For many of you, moving and starting a business in Costa Rica is the ultimate dream. Chasing your dreams takes dedication and a bit of work, and I’m always thrilled to hear the stories of fellow expats who have made their dreams come true and become successful at opening up a business in Costa Rica. Last week I sat down with Michael Brown to hear his story.

Interview with expat Michael Brown, CEO of Mead Brown Costa Rica Vacation Rentals

Michael, what brought you to Costa Rica?
Like many people, our first trip to Costa Rica was for a vacation. It’s a big world; we figured we’d make one visit, cross it off our list, and continue exploring this fascinating planet of ours. But we were immediately captivated by the stunning natural beauty of the rain forests and the beaches, and by the monkeys, marlin, and orchids, as well as by the friendly and happy people.

What compelled you to move to Costa Rica and start a business?

We were living in Washington, DC, and had made multiple visits to the Pacific Northwest, with the intention of either buying an existing business there, or of starting one there. During our vacation in Costa Rica, we were having a friendly lunch with a real estate agent. Just making casual conversation, I asked, “What businesses are needed here? If someone were to move to Costa Rica, what do you suggest they do for a living?” His second suggestion was a vacation rental agency.

What was his first?
A drycleaner! Needless to say, we had no desire to move anywhere so we could inhale chemicals all day!

Did Costa Rica really need yet another vacation rental company?
Yes. We had been renting a high-end condo in Los Suenos Resort and the service was really bad. Virtually non-existent. We are not high maintenance or demanding, but we could not get liners for the trash can. Every time we’d call, they’d say someone would be right over with a supply. We never had liners during our entire week-long stay. That’s a small detail, but God is in the details. It was annoying all week to put trash into a can without a bag; we really felt like we were being disrespectful to the housekeepers.

On departure day, we called the rental office to ask what to do with the keys. They said they’d send someone over to check us out. By “check us out,” they meant that two people spent an hour counting all the spoons and forks and everything else! Unreal. We had been renting villas and condominiums for vacations for 20 years, and had never experienced that. I mean, who travels to a foreign country to steal the flatware?!

How did you go about starting and growing your business in Costa Rica?

Rather than merely publishing a web site and hanging out an “open” sign, we spent nearly a year researching every aspect of the business. This included half a dozen trips to Costa Rica. We wanted to have all the systems in place before we opened, rather than figuring it out as we went along.

There was still a learning curve after we opened, but we really had a pretty good idea of what was required to be successful. The vacation rental business has several key aspects: Marketing, reservations, housekeeping, maintenance, concierge services, transportation, and bookkeeping. We strive to be the best at what we do. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has just 40 villa rental specialists around the world. There is only one for Costa Rica, and it’s Mark Mead my partner (Conde Nast Traveler names individuals, not agencies, to their list). He was named to the list of villa experts in 2011 and again in 2012. He was carefully vetted through the magazine’s rigorous screening process, and found worthy. What this means for our guests is that we are reliable and trustworthy; these are important attributes when traveling to a foreign country, or anywhere for that matter.

What advice would you give to those wanting to move to Costa Rica and start their own business?

Do your homework first. Know what resources it’s going to take to be successful (and having those resources is no guarantee of success, but without them you’ll likely fail). Be committed to doing really well whatever it is you choose to do, as we already have many poorly run businesses in Central America and do not need another! If you are truly committed to performing and delivering to a North American standard—difficult anywhere, and particularly challenging in a developing country—then come give it a go.

Be realistic about what it’s going to take; ten or twenty thousand dollars is enough to get into trouble, and not enough to succeed in business. You don’t want to buy yourself a job; the goal should be a successful business, one that can generate a good income without you having to do everything yourself.

About Mead Brown
Mead Brown Costa Rica is a boutique vacation rental firm offering professionally managed private villas and homes plus premium condominiums for rent in Jaco Beach, Los Sueños and other parts of Costa Rica. Visit them online at Mead Brown in Costa Rica.

If you’d like more information about starting a business in Costa Rica or real estate in Jaco and the Los Suenos area please call David Karr at 707.962.4482 or visit David Karr Properties

Related Posts

1. Costa Rica: Safest Country for Business Execs in Latin America

The BYU men’s soccer team kicked off their 10-day preseason international tour Friday when they boarded a plane for Costa Rica.

“This trip is huge,” junior midfielder Antonio Niccoli said. “This is my third international trip so I know how important they are to bonding off the field. We don’t have cell phones or computers…we just spend time together.”

