Benidorm Opticians hearing service - Residents and tourists in Benidorm can now access audiology services from global hearing provider Specsavers. The company supplied more than 530,000 hearing aids in 2021, operates in five countries worldwide and has now expanded to offer its audiology services in Spain.
Specsavers expanded into audiology in the UK in 2002, and quickly gained a reputation for offering customers high-quality hearing care products and services. There are now 263 audiology businesses in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as hearing businesses in the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
The international population of the Costas have been asking for this service for many years now and this September, the audiology service finally arrives in Spain. Jorge Martínez de Lizarduy Araico, opened Specsavers Ópticas in Benidorm in 2011 and felt like now was the perfect time to add the audiology service at the store.
The audiology team offers a range of services including hearing tests, hearing aid sales and hearing aid repairs. The team is also on hand to provide general guidance and support around hearing health – from hearing protection for those exposed to loud music, to advice for customers who work in noisy industries, like construction.
“Specsavers’ audiology service is very popular around the world and customers love the convenience of being able to have their hearing and vision tested in the same place. I felt my customers were missing out on this excellent service and so have spent the last two years training to become a qualified audiologist and hearing aid dispenser, and we now have four audiologists in store to support people with their hearing. I am very proud to be offering the Benidorm community, top quality hearing tests, competitively priced hearing aids and a 4-year guarantee, as well as the knowledge and experience which comes from the established brand of Specsavers.”
The new audiology centre offers the latest technology, including digital photography for ear examinations. Customers can have a short screening test to check if they have any hearing issues, as well as complete hearing assessments if required. Both tests are free of charge. Find an interactive map to Benidorm Specsavers HERE
Help International Benidorm is a registered charitable organisation, with no political or religious affiliations, run by volunteers to provide help to residents and visitors in emergencies and times of need:
Services offered
Do you have C.O.P.D or similar related conditions and rely on an 02 Oxygenator, preventing you from booking holidays ? HELP Benidorm can loan you, free of charge a Respironics Everflow continuous oxygen concentrator for the duration of your holiday. We request a returnable deposit of 150€. We ask for proof of prescription by a registered Doctor. As a charity we receive no funding but rely solely on donations. Contact us on 607 387 040
HELP INTERNATIONAL BENIDORM - (A POTTED HISTORY)
In September 1994 Patrick Campbell, the British Consul, of the time, held a meeting in Benidorm to discuss the idea of creating a Help organization here. About a dozen interested people turned up.
Enough enthusiasm was generated at that meeting for Benidorm HELP to be conceived. Colette O'Neill who was enjoying the beginnings of early retirement from Social Services in the U.K. Eva Pickles, who had been a nurse in the U.K. and was working as a home help in Benidorm, together with Collette took the project forward.
Eva and Colette, decided to investigate a new community centre just opened. Having been suitable impressed they made a successful application to the manager Lorenzo and so at last Benidorm HELP had a place in which to hold meetings.
It was decided that a room should become a meeting place for the volunteers. Here they would be organized to carry out home visits.
Colette placed an advertisement in the Costa Blanca News. It announced the inaugural meeting of the Benidorm HELP group on the last Friday in January 1995.
Since that time HELP has grown and developed giving aid, assistance and advice to hundreds of people in their homes, in hospital or just visiting the area. HELP has succeeded, through a succession of Presidents and Committees to improve the scope and effectiveness of it's assistance to the community. That goal of continued development continues.
Services and Welfare
Referrals to the Welfare Officer come in many ways – either from the client themselves or friends and family. Family could be in the UK and be concerned about their relatives. Sometimes members of the British Consulate hear about people in crisis and refer them to us.
Sometimes a client may just need someone to talk to, or need advice of other ways of helping them get out of their difficulties.
Both Tourists and Residents are referred to us, and, as you can imagine, both have very different needs.
