican Independence 16 de Septiembre 2010

Bicentenario del Grito de Independencia

The year 2010 is the year of the Bicentennial Celebrations in Mexico. Mexico is commemorating 200 years of Independence from Spanish rule and 100 years of its Revolution that began in 1910 and toppled dictator Porfirio Diaz.

On this day Mexicans all over the world celebrate Mexico's independence from Spanish rule.

The Mexican Independence Day is a major holiday in Mexico; the celebration begins every September 15th at 11 pm in every single city and town in Mexico. In Mexico City, the President, following the ritual, rings the historic liberty bell that Father Hidalgo rang to call the people. Then gives the "El Grito" (The Cry). He shouts "Mexicanos, Viva Mexico" and the crowd echos back, establishing the tradition that has been solemnly followed every year thereafter. And it is echoed by the governor of each state throughout the country.

History is very important in Mexico. To the Mexican people, "It is not only the story of how the present came to be, but the explanation of present realities and future possibilities."

Learn more about this important holiday...

By Tere Ruiz

Chiles en Nogada, one of the most typical dishes of Mexican Gastronomy, is called the "platillo poblano por excelencia" (poblano dish par excellence). This dish is made with Poblano Peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat and fruits, and covered with "nogada" (walnut cream) sprinkled with sweet pomegranate seeds.

There are two different stories about who created the original recipe of the Chiles en Nogada. One says that it was created by a family from Puebla, the Traslosheros and the other one by the nuns of the convent of Our Mother of Santa Monica, back in the mid eighteenth century.

The story says that this dish was served by the nuns as a tribute to Agustin de Iturbide when he came back to Puebla (in those days, the capital of Mexico) after signing the declaration of Independence of Mexico. Just in case, there are a few of you out there who don't know who Iturbide is, Agustin Cosme Damian de Iturbide y Aramburu built a successful political and military coalition that was able to march into Mexico City on 27 September 1821 decisively ending the Mexican War of Independence. He was also the Emperor of Mexico from May 1822 to March 1823.

Learn more about the first Chiles en Nogada and why, plus a really great recipe...

Spanish is the third most widely spoken language after Chinese and English. There are 350 million speakers of Spanish among many different countries and cultures. Here are some of the most common phrases used when you're visiting a Spanish-speaking country. This list consists only of several words and phrases that are most common when you visit a Spanish speaking country.

Spanish is probably the easiest language to learn because almost every sound is the same in every word. Definitely not like English. I thank my lucky stars I didn't have to start learning English at age 59!

Learn more common Spanish phrases...

A community comes together

As you may have heard, there was a weather-related disaster in the village of Atotonilquillo, in the Municipality of Chapala, over the mountains from San Nicholas de Ibarra and Tlachichilco. It occurred in the early morning hours on August 11. Over 1000 people were devastated completely.

We have been asked, by the Presidente, through Sandra Loridans, to help the villagers.

The first priority need is food, in the form of dry beans, rice and bottled water. These may be dropped off at the law offices of Henri Loridans and Enrique Chanon, on the Carretera at number 58-A, across from the TelMex office in Ajijic.

Also needed are blankets and clothing, and furniture. These folks have lost everything, and they are our neighbors.

Please respond with action, more than sympathy. The needs are real and immediate.

Thank you.
In Rotary,
Mike McCarthy
President 2010-2011
and
Sandra Loridans
President-Elect
Rotary Club of Ajijic

Subject: Community help is Atotoniquillo

Today's campaign to help the flood victims in Atotoniquillo was an unbelievable success. With the help of our Mexican housekeeper, her husband, father-in-law, son and his two cousins we had quite the team. The donations of food, water, clothing, blankets and shoes were incredible. We packed our car to the roof with clothes and a truck bed full of food. Upon arriving in the town, we asked around to find the hardest hit area. There were two major areas devastated. We headed to the more remote area and found a street that had been covered by over one meter of water rushing down and through the houses.