The tour will include four games, a service opportunity and a fireside for local church members. The players use all of these experiences to grow closer and build strong relationships that reflect how they play soccer later in the season.

Assistant Coach Hugh Van Wagenen went to Costa Rica with the BYU men’s soccer team as a player seven years ago.

“Preseason tours get our legs under us,” Van Wagenen said. “In addition to playing, we build unity through service…it’s a great 10 days to bond and gel as a team.”

The Cougars painted an orphanage on that particular trip as part of their service opportunity.

“The time the guys get to hang out outside of soccer is huge because it helps them connect as people instead of just players,” Van Wagenen said.

Off-field chemistry will play a key role in the Cougars’ success as they play some of the big games on their schedule in Central America. The biggest of the trip will be against Saprissa, a professional soccer club based in San Jose. To date, the club has won 29 premier division titles in Costa Rica and has won five Central American soccer crowns.
The Cougars have been practicing hard for their chance to play against professional clubs. Their focus, according to the coaching staff, has been on possession and controlling the ball. The team’s efforts helped it to a 4-1 win over Colorado Mesa University last week.“Saprissa will prepare us for our game against Real Salt Lake,” senior defender James Bindrop said. “The better teams you play, the better you become as a team. The high-quality teams in Costa Rica will force us to play well and get better.”

The men’s soccer team will return to Provo on May 14, just five days before its showdown with Real Salt Lake. Practice and high quality competition will be vital to being prepared for that game. Great team chemistry will also be required. This Costa Rica trip should deliver all of the factors necessary for the Cougars to be successful.

Originally posted here

Related Posts

1. Professional Soccer is now in Jaco Beach – Jaco Rays
2. Jaco Rays FC is now a member of CENPAC
3. Jaco Rays Soccer Schedule 2011-2012

Today,  I have hope and serenity.Four months after taking my last drink, can you imagine how good I was feeling about myself and this amazing duration of sobriety?  You may also be able to imagine my surprise when my sponsor demonstrated concern over my proposed return to B.C. for a reunion with the guys I had run with most of my life. He asked me what this weekend might look like. Let’s see: 10 guys who haven’t seen each other for a few years, all staying in one house, loads of beer and spirits, pizza, poker, etc.  But not to worry, I assured him, I wouldn’t be drinking. Finally, I had to admit that, even to my own ears, it sounded kind of lame.

Flash forward one summer later.  I am now over one year sober and I am putting a new proposal on the table: One of these old friends would be picking me up at the airport in Calgary. He offered to stay sober for our trip and we would be cycling, golfing, swimming, camping. In fact, I would have the opportunity to go to at least one AA meeting that week.  What a great, safe programreaffirming trip I had. Thank God for the gentle and sage advice of my sponsor.

Now, two years sober and in the midst of an Ottawa winter, and guess what  — the itch to travel south starts to tickle. The most direct flights and best bets are all-inclusivehotels and resorts, of course.How many times would I have to pass the lobby bar, the pool bar, the beach bar and back again each day? Maybe I could just drink for the week while I was there and then stop when I get back?  Whoa!  Easy does it. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Start again.  Hey, remember when my brother was talking about an intervention but the cost of treatment in Canada was prohibitive? I found a treatment centre online in Costa Rica that was veryreasonable.  Why don’t I call them?  I dialed the toll-free number 866-804-1793 and talked to a very informed gentleman named Jim — a former alcoholic and a graduate of Hazelden  –who was running this nonprofit drug treatment center in Pavas Costa Rica.

Jim said to come on down.  He would have someone pick me up at the airport.  I could stay as many nights as I wanted and we would figure out a fair per diem.  He would help me get settled in Costa Rica and would help me set up some safe vacation time to enjoy “la pura vida”  — the pure life. Well, what a great trip!  I stayed five days and nights at the drug treatment center and followed the program with the other clients: wake-up call at 5:00 a.m., gym at 5:30 a.m., hot breakfast, various courses during the day as well as daily meetings, some yoga, mindfulness training, meditation, etc. In my opinion, the program was roughly on par with the treatment program I followed at home two years earlier.

The drug rehab center rents the old Cuban Embassy building in San José and is safe and clean, by Costa Rican standards. The food was very good, not just satisfactory.  I would recommend this drug treatment center as an alternative for someone who cannot wait for admission or who for some reason cannot get admission to Meadow Creek. If you’re curious, here is the link to their website: www.costaricarecovery.net Give Jim a call 866-804-1793.

