Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious health condition that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and dementia. Countries around the world are releasing new guidelines for diagnosing hypertension as there are clear benefits in reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that keeping blood pressure at a low level can help prevent serious brain, heart and kidney diseases in the future. Find out simple ways to lower your blood pressure in your daily lives.
Is your blood pressure "normal" at the doctor's office? Are you reassured by those readings? Well, not so fast. There's a type of high blood pressure that's hard to detect called "masked hypertension." It's a dangerous type of high blood pressure that can lead to sudden death. In order to unmask "masked hypertension," we need to measure our blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitoring is widespread in Japan and is easier than you think. Find out how to use a home blood pressure monitor to get a true reading.
Although sodium reduction is essential to lowering blood pressure, many of us still take in too much salt. Japanese food is known for its great taste and health benefits, but it's often high in sodium. In this program, we will introduce tips on lowering salt by half with a staple Japanese dish. By applying these tips, you can reduce sodium with dishes in your countries. Also find out about salt-reduction initiatives that have resulted in health benefits.
Hypertension could lead to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, but it's often left untreated because there are no symptoms at all. What needs to be done to protect the health of people who are unaware of their high blood pressure or those who don't bother to treat this dangerous condition? How will they become proactive about treatment? Find out how Japan tackles this problem with a unique system designed to support individuals with high blood pressure.
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has become a global pandemic. What can we do to reduce the risks of infection for ourselves and the people around us? The key is to acquire accurate knowledge and act calmly. What are the clinical features of the new coronavirus? How does a virus proliferate? Find out the answers to these questions as well as basic steps such as how to properly wash your hands and wear a face mask.
The outbreak of COVID-19 is impacting our work and our daily lives. With the anxiety of catching the virus and the restrictions put on our lives, many of us may be experiencing stress without even knowing it. Building up stress can lead to health problems and the key to managing stress is to establish a daily routine. What can we do in our daily lives? Find out simple exercises to work off stress and the secret to building your tolerance to anxiety.
COVID-19 poses a higher risk of serious illness for people with underlying conditions. Recent studies show that heart patients particularly have a high mortality rate. People with heart failure, a form of heart disease, have symptoms similar to COVID-19 and this can lead to late detection of the infection. What are the signs to look out for? How can heart patients prevent serious illness? Find out tips on what people with heart conditions can do in their daily lives.
COVID-19 can cause serious illness for people with underlying conditions. Kidney disease patients, increasing globally, need to be extra careful. Recent studies found that immunosuppressive drugs used for treating kidney conditions increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, kidney patients that do get infected have a higher risk of developing pneumonia and even acute kidney injury. What can they do to avoid becoming severely ill from COVID-19? Find out coronavirus tips that kidney patients can apply in their everyday lives from an expert in treating kidney disease.
Underlying health conditions are said to increase the risk for severe COVID-19. People with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) mainly caused by smoking need to be especially careful. They are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus and to infection in general. This is due to the impaired function of the "cilia" in the airway that protects us from viruses. It's crucial to quit smoking and avoid becoming infected. Find out the precautions COPD patients should take to protect themselves.
Underlying health conditions are said to increase the risk for severe COVID-19. Diabetes patients have more than twice the mortality rate and risk of severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-diabetics. Studies also found that severe symptoms can be seen not only in the lungs but other organs such as the heart and kidneys. Keeping the blood sugar level normal is key to protecting yourself from the virus. Find out specific ways to control your blood sugar level and tips to reduce the risk.
Older adults and people with underlying conditions are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. It's more important than ever for people in high-risk groups to maintain good health and avoid getting infected. They should also take steps to protect themselves by getting vaccinated for other diseases. We will look at the various types of underlying conditions and find out what we can do to keep the number of severe cases and fatalities from rising. Learn about the impact this crisis has had on the healthcare system and the lessons we have learned so far.
Vision is one of the most important of our senses and plays a critical role in our daily lives. Nonetheless, the WHO has estimated that more than 2 billion people around the world have a vision impairment or blindness. Some types of eye diseases can greatly impact our lives and early detection is key. Find out the warning signs and symptoms of common eye problems.
The prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, is rapidly increasing worldwide and particularly in East Asia. The WHO estimates 1.3 billion people with myopia in 2000, 2.5 billion in 2020, and 5 billion people by the year 2050. Do you consider nearsightedness as a simple problem that can be corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses? Recent studies have shown that myopia increases the risk of blindness. Find out the hidden risks of myopia and what we can do about it.
What are cataracts? People with cataracts experience blurry or cloudy vision, glare and even double vision. In Japan, 60-80% of those in their 60's, 90% of those in their 70's and 100% of those over 80 years old are reported to have developed some degree of cataracts. This tendency is the same anywhere in the world regardless of race. The cause is found in the natural lens of the eye. Find out the mechanisms of cataracts and its latest treatment options.
