Category: Health

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 31, 2024 1
Disability Health Intellectual disabilities Japan

Male Resident of Osaka Facility for Disabled Dies After Dental Treatment, Chest Compressions Investigated

A 69-year-old male resident of a facility for the disabled in Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, lost consciousness while undergoing treatment for a cavity and later died.

He is said to have suffered acute respiratory failure due to pressure on the chest and other areas. At the time, five staff members at the facility were holding the man down to prevent him from moving during treatment, and the police are currently investigating the details.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 28, 2024 Number of comments0
Health Japan Medical

Tohoku University Researchers Find Trigger for Epileptic Seizures

Tohoku University researchers have identified a potential trigger for epileptic seizures, or bursts of brain cell hyperactivity, linked to the activity of glial cells that support neurons in the brain.

The findings suggest that new epilepsy treatments could be developed if it becomes possible to control glial cells. The research was published in an international journal last month.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 14, 2024 Number of comments0
Cancer Health Japan

Kidney Cancer Mutation Found in 70 Pct of Japan Patients: Study

A unique genetic mutation was found in more than 70 pct of certain kidney cancer patients in Japan, a higher percentage than in other countries, an international team of researchers said Tuesday. 

Its cause is unclear, and there is a high possibility that unknown carcinogenic factors are involved, said the team of researchers, including from the National Cancer Center Japan. The finding was published in the British science journal Nature on May 1.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 6, 2024 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Health Japan Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Increases Consultations for Developmental Disabilities Support, Offering On-site Consultations in Tama Area

In response to an increase in the number of consultations with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s office on developmental disabilities, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s support center will begin offering on-site consultations in the Tama region this month. This month, there are 17 days for those under 18 and 31 days for those 18 and older, and up to three groups per day can be consulted if reservations are made by phone or e-mail by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the on-site consultation is scheduled.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 24, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Health Japan Welfare

Japan Health Insurance Premium Rate to Hit Record High

The average premium rate at corporate health insurance societies in Japan is projected to hit a record high of 9.32 pct in fiscal 2024, according to the National Federation of Health Insurance Societies, or Kenporen. Reflecting an increase in contributions to the medical care services for the elderly, the rate is expected to rise 0.05 percentage point from the previous year, which ended in March, the group of health insurance societies for employees of large corporations and their families said Tuesday.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 18, 2024 Number of comments0
Health Japan Minamata Disease

Japan Court Orders Damages over Niigata Minamata Disease

A Japanese district court Thursday ordered Resonac Holdings Corp. to pay 104 million yen in damages to people claiming to suffer from Niigata Minamata disease, a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning.

The judge rejected the claim against the government while ordering Resonac to pay 4 million yen to each of the 26 plaintiffs identified as disease victims. His ruling was read out by another judge Yusuke Suzuki.