Now for  La Pura Vida:  I was told of a kind, married couple who ran a hotel on the Pacific Coast between Quipos and the Manuel Antonio nature reserve, and who held daily AA meetings on-site.    Sold! There I went  — tropical mountains, beautiful beaches and a fabulous and welcoming English-speaking AA community to boot. I even saw  “Jesus Christ” while kayaking in a mangrove forest. (Jesus Christ is a lizard with paddle feet  that allow him to walk on water). When I returned to San Joséto catch my flight out I was approached by an American man about my age; his story reminded me how fortunate I am to belong to such a wonderful fellowship.  He had arrived in San José the night before with $3,000 and asked a taxi to take him to a nice hotel.

Instead, he was escorted to a brothel, where he was robbed of his all his belongings, including his passport. He had just come from the American Embassy, and now faced a two-day wait for a temporary passport. So grateful was I that I had had  a safe journey and  a passport in hand, that I “lent” him enough cash to cover a hostel, a meal or two, and enough toiletries to last a couple of days.  Conned or not, paid back or not, I am grateful that I followed my sponsor’s advice to plan a trip and not a slip.

If you need more information on drug treatment centers in Costa Rica visit Costa Rica Recovery or call 866-804-1793

Related Posts

1. Innovative Drug Rehab Treatment Near Jaco

The Jaco Planetarium is not your typical pinball game arcade but a hitech, super computer powered video arcade which advances XBOX games to a new user interface. While the games are the same it is how the user interacts which makes the arcade an exciting and worthy activity. Instead of using a handheld game controller, kids and adults can sit in a actual drivers seat with a gas pedal and brakes and gears which takes the game excitement to a whole new level. The arcade itself is so well crafted that it seems like a franchise package.

We asked the owner Gabriel to send us some information about the PLANETARIUM Arcade and what he sent us is printed below. He does a better job at explaining the particulars but trust us this is a fun place which seemed to disappear after home video gaming crashed the old school video arcade stores back in the states. Titans like Bally and Midway lost out and now names like Stern and Kinect are bringing these loud, heart-thumping crashes and explosions back to life.

PLANETARIUM Jaco Video Arcade Press Release
The only arcade on the Costa Rica Pacific coast right in the heart of Jaco! Enjoy everyday our classic games such as TRON Pinball by Stern, Pac-Man Arcade Party Classics, glow-in-the-dark Dynamo airhockey table and Tornado foosball table, as well as our modern Fast & Furious Super Cars driving simulators and Terminator Salvation shooting game. We also have XBOX 360 consoles with Kinect and JVL touchscreens with dozens of games for ages 3 to 99!

PLANETARIUM is a new entertainment concept in Jaco and Costa Rica. This is not your typical arcade hall. Kids age 3 through 99 will have some serious fun! Play in our modern Arcade some of the best XBOX 360 with Kinect console games with the latest technology, where you are the control!

For vintage gamers we have classics such as Pacman, Galaga, Mappy and more, as well as a Stern brand pinball machine inspired on the latest sequel of the TRON movie. Enjoy our racing car simulators based on the Fast & Furious movie and race head to head with your
friends. You and your friends will also enjoy the shooting game based on the Terminator Salvation movie.

Challenge your friends to an air-hockey match on our glow-in-the-dark Dynamo table or to a Foosball match on our Tornado Platinum tournament table, unique in Costa Rica.
As if it was not enough, we also have the latest game 32 inch JVL HD touch screens (yes, you play by touching the screen) with a hundred quick games where even the little ones and their parents can have fun with action, strategy, cards, quiz and more games.

Come and spend an excellent time with friends or Family. Come when you go to the movies, the restaurants, the supermarket, the dance lessons or go shopping. Organize your birthday party or business get together at PLANETARIUM! Ask us for details. All of our games work with tokens that are dispensed from our automatic machine. The more tokens you buy the cheaper they are! Starting at 250 colones each. Arcade hours are Monday-Friday 2-10 PM Saturday-Sunday 10 AM – 10 PM Tokens do not expire so you can buy them one day and come back another to keep playing at the Planetarium Jaco video arcade.

Related Posts

1. Still in Hiding? Video of Patricia Simpson Plea
2. Jaco, Costa Rica Prepares for the World Surfing Games

eBook Description

Read about the current economic conditions and social policies of the US government which are creating the problems which all citizens have to burden.

