Persons who are not able to use the bathroom are helped by a nurse or a family member. Special clothing or amulets Personal things such as a towel, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, slippers, etc. are brought to the hospital. Rosary beads and pictures of Saints are often brought. Self care When sick, most Costa Ricans prefer to practice personal hygiene or with minimal assistance from family members. Food Practices Usual meal pattern.
Milk is boiled and fresh coffee is added with plenty of sugar.
Rice, beans, vegetables, salad, meat, fish, chicken, and jelly. Ice in drinks, except during colds or respiratory illnesses, when cold drinks are believed to promote illness. During the Easter week, Costa Ricans do not eat red meat and chicken. When afflicted with colds, flu or viruses, a mixture of equal amounts of honey, lemon and rum is used as expectorant and an anti viral. More than a hundred varieties of herbal teas are used to treat illness and to promote health.