Have you experienced problems with your eyesight? Do objects appear distorted? Is there a blind spot in the center of your field of view? They may be signs of a retinal disease called "age-related macular degeneration" or AMD. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the US and in Europe. In Japan, it is the 4th leading cause, but the number of cases is rising. What is AMD? Find out about the different types of AMD and how to perform a self-test for this eye disease.
The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of our eyes. It acts as a screen where images are projected. We need a healthy retina to see things clearly. However, diabetes can slowly damage the retina. According to the WHO, among the 420 million people with diabetes worldwide, 1 in 3 people have diabetic retinopathy, a retinal disease caused by diabetes. People with good vision can experience sudden vision loss. Find out how to protect yourself from this silent killer of eyesight.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in many countries. An estimated 76 million people are living with glaucoma worldwide. In Japan, it is the leading cause of visual impairment including blindness. 1 in 20 people over the age of 40 is reported to have glaucoma, but it's hard to detect. It is thought that 90% of people living with glaucoma are unaware of it. Why is the disease hard to notice? Find out how to detect glaucoma early in order to protect your vision.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our minds. According to a survey by the CDC in the US, 40% of adults show symptoms of conditions such as anxiety disorder and depression. In Japan, experts are concerned about the growing number of people suffering from various mental disorders. We'll introduce a method of visualizing internal mental status that involves writing out your worries. Also, find out how to relieve stress effectively using stretching techniques and evidence-based mindfulness exercise. Learn helpful mental health tips from an expert to prepare for the stressful long-term fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cancer - it is the 2nd leading cause of death. So what was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2020? Lung cancer? Colon cancer? The answer is breast cancer. For many years, lung cancer had been the most common form of cancer, but female breast cancer has taken over due to a rapid increase in the number of cases. 2.3 million breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020. Every woman is at some risk for breast cancer and it can even strike men. Find out ways to reduce your risk and learn the steps for early detection.
Are you physically active? In the time of COVID-19, there are concerns over increased physical inactivity all around the world. It can lead to a greater risk of various illnesses including breast cancer. Currently, physical activity is attracting attention as a way to prevent breast cancer as well as its recurrence. How much can physical activity lower our risk? What type of exercise is recommended and how much of it should we do? We'll talk to a breast cancer expert and an exercise specialist to find out.
Do you think of breast cancer as a disease for older women? This is generally true, but roughly 5% of those who get breast cancer are under the age of 40 and they face many issues. According to a survey conducted on young breast cancer survivors in Japan, "pregnancy and childbirth" was the second highest cause for concern following their own health. Most importantly, can women get pregnant after breast cancer? This episode will focus on the topic of breast cancer and pregnancy.
"I do like being older. Maybe because my mom didn't live very long..." These are the words of Angelina Jolie who lost her mother to breast cancer, sharing her thoughts in an interview. Almost 10 years ago, Jolie shocked the world when she revealed to having both of her healthy breasts surgically removed. Breast cancer is a disease that can be inherited. No one can change their genes, but we could change our fate by making efforts for early detection. This episode looks closely at hereditary breast cancer.
Which organ in your body breaks down alcohol? It's the liver. The liver plays a variety of important roles. However, liver disease can progress without any symptoms as the organ has no nerve fibers that can sense pain. Every year, liver cancer accounts for 1.3 million deaths worldwide. But wait, there's hope. It's possible to avoid the worst-case scenario if abnormalities in the liver can be detected early. This episode will shine the light on the "silent organ" and help you understand your risk for liver disease.
Liver cancer takes the lives of over 1.3 million people worldwide each year. Among them, 80% are caused by the hepatitis viruses. It has been almost 50 years since the hepatitis virus was first discovered, but we are still fighting it today. The WHO observes World Hepatitis Day on July 28th every year to raise awareness on hepatitis. How do people get infected with the virus? This episode will focus on ways to prevent and treat hepatitis.
Liver cancer could be life-threatening. The leading cause is viral hepatitis, but there's another large risk factor - fatty liver disease. Fatty liver is the buildup of fat in your liver, and it can trigger the development of liver cancer. Obesity and heavy drinking are closely related to fatty liver, but there are other causes. In this episode, find out ways to prevent fatty liver disease.
Liver cancer causes as many as 1.3 million deaths each year. This can be attributed to the fact that the patients are often asymptomatic. In many cases, the liver is already cancerous by the time it's discovered. However, there is still hope. Treatment is advancing, and depending on the condition of the cancer, it has become possible to try to cure it. Find out what new treatments are available for liver cancer.
