Category: Health

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 12, 2025 Number of comments0
Children Health Japan

Children with Tooth Cavities at Record Low in Japan, Eyesight Continues to Deteriorate

The proportion of children with tooth cavities in Japan hit a record low in fiscal 2024, apparently reflecting advice on tooth brushing and other related initiatives at schools, a survey by the health ministry showed Wednesday. Meanwhile, children’s vision continued to deteriorate. The proportion of children whose vision was less than 20/20 stood at 36.84 pct at elementary schools, 60.61 pct at junior high schools and 71.06 pct at high schools, all the highest on record except for fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2023, when the survey period was different.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 12, 2025 Number of comments0
Health Japan Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Podcast

The Saga of “Scandal-Tainted Kobayashi Pharma Co” Continues [Podcast Episode]

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. said on Friday March 22nd 2024 it will voluntarily recall some 300,000 packs of five supplement products in Japan after reports of health damage suffered by users. The Osaka-based company said in March 2024 that 13 people had developed kidney disease and other symptoms after taking the products, advertised as foods with functional claims, including three containing “beni koji,” rice fermented with monascus purpureus, a species of mold that is red.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt January 28, 2025 Number of comments0
Health Japan

PFAS Levels in 87.4 Percent of Blood Samples Tested in Okayama Town Exceeded U.S. Standard for Potentially Carcinogenic Chemicals

PFAS concentrations in blood samples from 87.4 pct of those tested in a town in Okayama Prefecture, western Japan, exceeded a U.S. standard for the potentially carcinogenic chemicals, it was learned Tuesday. A total of 709 people, aged 2 to 102, took blood tests between November and December last year in the town of roughly 10,000 inhabitants. The highest recorded level of PFOA stood at 718.8 nanograms per milliliter of blood, while the average amounts of the seven PFAS substances totaled 151.5 nanograms, both significantly higher than the U.S. health standard.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 30, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Health Japan Medical

Japan to allow convenience stores to handle over-the-counter drugs

The health ministry announced plans Thursday to revise regulations to allow over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to be picked up at convenience stores without the presence of pharmacists or registered salespersons. Customers will be required to receive explanations about the medication online from a pharmacist or registered salesperson before making a purchase.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 10, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Health Japan

Elderly at higher risk of winter ‘heat shock’ deaths when bathing; Japan expert shares tips

Wintry temperatures have arrived in the Japanese capital and surrounding Kanto region. It’s the season when taking a bath can feel good, but that also means a higher risk of accidents, so experts are advising vigilance against so-called “heat shock”: sudden changes in blood pressure that can make someone lose consciousness or suffer a stroke.