A typical tourist in trouble is often when they have an accident or illness that requires hospitalisation. In these cases there is often more than one person in crisis. Take, for example, a couple having a two week holiday here in Benidorm – one has a fall and breaks a leg. The patient is taken either to a private hospital or public hospital. The partner then is obviously extremely worried, often not knowing about public transport, whether they can have a hotel room for the extended period, or whether they have sufficient funds to cover the extra time needed whilst their partner recovers. The added worry is their lack of understanding of the Spanish language. In this instance, the social worker at the public hospital may refer someone like this to us, to see if we can be of assistance.
We endeavour help these people in many ways. Visiting the patient in hospital and reassuring them. Visiting their partners in their hotel or apartment and giving them reassurance. Offering advice, transport, and in some extreme cases, financial assistance. This is of course, totally dependent on the availability and co-operation of our volunteer pool.
A typical resident in crisis is often an elderly person who has fallen ill and is unable to care for themselves or their partners. When a client like this is referred, an assessment will be made as soon as possible.
Depending on their need, the type of assistance given will again be advice, assistance with transport or providing necessary equipment from our stores. For those requiring nursing care, we have a list of local nursing agencies that can be contacted.
AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE OF HELP TO US - WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS AND TRANSLATORS TO HELP US WITH OUR VERY NECESSARY WORK
Christine Lane – Welfare Officer, Help International, Benidorm.
Contact information for HELP INTERNATIONAL - BENIDORM
President - (Urgent and general calls)
607 387 040
Equipment - 663 495 396
Interpreters - 607 385 842
Welfare/Visits - 607 386 964
Emergency Tel - 112
Email address
Website help-benidorm.com/
Top tips for taking the perfect Spanish siesta - Multiple scientific studies in recent years have proven that a short sleep after lunch provides health benefits, including stress reduction, and improves alertness and memory.
Every Spaniard knows the advantage of retreating to a cool dark room during the hottest hours of a summer afternoon for a quick 40 winks.
So for those that can find the time, here is The Local’s guide to taking the perfect afternoon snooze.
Make it a habit
A siesta is only beneficial if it forms part of the regular daily routine rather than a one-off. Once you get into the habit of a postprandial nap it forms part of the natural cycle of the body and missing it could be worse for one's health than skipping a meal.
Make it short
Sleep too long and the effects could be detrimental, according to various sleep experts. Research undertaken found that the optimum length of a nap is 26 minutes and that when a 26 minute nap is taken during their working hours, efficiency increased by 34 per cent.
Find a quiet dark corner
Both noise and light can disrupt the ability to fall asleep easily so limit
distractions by pulling down the blinds or use an eye shade and blocking out street sounds with earplugs or white noise.
Settle in a comfy chair
Siestas should take place on a sofa or in a comfortable armchair and not in bed, where one is more likely to fall into a deep sleep. If you do fall into a deep sleep it is much harder to wake up and you will likely be left feeling groggy for hours.
Have a pre-nap cup of coffee
For double revival coordinate a caffeine boost along with your nap. Caffeine takes about 20-30 minutes to take effect, so drinking a cup of coffee before getting in a bit of shut-eye means it’ll just be kicking in as you are waking up.
Set an alarm
If you don’t want to risk drifting into a sleep cycle that could leave you drowsy then always set an alarm.
Don’t feel guilty
Scientific research has shown time and again that siestas are good for you. So don’t guilt yourself out of a free and natural health benefit because of a long to do list. Remember you will be much more efficient and focused if you recharge your batteries.
HAVE A GOOD SIESTA
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We all like a drink but please be careful when in Spain, the measures are much larger and the temperature much hotter, so be aware of how much you are drinking. If you have to go to hospital you may NOT be covered by your insurance so will have to foot the bill for any treatment.
It’s true that binge drinking is often the cause of alcohol poisoning. But not always.
It depends on your age, sex, size, weight, how fast you’ve been drinking, how much you’ve eaten, your general health and other drugs you might have taken.
