Charity
Friday, 10 July 2009 09:07
Written by Christina Traugott

---

Surviving the Concrete Jungle is a monthly blog that explores the different social issues the expatriate community faces in Shanghai on a regular basis.

Without a doubt, Shanghai can be an overwhelming place to live—especially during the dog days of summer. When smog greets you at 5am, construction meets you on every corner and humidity beats you down with each step, even putting healthy and Shanghai in the same sentence seems like an oxymoron. And as expats, we’re all at least a little bit out of our comfort zones. What do you do if you actually get the flu or a toothache, when you pull your back, sprain your ankle or something worse? When you’ve got a deep stomach pain that won’t go away, it’s no longer fun to play the pointing and fumbling a few Chinese words game.

Believe it or not, Shanghai does have options to keep you healthy. There are supermarkets that carry the foods you crave, gyms with classes you want to take and doctors who speak your language. As with seemingly everything in this city, though, it can take a little pointing in the right direction, perhaps an introduction or two. Unsure where to start? Let LifeLine share a little guanxi.

On September 6th, LifeLine Shanghai is hosting its second annual Health Fair at the Shanghai Centre Atrium. From 10AM to 5 PM, various hospitals, clinics, and sports facilities will be showcasing their services, all under one roof. Downstairs, at the Shanghai Centre’s farmer’s market, you’ll be able to buy fresh, organic food products. So, if you want to see all your options for healthy living in Shanghai, this is the place to be.

In the meantime, don’t let summer in the city get you down…

Why not take a trip to Hangzhou and pick some blueberries?
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=406936&type=Hangzhou

Pick grapes just 45 minutes away?
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200807/20080705/article_365652.htm

Cool off in the perfect pool?
http://shanghai.urbanatomy.com/index.php/community/88-community/1552-cool-fun-in-the-summer-sun

Take a nighttime bike tour?
http://www.bohdi.com.cn/Every-Tuesday-and-Thursday-Night-Shanghai-City-Night-Biking-Adventure.html

Or simply choose to eat a healthy lunch?
http://shanghai.urbanatomy.com/index.php/i-ahearts-shanghai/85-i-love-shanghai/1352-top-5-healthy-lunches-in-shanghai

As you can see, it IS possible to live a healthy lifestyle in Shanghai. There are many options available to suit every need and preference.

 LifeLine Shanghai is the first confidential helpline support service for foreigners in Shanghai. It is free, confidential and anonymous. Launched in March 2004, our telephone helpline provides Shanghai's international community with easy access to effective, confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and information.

< Prev		Next >