Written by an financial insider whose views are based in fact and offers solutions which any laymen can understand and effect. The report demonstrates why so many US citizens are seeking refuge in foreign countries using the American Expatriation Act.

Read the report and make up your own mind about how you can help protect your family and your financial worth. The report states what the challenges are and then explains them in plain simple English. Then at the end of each chapter, conclusions are drawn from the facts and the reader can then see what the solutions.

Here is a quote from the report by famous economist Laurence Kotlikoff

“Based on Congressional Budget Office projections, this year’s U.S. fiscal gap is $211 trillion, or about 14 times gross domestic product. By comparison,Greece’s is 12 times GDP. Germany’s is three times GDP. What’s more, our budget shortfall is growing rapidly. Last year’s value was $205 trillion. So the true measure of our nation’s insolvency grew in one year by $6 trillion, while the super committee is charged with saving a trivial $1.2 trillion over 10 years.”

Laurence Kotlikoff

This ebook report is for free and here is how you can get your copy in various formats

Related Posts

No related posts.

The last of the activism in Costa Rica was seen in the early 1940′s when Don Pepe Figueres returned from the United States and married Kate Olsen and decided to create a family at La Lucha sin fin(trust me I will get a lot of email because of the way I spelled this blasted name.) Don Pepe at the time saw extreme perspectives which allowed him to garner the ear of the people. He was eloquent and direct with his accusations which is an art here in Costa Rica. A lawyer friend of mine told me years ago, that gringos do not get that you can tell a tico to f@ck off with a smile. No need to get in a pisser about it or lose your head. Don Pepe was the master of this and he captured the nation and brought them together to fight the Calderonistas and or aka The Mariachis.

Coming back to the opening sentence, activism in Costa Rica is a unknown behavior and something that has been suppressed with “processes.” In other words, like Bill Clinton said “We feel your pain” Costa Rican government has acknowledged distressed and indifference by building a pyramid of processes in which every single Costa Rican has a constitutional right to enter into at his/her own risk. Complain and you will learn how long the process can be. That is the message of activism here in Costa Rica. Therefore, the government has placated the international community with incredible democratic reaching initiatives of “We feel your pain” and have smashed them back down the throat of those who dare to complain or challenge.

What a stitch I am in! I try to give it a go and look what I have I become, the beacon of the freaking shining example of democratic tradition. Trust me I am not the sort but my fellow bloggers think so. Readers send me great opinions and great ideas but they are sending those emails in a vacuum of INDIFFERENCE. Yeah I know, very bad web etiquette. DO NOT CAPITALIZE YOUR WORDS. Well now you get the point. Major indifference to the peoples ideas or even worse, foreigner ideas, is met with hostile indifference and then you are told that welcome to your ideas and if you care to complain there is a process for you to submit your errant message to. If you are 15 years old and reading this blog, submit your opinion today and by the time you are ready to retire in paradise, your ticket number will come up at the Sala IV just in time for your arrival. Do not send me emails being a smart ass by asking me how many years that may be. As they say here “Dios Sabe” I am not talking about Wall Street Warriors here, I am talking about normal hard working adults who, get a job, go to work, have a family, stress about bills and then see the kids bump the nest and be off.

So please do not ask me with your brilliant ideas about writing this message or that type of post so that we can get a rouse out of Laura or the de-emasculated ticos who serve alongside her. They already know of your ideas long before you even pronounce the word “pura vida.” What they have learned is that going along is far more easier and that nobody gives a dam. At the end of the day when they return home, what matters is not political activism but survival. Being force fed processes for 60 years, generations of ticos have been learned realism and melancholy. Why else would a country or populace allow its elected leaders to steal millions of dollars from their trusted positions. This occurs because the government breeds melancholy and powerlessness in the people, which includes foreigners, rightful protest and enforcing human rights simply does not exist.

Unfortunately, Don Pepe did not get teach the same lessons he learned early on in life to his sons. Mario was smart enough to stay in La Lucha and make money being the local Don but Jose after tasting the elite status of life at Westpoint. He could not give up the lure of “Political Power” which when absolute corrupts. His gang of insiders certainly, along with his consent defrauded the people of Costa Rica millions of dollars which were merrily transferred to their own personal back accounts.

If you can follow this rant, please send us injustices you experience, or motivate someone you know to speak out and we will print it here.

