Staying Healthy in the Summer in Japan
Summer is a fun-filled time of year in Japan, with beaches, summer festivals, fireworks shows, and more to visit during this season. But that doesn't mean that summer is all fun and games. If you're not careful or unlucky, you could find yourself sick or struck down by heatstroke this summer. So here is what you should be careful of in the summertime in Japan, how to avoid falling victim to heatstroke this summer, and what to do should you get sick.
Common Summer Health Issues
・Heatstroke
High temperatures and humidity impede the body's ability to cool itself, leading to a dangerous rise in body temperature. In Japan's hot and humid summer, this is one of the most common health issues people face.
If you want to avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, wear hats or umbrellas, and stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible.
・Summer Fatigue (Natsubate)
This ailment is a bit different from heatstroke and is caused by staying outside in the hot weather for too long. It can lead to dehydration and nutrient depletion, so while not as immediately dangerous as heatstroke, you should still be careful to avoid this happening to you. In the summer, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, drink lots of water or liquids, and get lots of rest. Using cooling devices like fans and taking regular breaks from the heat can also help.
・Food Poisoning
Since the temperatures are higher, food spoiling is more common if not handled properly. This can lead to food poisoning if you eat something that has gone bad. Store food properly, cook meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and avoid consuming food left out for too long. Make sure you put leftovers in the fridge quickly as well.
Common Summer Illnesses in Children
While kids are susceptible to heatstroke and other summer maladies, there are also a range of illnesses that generally specifically affect children that are common in the summer in Japan. Here are some of those illnesses, and what you can do to make your kid feel better if they catch one of these sicknesses.
・Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
When kids catch this sickness, they may develop a fever, sore throat, and painful sores in the mouth. Children also may have a non-itchy rash on the hands, feet, or other body parts like the buttocks or genitals. It is highly contagious and spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, feces, or the fluid from blisters of an infected person. There is no specific treatment for this disease, but you can give plenty of lukewarm or cold liquids and fever-reducing medicine, and there are some mouthwashes available to help relieve the pain from mouth ulcers.
・Herpangina
This illness is similar to hand, foot, and mouth disease but is characterized by small ulcers at the back of the mouth and a high fever. It is spread through close contact with others and loves warm temperatures, so summer is the peak season for this illness. If your kid gets this illness, give them plenty of liquids and medicine that can relieve pain or fever.
・Pharyngoconjunctival Fever (Pool Fever)
This illness causes high fever, red eyes (conjunctivitis), sore throat, and swelling of eyelids, sometimes accompanied by a runny nose or cough. It is associated with swimming in pools but can be passed through any kind of direct contact with someone infected. This illness is quite serious, so if your child is infected make sure to manage their symptoms with fever reducers, cold compresses for red eyes, and lots of liquids. Adults should be careful as well as infections can become severe. While most common in the summer, pool fever can be spread all year.
Nutrients & Medicine to Keep You Healthy This Summer
To avoid heatstroke, proper nutrition is vital. Here are some recommendations on what nutrients you should be making sure to get enough of in the summer in Japan, plus some tips for medicine to buy if you or a loved one gets sick.
・Important Nutrients
Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, are important to replenish in the summer since they are lost through sweating. Japanese foods like natto, or fermented soybeans, as well as pickled vegetables can help you replenish your electrolytes.
Since you'll be sweating and possibly more fatigued in the summer, make sure to eat lots of carbohydrates as well. Even on a day that you aren't active, if you are out in the sun your energy may drain much faster, so eat food that will give you these nutrients, like pork for example.
Vitamin B1 is another nutrient to try to get a lot of during the summer, since it helps with energy production and recovery from fatigue. Pork and salmon are great sources of Vitamin B1, as are natto and Japanese pickles.
Last is to make sure you are staying hydrated as much as possible. Caffeinated beverages will dehydrate you, so it may not be a bad idea to avoid soda and coffee when outdoors. Sports drinks can be a good choice, such as the popular brand Pocari Sweat. Barley tea is also a great option, and can be found in vending machines and convenience stores just about everywhere.
・Medicines to Take if You Get Sick
We've put together a list of the best cold medicines in Japan for both adults and children. If you or a family member gets sick, check out the article below to help you find the right medicine to feel better.
You shouldn't be afraid to get outside this summer. After all, there are so many fun things to do in Japan this time of year. But if you do go out, just be sure to take the necessary precautions so that you and your family can stay healthy and safe.