In 2020, there were over 600,000 new cases of esophageal cancer. Surprisingly, Asian countries including Japan account for 80% of those cases. Esophageal cancer is hard to detect in the early stages, but the main risk factors are alcohol and smoking. Asians are said to have a high incidence rate due to their low tolerance to alcohol. How high is your risk? Do you experience facial flushing but still drink alcohol frequently? Do you smoke or lack fruit and vegetables in your diet? Are you obese? Find out the mechanisms of esophageal cancer and how to prevent it.
There are 2 types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). Despite the large proportion of SCC cases worldwide, AC is increasing rapidly in North America, Europe and Oceania. The cause of AC is linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease. AC develops as the inner lining of the esophagus is irritated by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus and is replaced by cells similar to the cells lining the stomach. Watch to find out ways to prevent adenocarcinoma.
Japan was a pioneer in the development of the gastrocamera, the predecessor of the current endoscope. Currently, most of the endoscopes used around the world are made in Japan. They are essential for early detection and early treatment of esophageal cancer. Find out how esophageal cancer is detected and removed by watching video footage of endoscopy procedures. This episode will also introduce how esophageal cancer is detected and treated early in Japan, where endoscopies are the most available.
Esophageal cancer surgery is considered to be one of the most difficult surgeries. The standard open chest surgery is extremely invasive, as the esophagus runs right in front of the spine where it is hard to reach. In this episode, we will introduce a robotic surgery that removes esophageal cancer without opening the chest. This surgery offers less bleeding and greatly reduces the risk of infections such as pneumonia. Find out about the world's first robot-assisted surgery for esophageal cancer developed in Japan and performed without opening the chest.
Since the latter half of the 20th century, the number of allergy patients has been increasing rapidly, especially in developed countries. In Japan, a country known for its high prevalence of allergies, one in two people is said to have some form of allergy. Recent studies have shown that the rise in the number of food allergy cases in adults are linked to the increase in hay fever. The symptoms include swelling and itching in the mouth and throat. Find out the mechanisms of food allergy in adults and how to prevent it.
Food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a condition in which multiple allergic symptoms occur simultaneously. But did you know that it can occur even without consuming food through your mouth? Immune cells can overreact when the causative food is repeatedly exposed to the face or hands. This episode features anaphylaxis, a condition which sushi and soba chefs are found to be at a higher risk of. Also find out how wheat, latex gloves and other everyday items can cause anaphylaxis and how to use adrenaline auto-injectors in an emergency.
It is well known that obesity increases the risk of lifestyle diseases. And in recent years, it has also been found to increase the risk of developing allergies. In particular, obesity worsens the symptoms of asthma, a condition that causes the airway to narrow making it difficult to breathe. A BMI over 25 greatly increases the prevalence of asthma as well as refractory asthma in adults. Women especially need to be careful as they are at higher risk. Find out the how obesity affects asthma and what you can do about it.
To help identify your food allergies, doctors perform a blood test which measures the amount and the type of IgE antibodies. A Japanese researcher played a major role in the discovery of the IgE antibody in 1966. This discovery led to the rapid advancement in allergy research and treatment. Find out the methods for diagnosing food allergies including the prick test and oral food challenge. Also discover how a smartphone can be used to improve communication with your doctor during your next visit.
The number of colorectal cancer patients is increasing worldwide with 1.8 million new cases in 2018. Compared to 2002, the number of new patients is 1.7 times higher. Most colorectal cancer patients can be cured with early detection and treatment and the key is to increase the screening rate. In this episode, we will introduce the features of the fecal occult blood test and endoscopy. Find out how to get tested and learn about the pitfalls of having an "it won't happen to me" attitude.
Japan is considered to be a pioneer in the field of endoscopy as 90% of colonoscopes used around the world are made in Japan. Although endoscopies are critical for colorectal cancer screening, 30% of Japanese who need to be screened do not undergo the procedure. Now, it's becoming easier than ever to get an endoscopy. Endoscopes have thinner tubes and laxatives not only taste better but patients are required to drink less of it. We'll introduce the latest system using AI that assists doctors with diagnosis. Also find out why it's important to get an endoscopy for colorectal cancer screening and treatment.
Drugs are used to treat advanced colorectal cancer as it cannot be removed with surgery. The development of drugs has been remarkable in recent years. 25 years ago, there were only 2 types of drugs for treating colorectal cancer, but now there are 22 types. Specifically, it has become possible to analyze cancer at the genetic level and choose the most appropriate drug according to the type of cancer. Find out how molecular-targeted drugs help patients live much longer and drastically reduce serious side effects that require hospitalization.