The power of the people when organized is the most daunting and threatening opposition to those who are in positions of decision making and authority. For too long, we have heard too many stories of injustices from tourist, expats, ticos, ticas. Therefore our committment is to create a forum on this site to address those complaints and reveal those experiences in order to begin coalescing the victims first, then with planning begin some sort of activism in the pure democratic tradition of Martin Luther King. It works but we need to start somewhere.

This is also for all you scousers whom understand processes and subjugation, and a pint for you’s on your next holiday to Jaco Beach

Related Posts

No related posts.

A great option for any traveler, and a must-see when visiting this beautiful country, are the “topes” (pronounced to-pay). These are elaborate horse shows and parades that are at the heart of Costa Rican culture. These extremely photogenic affairs are found everywhere from the capital city of San Jose to the tiniest communities throughout the countryside. Since the time when Spain once ruled, horses have held a special place in the hearts of Ticos (Costa Ricans) and are a major part of the history of Costa Rican culture. After centuries of carful breeding, Costa Ricans proudly have a majestic saddle horse that is highly regarded throughout the region for its strength, beauty, and unique gait. They are expertly trained to do high-stepped dancing, choreographed beautifully with both horse and riders adorning incredibly colorful, traditional, elaborate garb. These festivities often last over days, and the drinking can rival Oktoberfest in some of the larger gatherings. In fact, Fiesta Palmares with includes a tope, live music, carnival rides and more is ranked the 3rd largest festival for beer consumption in the world. However, these events remain very family friendly and are a great event to add to any traveler’s agenda when in Costa Rica.

For those not so faint of heart, Costa Rica does host bull fighting as well. Do not, however, be prepared for what you may have seen on television. The handsome, elegant Spanish matador surrounded by adoring fans in a lavish stadium is but a fantasy compared to reality here in Costa Rica. A temporary rondel (bull ring) erected at many major fairs is often makeshift at best. The bull is not harmed in Costa Rican bull fights, but the same can certainly not be said for the bull fighters. Several young and perhaps not too intellectually driven men jump into the ring and taunt the bull by pulling its tail, practicing their most recent Bruce Lee imitations, or simply running about like chickens just let out of the coop.

For those that are concerned with animal rights, you’ll be happy to know that in every event the bull absolutely wins. This is a long-standing Costa Rican tradition and is fun to watch live or on TV and best of all the kids love it too!

Parades are popular and frequent in Costa Rica. With perfect weather year round, and a country brimming with proud people, regular street parades are as common a cause for traffic jams as anything. If you’re in the San Jose area during November and December, you’ll be treated to the Boyeros. These are beautiful, hand-painted oxcarts that date back centuries. The elaborately painted wagons pulled by enormous ox are a symbol of a simpler time in Costa Rica when transporting coffee and goods to market was best done in these simple, yet effective carts. Additionally, this time of year Costa Rica holds the Festival de Luz. This is an annual event in Sabana and Paseo Colon (West San Jose) every December and attracts 1,000,000 plus spectators. This massive parade is by far the biggest in the country and simply has to be on the to-do list for your visit if you are lucky enough to be here at that magical time.

The spirit of the December season(end of the rainy season), mixed with Christmas vacation on the horizon, aguinaldos being paid (Christmas bonuses), and families spending time together makes the Festival de Luz a source of pride and joy for both Costa Ricans and foreign visitors alike. For those looking for a bit more of the nightlife, Costa Rica rivals the best of Latin America. San Jose and surrounding area host a plethora of bars, night clubs, casinos, dance clubs, and watering holes to satiate the most die-hard partier. It is always wise to know where you’re going, ride in taxis where possible, and travel in groups. San Jose can be a great city for a ‘night on the town’, but also a dangerous place for those not savvy to the neighborhoods. San Jose can go from upscale to ghetto in a few short blocks.

After having a couple cocktails in you things can go badly, quickly. This is a word of caution best issued to anyone in any city, any night, and any country. So if “Chepe” (slang for San Jose) is your style, do a bit of homework. Places like Puerto Viejo, Quepos, Jaco, and Tamarindo also do have a healthy nightlife. But if you’re looking for things to get wild, San Jose is definitely your first, and best, option.

