Korean Medicals

So about 2 months ago my boss told me that since I had been in Korea so long I had to go have a medical. I had to go or the school would get charged a lot of money (~$1000.00). Fine, I said -- not at all impressed. Then I asked if I could go to see a doctor in Seoul who would speak English -- more about that fruitless adventure in an earlier post.

Sooooo I had to go to the hospital in Osan, with Samantha (my boss) and our bus driver. I went this morning. It was the funniest thing ever. First Samantha filled out the form she was given which included questions about age, health history etc. The diet question was (Samantha's translation): Do you like vegetables? Meat? Only meat? What?????? Also it didn't seem important that my father had had a heart attack -- ok then....Moving on....

It was in this large room, with lots of small side rooms. They weigh you on a scale right at the front door -- fully clothed -- except shoes. Then take you blood pressure -- again right there in front of everyone. Next they test your eyesight -- I had contacts in -- but that was OK?!? Ok now a hearing test -- sound proof booth and press a button when you hear a sound.

So far so good -- not too strange. But it is time for the urine test. I get handed a paper cup. You know they kind most often used at water coolers. Very sterile I'm sure. And I am given a piece of litmus paper that tests pH and some other stuff. I pee in my cup and head back into the office with it. I later realize that I was supposed to pee in the cup and then dip in the paper and dump out my pee -- I didn't understand the dump it out part.

Next the blood test -- pretty basic. Only one vile, and it was a regular need -- not one of the more modern ones we have at home. After that a chest x-ray -- really? Why????? Ok then. There of course was no reason why.

Then I got to see the doctor -- he said 2 or maybe three words to me in Korean (without Samantha there) then "ok" -- and sent me off. It was rather entertaining as he sat down, so I started to sit and just as mu but hit the chair he jumped up and said OK and sent me on my way. Finally I had to go into the dentist room -- yikes -- I have never been to any dentist but my one at home. But he just looked in my mouth with a mirror and a little light.

Done and done -- too weird -- not sure what that accomplished.