(Shanghai Daily news)

Local residents took advantage of the weeklong Spring Festival holiday by visiting health clinics where they underwent routine physical exams, sought mental health services and underwent plastic surgeries.

As a result, local hospitals reported an increase in patient visits in the past week.

"Children and middle-aged people are the main visitors who come for physical tests during the holiday. The number of visits during the past week was more than double the usual number," said Liu Chunlong, a spokesman at Shanghai Ren'ai Hospital.

He said 20 children came to his hospital to check their calcium, zinc and magnesium levels as well as bone development.

Parents sought professional medical advice for their children to assure their overall health, he added.

"Couples in their 40s and 50s came here together to check their cardiac vascular systems, cervical vertebra, livers and other organs," said Liu. "They paid 500 yuan (US$ 60) to 600 yuan each to detect possible ailments and live a healthier life."

As the pace of life quickens and job-related stress rises, many are finding it difficult to cope and mental health services are becoming increasingly important.

The long break provided a good opportunity for individuals to seek medical expertise from local mental health experts.

"I have sleeping difficulty and feel anxious all the time. I am worried about not doing my job well," said a 30-something woman named Zhang. "Ordinarily I am busy pursuing my career, so this holiday break was perfect as a time to seek the assistance of a psychologist."

According to Ye Shanlong, director of Changning District Mental Health Center, after resuming out-patient service on Sunday, his center received more than 20 people every day, doubling the usual number, and most are stressed office clerks.

As people earn more money and become more image-conscious, plastic surgery is gaining popularity.

"Nose reshaping, eye-lid processing, liposuction and skin treatment were the most popular during the holiday. We received more than 40 patients every day, compared with some 20 in usual days," said Liu from Ren'ai.

In addition to local residents, migrant women also visited the hospital before or during the holiday to improve their physical appearance.

"Locals are an opener for plastic surgery. Some men even paid for their wives and girlfriends to have face-lifts as a gift for the new year and the upcoming Valentine's Day," said Liu.