Anyone taking a trip to Latin America and conjuring up images of entertainment options in their minds will no doubt think of dancing. Tango, Salsa, Merengue, and every style you can imagine can be found here. Costa Ricans, like most Latinos, are serious about their dancing. It can be said that living in Costa Rica is a contact sport as the people are very comfortable with touching each other. The dance floor is this very quality – times ten. When the bass starts thumping, the percussion accents every imaginable subdivision of a solid, hypnotic beat, and the guitars strum a layer on top of this aural celebration like whip cream on a sundae, Costa Ricans hit, and own, the floor. If you don’t know how to dance, and want to have a great time in Costa Rica, learn. There are loads of dance schools here where you can enroll for a half-day, crash course and hit the club that night. It’s a great way to engorge yourself immediately in the culture, and burn off a few calories from the gallo pinto you had for lunch along the way. Music’s loud, the drinks are cold, and the timid are always welcome. Prepare to sweat.

These and numerable options await every traveler or expatriate from the bold to the shy. If Costa Rica nightlife means you ride in the next tope, retire to your casita for the evening, or have always wanted to be the next Tarzan in the concrete jungle of dance bars and clubs in San Jose, Costa Rica waits with open arms.

Originally posted here

Related Posts

1. Jaco Beach Nightlife

The 18-year-old wave rider from Playa Esterillos scored the first perfect 10 of the world-famous international competition on Sunday, Jan. 29 – Day 2 of the event. Beating out 64 surfers from around the globe, including Hawaiian legends Kalani Chapman and defending Volcom Pipe Pro Champion John Florence, Muñoz won the “highest single wave of the day” and earned himself a $1,000 bonus in cash from Electric’s “Perfect 10 Award.”

“I am so happy that I almost can’t believe it. I won a perfect qualification against a local rival and that is not an easy task. I dedicate this achievement to those who give me unconditional support,” said an excited Muñoz from Hawaii.

The annual 5-star Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) event takes place at the famed Pipeline wave on Oahu’s North Shore from Jan. 23 to Feb. 4. Professional surfers from all over the world come hoping to ride their way to fame and a chance to win up to $130,000 in prize money. http://volcompipepro.com/

Muñoz, known in his hometown as “Cali,” earned high marks again on Day 3 of the event, Tuesday Jan. 31, with a single wave high score of 9.27.

“I’m living my dream – making national surfing history with such good results in the Pipe Pro fills me with pride and motivation,” said Muñoz. “And to pass my heats shows me clearly that with hard work and discipline you can do anything. I hope to God that the waves remain and I can keep advancing.”

Surfers are back in the water today starting heats at 11:30 am Costa Rican time. Congrats Cali and keep it up, here in Costa Rica we are all very proud of you, Del Mar Surf Camp is with you!!!
Original Post

Related Posts

1. Costa Rican Carlos Munoz trailblazes Pro Surfers
2. CNS DayStar COPA Day & Night a huge success!
3. Costa Rican team named for the WSG 2009

For the first time ever, Jaco, Costa Rica will be celebrating the illuminating of their central park with Christmas lights. On December 8th, starting at 5pm, come to the“Illuminating the Christmas Spirit of Jaco” festivities! The whole park will be ablaze with twinkling, sparkling Christmas lights, and music will be supplied by the local students’ choral group from Falcon International, as well as by the Jaco municipal band.

Come to the “Illuminating the Christmas Spirt of Jaco” celebration and feel the warm and fuzzy feeling of Christmas in paradise. Please click here for a copy of the official poster for this event.

Related Posts

1. Christmas Weekend in Jaco Beach
2. International Poetry Festival Comes to Jaco
3. Garabito mayor and top officials arrested today in Jaco

Heading into the “Season of Cheer,” where we are forced into close proximity for extended periods of time with the one’s we love often causes an increase in our stress levels. Higher stress levels tend to lead to more headaches. A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concludes that, when you reach for that Tylenol bottle, taking tiny amounts over the recommended dose may kill you.

Too much Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and many other pain killers, over a period of a number of days are known as “staggered overdoses.” Deaths caused by liver damage due to staggered overdoses were higher, according to the researchers, than deaths due to deliberate suicides caused by a single overdose.

Staggered overdoses are difficult for your doctor to diagnose as the level of Acetaminophen in the blood stream is too low to trigger a warning when a blood test is done despite the fact that you are at at a high risk for liver failure and death. Add alchohol to the mix and the diagnosis becomes even more complex.

Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Tylenol, issued a lower dosing instruction for the painkiller in July 2011. The doctors say it’s extremely important that humans that take Tylenol or acetaminophen based drugs adhere to the recommended dosage.

Original and here is another link for those wanting to learn more. Finally, be aware here in Costa Rica paracetamol is the same thing just a different chemcial brand name for the same chemical acetaminophen.

Related Posts

1. State Department Warning to US Citizens about Costa Rica