Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [662]
Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly of the toes and fingers), shivering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behaviour, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells, muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy. Irrationality may take the form of sufferers claiming they are warm and trying to take off their clothes. To treat mild hypothermia, first get the person out of the wind and/or rain, then remove their clothing if it’s wet, and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give them hot liquids – not alcohol – and some high-calorie, easily digestible food. The early recognition and treatment of mild hypothermia is the only way to prevent severe hypothermia, which is a critical condition. If hypothermia has progressed from mild to severe, the person should be warmed by any means necessary, including direct physical contact with another person (in a sleeping bag, if possible). Evacuation and medical treatment should be sought if at all possible.
Insect Bites & Stings
Insect bites and stings are not a common problem in Japan. You should, however, follow general insect avoidance measures if you are hiking in the woods or are in rural areas during the summer months. These include using an insect repellent containing 20% to 30% DEET (diethyl-M-toluamide), covering up with light-coloured clothing and checking yourself for ticks after being in the forest. When removing ticks ensure you also remove their heads. Some people have an allergic reaction to ticks so it is a good idea to carry an antihistamine with you.
Water
The water in Japan is generally safe to drink.
Return to beginning of chapter
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Supplies of sanitary products are readily available in Japan. It can be very difficult to get the oral contraceptive pill so ensure you bring adequate supplies of your own pill from home.
Pregnant women should receive specialised advice before travelling. Some vaccines are definitely not recommended; others are only prescribed after an individual risk–benefit analysis. The ideal time to travel is during the second trimester (between 15 and 28 weeks), when the risk of pregnancy-related problems are at their lowest and pregnant women generally feel at their best. During the first trimester there is a risk of miscarriage, and in the third trimester problems such as premature labour and high blood pressure are possible. Always travel with a companion, have a list of quality medical facilities available at your destination and ensure you continue your standard antenatal care while you travel. Avoid travel to rural areas that have poor transport and medical facilities. Most importantly, ensure your travel insurance covers you for pregnancy-related problems, including premature labour. Click here for information regarding the risks of contracting hepatitis E during pregnancy.
Return to beginning of chapter
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
Japan is a safe country in which to travel with children. Prior to travel, ensure they are up to date with their basic vaccinations.
Return to beginning of chapter
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
The two best-known forms of traditional Japanese medicine are shiatsu and reiki.
Shiatsu is a type of massage that emerged in Japan out of traditional Chinese medicine. It is a form of manual therapy incorporating gentle manipulations and stretches derived from physiotherapy and chiropractic, combined with pressure techniques exerted through the fingers or thumbs. The philosophy underlying shiatsu is similar to many traditional Asian