We parents worry about our children getting enough exercise — but what about ourselves? Are we all leading by example and also getting enough exercise? Surveys show that most adults both here in China and in countries like the USA don’t get the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 90 minutes of strong exercise.… Read the rest
Health Checks: Does Anyone Need An Annual Physical?
Do most of us need an annual health check at the doctor’s office? You may think this to be a very silly question, especially coming from me a family doctor who constantly discusses preventive medicine in my articles. I love to see my patients every year just to check in and make sure they are living a healthy lifestyle, as well as to offer a “medical tune up.”… Read the rest
Activity Trackers: A Review of Fitbit, Jawbone and Nike
My long term readers know that I’m not exactly a fitness fanatic, and my waistline has just jumped over a horrible milestone of over 100 centimeters. (maybe sharing my humiliation will motivate me…) I desperately need inspiration to keep me fitter, and I’m also a tech geek, so I’ve been very excited with the burgeoning quantified self movement.… Read the rest
What’s Your Toddler’s Best Source of Milk?
What’s the best milk source for your baby after 12 months? Breast milk is still the preferred choices, and whole milk the next option — but many people in China prefer toddler formula. While milk safety in China is a legitimate concern, most pediatricians and nutritionists don’t feel this is the best choice.… Read the rest
Holiday Travel: Is Your First Aid Kit Ready?
Another holiday season is rapidly approaching, and most of you made flight and hotel reservations months ago — but have you spent equal efforts preparing for good health on your hard earned holiday? Each holiday season I see a massive rush of patients in my hospital just a few days before their vacations, looking for travel medicines and advice.… Read the rest
Empathy: The Most Touching Video I’ve Ever Seen
In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to be short tempered with strangers, especially in crowded cities such as Beijing. A grumpy waitress; a busy doctor; a biker whizzing past you. Instead of our usual initial reaction of stress and anger, wouldn’t it be great to stop ourselves first and think, “maybe they’ve just had a long day.… Read the rest