Health Tips
Read these 25 Health Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about German tips and hundreds of other topics.
Mouth/tooth/gum problems
Ask for Dynexan Gel at your local German pharmacy. This gel stops the pain fast, gets rid of inflamation & even has a nice taste. It is made by Kreussler Pharma. My German dentist recommended it.
Ratiopharm generic products
Ratiopharm medication is a cheap and effective alternative to more expensive drugs. Make sure to ask your pharmacist if he has a similar ratiopharm product for a brand name article. Some pharmacies advise you in the first place, other do not, so do ask.
Find a doctor who speaks English
If you are unable to make yourself understood chances are a visit to the doctor will not do you much good. Try to find a doctor who speaks English. Enquire when you make an appointment with the receptionist. A list of doctors can be found at the end of your local German phone directory.
Checklist: Health and Emergencies
This is a great checklist about health and emergencies:
Checkliste Gesundheit und Notfallhilfe:
http://www.infoquelle.de/Wirtschaft/Wirtschaftsthemen/Notfallhilfe_Checkliste.cfm
Berlin emergency dentist
The emergency dentist service in Berlin can be reached by calling:
8900 44 33
Emergency rooms
Every German hospital has an emergency room, and the procedure is similar to emergency rooms in the States. Expect to have to wait, take cash, do not panic.
AIDS Help Germany
The German AIDS Help (die Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe e.V) provides information about HIV-infections and AIDS, tips how to cope with the disease and lots of addresses.
http://www.aidshilfe.de
Bad breath remedy
Go to your local German pharmacy and request STOZZEN pills. They work effectively for people with bad breath or other BOs. Available without a prescription, the main ingredient is chlorophyll. And yes, they work.
Family doctor, GP
Finding a family doctor right away is essential if you plan to stay in Germany for longer. The family doctor does routine check ups and bloodtests. He is the first person to approach if you need to see a specialist. He usually has a list of recommendations for you. He also helps you get into a hospital if necessary.
Salbeibonbons
Salbeibonbons (a certain kind of lozenge) are sold at pharmacies. They are inexpensive and help with colds, flu, throataches, gum problems and bad breath. Think of them as a medical candy.
Migraines, rheuma, skin problems
If you are on a trip to Germany & suffering from migraines, rheuma and skin problems, you might want to try out 'Fette Totes Meer Badesalz' (Dead Sea bathsalts). It is available in German pharmacies, and it is not expensive.
Blood test
It is common for German doctors to advise you to take an annual blood test. You may have some choices as to what you want done. Do at least cholesterol, liver, blood count and a test for inflammation.
24-hour emergency doctor for Berlin
The 24-hour emergency doctor service can be reached at:
31 00 31
Dental appointments
German health insurance will only reimburse you for your visit to the dentist if you go every 6 months. You will get a stamp for each visit. If major work is done you will get up to 60 % of the total cost back. Just a check up does not cost you anything. - If you do not have insurance you can go to the dentist as a private patient. Be sure to call ahead and inquire if the dentist accepts this method of payment.
Visiting nurses
Visiting nurses are either sent out directly from the hospital, or they may come from a private agancy. If you are a tourist and do not have German health insurance you should check the local phone directory for a list of such private agancies (special section, usually at the back of the book).
Bad cold health tips
Suffering from a bad cold? Check out this German page for help:
http://www.procumulus.de/html/themen_464.html
Health services in Berlin
This portal/site offers a comprehensive list of health services available in Berlin and its surrounding area.
http://www.gesundheit-berlin.de/
German health products
Order German health products, such as Freioel and Allgaeuer Latschenkiefer Franzbranntwein from www.smallflower.com. Or call them toll free for more information: 1 - 800 - 252 - 0275.
Sports accidents
Go to your local pharmacy and ask for VOLTAREN Schmerzgel. It helps with swelling, pain, rheumatism, muscle cramps, joint pain, backpain and other minor sports injuries.
BID and BDP
The "Bundesverband Deutscher Psychologinnen und Psychologen" (BDP) and the "Psychotherapie-Informationsdienst" (BID) help German-speaking individuals with personal problems, such as anxiety or other psychological disorders. Go to www.bdp-verband-org for infos about BDP, or contact PID by calling 0228-746699.
Kampfhunde - attack dogs
If you want to keep your health, beware of Germany's infamous Kampfhunde (attack dogs). A 6-year-old kid was recently attacked and killed. His head was partially torn off. Urgh! A law regulating the ownership of such dogs is being discussed, but has not been implemented yet. Any dog resembling a pitbull running free is highly dangerous!
Klosterfrau Melissengeist
Klosterfrau Melissengeist is a liquid cold and flu remedy. It has been around forever and is a true brand name. It also works if you are suffering from muscle aches or back pains. Contains alcohol. Available at pharmacies.
Health insurance
Everybody working in Germany must have health insurance. If you are a foreigner come to work for a particular company, the company will probably help you find an insurer. If you do not have insurance and cannot get help, get quotes from the following national insurers: AOK, BEK, Techniker Krankenkasse. Check your local phone directory for branches in your town. Shop around.
