MyHealth Beijing

Does Diet Really Affect Acne?

I recently wrote about acne and discussed how there wasn’t much evidence linking diet choices with acne. Now I’ve discovered a recent literature review published last year, which does show some linking with acne flares and cow’s milk, as well as high glycemic-index foods. Their review continued to find no correlation with chocolate, fats . . . → Continue Reading: Does Diet Really Affect Acne?

Ice or Heat For Muscle Aches?

What works better for acute muscle injury like neck or back strain — ice or heat? Most doctors say that the initial ~48 hours of an injury, with the swelling and achiness, are best treated with ice. But actual research has been fairly scanty. Now, there’s an interesting new study which helps find some real . . . → Continue Reading: Ice or Heat For Muscle Aches?

For Docs: General Medicine Course in October

All Health Care Practitioners, both expats and Chinese, are welcome to the annual General Medicine Course from October 22-24 at Beijing United Hospital. This year, they are offering a full day of English courses on October 24 in addition to the usual translated courses. They have compiled an experienced panel of speakers with topics that . . . → Continue Reading: For Docs: General Medicine Course in October

Acupuncture: Here’s What Works — And Doesn’t

One of my continuing goals in China is to find traditional Chinese medicines and practices that I can integrate into my Western, allopathic-style family practice. As I’ve reported a few times, I’ve been struggling to find Chinese herbal medicines that I am comfortable prescribing, usually due to lack of evidence . . . → Continue Reading: Acupuncture: Here’s What Works — And Doesn’t

Are Your Store’s Eggs Refrigerated?

Many readers may be following the story in the U.S. about an epidemic of stomach infections from eggs contaminated with salmonella bacteria. This bacteria can live both inside and outside eggs, which otherwise may look perfectly normal. The main way to prevent such outbreaks is for the chicken farms to prevent rodents and other . . . → Continue Reading: Are Your Store’s Eggs Refrigerated?

Interview in Global Times

This week I had the pleasure of an interview with the national newspaper the Global Times; here is the online version of the interview which published on August 24th. Those of you more familiar with China Daily should definitely check out this paper, which I find to be very readable and topical.

. . . → Continue Reading: Interview in Global Times

Shanghai Gets Real-Time Air Quality Updates

Our neighbor to the south is lucky enough to be the first Chinese city (as far as I know) to publish hourly updates of air quality, freely available to all on their website. This practice is now standard in most countries, and I hope that Beijingers can soon also get such valuable information. Right now, . . . → Continue Reading: Shanghai Gets Real-Time Air Quality Updates

Do You Know Your Target Exercise Heart Rate?

I often lecture people on exercise, and I frequently mention how 150 minutes a week of “moderate” exercise can be just as healthy as 90 minutes of heavier exercise. But what’s the difference between light, moderate and heavy?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines exercise intensity in three ways: percentage of maximum . . . → Continue Reading: Do You Know Your Target Exercise Heart Rate?

What’s Your Favorite Chinese Medicine? Here’s My List…

Honestly, I’ve tried. I’ve really tried to dabble with Chinese medicines, but after almost four years of practicing medicine here in Beijing, I must admit that I am comfortable prescribing only a few. That could mean a couple things:

I’m too lazy to research I’m too busy to research I’ve tried to research but . . . → Continue Reading: What’s Your Favorite Chinese Medicine? Here’s My List…