Facts
The death rate here in Spain for deaths by Alcohol poisoning is 0.62% don´t become a statistic.
Alcohol poisoning symptoms
It can be a very fine line. One minute your house guest is stupidly drunk, the next they’ve become dangerously intoxicated.
Being aware of alcohol poisoning symptoms is crucial, because if a person you care about is suffering from acute alcohol poisoning, they will be in no state to help themselves.
Symptoms to look out for are:
Know what not to do
Acute alcohol poisoning can be extremely dangerous. Your best intentions could make it worse. There are so many myths around about how to deal with people who’ve drunk to excess, so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re aware of what NOT to do.
Five things to do if someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning
If they’re not getting any better, don’t delay, dial 112 for an ambulance.
Don’t wait for all the symptoms to show before getting help
Better safe than sorry is the rule for alcohol poisoning. If you think someone might be experiencing it, even if you have doubts, call 112 for an ambulance.
Every weekend, hundreds of people are taken into hospital with acute alcohol poisoning. Medical staff will monitor people who have less severe alcohol poisoning closely, until it’s safe for them to go home. If it’s more serious, they could:
YOU WILL FIND A LIST OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS HERE
Keep cool during Spanish Summer - Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Stay out of the sun while it's at its hottest. This common sense approach isn't always easy to adhere to when summer fun beckons, so it bears repeating. Avoid activities in the noonday sun as much as possible. It's best to limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day during warmer months. When you are outside during these times, limit your exposure as best as you possibly can.
Schedule activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon
Some people are particularly vulnerable to heat and should stay in cool places during hot weather, such as children, the elderly, obese, redheads, gingers, and those who have health problems.
Allow yourself time to acclimatize if traveling. Travelers often make the mistake of trying to maintain normal levels of activity when arriving in a country warmer than the one they've left. Acclimatization can take up to 10 days depending on the temperature difference.
Rather than pushing yourself, give yourself time to acclimatize to the new warmer environment, which means minimizing physical activity until the heat feels more tolerable.
Once you feel more comfortable in the heat, gradually build up your physical activities until you're back to your normal level.
Stay in the shade. Retreat to shade as much as possible. Taking breaks under trees works doubly well because trees release water into the air that absorbs some of the heat. While shade doesn’t lower the actual temperature, the lack of sunlight exposure makes it feel like the temperature is up to 15 degrees cooler.
If a cool breeze comes by, that can feel like an additional lowering of 5 degrees in the shade.
Stay hydrated. Water is essential for keeping you cool during hot weather. Water keeps your body cool and should be drunk even if you don't feel thirsty. It's okay to also drink commercial waters (such as Vitamin Water) or sports drinks such as Aquarius but they're usually not necessary unless you're deliberately replenishing lost vitamins/electrolytes following a sporting activity.
The best way to check your hydration level is to measure your urination colour. Anything darker than straw coloured is probably an indication that dehydration is on the horizon, and water is needed.
Stay away from sugary drinks such as sodas (even if they are sugar-free!); they decrease the ability of your body to store water. Also, steer clear of alcoholic drinks (sorry), coffee, and caffeinated drinks, which are natural diuretics
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Keep cool during Spanish Summer
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Drink plenty of water before engaging in any activities. If you wait too late, you could experience cramps, which are a sign of heat-related illness. Remind yourself to drink water frequently with one of the following options.
Purchase a durable water bottle or water pack that you can tote everywhere and refill at any safe water tap.
Freeze a bottle of water to carry around with you. It'll be solid when you leave the house, but the heat will start melting it from the moment you take it out of the freezer. Wrap it in a towel to prevent water condensation affecting other items in your bag.
Download a water drinking app onto your phone. Set reminders, daily targets, and even track when the last time you had a drink.