I feel pretty good about the fact we handed the food, supplies and clothing directly to the people most impacted by the flood. We were told the DIF office is being very selective with their handouts and seem to be hoarding much of the donations for themselves. The women of our area could not receive any help even though the gringos who brought the supplies wanted these women to have it. It felt good to see the items get into the right hands.

We probably helped 20 to 30 of the hardest hit families. We handed out food, laundry soap, bleach, milk, water and lots of beans and rice. The kids got pencils and notebooks for school and someone was thoughtful to make little bags of candy. A big hit. Even the dogs were covered. Ten bags of dog food were distributed as well. We broke out the large packages and re-packed a variety of items in plastic bags. Creating a variety pack ahead of time would have been much better. We could then simply hand out completed bags more easily but packing things at the site was kinda fun. What positive energy. We had bulk items like rice, beans and soap. In some cases the women brought us cups and bowls that we filled.

I was particularly struck by one old crippled man. He was in his house at a level below the street and his house flooded over 2 meters. He was rescued but he lost everything including his wheelchair. I'd like to make a plea for anyone who has a wheelchair to contribute. This man has suffered much and what a wonderful gift this would be for him. Please let me know at gregochs@gmail.com or 766-5519.

I can't thank Veronica, Alejandro and family enough. They got us to the right location and pretty well handed out everything in an efficient and controlled manner. Alejandro suggests for anyone else planning to take donations out to Atotoniquillo, perhaps wait until Monday especially for food. The current food supply should last a week and around Monday of next week these people will be in need again. I asked what the biggest need is now and beds and bedding was the answer along with shoes.

Everyone who helped and contributed to the effort should feel pretty good about themselves. You've done a pretty cool thing.

Greg

To all Focus alumni ladies...remember our Ladies Luncheon meets the third Wednesday of each month, so if you know you're going to be in town, please join us!

And, any Lady Alumna can join us...whether you're visiting temporarily, finally moved, renting...whatever. We want to introduce you to the other wonderful Focus on Mexico ladies who live in the area.

Contact Sue Ochs (sueochs@gmail.com) to find out where the luncheon for the month you're going to be in town is going to be held. Sue has again agreed to be our Keeper of the List for 2010, and we really appreciate her volunteering! She does an excellent job!

Please join us if you're going to be in town. We'd love to see you again, and it's a good way to meet the other ladies who have chosen this particular piece of paradise in which to settle down.

So our next luncheon will be Wednesday, September 15. It's ALWAYS the third Wednesday of the month, except in December when we go shopping in Guadalajara for Christmas. So...If you are in town, please check with Sue to find out where it's going to be.

The Men's Table

And, a new tradition seems to have started too. Occasionally, some of the ladies are dropped off by their husbands. A few of the husbands decided to stay and start their own men's luncheon at their own table...no eavesdropping! How about that?

So...now you Focus men have an opportunity to get to know other gentlemen in the area...no grousing about your wives being at a 'hen party' ever again! As long as you're not sitting too close to us, we think it's a great idea, and you are more than welcome!

C'mon down...whether you're single OR married. It's a great way to get to know other Focus on Mexico gentlemen.

So...You single men out there...let us know if you want us to add you to our email list to receive information about the luncheon, or you can contact Sue Ochs to find out where it's going to be. It's always the third Wednesday of the month. Love to see you!

A few memories of a past luncheons...

A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card.

The bill for the meal came, he signed it and the waitress folded the receipt and passed the credit card along.

Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and behold, it was the expired card of another person.

He called the waitress and she looked perplexed.

She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man.

All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card.

No exchange of words --- nothing! She took it and came back to the man with an apology..

Verdict: Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours.

Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time.

Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, 'assuming'
that it has to be theirs.

FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION!

• Hospitals/Doctors, Dentists,


• Good deeds by the Mexican people,


• How living in Lake Chapala has made a difference in your life,


• Cultural Activities and Involvement,


• How you re-invented yourself in Mexico,


• Heart warming stories of good deeds... and so on.

Click Here and let us know what it is you want to shout about...