Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2009
American Registry
It looks as though the government is starting a registry of American teachers in Korea. This person's school was phoned up by the Ministry of Education asking the owners to report any American teachers working at the school. Sounds a little scary to me.
Swine Flu & More Craziness in Korea
Well, the past week has been filled with activity here on the peninsula.
First off, the former president, Roh Moo-hyun, commits suicide while the government was investigating him for accepting bribes during his term. His death suddenly turned into a political ploy. Opponents of the current Korean administration (Lee Myung-bak) are using his death to blame Lee for employing harsh tactics and for basically ruining the nation. The day that he died an alter was immediately setup in front of my neighborhood metro station to allow people to bow and pay respects while someone on a loud speaker attracted an audience by denouncing President Lee. From what I hear, these alters are all around Seoul.
North Korea decided today to continue their craziness. They thought it would a fine idea to conduct an underground nuclear test while test firing some missiles at the same time. I think someone is just cranky they aren't getting their way. More here and here. Let's hope the place doesn't get nuked while I'm here. The Koreans don't seem to get too worked up about these things, though. The US Embassy did send me a notice about the test and reminded to always be prepared in case of a sudden evacuation.
Also, swine flu seems to be raging here on the ROK. More Koreans are being confirmed to have the virus. This past weekend, an American that recently came here to teach was confirmed to have the virus. Another American was discovered to have the virus today. That person also recently came to Korea to teach English. The school is a big chain here, and they send all of there new teachers to a big orientation/training session in Seoul. So, that person was in close contact with all kinds of other new teachers. That person has since been put in quarantine. Also, every Western that came in contact with that American has been rounded up in ambulances by the government and taken to a hospital so they can be isolated. People stuck in the hospital are blogging here, here, and here. An expat blogger in Korea gives a nice round-up of news regarding the situation here. News articles can be read here and here.
There are rumors in my town (Bucheon) that a foreigner at a big English school next to mine was involved with that week-long training session. The English school is big chain here in Korea and has decided to shut down for the next week to avoid more infections.
I'm a little worried about what the means for us foreigners. I fear that Koreans are going to get really worried by the "American sickness" and shun us in public. Maybe even the government will round us up and quarantine us or deport us; who knows. I heard that new teachers that has arrived after May 11 will have to undergo a home quarantine. If parents get really concerned, they will start pulling their students from our school to avoid the virus coming from foreigners.
Today, I told one of my classes that I was a little sick. They instantly asked if it was the "pig virus." I, of course, told them it probably was. One of the kids told me that I needed to eat lots of kimchi in order to get rid of the "pig virus." Another kid said it was the "America virus," and he then asked me if I was an "American people." Once I said yes, they all gasped in unison and pushed their chairs back away from me. That's just an example of what I think this might develop into. Koreans are already suspicious about letting foreigners into the country; this will only heighten their unfounded fears.
First off, the former president, Roh Moo-hyun, commits suicide while the government was investigating him for accepting bribes during his term. His death suddenly turned into a political ploy. Opponents of the current Korean administration (Lee Myung-bak) are using his death to blame Lee for employing harsh tactics and for basically ruining the nation. The day that he died an alter was immediately setup in front of my neighborhood metro station to allow people to bow and pay respects while someone on a loud speaker attracted an audience by denouncing President Lee. From what I hear, these alters are all around Seoul.
North Korea decided today to continue their craziness. They thought it would a fine idea to conduct an underground nuclear test while test firing some missiles at the same time. I think someone is just cranky they aren't getting their way. More here and here. Let's hope the place doesn't get nuked while I'm here. The Koreans don't seem to get too worked up about these things, though. The US Embassy did send me a notice about the test and reminded to always be prepared in case of a sudden evacuation.
Also, swine flu seems to be raging here on the ROK. More Koreans are being confirmed to have the virus. This past weekend, an American that recently came here to teach was confirmed to have the virus. Another American was discovered to have the virus today. That person also recently came to Korea to teach English. The school is a big chain here, and they send all of there new teachers to a big orientation/training session in Seoul. So, that person was in close contact with all kinds of other new teachers. That person has since been put in quarantine. Also, every Western that came in contact with that American has been rounded up in ambulances by the government and taken to a hospital so they can be isolated. People stuck in the hospital are blogging here, here, and here. An expat blogger in Korea gives a nice round-up of news regarding the situation here. News articles can be read here and here.