Close curtains and blinds. The sun’s rays convert to heat. However possible, you should block the rays coming into your house to keep the temperature down. Closing curtains, lowering shades, or even blocking windows can significantly reduce the heat in your house and keep it cool. Awnings work as well, because they keep the direct heat off the windows without blocking out all light
Wear lighter clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing will help to keep you cooler. If it is light in color, it’s even better, as this will reflect the heat and sunlight better. Shorts and short sleeved shirts are good choices. Something that lets the air flow freely through, hitting the sweat on your body, works best. The following suggestions are specific ways clothing can maximize your ability to stay cool:
Cotton and linen clothing tends to keep you cool and absorb moisture.
Clothes you can hold up to the light and see through are great choices. Be sure to apply sunscreen when wearing really thin clothing, however, as the clothing doesn't provide adequate protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Synthetic clothing tends to trap moisture, which makes the fabric feel heavier, stick to your skin, and restrict air-flow.
Working in lower humidity settings with short sleeves has been shown to have a minor benefit. Weigh the options of UV exposure with your choice of clothing
Splash water on your skin. When it’s hot and sunny outside, a dip in cool water is refreshing. Jumping into a pool is not always a choice. Don’t forget low-maintenance options like sprinklers. You could also try taking showers or baths with cooler than normal water to take the edge off.
Fill a spray bottle with pure water and place in the refrigerator at home or work. When you feel too hot, spray a fine mist of the cooled water over face and body to help cool you down quickly. Refill as needed and keep refrigerated.
Make a game of staying cool. Gather friends and run through sprinklers. Throw water balloons. Have a squirt gun battle.
Use fans. While the efficacy of fans during extreme heat and humidity has been debated, some research suggests fans are beneficial up to 97 °F (36 °C) with 80% humidity, and 108 °F (42 °C) with nearly 50% humidity. Whether hand-held or electric, fans can keep you cool by continuously circulating air. In your home and office space, locate fans in rooms where you are working or resting to keep the air circulating freely and to reduce the mugginess of heat.
Make a DIY air conditioner by positioning a shallow pan or bowl (a roasting pan works nicely) full of ice in front of a fan. The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist.
A fan should not be the primary source of cooling down in extremely hot weather. Fans work well, but only if the weather is not too hot.
Wear breathable footwear. Depending on the activity, one shoe could be more comfortable or appropriate than another. Consider whether arch support, durability, and comfort are mandatory, and then choose the best breathable footwear for the activity.
Cotton socks are great.
Some running shoes are designed with the summer months in mind, providing ventilation in a variety of designs.
Be careful if you decide to go barefoot. Many artificial pavements become unbearably hot during warm weather and can scald your feet
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep cool during Spanish Summer
Choose function over style. Wear fewer accessories during hotter weather. Metallic accessories can heat up considerably and less is always best when it comes to keeping cool. Other clothing accessories can weigh clothing down, trapping in heat and moisture. If you have long hair, wear it up and off your face and body, allowing the breeze to flow along your neckline
Keep your head covered. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, one that sufficiently covers the top of your scalp as well as the tops of your ears. This helps to keep you cooler by providing shade. Choose a brim that is wide enough that it can also cover the back of your neck.
Light-coloured hats can help keep you cool.
if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Choose cooling foods. Food can keep you cool provided you make the right choices. Choose salads, fresh raw food, vegetables and fruit. “Cool as a cucumber” is literal; it is nearly 100% water, providing hydration to keep you cool. Avoid eating meat and protein-heavy foods during the heat of the day because these can increase metabolic heat production, which can add to loss of water.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but eating spicy peppers may help cool you off. They make you sweat, which provides a cooling sensation.
Smaller meals may also help keep your core temperature down. Large meals require the body to work harder breaking everything down
Using Air conditioning - The best temperature to have your unit set at is around 72° F 22ºC.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Cool down a whole room by hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window. The breeze blowing in will quickly bring down the room’s temperature.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
ALSO READ OUR PAGE ON KEEPING SAFE IN THE SUN