Last week, I told you that I would be going in for some dental surgery. Well, here I sit today minus three back teeth. I have always looked after my teeth, always going in every six months for cleaning and examinations. But I suppose that this is one of the hazards one encounters as one gets older. There was one tooth that had given me trouble since I was 20. I cannot even guess how much money I have spent on that one tooth. A root canal, porcelain crown and various other goodies were all part of the treatment given to this one tooth in order for me to keep it. Well, in its roots, it decided to show me that it had taken enough, and it had to be extracted along with its companions on each side.

The last time I had a tooth extracted was when I was 10. My father had solemnly walked me for the half-mile to the dentist's office, and I was given gas with my father holding my hand. I don't remember it as being a harrowing experience. I was certainly spoiled for the next few days.

The reason I mention all this is that a neighbor told me about her visit to a dentist in Mexico, where she received dentures at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. I lived in Britain when the National Health Insurance was in effect. Certainly, it was great not having to find the money to pay the dentist or doctor, but it was misused so much by visitors who came and had their problems taken care of and paid nothing.

When doing some research for this column, I discovered that foreign hospitals are aggressively seeking "medical tourists," people who are willing to travel thousands of miles to have bargain-priced surgery. Charges for heart or orthopedic surgery in India cost one-fifth of the charge in the U.S. Dental implants in Mexico or Costa Rica cost one-third to one-half of the U.S. price.

If you do not have health insurance, this may be the only way to afford surgery or dental work. But, be aware of the risks, and do your homework thoroughly. Many of these "tourist" hospitals are high-quality centers with English-speaking physicians trained in the U.S. or Britain. Pick an accredited hospital. The U.S.-based Joint Commission has accredited 90 hospitals in 20 countries through the Joint Commission International. Checking is done every three years.

Picking a certified surgeon is a must. A good source of advice is the Web site of the National Library of Medicine. Telephone the surgeon, and ask him any questions you may have about your procedure. What about follow-up? Ask the hospital for names of former patients willing to discuss the care they received. Explore your options at home before you commit to treatment overseas. Ask various surgeons and dentists if they are willing to reduce their fees. All tax-exempt nonprofit hospitals are legally required to provide reduced-price care for people who cannot afford treatment.

Remembering 'Bubbles'

I read two newspapers each morning; sometimes what I read will affect me the whole day. I read of opera singer Beverly Sills' death. The amazing woman made opera affordable for many patrons in New York. I saw her perform in "Die Fledermaus" in San Diego some years ago. This was a voice that could only have been given by God. Her bubbling personality gave her the nickname "Bubbles." Indeed, her warm personality and wide smile shone through most of her roles. In he same cast was Joan Sutherland, another incredible singer.

Capsaicin and cancer

Closer to home is the advent of the annual Salsa Festival in Oxnard. Many will be fixing their salsas, and I for one will be tasting them. The Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications recently announced that the chili pepper-derived compound capsaicin can kill cancer cells by attacking their energy source without hurting healthy cells. It has been known that capsaicin can ease the pain of arthritis, and it is thought that it can boost the immune system.

— Margaret Nesbitt is a Star columnist. She welcomes comments and suggestions about subjects of interest to seniors. They can be sent via e-mail to undeg@verizon.net.