There are rumors in my town (Bucheon) that a foreigner at a big English school next to mine was involved with that week-long training session. The English school is big chain here in Korea and has decided to shut down for the next week to avoid more infections.
I'm a little worried about what the means for us foreigners. I fear that Koreans are going to get really worried by the "American sickness" and shun us in public. Maybe even the government will round us up and quarantine us or deport us; who knows. I heard that new teachers that has arrived after May 11 will have to undergo a home quarantine. If parents get really concerned, they will start pulling their students from our school to avoid the virus coming from foreigners.
Today, I told one of my classes that I was a little sick. They instantly asked if it was the "pig virus." I, of course, told them it probably was. One of the kids told me that I needed to eat lots of kimchi in order to get rid of the "pig virus." Another kid said it was the "America virus," and he then asked me if I was an "American people." Once I said yes, they all gasped in unison and pushed their chairs back away from me. That's just an example of what I think this might develop into. Koreans are already suspicious about letting foreigners into the country; this will only heighten their unfounded fears.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Things Are Warming Up
I noticed tonight that I wasn't freezing my behind off as I walked home. Oh, it feels like Spring is heading to Korea! It couldn't come any sooner!
The yellow dust has certainly made its way here. Annually, yellow dust/sand from China makes an invasion into Korea and kills everyone's lungs. I've heard that China has undergone major deforestation so there are fewer trees to catch the dust/sand that blows in from the desert; it makes its way to Korea. I've noticed some mucus build-up going in me. Hopefully, it won't get too bad. If you are so interested in my health, here is a website where you track yellow dust levels in Seoul.
Tomorrow, I'm heading to a water park in town. The tickets are 10 bucks after 4pm. Some coworkers and I are going to head over there after work (about 6:30) and see what we can do in 2 hours.
The yellow dust has certainly made its way here. Annually, yellow dust/sand from China makes an invasion into Korea and kills everyone's lungs. I've heard that China has undergone major deforestation so there are fewer trees to catch the dust/sand that blows in from the desert; it makes its way to Korea. I've noticed some mucus build-up going in me. Hopefully, it won't get too bad. If you are so interested in my health, here is a website where you track yellow dust levels in Seoul.
Tomorrow, I'm heading to a water park in town. The tickets are 10 bucks after 4pm. Some coworkers and I are going to head over there after work (about 6:30) and see what we can do in 2 hours.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sickness Shows Love
As I noted before, I had been suffering from a horrible cough. I'm happy to report that I have successfully passed it on to others and seem to be mostly better. Best of all, I have my voice back, and I can speak again. Although I hate sickness (especially ones that eradicate your lungs), this sickness was somewhat special. It made me realize how much people care for me here, especially at my school. Friends took me to doctors or pharmacists, and others gave me plenty of advice (I heard "keep warm" and "get lots of rest" plenty of times). The head western teacher acted almost like a mother. She was constantly giving me medicine and making sure that I was taking it (I felt guilty taking it since it was medicine her family sent to her from the states). She was always on my case about taking care of myself. She even taught a class for me so I could go see a doctor. The top manager even bought me a brand new thermos so I could have hot drinks throughout the day. One of the other Korean teachers at the school also bought me some long-johns to wear. The doctor (a friend of my friend) even gave me free medicine, free acupuncture treatment twice, and a free head massage. Even after my sickness ended, two of the teachers at the school gave me some dishes to use in my apartment (my good Korean friend told them that I didn't have much). It has been so great knowing how deeply people really care for me. I've certainly been blessed with such a great school and great relationships.
I'm certainly happy to finally be done with the sickness, though. I was starting to get a little worried. My voice is pretty valuable here in Korea; I get paid to talk to kids. I started to think to myself that I might get fired if I don't get healed quickly. Luckily, it never came to that. haha
By the way, sorry for the delay in posting. I've been so busy lately with little breathing time. I hope you can forgive me.
