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kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

Is it just me (and every foreigner I know) or does the combination of pollution, kiddie germs and stress have a horrendous effect on one's health in Taiwan?

In my time there, I went out of my way to eat healthily (mainly fresh produce), work out for an hour or more every day and get enough rest when possible. And yet I was pulled down with mysterious ailments, usually respiratory, chronic fatigue, not to mention the bleakest depressions. Now, ten months after leaving the green silicon isle, I notice I haven't been ill once, I have tons of energy and I'll bet I'm biologically ten years younger. Despite slipping up on my military regimen.

What has your experience been?

trukesehammer · Joined: 25 Mar 2003 Posts: 168 Location: The Vatican

Interesting you should ask that question. When I first got here, I caught just about EVERY bug imaginable! Exploding Eyeball Disease, Cold Sores (and I didn't even kiss anybody Crying or Very sad

), Flus, Fevers, Snuffles, Sniffles, Wheezles, Hiccups, Coughs, Sneezes, Shakes, you name it. But now I reckon I'm all acculturated and acclimatized! Smile

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

When I was teaching full time, I was sick often. Now that I don't teach very much, I'm never sick (knock on wood!). I think all those kiddy germs go a long way towards making us sick...

I actually think I live a MUCH healthier lifestyle in Taiwan. I know I eat a LOT healthier here. Then again, I miss playing in softball and touch football leagues back in the States.... Rugby and soccer is a poor substitute for an American (no offense to the rest of the world!).
It keeps me just as fit though, I suppose.

BigWally · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:55 am Post subject:

What about "traditional" chinese medicine? Does anyone have any experience using this? Or know of any reputable Dr's in Kaohsiung?

My question stems from a personal issue. I am a mild arthritis sufferer, and i've heard things like acupuncture or other traditional techniques have been helpful with others, and I'm eager to try something out, because my meds that I'm on now, dont do much than just ease the pain, but no real "relief". Crying or Very sad

Comments?

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

All new teachers face getting sick a lot the first few years, even in their home countries. Kids are germ magnets! Add in the fact that you are in a new environment, with nasties that your body has never encountered before, and you get a rough ride. It takes time for your body to get used to it.

watingfortomorrow · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 7 Location: North America

Anyone have the japanese encephalitis vaccine? My doctor said that it is neccesary for that area of the world. It also costs $535 Can. I promised my parents that I would get it... even though I am sure that it is a waste of money. What's the deal? Is it a real risk? Is it like West Nile Virus here in Canada... around but not a big danger.

BigWally · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:41 am Post subject:

waiting,

if you're from canada, call your local public health office..i'm sure they'll have an international travel clinic of some sort...you go in for a meeting and they find out where you're going, and they have all the up to date information about what vaccinations you'll need while you're there...its a small fee, but nowhere near $500

from what i've read the most important ones are Hep A&B...i think there was actually a thread about medical shots....yup! Surprised

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

Thank you all for your insights. You raised some valid points:

Sanchong wrote:

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

I did nothing but cough my lungs out. Go to the mountains, coughing goes away. Return to any metropolitan area and out come the lungs again. Hmmmm. Am I the only one who sees a pattern here?

I have to be honest and state the same thing happens in the States but nowhere near to the same degree as in TW and not in every city. I may just try TCM when I return in January if anyone can recommend a good practitioner in TP.

DirtGuy

Cathy OB · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Brisbane

Waiting
I visited a travel clinic associated with the international association for travel medicine (can't think of their name off the top of my head -IATMA or something?) before I came to Taiwan.
Japanese Encaphalitis was one of the vaccines they recommended. The vacc is a series of 3 injections, I had them for around NT$500-700 each at the public hospital in Tainan.
Cheers

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

I didn't get sick, as such, but I had a bad reaction to something. Two days off the island and it was gone. I'm guessing it was something I was eating. After two years in the PRC (they invented filth, you know. It's perhaps sixth on their list of famous inventions) I was so happy to have a wide selection of choices I just sort of pigged out. (Well, okay, no sort of about it). I'm expecting that diet changes will help.

Big Wally, I had a HEPA filter on the Mainland and it helped my lungs. I ran it all the time and changed the filter frequently. Even if you only use it in the bedroom at night it can make a difference.

Cat

BigWally · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:10 pm Post subject:

what about a mask on your face, i've seen a lot of pictures with people who have been wearing masks (like during the SARS issue), to reduce inhaled airborne particulates....

does anyone wear these?

if you do, do they help?

my gf already picked up a couple for her & myself from Mountain Equipment Co-op, for a good price, what do you guys think?

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

MomCat, I know what you're saying. After the PRC, Taiwan probably has a great variety, but (esp outside Taipei) one does miss certain tastes even in this land of plenty. I had outrageous cravings for anything that didn't have a baseline flavour of tofu. People usually complain about airline food, but on every flight out I would wax lyrical about their unsweetened bread. In fact, the quest for "other" flavours became the main perk of visa runs. I have welcomed fellow teachers at the airport after their trips home and not been able to hug them properly, so much had their waistlines expanded with the foods they'd missed.

The best solution I found was simply to go to the market and get my fruit and veggies myself, and prepare them the way I like. In most cases this is tastier, healthier and more cost-effective.

BigWally, if you ride a scooter you may soon decide to wear a mask no matter how silly you feel. Peak hour air is like lukewarm toxic waste. Some masks are fitted with filters, though I dunno how effective they are.

And BTW, isn't it cute when kids show up at school wearing masks because they are sick? In fact, during SARS I was forced to teach wearing a mask for a while. bLAH! New Adventures in Phonics!