North Americans Should Replicate Japanese Lifestyle

North Americans Should Replicate Japanese Lifestyle By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford The Japanese have an expression, “Effort never betrays you.” A visit to Japan this past week has been a reminder that hard work and perseverance are enduring elements of the national identity. Both of us first visited Japan decades ago – in 1962 and 1988. This latest visit has provided the opportunity for perspective. What’s fascinating about Japan is, whether it’s bureaucrats or street youth setting the course, the whole of society moves together in getting on board with policies and trends. This cohesion is part of Japan’s remarkable improvement in key health indicators, such as life expectancy, now among the longest in the world. It’s been easy to see this change by looking at smoking customs. Japan used to be a great cloud of smoke – in offices, homes, restaurants, and on the street. Today, there are polite signs everywhere reminding people that smoking is not allowed. Smoking inside the home and in the office were the first prohibitions, and now even on the streets, in parks, train stations, and restaurants, smoking is not allowed. There are no butts to be found on the ground. Not one. Policy changes regarding smoking, and societal adherence, are a big win for Japanese society. Lung cancer and other smoking-related disease are declining as a result. The Japanese are also keeping an eye out for how to improve their diet. What’s noticeable today is a reduction in the consumption of salt. As a result of public health campaigns, the Japanese have reduced their daily salt intake from over 12 grams per person to much closer to the daily recommended amount of 6 grams. Are there people who are obese in Japan? They are not easy to find. Sumo wrestlers are the obvious exception. We respectfully suggest it is a sport so out of date that it should be retired or relegated to a historical society. It’s more ceremonial show than physical craft. And good grief, women, even doctors, are barred from stepping foot on the contest platform because they are considered impure! Pity the wrestlers too, who die prematurely, on average in their mid-60s. Thankfully, sumo is not trending up. Instead, most citizens observe the uniquely Japanese custom of “filling the stomach to 80%” – more than enough to make it to the next meal. The Japanese lifestyle involves regular walking, a lot of bicycle riding, sports club participation, and social health promotion activities. Don’t forget that nearly every person in Japan gets down on their knees, squats, sits on the floor, and gets up from these positions, multiple times a day – and through their seniormost years. With a religious-like dedication, they take leisurely baths at the end of each day. It’s a form of therapy that doesn’t get a lot of credit as an ingredient of long-term health promotion, but it probably should. One problem remains, that of antiquated customs that tie men relentless to the workplace, even in their leisure activities, and that discourage women from advancing their careers. In general, the Japanese population could be described as happy, but there are enough people suffering from over work and related mental ill health that the overall average is pulled down. Cancer, too, is an intractable challenge and has been the leading cause of death for several decades. But improvements in early detection are leading to better survival rates. Still 30% of deaths in Japan are due to cancer. What’s another big challenge? A population in decline. From a peak of about 128 million in 2008, Japanese will number less than 100 million by 2050. Neither government nor youth appear motivated to apply their efforts in addressing this challenge. Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones