Japan Nuclear Situation: Due to westwinds no danger for China (update)

A hypothetical "radiation cloud", from either Fukushima Daiichi or Onagawa, will most likely  be diverted to the East due to typical westerly winds.

Source of photo and read more about it at

http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/46984/japan-nuclear-incident.asp

----------------

update:

But on the other hand: winds can change.

Look at this video, that shows an animation of the radioactive cloud over Europe and parts of Asia after the nuclear accident in Chernobyl (Tschernobyl) in April and May 1986. Very sad!

For now, the accident in Japan is rated 5 on the INES scale from 1-7, while Chernobyl was a major accident and rated 7.

Chinese Government should install lots of windmills!!!

Sorry, no time for jokes.

10 Simple Actions to contribute for a better Planet

Today is Blog Action Day and I am participating because our planet is in danger. Every human being that is able to think should be aware about how much our planet is threatened by climate change, global warming and shortness of resources, to name some environmental problems which again cause social unbalance that can result in poverty, terror and war. It is a very complex subject. Our children and grandchildren will face tough times.

But where to start and who to start ?
Today, blog action day is focusing on the environmental problem "climate change".
Please take a minute and read the following what you could do today and maybe next week and more and more often :

10 simple actions to contribute for a better Planet :

1) Replace regular light bulbs with an energy saving light bulbs

2) Move your radiator down 1-2 degrees in winter (and the aircon up 1-2 degrees in summer) - (editors remark: If you are already are allowed to heat in Beijing...)

3) Use less hot water (it costs energy to heat water)

4) Air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer as often as possible

5) Only run your dishwasher when there’s a full load and use the energy-saving setting

6) Unplug electronics from the wall when you’re not using them (even when turned off, cell phone chargers and televisions use energy. The energy used to keep display clocks lit and memory chips working may account for 5 % of total domestic energy consumption !)

7) Plant a tree - or think twice before cutting down a tree ! (a single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Shade provided by trees can also reduce your air conditioning bill by 10 to 15%.)

8) Buy locally grown food (transportation is polluting and consumes energy) - and buy fresh food instead of frozen (frozen food uses 10 times more energy to produce).

9) Eat less meat !!! (The production of 1 kg of beef consumes about 13,000 liter of water !!! And methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas and cows are one of the greatest methane emitters. Their grassy diet and multiple stomachs cause them to produce methane, which they exhale with every breath.)

10) Drive less ! Walk, bike, do carpooling or use public transportation !

(source: Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth)

Today I will buy fresh food at the farmer's market, eat no meet and use public transportation ! (It so easy! Every little effort of each human being counts !)

What is your contribution or tip ?!

Follow these links for more information about saving the planet (who is thinking, what to do and how to contribute) :

Club of Rome
Global Marshall Plan
An inconvenience truth

Tips for the prevention of bird flu in Chinese

Please find below the Chinese translation of the recently by the German Embassy published reminder about how to prevent bird flu (see my post).
Please inform your Chinese friends, ayi or to whom you think it might be helpful:

(译文）
德国大使馆诊所告知：
有关禽流感的新闻和常识
一名十九岁女孩在京死于禽流感。她于2008年12月24日被送入医院。她
在自己宰杀了一只京外买来的鸭子后出现染病症状。
因禽流感问题尚未解决，在这里提醒大家下述建议：
• 洗手！！！！
• 坚持用温水和洗涤剂（少量即可！）清洗炊具、餐具和筷子。
• 用温水和清洁剂擦洗厨房和其他房间地面。
• 避免接触活禽和死禽（包括毛、灰和粪便），避免饲养鸟类和去鸟禽市
场。
• 通过加热（70°C）可以杀死禽流感病毒。
• 家用消毒剂同样有效。
• 尚未证实吃鸡肉以及其他禽肉产品会导致染病。
吃禽肉和蛋类时，须注意下述处理和烹饪事项：
• 坚持仔细彻底清洗双手，尤其在处理鸡肉、鸭肉以及鸡蛋后。
• 分别用不同的案板和刀具处理肉类和蔬菜。
• 使用单独的案板处理生禽肉，做其他菜时另换刀具。
• 在用香皂仔细彻底洗手后再做其他菜。
• 处理生肉后仔细彻底洗手，用温水和洗涤剂清洗刀具和操作台表面。
• 烹调肉类时，温度必须至少达到 70°C（不能是淡红色的肉！）。
• 蛋壳也可能带有病毒，须小心。仔细彻底清洗蛋类。不要买蛋壳上粘有
粪便污物和有裂痕的蛋。
• 彻底煮熟市场上买来的鸡肉和蛋类。
• 不吃半熟的肉。
• 不吃生蛋以及半熟夹生的蛋。
• 不买带血和有污渍的肉。
• 不买特别便宜的肉，因为这可能来自于因感染被紧急宰杀的牲禽。
• 冷藏不能消灭病毒。
如出现类似流感的症状，建议采取下述措施：
• 鼻腔和口腔黏液中有大量流感病毒，须注意不向周边传播病毒；在同孩
子在一起时尤其需要注意。
• 咳嗽和打喷嚏时：使用口罩；如果没有口罩，用面巾纸。面巾纸在使用
过一次后立即处理掉；教会孩子这一做法。
• 出于卫生考虑，美国亚特兰大疾病预防控制中心建议“不要向手中打喷
嚏，而要向肘窝打喷嚏”，因为用肘窝的话可以避免”通过握手”传播
病毒。
• 接触鼻腔和口腔黏液后用香皂彻底仔细洗手。因孩子在这方面比较马虎，
要向他们说明这么做的重要性。
• 出现类似流感发烧症状时立刻就医。
• 为预防季节性流感，最重要的方法之一就是注射流感疫苗。
德意志联邦共和国驻华大使馆
诊所 安金宝博士
2009年1月7日，于北京

Source: German Embassy newsletter

related links:
Bird flu in Beijing and precautions
German Embassy

Bird Flu in Beijing and precautions - Vogelgrippe in Peking und Vorsichtsmassnahmen

Dear all,

I hoped to start the New Year with a nicer post, but this is more urgent. A 19 year old girl has just died from bird flu (avian flu) in Beijing on January 5th. For about one year there was no more human bird flu case in China. This post is about how to prevent to get infected by bird flu.

As I am still on the distribution list of the German Embassy in Beijing, I have received the following information - I will post first a brief English translation - and further below the full German letter from the doctor of the German Embassy.
Go here for Chinese translation.

Reminder of precautions to avoid infection :

Wash your hands !!!

Avoid contact with living and dead chicken/birds/poultry (including feathers, dust, droppings) and avoid to have any bird at home in a cage and avoid bird markets !.

It is not proven, that you can get infected by eating chicken/poultry meat.

If you can't avoid to eat poultry or egg, follow these cooking instructions: (my opinion: don't eat chicken or egg in a restaurant as you cannot control if they take all measures!)

Wash hands .....

Have separate working bench, plates and knives for poultry and vegetables....

wash plates and knives with soap before using it for other dishes.

the cooking temperature should be at leat 70°C (no pink meat!)

wash eggs!

don't buy eggs that have dropping marks or cracks

don't buy meat that seems too cheap

Freezing the meat does not kill the virus !

Cover your nose when sneezing or caughing and explain to the children how to handle sneezing and washing hands....

The Centers for Diseases Control -Atlanta,USA says it is better to sneeze in your arm then in your hand to avoid the circulation of the visur when shaking hands (my opinion: don't shake hands ! or wash it right after !)

*************

Der Regionalarzt informiert:

Aktuelle Erkenntnisse zur Vogelgrippe (Update vom 07.01.2009)

Ein 19 Jahre altes Mädchen ist in Peking an der Vogelgrippe gestorben. Dies ist der erste Fall von Vogelgrippe in Peking. Fast ein Jahr lang war China frei von menschlichen Fällen der Vogelgripppe. Der letzte Fall wurde im Februar 2008
gemeldet. Die Frau wurde am 24.12.2008 ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert. Sie hat Symptome entwickelt, nach dem sie ein Huhn ,das sie außerhalb von Peking gekauft hat, selbst
geschlachtet hat.

Nach Angaben des Municipal Health Bureaus in Beijing gibt es in einem Umkreis von 10 Km um den Chaoyang District keine Hühnerfarmen. Die Impfrate der Hühner in Peking liegt bei 100%.
Da die Vogelgrippe wird uns weiterhin beschäftigen wird, folgende Empfehlungen zur Erinnerung:

Händewaschen!!!!

Kontakte mit lebendem oder totem Geflügel (einschließlich Federn, Staub und Mist) das Halten eines Ziervogels sowie Vogelmärkte sind zu meiden.

Durch Erhitzen (70°C) werden die Influenzaviren getötet.
Haushaltsdesinfektionsmittel sind ebenfalls wirksam.

Es ist nicht nachgewiesen, dass der Verzehr von Hühnerfleisch bzw. -Fleischprodukten zu einer Übertragung der Krankheit führt.

Falls auf Geflügelfleisch oder Ei nicht verzichtet wird, sollten folgende Zubereitungsregeln beachtet werden:

Die Hände immer gründlich waschen, besonders nach Zubereitung von Hühnerfleisch, Entenfleisch bzw. Hühnereiern.

Separate Platten und Messer für Fleisch und Gemüse.
Zubereitung von rohem Geflügelfleisch auf anderer Arbeitsplatte und mit anderem Messer für weitere Gerichte.

Zubereitung der folgenden Speisen erst nach gründlichem Händewaschen mit Seife.

Nach Zubereitung des rohen Fleisches gründliches Händewaschen, Reinigen des Messers und der Arbeitsoberfläche mit Wasser und Spülmittel.

Die Temperatur im Fleisch durch Braten oder Kochen muss mindestens 70°C erreichen (kein rosafarbenes Fleisch!)

Da die Eierschalen mit Fäkalien kontaminiert sein können, ist Vorsicht geboten. Die Eier gründlich waschen. Kaufen Sie keine Eier mit Kotauflagerungen bzw. Rissen in der Schale.

Hühnerfleisch und Eier aus den Märkten sollten gründlich gekocht werden.

Kein halbgekochtes Fleisch essen.

Keine rohen Eier bzw. halbgekochten weichen Eier essen.

Kaufen Sie kein Fleisch, das blutig oder fleckig ist.

Kein Fleisch kaufen, das außergewöhnlich billig ist, denn es könnte sich um notgeschlachtete kranke Tiere handeln.

Tieffrieren tötet das Virus nicht ab.

Bei grippeähnlichen Symptomen sind folgende Maßnahmen empfohlen:
Nasen und Mundsekret beinhalten größere Mengen an Grippeviren die nicht in die Umgebung gelangen sollten, besondere Beachtung beim Umgang mit Kindern.

Beim Husten und Niesen: Benutzung einer Maske, falls keine Maske vorhanden Papiertaschentücher benutzen. Nach einmaliger Benutzung die Papiertaschentücher entsorgen; den Kindern diese Praxis beibringen.

Aus hygienischen Gründen empfiehlt das Centers for Diseases Control -Atlanta,USA nicht in die „Hand zu nießen, sondern auf die Armbeuge“, da mit der Armbeuge die Viren nicht „per Handschlag“ weitergegeben werden.

Nach Kontakt mit Nasen-und Mundsekret die Hände gründlich mit Seife waschen.

Da die Kinder in dieser Beziehung nachlässig sind, versuchen Sie ihnen die Bedeutung dieser Maßnahmen zu erklären.

Bei grippeähnlichen fieberhaften Erkrankungen gehen Sie gleich zum Arzt.

Eine der wichtigsten Maßnahmen ist die Grippeschutzimpfung, um sich gegen die saisonale Grippe zu schützen.

Dr. Anver
Regionalarzt Peking


Meine Meinung: Essen Sie kein Hühnerfleisch oder Ei im Restaurant !

*************

Good luck Beijingers !


links:
German Embassy in Beijing
Details about the circumstances of the Chinese girl's death by wodeBJ and Peking Duck (with article from Chinese media)

----
update:
the Chinese girl who died from avian flu apparently slaughtered a duck not a chicken

Go to Chinese translation !

Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) reaches Beijing

A week ago I read about that strange virus in Anhui province that affects young children. At that time around 700 were reported sick, many in serious conditions, around 20 have died. I read about a kindergarten that told stuff to keep quiet or be fired ... But then it could no longer kept secret.

I thought Anhui is quiet far away. 17 hours by train. My ayi comes from there. I asked if her son (9 years) is okay. Yes. It seemed she had not heard yet of anything serious. I thought about the poor children living in poor conditions with low hygienic level. It seemed so far away.

Yesterday, a friend told me the virus has reached Beijing. And anxious Grandmothers from Europe started to call anxious Mums in Beijing. The info that the virus definitely had reached Beijing reached me only today - online.

And indeed. The virus has reached Beijing. All 18 districts of Beijing have reported outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), caused by the enterovirus 71 (EV-71) (reported yesterday by Chinese media Xinhua).

Via Danwei I read further that Xinhua report says that a total of 1,482 infections have been reported in Beijing. 818 of them were found in kindergartens, 583 at home. All people infected are younger than 5.

Another source (Yahoo News) quotes Beijing Evening News reporting that Beijing city health officials on Monday said the number of cases in the capital had reached 1,482 as of the day before, jumping from 1,010 five days earlier.

Reading this, I am a bit confused. They compare figures from Sunday evening with figures from five days earlier, Tuesday evening, April 29!? - And only on Sunday, May 4 was a national public alert - but it was not saying that it has reached Beijing yet, although they already counted the cases? How many kids have been running around in parks and public places during the May holiday without the parents being aware of the risk?

Maybe I did not read the newspapers well, or the online news. I was not aware of a risk in Beijing (although I know how fast a virus can travel by plane...) My son was in a public park (Chaoyang) yesterday as the school still had a day off.

So this afternoon, I tried to google more info and followed all my Chinese links.

I talked to friends and neighbours, on the street and on the phone. We discussed what we should do. So far we heard that washing hands is a good prevention. Well, that is something you do in Beijing all day long, as everything you touch is dusty. My friend and neighbour said she will keep her child inside the compound. No more trips to the park, no shopping mall, no restaurant.

One friend got an email from her employing company. We didn't (so far). But I got an email from our kindergarten instead, saying that they will prepare an information by tomorrow.

For now they forwarded an information from the SOS Clinic which says:

- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Don't share food, drinks or eating utensils.
- Avoid close contact such as kissing and hugging.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces and items by washing with a diluted chlorine-containing product (well, how do we know something is contaminated?)

One of my friends just called me and said the she will not send her child to kindergarten tomorrow. She just want to wait a day or two to see how the disease is spreading.

Apparently two Chinese kindergarten in Beijing are already closed. One in Chaoyang district (or near Chaoyang Park) and one in Haidan district (near university). Regarding the figures above ... 818 cases in kindergartens... I believe more then two kindergartens are closed.

And finally I went to the WHO website. I am just quoting two paragraphs with information about the Enterovirus in China :

"(...)
All fatal cases died of serious complications such as neurogenic pulmonary oedema due to EV-71 infection. The overall case fatality rate has decreased from 11% during March 10-31 to 0.2% during April 17-29.
(...)
Non-polio enteroviruses are common and distributed worldwide. Although infection often has no symptoms and goes unnoticed, these viruses are also associated with occasional outbreaks in which a larger-than-usual number of patients develop clinical disease, sometimes with fatal consequences. No specific anti-viral therapy is available and treatment focuses on prevention of complications. As there is no vaccine for this virus, control measures during outbreaks are focused on classical hygiene measures including frequent hand-washing and disinfection of soiled clothing and surfaces. In certain situations, it may be advisable to close child-care facilities and schools to reduce the intensity of transmission. It is not necessary to restrict travel or trade.

Currently many countries in the Western Pacific region have implemented heightened surveillance for hand, foot and mouth disease and for severe complications in children."

Oh, yes, I forgot to mention, Singapore and Hong Kong also has cases.

----------------------

How can your child (or you) get the disease? And what are the symptoms?
Here a short summary from what I found so far:

EV71, which can cause hand, foot and mouth disease, is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with the mucus, saliva or faeces of an infected person.
Young children are most susceptible because of lower immune systems.

In milder cases, EV71 can cause cold like symptoms, diarrhea and sores on the hands, feet and mouth, according to the journal Genetic Vaccines and Therapy.

But more severe cases can cause fluid to accumulate on the brain, resulting in polio-like paralysis and death, according to the journal.

Another source (SOS Clinic):
Infected people generally develop an illness that includes fever, painful ulcers in the mouth, and a non-itchy rash that causes small blisters to appear on the hands, feet and buttocks. Children usually recover without specific treatment in 7 to 10 days. Occasionally, the E71 virus can cause a severe illness in which patients may develop meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The encephalitis may be fatal.

There is no effective antiviral treatment for severe EV71 infections, and no vaccine is available.

And the peak of the outbreak is expected in June - July, when it gets warmer...


For more info follow the links:
WHO on EV71 in China
Danwei about HFMD in Beijing
Yahoo News on China on alert
CNN on China on alert

-----------
UPDATE, Beijing May 7 :
I sent my son to school today and so did most other parents. The teacher I talked to had the information status like me yesterday - he thought there are no cases in Beijing yet. Well, now he knows. But the school was prepared. A nurse (she is employed by the school and is present every day all year long) measures the temperature of each child arriving in the morning and again at noon.
Furthermore, we will keep our son inside the compound. No visits to the park or other public areas. We ensure he washes his hands whenever he comes home and before eating (as well as everybody else in the house). I am going to wash his clothes and shampoo his hair every evening.

Beijing and Time for Tea

It is getting cooler in Beijing. Snow is expected over night. Winter time is tea time.
Not only.
I found this interesting article below in China Daily that I want to share. It is about picking the right tea:

* * * * * * * * * * * *

*Different teas in different seasons

As the Chinese saying goes, "Green tea is for summer, black tea is for winter and oolong tea works all year around", people choose different teas for the various seasons.

Spring is the season for flower teas, which can lift the spirit from drowsiness. Winter is a season for black tea whose hot nature helps protect the body against winter chills.

Summer is a season for green tea. The cooling nature of this tea can counter summer heat, boost the heart and eliminate toxins. For those who prefer icy cold drinks and those who have a weak stomach, oolong tea is recommended over green tea. Barley tea is also a nice choice in summer as it can eliminate pigment residues on the skin.

Autumn is a dry season so it's good to pick qingcha tea, which is between black and green tea. Qingcha tea includes oolong and Tieguanyin, which can boost the secretion of saliva, improve the lungs and moisturize the skin.

*Different teas at different times of the day

In the morning Green tea: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, green tea can eliminate free radicals in the body and secrete anti-pressure hormones.

In the afternoon Chrysanthemum tea: It enhances the function of the liver and relieves the eyes. When combined with medlar or honey, chrysanthemum tea helps counter depression and anxiety.

In the evening Medlar tea: It's rich in Beta-Carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin C, calcium and iron, as well as enhances the liver and kidney functions.

When working overtime Cassia seed tea: It’s good for the brain, liver, tendons and bones, as well as eyes. And if you suffer from constipation, have of a cup cassia seed tea after dinner. It's guaranteed to be effective.

After a big meal Pu'er tea: Most teas boost the metabolism of fat, and Pu'er it is the leader in this area. There are some beneficial elements in the tea to help burn the fat reserves in the stomach.

*Different teas for different people

Office workers: Chrysanthemum tea and green tea
Sport lovers: Oolong tea and black tea
Those averse to sports: Green tea and flower teas
Those exposed to heavy air pollution: Green tea
Smokers and drinkers: Green tea
Meat lovers: Oolong tea
Those suffering constipation: Honey tea
Those wanting to lose fat: Oolong tea, Pu'er tea and green tea
Those with a weak spleen and stomach: Oolong tea and flower teas
Those hoping for longevity: Oolong tea and black tea
************************
Source: China Daily
photo 1) gayane teapot by kenzo, 2) via China Daily

Beijing and the Risk of Drinking Water

I wanted to start painting again, this time on a daily basis. The first thing that came under my eyes was my Nestlé water bottle. While drawing and colouring I remembered what I recently read in the newspaper:

Half of Beijing's bottled drinking water could be fake. The 'fake drinking water' is either tap water or purified water of miscellaneous small brands, poured into empty barrels sealed with quality standard marks.

Another day I read that Beijing's tap water is drinkable. It passes all the tests - however before it runs through the old underground pipes to your home. So it is not drinkable. I brush my teeth with it and I cook my pasta in it. But I never would drink from the tap or buy bottled water from an uncertain source.

Instead I buy the bottled water for the cooler as well as the little bottles for the handbag from Nestlé, hoping that they have an effective quality control in place.

links:
China Daily about fake drinking water
China Daily about potable tab water

Beijing and Wondermilk - Can we trust the Organic label?

Last Friday evening in my local Jenny Lou supermarket they had run of grapes, bananas ... and milk - at least my favorite milk brand, the one with the Great Wall on it. So I had to buy that new organic Wondermilk that comes in half liter packs and is the most expensive milk of all: 13 kuai for 500 ml, that is 2,60 Euro for a liter of milk! Anyway, I wanted to try it out. The taste is just normal - like milk tastes back in Europe. I realised that other Chinese milk has a bit of sweetness. But the most alarming thing that popped into my eyes and that is why I am blogging about milk today. There was a label saying:


NO ADDITIVE
NO HORMONE
NO ANTIBIOTICS


That means: for the last two years I might have offered my child milk with antibiotics and hormones!?! Maybe I should go to Carrefour and buy milk by the French brand Le Président, this I think, might be as safe and is less expensive. And after all, it is French and not Chinese. I am sorry, but I have lived in China long enough. I cannot trust anybody or anything. Something labeled organic does not mean it is organic. Chinese are able to fake everything. I wish I could have more confidence. Wondermilk sounds like a great project with 'happy cows and happy employees'.

Link:
For info about the project check directly Wondermilk, China

Beijing: Air Quality this August

To you I must seem obsessed with air quality and pollution. Well, I am living here! I am breathing this air. And my son and I have often respiratory problems, but more at night than during the day. The latter is probably because the new paint in our house contains more lead than what they found in the Mattel toys in the U.S.

Coming back to the air quality this month in Beijing. For two long weekends in a row (2 x 4 days) about half of the cars were taken off the road, which reduced traffic jams, but I think the effect on the air was not that big. The SEPA records for Beijing show, the air this August was quiet good, lots of 'level 2 days', however, no matter cars were off the road or not. The air was better than last July, however about the same as in August 2006 when there were no even-uneven-car-reduction-tests. 'Level 2' means under 100 mgr particulate matters per cubic meter. A 'Level 2 day' in Beijing is considered as a 'blue sky day', a good day. I have posted here about pollution levels and different standards in Europe (good is below 50) and Australia (good is below 30).

Anyway, today all the cars are back on the street and the sky is the bluest since I am back in town (one week).


update:
When checking the air quality data published by SEPA on Monday 20st, I first thought that there is a database problem because it showed only the air quality of one single city (instead of 84 major cities in China). I did not pay further attention until I found out today via Danwei that there are still no data for Monday 20st, last day of the car-reduction test! The next available data after Sunday 19th are from Tuesday 21st, a 'level 3' day, that, btw I mentioned above, was a very clear deep blue sky day! So what air quality we had on Monday? I guess level 3, above 100 mgr.PM/m3 ... (picture via Danwei)

Summary: The car-reduction-test was a success for the traffic situation, but not for the air quality, although it is communicated to the public as an overall success.

Chinese Medicine and its Healing Power

Since I am often suffering from allergy related cough, especially at night time (is it the contaminated toothpaste?), I went back to see my Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Doctor. He said curing allergies is one of the easiest task in TCM. Once a week I get either acupuncture or cupping, accompanied with a gentle neck massage. Further, I am taking tiny white round pills in the morning and in the evening with warm water. But most efficient seems his advice to avoid cold food and drinks. Since I stopped eating ice cream or yogurt or drink cool drinks in the evenings, I have a better chance to sleep well. I will keep you posted about the allergy treatment as results take time.

The other thing I wanted to inform the world wide web about is the healing power of TCM with Parkinson's disease. Lately, I met this man in his 60ies at my TCM 'guru'. He is German and suffering from Parkinson's disease. He came to China to see this Chinese doctor. He got treatment every day for about three weeks. And he felt better! He got massage and acupuncture combined with special exercises and herbal medicine. He felt less stiff and had his extremities better under control. I really do not know anything about that disease (thank god) and how it is treated, but I was curious about the effect of his TCM treatment. So, I recently asked about his well-being after his return to Germany. Apparently the positive effect is still there but has slightly decreased. He still does his exercises and of course needs his western medicine as well. So I guess, Parkinson patients should get continuous TCM treatment. Which is difficult to find in the West as not many doctors are well-trained and seriously practicing TCM. Here in China you pay about 100 RMB (10 Euro, 12 USD) or less for one TCM session and depending on your medicine another 100 - 250 RMB for herbs that last up to two weeks.

And one more last report about the TCM healing Power. My son, almost 4 years, was suffering from frequent respiratory problems. He had already three lung infections (two had to be treated in hospital, one of them in China). In autumn and spring he was suffering from Croup cough (Pseudo-Krupp). He had almost every three weeks one attack. Bronchitis and asthma was often diagnosed. The TCM doctor I am seeing is not specialised in these kind of problems however once a week he works together with another TCM Professor. So I went seeing them with my son. The Professor looked at his tongue and knead his fingers. Then they discussed the findings and asked me questions. Only my doctor speaks English and translated for the Professor. I got a recipe for a herbal tea that included among other 'earth worms'. It smelled and tasted terrible. But luckily I got my son to drink it twice a day for two weeks. At the same time I stopped his cortisone treatment. The first think I discovered was his increasing appetite. Finally he would eat a good portion. I guess, all facts together improved his immune system. He was not sick for two months now. Knock, knock on wood. Saying this, things change, that is Murphy's law with kids. And actually he started coughing yesterday. But different from the other times his immune system seem to be able to battle the infection by itself.

Recently, I learned the following about that Chinese Professor. His grandfather was the doctor of the last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Wow! That connects my son with the last Chinese Emperor through two persons only! And it did magic.

Safer Food in China

China's former Head of the State Drug and Food Administration, Zheng Xiaoyu, was sentenced to death this week. He took bribe money from the pharma industry to approve untested medicines. In one case 10 people died from fake antibiotics.
This court decision and an announced food-recall campaign are the reactions of the government to the latest food and drug scandals including the fake baby powder milk (13 babies died), toothpaste and pet food (dogs and cats died in the U.S) mixed with industrial chemicals (melamine), the red dyed eggs, the green tainted fish, fish treated with antibiotics etc.

China's Health Ministry reported almost 34,000 food-related illnesses in 2005, with spoiled food accounting for the largest number.

I also red in the China Daily, that a third of China's 450,000 food production companies had no licenses. Also, 60 percent of the total did not conduct safety tests or have the capability to do so.

stall at San Yuan Li wet market in Sanlitun

I started to worry (again) about the quality of life in Beijing regarding the food you eat and the air you breath. Fish, duck and lamb is food to be avoided, according to my TCM doctor. I thought eating fish is something healthy. Probably not in China. (And probably not in many other Asian countries, e.g. prawns from Thailand).

The same day, I read in the newspaper, that Chinese chicken is banned in Europe since five years. Wow ! I was not aware of that. I remember in the beginning of the bird flue I refused every dish with chicken or eggs. This was some years ago. I somehow seem to have forgotten about that and had some chicken lately, although well cooked with spicy sauce. Maybe I should become vegetarian, at least while living in Asia. Especially since I heard yesterday another scary story. An Australian colleague who has lived happily with his wife for years in Jakarta, Indonesia and lately in Seoul, South Korea, has lost his wife. She died fast. From the beginning of her illness to her death it was only three months. They found out she died from the 'mad cow disease'. I was shocked, I new her personally, although briefly. She was so full of life. Apparently you can have this virus in you for maybe 10 years without knowing. In Asia, meat controls like we have them in Europe, do not exist and I doubt that any 'mad cow disease' case would be reported.

So, I better follow the Chinese doctors advise and skip fish, duck (better all poultry) and lamb. As I like my beef 'medium rare' or 'sagnant' I will skip beef too.

Wow. I do not know what to eat anymore. The veggies are treated with pesticides for sure. The water you wash it with, is not the cleanest I bet...

Best time to diet... Wait a moment. I have an idea. Chocolate sounds save! And Italian pasta with oil and parmesan cheese from Italy (import in our hand luggage).

Remark: Now the government is reacting. And the world is watching. I hope, they will take harsh and fast actions (beside killing one responsible). Maybe, we soon can be more comfortable about food in China. Hopefully.
Good night from Beijing.
- Suzie -

Photo: Vendor at Sanyuanli (San Yuan Li) Market in Beijing Sanlitun, copyright -Suzie-

Beijing: You Want Fake Ferrero ?