I'm certainly happy to finally be done with the sickness, though. I was starting to get a little worried. My voice is pretty valuable here in Korea; I get paid to talk to kids. I started to think to myself that I might get fired if I don't get healed quickly. Luckily, it never came to that. haha
By the way, sorry for the delay in posting. I've been so busy lately with little breathing time. I hope you can forgive me.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Alternative Treatment
For the past three weeks, I've been hacking my head off with a stupid cough. After the first few days of my coughing adventure, one of the teachers at the school took me to the pharmacy near the school. The teacher and the pharmacist talked about the medicine in Korean without any translation, except for the price which was $21 for a week's supply. I didn't find out until later that it was simply herbal medicine. After finishing that dosage, one of my good friends drove me to friend of his that is a doctor, who speaks pretty good English. Except this doctor is a specialist in herbal medicine. When he looked me over, he didn't even bother to look at my throat, nose, or ears. He did push my stomach in a little and asked if it hurt. He decided that some acupuncture could do me some good. They took me in a special room where the the doctor stuck some needles in my index finger, a couple of toes, and on my leg. He then took a pen and pricked my thumbs a few times and let them bleed some. He kept asking me, "are you feeling better?" Of course, I didn't. Now, I was worried about the blood. He is doing this while I have needles sticking in me. After he finished, I layed on the bed with the needles in for about 20 minutes; a nurse then came and stuck some hot pieces of metal near the spots of the needles. She then took it all out, and they gave me some medicine. Except, this time it was again herbal medicine. My friend and I were hoping that he would give me some real drugs this time. The good thing, though, is that I got to experience acupuncture, and he didn't charge me anything. However, I now feel obligated to help this doctor correct grammar and structure in his pending medical journal. I don't think it helped, though, because I still have a bad cough. It isn't as bad, but my voice is still so hoarse and raspy.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Laundering
Well, I've been in Korea for a few weeks now. This is the moment I have been avoiding as much as possible...doing laundry. I have put it off too long. I had no choice but to try it out and see what happened.
This is the machine. It is actually a washer/dryer combo. Electricity rates are really expensive here, though, and the dryer (I've been told) just sucks up energy like mofo. Needless to say, I didn't attempt drying.
Here are the instructions for the machine. Obviously, no English.
Freaking out a little.
Trying to figure it out.
Success! This is my extra-large drying rack.
Special thanks goes to Joey teacher at school for translating for me and making this moment possible!
This is the machine. It is actually a washer/dryer combo. Electricity rates are really expensive here, though, and the dryer (I've been told) just sucks up energy like mofo. Needless to say, I didn't attempt drying.
Here are the instructions for the machine. Obviously, no English.
Freaking out a little.
Trying to figure it out.
Success! This is my extra-large drying rack.
Special thanks goes to Joey teacher at school for translating for me and making this moment possible!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Kid Again With Diseases At Least
I'm just getting over a little congestion/cold that developed last weekend. Apparently, this happens all the time. Foreign (it's still weird using that term) teachers always get sick within a week or two of arriving. It really makes sense. I've spent over 20 years building up an immunity against many types of colds. That why most kids get sick a lot because they are not immune to a lot of cold strains. Well, here I am in another country with different types of cold strains that my body has never encountered before, and I am around snotty-nosed kids all day. That doesn't add up to anything good. So, I'm like a kid again...just waiting for that next cold bug to infect my body. I have been taking a lot of vitamin C so hopefully that will help some. I also have some Germ X so that will help me keep my hands clean on the go. I'll have to be careful with what I touch.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wisdom Teeth Gone (Mostly)
Today I had my 2 of 3 wisdom teeth taken out. Thankfully, I didn't go into "permanent cardiac arrest" or decide to sleep for the rest of time. Now that I have finally stopped bleeding, maybe I can recover and avoid the dreadful dry socket. What a better way to welcome me home than a little tooth yanking? Should be a great weekend!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wal-Mart Expands Pharamacy
If you haven't used the Pharamacy at Wal-Mart, you might in the near future. Much like it did with groceries about 20 years ago, Wal-Mart is now undergoing an aggressive campaign to expand its pharmacy operations. It has introduced $4 generic drugs, it has been slashing prices on other drugs, and it is now experimenting with low-cost in-store clinics. This makes sense because Wal-Mart's customers are seeking that "one-stop shop" to avoid running all over town getting everything they need. Most of Wal-Mart's customers come from the low-income bracket, and low drug prices will be very attractive to them (but who enjoys paying a fortune for drugs?). The number of retired baby boomers are growing every day, and they definitely need a place to buy drugs cheaply with their fixed income. This is certainly a good move on Wal-Mart's part; I could see it being a pharmacy powerhouse in the near future. This could be good for consumers considering that its extreme efficiency and very low prices might force drug makers and other pharmacies to follow suit. Read more about Wal-Mart's pharmacy plans in this Business Week article.
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