Job Discussion Forums

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

I am worried about going through an x-ray every year. I've heard being exposed to the machine too often could cause a cancer. I really want to find a way out of this...8 years 8 times is a bit too much by now.
By the way, I don't smoke, but I know that the Chinese pollution could damage my lungs.
Cheers and beers

cmknight · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 38

Sorry EG, but it's unavoidable. Don't believe everything you read about X-rays and cancer. It's an unproven theory started by some special interest groups. The chest x-ray is a necessary part of the medical. The whole medical is a big joke, however. It's used just to hide the fact that they are giving you a glorified AIDS test. You know how promiscuous us foreigners are. Wink

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

here in henan they now have a newer x-ray machine at the palce we must go to. But I would not totally agree you should not worry about x-rays. the machines 50 years ago did cause many poeple harm. There is a reason then the tech who takes your x-ray goes to another room. Years ago some shoe stores had an xray machine to look at your feet (50 yrs ago??) a coteacher's father was a worker in such a store, liked to use it when business was slow, lost both of his feet.

But one xray on a machine used in the fo's equals a couple hundred xrays on a modern machine. Limit your xray exposure. But don't go overboard. An xray a month is not considered harmful in the least ... by now adays standard. Certainly what's in the air is much worse

Yes, unavoidable

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

I agree. It is unavoidable in China. There are a few ways that they won't cut corners here

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

speakin'of cuttin'corners and when they should or shouldn't

what're they lookin'for on those x-rays? and, what'll they do if they find what they are/aren't lookin'for? fts that stay on mainland for years can get carbon dioxide lungs out those truck buses emmisions at most or smoke themselves to death? so, why bother with x-rays anyway?

cheers and beers to our regular healthy health checks on mainland Laughing

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

My understanding is that theoretically according to SAFEA we are all suppoesd to be getting some kind of medical insurance. The test is somewhat similar to some insurance screenings.Also, as mentioned in another thread, hopefully they do earnestly test for hep c. Haven't seen them reject anyone for being overwright and having high blodd pressure yet. That would create some vacancies. Also it's a good source of revenue. I think it's 200 RMB per?

Mpho · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

The only way out an x-ray during the medical exam is to get a local doctor to write a note that you shouldn't be given an xray for .... reason or that you are pregnant.

I have seen some doctors write notes for Chinese nationals who have some problem or other.

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

citylightsruralcalm · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: The Ilha

Well the lung damage will compliment your liver damage. Take it with a grain of salt.

Ms Bean · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 110 Location: Wilmington

It's just a little disturbing when you go for an X-ray in a cow town, and not only do your innards show up on the film, but also those of the guy standing in the hall.

GoPies · Joined: 19 Sep 2004 Posts: 589 Location: Melbourne

I only had to have an initial health check when I started in this job. I don't have to have an annual check. I am in my third year here with only the one health check.

Sugar Magnolia · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 233

I agree with Daniel B. I have only had 1 physical since I came to China in July 2004.

I did go home for 3 months in 2005 and when I returned and took a job at a university in Nanjing, I was told that since we only signed a semester contract, as oppossed to 1 year contract, the physical wasn't necessary.

When I moved to Shanghai in June 2006, I was told that since I was in the country and had a FEC as well as previously took the physical, a new test wasn't necessary. I am now with my 3rd employer in Shanghai and all have said the same thing - I do not need to take it again.

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

how's that possible that you guys're gettin' away with ..not paying the system Confused

i guess one country two systems is to be blamed for this one too

i've got to research my next move carefully. not only that i might need a job soon, i also need a city that won't ask me for this farce annual health check with the x machine scaring my organs in

cheers and beers to shanghai