If you are craving for chocolate, maybe specifically for ‘golden pralines’ from Ferrero, you have to watch out at your local supermarket! Don’t put the box too fast in your shopping cart as you might have got a fake in your hands.
- Fake Ferrero? Yes! Not fake Rolex or fake Gucci. Fake Ferrero.

Ferrero S.p.A., the Italian chocolate producer won a court case early in 2006 against a Chinese company (Montresor) that counterfeit Ferrero Rocher pralines. Montresor even had to pay 87.000 Euro for compensation. But this seems to not have changed anything.

Look at the pictures, can you tell the difference? - Okay, the name is different. The fake is called ‘Trésor Doré’ or 'Montrésor'. But everything else, the logo, the golden wrapping, the brown paper cases, the differently shaped plastic boxes, all details are perfectly copied. But when you unfold them, you see the difference. The fake one looks like someone has licked it….yucky. However the taste is not too bad, but it’s different. It tastes more from roughly cut hazelnuts while the real one tastes creamier and more from chocolate. So do not try to cheat your loved ones by eating up all their Ferrero Rocher pralines and replacing them with fakes. I made the test with my husband. When the fake one is unwrapped you get caught. Of course quality has a higher price. The fake one is about 30% cheaper.

Driven by my curiosity I followed up the information printed on the back of the packing including manufacturing address, telephone and fax numbers as well as e-mail. In case someone from Italy want to contact them: ‘Trésor Doré’ is manufactured by the Foreign Trade Shanghai Shengang Foodstuff Factory in 9 Zhenxing Rd., Zhangjiagang Economic Development Zone. It is the same company that was sued by Ferrero under the name 'Montresor'.

I googled and found this website which is advertising their excellent chocolate products that have won ‘prices on ministry level, a silver medal of international fair and the fame of gifts for state guests’ (if I translated well the following: ‘the honos of excellent product psize of Ministry level, silues medal of intenational fais and the fame of gibt for state gnests’).

I would guess any other effort of Ferrero to win the case is a waste of money and time. It is better just to continue producing the best ‘chocolate hazelnut praline’ since 1982 and people will continue to pay more for the quality. The perfect mix of the ingredients (hazelnuts, Nutella, waffles and chocolate) makes Ferrero’s recipe unique.


Check this link for the real Italian Ferrero.

Beijing: Air Quality improves

The air quality is reported to improve constantly since eight years in a row. Beijing counts more blue skies in the first three months of 2007 than in 2006. And the Air Quality Daily Report by the government is available again (the link somehow was broken for about 10 days).

The air was not bad lately. Besides a little sandstorm over night last week and some windy days we do not necessarily need to wear masks when cycling at the moment.

The picture was taken by Natalie Behring in Linfen (southern Shanxi province), one of most polluted cities in the world.

More Links:
Linfen, the most polluted city in the world - an audio essay
State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA)
The Air Quality Daily Report for 84 Cities in China by SEPA
On Beijing Notebook:
Blue Sky Target for Beijing
Beijing Air Pollution 2006 (Statistic Summary)
Air Pollution in Beijing

China: Multinationals involved in food scandals ?

Strawberries doused in pesticides, pork pumped with steroids, parasite-infested snails and contaminated fish have all made headlines recently. Sudan Red dye has turned up in chilli powder and spices. It's also been detected in the feed of hens and ducks to make their egg yolks red so they fetch higher prices. (…)

But also multinationals like KFC, Nestle, Kraft, Heinz and Haagen-Dazs have all been under the food safety spotlight in China, accused of double standards when it comes to the quality of their products here compared with other countries.

Most recently, KFC outlets around the country were found to be reusing frying oil for up to 10 days a practice also feared carcinogenic adding magnesium trisilicate to prolong its life.

Read the full story from CCTV.

-------
Update: Sunday lunchtime in a Beijing Shopping Mall we went for fast food and had the choice between an almost empty KFC and an packed MC Donald. I opted for the latter.

Beijing: Chinese Medicine in Spring +++ Chinesische Medizin im Frühling

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), human bodies function differently with season changing. That means we'd better change our drinking, eating and living style for spring. Spring is the season of growing, which Chinese medicine says is the liver season. It's a good time to take care of in particular the liver as well as the whole body.
(Source: China Daily)

This reminds me of:
fasting (to detox), walk in the park (for body and soul), sunshine (for Vitamine D), breathing fresh air (for oxygen), flowers (for the mood), de-cluttering (for smooth energy flow), spring cleansing ... - The Western world has the same habits to welcome Spring time!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In der Traditionellen Chinesische Medizin (TCM) heisst es, dass der menschliche Körper je nach Jahreszeit anders funktioniert. Das bedeutet, dass wir für den Frühling unsere Ess-, Trink und Lebensgewohnheiten umstellen sollten. Frühling ist die Zeit des Wachstums und somit laut Chinesischer Medizin die Zeit der Leber. Es ist der richtige Moment sich um den Körper und insbesondere um die Leber zu kümmern.
(Quelle: China Daily)

Das erinnert mich an Folgendes:
fasten (zum Entgiften), spazierengehen im Park (für Körper und Seele), Sonnenschein tanken (für Vitamin D), frische Luft atmen (zum Sauerstoff tanken), Blumen (für gute Laune), Wohnung ausmisten (für fliessende Energie), Frühjahrsputz ... - Die westliche Welt begrüsst den Frühling auf gleiche Weise!