Japan's National Cancer Center has released a list of risk assessment data on lifestyle habits that prevent colorectal cancer. According to the data, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity increase the risk, while exercise and intake of dietary fiber, calcium and unsaturated fatty acids are effective in preventing the disease. Find out what lifestyle habits you should adopt or change in order to prevent and minimize your risk of colorectal cancer.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which immune cells, that normally work to protect our body, mistakenly attack healthy cells in our joints. They can cause pain and joint deformities. In Europe and the United States, the number of new cases of rheumatoid arthritis is increasing, affecting 1 in every 100 to 200 people each year. In Japan, 80% of all patients are women and the onset age is surprisingly young, peaking in the 40s. The cause of the disease is still unclear and it is difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages. What are the signs to look out for and when should you see a doctor? Find out some tips that can help lead to the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is difficult to cure completely. The treatment goal for patients is to achieve remission by taking therapeutic drugs. Therapeutic drugs have advanced considerably, and the remission rate in Japan has improved over the years, now standing at 61%. In particular, the development of the anti-rheumatic drug "methotrexate" and the launch of biologics have been particularly effective. Currently, 90% of rheumatoid arthritis patients are reported to be satisfied with their medication. How do the drugs work? What are the side effects? Find out the latest on drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it can lead to deformities in large joints such as the knee and hip joints. In severe cases, surgery becomes one of the treatment options. They include tendon repair and artificial joint replacement surgery. Advancements have been made in the quality of artificial joints and surgery. In particular, robotic-assisted surgery has helped improve precision, bringing the margin of error down to 1mm and 1-degree angle. Other advantages include the fact that surgeons do not need to cut the cruciate ligaments during surgery. Find out the latest advances in the surgical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Every year, the number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is increasing worldwide. However, the cause of the disease is still unknown and anyone can be affected by it. In this episode, find out how to ease pressure on your joints in your daily life as well as tips on rehabilitation. Also discover some of the latest assistive devices including bottle openers, doorknob turners and nail clippers that do the job without twisting your wrists. We'll focus on ways to help make living with rheumatoid arthritis easier.
Periodontal disease or gum disease is called a "silent disease" because you typically don't experience any noticeable symptoms. As there is no pain, it could lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease is caused by an infection and it is recognized as a big problem worldwide. In recent years, it has also been found to affect the entire body, causing or aggravating various diseases such as diabetes, stroke and heart attack. Find out the methods for preventing gum disease through at-home care such as proper brushing and getting dental checkups.
In preventive dentistry, the idea is to visit the dentist for a checkup before problems arise rather than to treat dental problems after they occur. Dental checkups not only include tests for gum disease and cavities, but also involves cleaning and getting advice on brushing. In this episode, find out the latest testing equipment developed in Japan including the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) used for diagnosing early stages of tooth decay and a saliva test that can determine the condition of your gum disease and tooth decay.
Plaque, the cause of gum disease and tooth decay can harden into tartar. Generally, it is said that if you can remove more than 80% of plaque with oral care, you can reduce the risk of gum disease. It is difficult to achieve this rate with only a toothbrush and experts recommend combining it with cleaning tools such as interdental brushes or dental floss. In this episode, an expert will give tips on how to properly brush your teeth and show you how to use other dental cleaning tools for at-home care.
Daily at-home dental care is essential for preventing gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. However, this alone is not enough. What we need is professional care by dental hygienists. It is said that 97.7% of teeth can be saved by receiving professional care during your regular dental checkups. In this episode, a dental hygienist will introduce ways to improve your daily lifestyle, demonstrate how to brush properly and talk about methods for dental cleaning and saliva secretion that will lead to a healthy smile.
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, involves a gradual loss of kidney function. When it progresses, the patient must undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to live. CKD is closely related to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and obesity. In the 27 years since 1990, the prevalence of CKD has increased by approximately 30%, affecting one out of every 11 people. Early detection of CKD is important, because there are no noticeable symptoms. In this episode, find out the mechanisms and the latest testing methods for CKD.
The basic approach to slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is restricting protein intake. However, this can lead to sarcopenia, a condition of significant muscle loss, among elderly patients. As sarcopenia can worsen the overall condition of your body, a decision must be made whether to prioritize the management of CKD or sarcopenia. Find out the latest on the nutritional approach to sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease patients.
In most cases, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused by lifestyle diseases. The basic approach to slow the progression of the disease is making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and exercising. However, if this still does not slow the decline in kidney function, medication is used. Up until recently, drugs made for diabetes and hypertension were being used. In 2021, however, SGLT2 Inhibitor, a drug that works directly on CKD itself became available in Japan, the US and in Europe. Find out about the advancements in medications for treating CKD.
When chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses to end-stage kidney failure, the kidneys lose their functions and the patient needs to undergo kidney replacement therapy, which replaces their functions. They include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant. In this episode, we will focus on the features and precautions of hemodialysis, the most common type of therapy. In particular, hemodialysis patients are prone to develop sarcopenia, a decrease in muscle mass. Also, find out about another option known as conservative kidney management.