Perhaps you've heard of "human docking"--the idea that people, like ships, need to return to port at fixed times for overhaul and maintenance. That way, when they weigh anchor and go out on the high seas again, they can sail farther and more steadily than they did before.

Health checkups are overhaul and maintenance for the human body. "Besides increasing longevity, the purpose is also to increase the quality of life," says Lai Mei-shu, a physician at National Taiwan University Hospital.

A complete physical examination involves many items: blood pressure, height, weight are just the beginning. It takes a lot of time and technology, the kind of service that only a general hospital with many departments can provide.

R.O.C. hospitals that offer complete physical examinations include Veterans General, National Taiwan University Hospital, Tri-Service General, Chang Gung Memorial, Mackay Memorial, and Cathay General, and almost all of them are booked full.

What sort of people should have a checkup?

"If you pay a lot of attention to health and fitness, then you may not need to," Dr. Lai says. "But those workaholic types who run on overdrive had better think about it."

Generally speaking, anyone over the age of 35 should have a complete physical examination and then follow the doctor's instructions on having regular checkup afterwards. After the age of 65 it's best to check into the hospital for an exam every year.

Many types of physical examinations are available on Taiwan, from an afternoon's visit to staying in the hospital for three days and two nights.

Recognizing the distance they must travel, most hospitals offer overseas Chinese special privileges, but it's best to make an appointment as early as possible anyway. Says Teng Kuang-chou, director of physical examinations at Veterans General: "Some overseas Chinese come in for a pap test one year and make an appointment for a physical the next, while they're at it."

Because October, the month in which the R.O.C.'s national day falls, is the peak season for overseas Chinese to return to the country, it's also the peak season for checkups and a tough time to arrange an appointment if one hasn't been reserved in advance. Generally speaking, National Taiwan University, Tri-Service, and Chang Gung hospitals can reserve a place for a patient one month in advance. Mackay, whose exam doesn't require the patient to reserve a room, can usually arrange an appointment one week in advance. But those thinking of going to Veterans General had better book a room three months beforehand or a bed will be hard to find.

When R.O.C. citizens make an appointment they must usually give a deposit, but many hospitals waive the requirement toward overseas Chinese as a special privilege.

The total cost may run anywhere from NT$6,000 to NT$14,000, depending on the hospital and how complete the service. "If you figure it all out, it's still worth it," an overseas Chinese from Hawaii remarks. A checkup overseas costs two or three times what it does on Taiwan, so taking time out to see the doctor while shopping, sightseeing, or seeing relatives is well worth it.

Items to Note:

● Bring at least two bust photos taken within the past three months.

● Bring your passport or R.O.C. ID card.

● Most hospitals observe public holidays, so be sure to check in advance.

[Picture]

Data on Physical Exams at Five R.O.C Hospitals

[Picture Caption]

Their checkups over, patients head happily home.

A gastroscopy is nothing to be afraid of. Solicitous medical attention reduces the discomfort to a minimum.

An ear, nose, and throat checkup is another part of a physical.

A patient narrating her medical history seems to be relishing her role.

An ultrasonic examination of the stomach and abdominal region is particularly important for Chinese people.

A doctor and a nurse hold an informal conference in the corridor to discuss a patient's checkup.

The rooms at Veterans General are quite comfortable.

A gastroscopy is nothing to be afraid of. Solicitous medical attention reduces the discomfort to a minimum.

An ear, nose, and throat checkup is another part of a physical.

A patient narrating her medical history seems to be relishing her role.

An ultrasonic examination of the stomach and abdominal region is particularly important for Chinese people.

A doctor and a nurse hold an informal conference in the corridor to discuss a patient's checkup.

The rooms at Veterans General are quite comfortable.