health_wellness


 * =A practical guide to life in China=

=State Department: China (website) Optional Travel Insurance (link)=

**Water and Food Safety** ||
 * Drinking Water - Hotels： ||
 * [[image:http://www.yoyoor.com/images/waterPOT.jpg width="142" height="142" align="left"]]Hotels will provide guests with bottled water (free) for drinking and brushing teeth. In larger hotels there may be a little sign in the bathroom that reads something along the lines of "tap water not potable," but don't take the absence of this notice as an indication that tap water is safe to drink. Nowhere in China is it advisable to drink tap water without boiling it first. ||
 * Drinking Water - Restaurants： ||
 * Most restaurants will have some bottled water on the menu. In some cases it might be quite expensive such as Evian or San Pellegrino, and these types of imported mineral waters are considerably pricey even outside restaurants (often at least US$1 for 350ml). There are a number of ways you can ask for free water from the establishment. See next item. ||
 * How to Order Drinking Water in a Restaurant: ||
 * [[image:http://www.yoyoor.com/images/water.jpg width="152" height="142" align="left"]]Make sure that water is boiled or from a bottle. Politely let your host friend know that you drink bottled water. In China, people do NOT drink tap water. Drinking water is boiled.
 * 冰水：bing shui, water with ice;
 * 开水：kai shui, boiled water; ||
 * Drinking Water - Out & About: ||
 * You won't have to go far to find bottled water that is safe to drink. In China there are convenience stores everywhere and if you can't find one, there are drink stalls on many street corners no matter how small the city. In convenience stores you may be able to find Evian or imported brands, but the cheapest options are Chinese bottled waters. Even some of these will look familiar as Coca-Cola and other international companies have operations bottling water in China. Make sure the cap seal is intact if you are buying from a suspicious looking vendor. ||
 * Dining - General Precautions: ||
 * The general rule is if the food has been standing out for a while, wasn't cooked well, isn't fresh or could have been washed in contaminated water, try to avoid it. Of course, you don't always know the circumstances of the preparation of your food so see below for more tips. ||
 * Dining - Street Food: ||
 * [[image:http://www.yoyoor.com/images/chicken.jpg width="142" height="142" align="left"]]Street food in China is really something to sample and it would be a shame if you passed it for fear of getting sick. Street food is usually some of the freshest available. The vendors prepare it quickly, while you wait, so you don't have to worry about it sitting out in the heat. On many food streets you'll see lines of folks queuing for snacks and this is generally a very good sign that the stall has a good reputation. **You may want to avoid meat snacks in the height of summer and snacks that include anything raw. But dumplings, pancakes and fried anything are fair game.** ||
 * Dining - Restaurants: ||
 * [[image:http://www.yoyoor.com/images/duck.jpg width="142" height="142" align="left"]]Chinese believe fresh is best so you'll often find the waiter approaching you with a wriggling plastic bag containing the fish you ordered so you can see the specimen before it arrives at your table poached in black bean sauce. This doesn't happen in all restaurants nor with all orders. ||
 * The Bottom Line: ||
 * Even if you're the most cautious of vigilant diners, you'll still enjoy eating and drinking in China. Even the tamest of foreigner-friendly Chinese restaurants have delicious food and you'll experience dishes and flavors that you've never come across before back home. But hopefully, you'll be safe and a bit adventurous and have a culinary adventure during your visit to China. ||
 * [[image:http://www.yoyoor.com/images/chicken.jpg width="142" height="142" align="left"]]Street food in China is really something to sample and it would be a shame if you passed it for fear of getting sick. Street food is usually some of the freshest available. The vendors prepare it quickly, while you wait, so you don't have to worry about it sitting out in the heat. On many food streets you'll see lines of folks queuing for snacks and this is generally a very good sign that the stall has a good reputation. **You may want to avoid meat snacks in the height of summer and snacks that include anything raw. But dumplings, pancakes and fried anything are fair game.** ||
 * Dining - Restaurants: ||
 * [[image:http://www.yoyoor.com/images/duck.jpg width="142" height="142" align="left"]]Chinese believe fresh is best so you'll often find the waiter approaching you with a wriggling plastic bag containing the fish you ordered so you can see the specimen before it arrives at your table poached in black bean sauce. This doesn't happen in all restaurants nor with all orders. ||
 * The Bottom Line: ||
 * Even if you're the most cautious of vigilant diners, you'll still enjoy eating and drinking in China. Even the tamest of foreigner-friendly Chinese restaurants have delicious food and you'll experience dishes and flavors that you've never come across before back home. But hopefully, you'll be safe and a bit adventurous and have a culinary adventure during your visit to China. ||
 * The Bottom Line: ||
 * Even if you're the most cautious of vigilant diners, you'll still enjoy eating and drinking in China. Even the tamest of foreigner-friendly Chinese restaurants have delicious food and you'll experience dishes and flavors that you've never come across before back home. But hopefully, you'll be safe and a bit adventurous and have a culinary adventure during your visit to China. ||

