The Beijinger Blog - Health & Environment

Quick Link: Eating Organic in China

thebeijinger — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0800

The German-based site Clean Energy Project recently posted an interview with Yinghui Zhang-Carraro, a “freelance writer and resident of Beijing,” about Beijing’s organic food market.

Food Safety Must be Our Top Priority!

thebeijinger — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0800

Catching up on our post-Chunjie reading, we came across this frightening post on the seemingly intractable problem of food safety in China by our favorite food writer and author of Beijing Eats, Eileen Wen Mooney. The post discusses a thesis by Harvard student Leslie Marie Grothaus and a book by Chinese journalist Zhou Qing entitled What Kind of Heaven?, described as an in-depth and unsettling look at food safety problems in China.

China vs the US – Differences Through a Doctor’s Eyes

thebeijinger — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0800

Dr Richard has done an interesting post on the differences between practicing medicine in the US and China, which run the gamut from divergent common ailments to wildly varying patient expectations. One worrying phenomenon the good doctor notes is the expectation among local patients that antibiotics will be doled out for any illness.

Feel the Burn: Buff Up with Chuck Zhang of Elite Nutrition Center

thebeijinger — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0800

Beijing native Chuck Zhang first developed an interest in health and fitness in the United States, where he attended high school and university. He has since brought his passion back with him to China, becoming one of the first people to import sport supplements to this country. After treating us to some strawberry-flavored protein powder, he divulged on what motivates him to stay fit and how readers can get results from working out.

Shape Shifters: Fitness Centers for Fighting Winter Fat

thebeijinger — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0800

Spring is coming, and with it lighter clothing. Time to live up to those New Year’s resolutions – get in shape and shake off that winter flab at the following gyms and fitness clubs.

Romantic Spa Sessions

thebeijinger — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0800

If flowers and a romantic dinner aren't enough to impress this Valentine's Day, try these special spa deals and packages for two.

Poisonous Plastic Plates in Beijing Supermarkets

thebeijinger — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:30:00 +0800

First there was melamine in the milk, then allegations of mercury in soft drink. Now China Daily is reporting some plastic tableware sold in Beijing markets and supermarkets, including Carrefour and Auchan, is toxic.

Beijing Teenager Poisoned by Sprite

thebeijinger — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0800

Beijingers are no strangers to tainted food and beverages – we all remember the “melamine in milk” scandal of 2008 which continues to reverberate through China’s dairy industry. Now it seems some supplies of Sprite in the city may be suspect, with two patients hospitalized in recent months with mercury poisoning after consuming the soft drink.

Keep Your D Up Over Winter!

thebeijinger — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0800

Last week we linked to a Dr Richard post about Seasonal Affective Disorder, more commonly known as the winter blues, and how vitamin D supplements can be a used to treat the condition. Dr Richard has now done another post about additional potential benefits associated with vitamin D supplements, including a reduced risk of several types of cancer.

Beijing Building News: Bulldozes, Bikes & Burnt Out Towers

thebeijinger — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:43:50 +0800

As Beijing barrels into 2010, the wrecking balls are swinging south of Gulou, plans are afoot to restore the burnt out TVCC Tower in the CBD, and authorities say they want to bring mass biking back to Beijing.