Chinese Diet

My Chinese Doctor says food can change our genes.
If we eat bad food, the cells can change and later the genes and we can become sick. Vice versa, if we eat good food, we are improving the cells and change the genes in a good way and stay healthy.

In order everybody stays healthy I want to share his version of a Chinese Diet.

Foods to be avoided (forbidden):

1. Cold Foods: Foods that are refrigerated or frozen, especially ice cream, cold drinks, ice water
2. Foods of Cold Nature: e.g. green tea, watermelon and pears (food of cold nature cause the body too cool itself)
3. Gas Foods: Oranges, orange juice, sweet potato, soda drinks (e.g. Coke) (cause gas in the stomach)
4. Fried Foods: French fries, fried chicken (KFC) etc.
5. Stress Food: coffee, beer, spicy food
6. Toxic Food: Seafood, lamb and duck


Activities / Exercises to be Avoided (forbidden):

Jumping, running, weight lifting, golfing, tennis, horse riding, sit ups, crossing your legs, computer work;

New Blue Skies Target for Beijing

It is winter in Beijing and the sky is blue blue blue every day and the sun is shining – beautiful!

The government has planned even more blue skies for this year!

245 is the number of days that Beijing has set as its "blue sky" target for 2007.

After surpassing last year's goal of 238 days to achieve a total of 241.

Beijing has already got off to a good start with the first blue sky day of 2007 being registered on Jan 6 and then had 8 blue sky days in a row. Much better than January 2006!

A blue sky day means the air pollution index is below or equal 100 micrograms particulate matter per cubic meter.

Picture by Xiaming.

Beijing Air Pollution Summary 2006

As announced last year I publish today my summary of the 2006 air pollution index of Beijing. I deem it special that the Chinese government publishes these figures. I wanted to compare European cities with Beijing and was unable to find such a precise statistic from any other country… maybe someone can help me?
But what I found out is that e.g. Munich had already passed the 35-day-goal of the European Commission at the end of March 2006 – while Beijing had passed it on February 4th with 35 bad days in a row. To remember: a ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ day is considered a day with less than 50 mgr of PM10 per cubic meter. (PM10 = particulate matter / Germ. Feinstaub)

Beijing Air Pollution Summary 2006:
2006 had only 26 'healthy' days.
The other 329 days were polluted.
Among these, seven days reached level five (400 to over 500 mgr/m3 of PM10)

Best month:
JULY with five healthy days! (July 13, 18, 22, 25 and 26)

Worst month:
APRIL with two days over 500 mgr/m3 of PM10 and no healthy day! (April 9 and 10)

Best day:
September 4, with only 28 mgr/m3 of PM10!

Worst days:
April 9, April 10, May 17 and December 12 with over 500 mgr/m3 of PM10

For further information e.g. impact on your health:
Australian Government, Department of the Environment

Alarming Statistics in Beijing

Today's Alarming Statistic published by That's Beijing:
588 lifts in Beijing were labelled safety risks during a recent city-wide inspection of lifts.

Last week's Alarming Statistic:
263,000 video cameras are monitoring your activities in Beijing (in government departments and public areas, including universities, shopping malls, hotels and residential communities).

Air Pollution in Beijing

The yesterday's air pollution level 5 or 500 microgram of particulate matter (PM10) per cubic meter was not an all time high. Level 5 was reached for the 7th time this year. Thereof 3 times at least 500 mgr/m3. They stop counting above 500. You can check the history of Beijing's air by entering Beijing and 2006-01-01 to 2006-12-13 at this link: Air Quality Daily Report for 84 Major Cities In China

The Insider’s guide to Beijing once published a statement of a doctor from the Beijing United Family Hospital saying that you should avoid going outside when 150 mgr/m3 are reached.
Others see it even more critical. E.g., the Australian Department of Environment and the German Ministry of Environment aim for a daily maximum concentration of 50 micrograms of PM10 per cubic metre. In Germany every city is allowed to exceed this goal only 35 days per year while in Australia apparently only five days. So in Beijing do not only look at the terrible ‘500’-days but count all the days in 2006 when the ‘50’-goal was exceeded: Year to date, there were 322 polluted days in Beijing vs. only 25 ‘healthy’ days. :-(
See also Every breath you take in Beijing by DANWEI.