Food and drink
//Most illnesses are spread to travelers by contaminated food and drink.// //REMEMBER - Cook it, Peel it, Boil it or Leave it!//
 * || ===AVOID unboiled or untreated water.=== ||
 * || ===AVOID ice in beverages.=== ||
 * || ===DRINK canned or carbonated bottle water, soft drinks or juice=== ||
 * || ===DRINK tea or coffee made from boiled water.=== ||
 * || ===DRINK directly from the bottle, after wiping the container's lip.=== ||
 * || ===USE carbonated water to brush your teeth.=== ||
 * || ===VOID raw or partially cooked fish and shellfish, including ceviche.=== ||
 * || ===AVOID uncooked vegetables.=== ||
 * || ===EAT only foods that are cooked and still hot.=== ||
 * || ===EAT only fruit that you peel yourself.=== ||
 * || ===AVOID bringing perishable goods, including shellfish and other seafood, on your return to the USA.=== ||

Insects are capable of transmitting diseases through their bites. Mosquitoes that carry malaria bite mostly between sunset and sunrise. Travelers can protect themselves by following simple rules:

 * || ===AVOID dark colors, which attract mosquito.=== ||
 * || ===APPLY insect repellent, on exposed skin, observing manufacturer's precautions.=== ||

And don't forget!

 * || ===TAKE sufficient prescribed medication to last the duration of your trip.=== ||
 * || ===CARRY your medication with you to avoid difficulties if luggage is lost or delayed.=== ||

From: http://www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/DiseasesandImmunizations/TravelersInformation
**In case of emergencies after normal work hours, please call the Embassy's emergency number at 011-86-10-8531 4000 if you are calling from the United States or 010-8531 4000 if you are calling within China.**

Below is from http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_health.html

MEDICAL FACILITIES Western style medical facilities with international staff are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and a few other large cities. Many other hospitals in major Chinese cities have so-called VIP wards (gaogan bingfang) with reasonably up-to-date medical technology and skilled physicians who typically speak English.

Ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment, and ambulance personnel generally have little or no medical training. Therefore, **injured or seriously ill Americans may be required to take taxis or other immediately available vehicles to the nearest major hospital rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive.** In rural areas, only rudimentary medical facilities are generally available. Medical personnel in rural areas are often poorly trained, have little medical equipment or availability to medications. Rural clinics are often reluctant to accept responsibility for treating foreigners, even in emergency situations. Hospitals and clinics with English speaking staff:

Western brand toiletries and over-the-counter medications are available at Watson's in the Portman Shanghai Centre shopping area, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu (南京西路), 200040
Tel: 021-6279.7688 Appointment Line: 021-6279.8678 Fax: 021-6279.7698 Add: Shanghai Center #203 W., 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu 200040 上海商城美国国际中心, 上海市静安区**南京西路1376**号, 上海商城西峰601室
 * Portman Clinic** //(World Link Clinic), Sino-United Health//

Tel: 021-6405.5788 Fax: 6405-3587 Add: Mandarine City Unit 30, 788 Hong Xu Lu 201103 [|上海市虹许路]788号
 * Hong Qiao Clinic** //(World Link Clinic)//

Tel: 021-6248.3986, 6248.9999 x2531 Add: 15th Floor, Foreigner's Clinic, Zong He Lou, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu 上海市静安区乌鲁木齐中路12号门诊楼5楼 中国上海市静安区长乐路１０６８ +86 21 6248 5674 中国上海市宝山区陈富路 [|**华山医院** (北院)]
 * Hua Shan Hospital** [|复旦大学附属**华山医院**]

Tel: 021-6248.4867, 6248.3180 x3106 Add: 2nd Floor, Foreigner's Clinic, 221 Yanan Xi Road 中国上海市静安区延安西路221号
 * Hua Dong Hospital** [|复旦大学附属华东医院]

Tel: 021-6324.3852 Add: International Medical Care Center, 585 Jiu Long Lu 上海市虹口区海宁路100号
 * The First People's Hospital** [|上海市第一人民**医院**北院]

Tel: 021-6437.0045 x668101 (day), 6437-0045 x668202 (night) Add: 197 Rui Jin Er Lu 上海市卢湾区瑞金二路197号
 * Rui Jin Hospital** [|**瑞金医院**]

Tel: 021-5403.5335 Add: 536 Changle Road 上海市静安区长乐路536号
 * The First Maternity and Child Hospital** [|上海市第一妇婴保健院]

Tel: 021-6403.7371, 6404.7129 x5009 Add: 2nd Floor 183 Fenglin Road, Shanghai Medical University 上海市徐汇区枫林路183号
 * Pediatric Hospital** [|复旦大学附属儿科**医院**]

Tel: 021-6313.3174 Add: 7th Floor Shanghai Dental Medical Center Cooperative Co. //(Sino-Canadian Joint venture)// 639 Zhi Zao Ju Lu
 * 9 People's Hospital** //(Dental)//

Tel: 021-5298.9799 Fax: 5298-9799 Email: harrietjin@online.sh.cn Add: Rm 17C Sun Tong Infoport Plaza, #55 Huai Hai W. Road 200030
 * Dr Harriet Jin's Dental Surgery**

Tel: 021-6466.0928 Fax: 021-5456.2311 Email: cabuduo@hotmail.com Add: 2nd Floor #1 Tao Jiang Road, Dong Ping Rd
 * DDS Dental Care in Shanghai**

Beijing areas (area code: 10):
[|**__Bayley & Jackson Beijing Medical Center__**] 7 Ritan Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 Tel: (8610) 8562-9998 Website: @http://www.bjhealthcare.com/

**Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics** 2 Jiang Tai Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016 Emergency: (8610) 59277120 Tel: (8610) 59277000 Website: @http://www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com/

Pinnacle Plaza #818, Tian Zhu Shunyi District, Beijing 101312 Tel: (8610) 8046-1102
 * Beijing United Family Clinic in Shunyi District, Beijing**

**GlobalDoctor, Ltd.** Clinics staffed by English-speaking doctors within the VIP wards of government-run hospitals in Chengdu, Nanjing, and Beijing. 24 Hour rescue hotline: (8610) 58151188 Fax: (8610) 58151128 Website: [|http://www.globaldoctor.com.au]

International SOS Operates modern medical and dental clinics; provides medical evacuation and medical escort services in Beijing, Nanjing, Tianjin and Shekou, with multilingual coordinators and doctors on duty. 24hr Alarm Centers in Beijing and Shanghai Tel: (8610) 64629100 Website: [|www.internationalsos.com/en/asia-pacific_china.htm]

Peking Union Medical Hospital 1 Shui Fu Yuan, Dong Cheng Distict, Beijing 100730 24 Hour Emergency: (8610) 6529-5284 Registration: (8610) 6529-6114 Information: (8610) 6529-7292

**Vista Clinic** B29 Beijing Kerry Center, No.1 Guanghua Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100020 Tel: 010-85296618 Fax: 010-85296615 Website @http://www.vista-china.net/

**NOTE: All Americans traveling to China are encouraged to buy foreign medical care and medical evacuation insurance prior to arrival. Most hospitals in China will not accept medical insurance from the United States, with the exception of the following hospitals, which are on the** **BlueCross BlueShield's worldwide network providers** **- overseas network hospitals' list:** **Hong Kong Adventist Hospital**

**Beijing United Family Hospital**

**Beijing Friendship Hospital**

**International Medical Center in Beijing**

**Peking Union Medical Center** **Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards for payment but American patients have frequently encountered difficulty due to cultural and regulatory differences and Travelers are typically asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment.**

MEDICAL INSURANCE/ MEDICAL EVACUATIONS The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Here are a few medical insurance policies designed for travelers. Some of these companies have staff in China who can assist in the event of a medical emergency. For additional information on medical insurance, check out: //Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad// Premier Jets Premier Jets operates a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week air evacuation service throughout the world. Tel: 503-640-2927 Website: [|www.premierjets.com]

**MEDEX Assistance Corporation** 871 Poly Plaza, Beijing 100027 Emergency (members only): (800) 527-0218 or (410) 453-6330 24 Hours Tel in US: (800) 537-2029 or (410) 453-6300 Emergency in China: (8610) 6595-8510 Website: [|www.medexassist.com]


 * Heathrow Air Ambulance**

Heathrow is an air evacuation service with offices in the United States and England. Travelers can pre-arrange air evacuation insurance and other emergency travel assistance. This service also has a business plan to assist foreigners who lack travel insurance. Heathrow Air Ambulance Service Tel: (800) 513-5192 Website: www. heathrowairambulance.com

**OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION**
Most roads and towns in Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan are situated at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Travelers in these areas should seek medical advice in advance of travel, allow time for acclimatization to the high altitude, and remain alert to signs of altitude sickness. Reuse or poor sterilization practices are problems in China, contributing to transmission of diseases such as Hepatitis, which is endemic in China. In order to avoid contamination, travelers should always ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment and be prepared to pay for new syringe needles in hospitals or clinics. Air pollution is also a significant problem throughout China. Travelers should consult their doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on them. Here are links to:

**Alcoholics Anonymous** Tel: (86) 139-1138-9075, (8610) 6940-3935 Beijing AA Fellowship: http://www.aabeijing.com/ Email: Beijingfellows@yahoo.com

**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention** Travelers Website: [|http://www.cdc.gov] Tel: (877) 394-8747

**World Health Organization**

Provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad China Website: [] LifeLine Shanghai A community-based, confidential hotline providing emotional support and information to Shanghai's expatriate community. Hotline: (8621) 6279-8990