Many foreigners find it difficult to communicate properly with doctors and nurses.  Medical interpreters are important in helping both parties communicate.

In this course, you will be taught the necessary knowledge for medical translation and hospital ethics, and translation techniques in face-to-face and telephone consultations.

Registration closes on August 20th (Friday), and the course fee is free.

Languages ​​in which the course will be given

Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Spanish

Capacity

30 people (5 to 10 people for each language)

*Only people who passed the selection test will be chosen

Selection test

August 28 (Saturday), from 2 pm to 3:30 pm*

The test will be done online via Zoom.

*Before the test begins, students must attend the special “Consumer Damage Prevention” class.

Course dates and location

• First class: September 25 (Saturday), from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Online, via Zoom)
• Second class: October 30 (Saturday), from 10 am to 3:30 pm (Online, via Zoom)
• Third class: November 27 (Saturday), from 10 am to 3:30 pm (Online, via Zoom)
• Fourth class: December 18 (Saturday), from 10 am to 3:30 pm (Online, via Zoom)
• Fifth class: January 22 (Saturday), from 10 am to 12 pm (UST Tsu: Tsu-shi Hadokoro-cho 700)

See full details on who can take the course, class dates, how to apply and other information at the links below (in Japanese only).

Click here for the explanatory pamphlet

Click here for the application form

Contact

Mie International Exchange Foundation (MIEF)

Address: 〒514-0009 Tsu-shi Hadokoro-cho 700 (UST Tsu 3F)

TEL: 059-223-5006

FAX: 059-223-5007

E-mail: mief@mief.or.jp

http://www.mief.or.jp

The post 2021 Medical Interpreter Training Course appeared first on Mie Info.

Have you ever felt your eyes itching, runny nose or started to sneeze from pollen? These are flu-like symptoms, but they can be kafunsho.

What is hay fever?

It is an allergy that occurs when the body reacts excessively against the pollen that has entered the body.

What are the symptoms?

The body tries to rid itself of pollen by either “sneezing” and washing it out in the form of tears and nasal mucus. Other symptoms can occur including inflammation, itchy eyes or stuffy nose.

When does pollen usually occurs in the air?

Pollen spreads at any time of the year. However, the period in which symptoms appear depends on person to person. In spring, the main pollens are from trees such as cedar and cypress (sugi and hinoki). In early summer, grasses pollen is common, while from mid-summer to fall, pollen levels of chrysanthemum, sunflower, among others increases.

What to do when you have the symptoms?

It is recommended to visit the otolaryngologist (in Japanese, called Jibiinkou-ka or Jibi-ka) for nose-related symptoms, and the ophthalmologist (in Japanese, called Gan-ka) for eye symptoms.  It is also possible to consult at general practitioners (Nai-ka), allergists (allergy-ka) or pediatricians (shouni-ka) for children.

About the treatment

There are various methods of therapies such as drug treatment, desensitization, surgical treatments, etc. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor.

With the right treatment and prevention methods, you can reduce your symptoms. If you have kafunsho, make an appointment before the start of the kafunsho period and prevent it as soon as possible.

Prevention: what to do daily?

1. To prevent inhaling and entering pollen in the body:

• Wear masks and glasses when leaving home
• Wear clothes and hats with smooth surface.
• Wash your hands, gargle and take the pollen off your clothes when you get home
• Constantly clean your home with wet clothes or mops
• Hang you laundry indoors

2. Have a good quality sleep
3. Have a healthy routine
4. Eat balanced meals
5. Be careful of excessive alcohol consumption.
6. If you smoke, try reducing the number of cigarettes.

When airborne pollen level increases, many patients experience the symptoms immediately, and others take longer. The intensity is also different for each person.

Symptoms may be stronger or weaker according to the amount of pollen in the air, so there are many people who have no symptoms when the amount of pollen is low.

It is important to be careful so there will be no symptoms of kafunsho. Pay attention to recent information and avoid leaving home in times when there are plenty of pollen. Use the information in this video to protect yourself from kafunsho!

Reference:

http://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/KENKOT/HP/84849050608.htm

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/new-info/kobetu/kenkou/ryumachi/kafun/ippan-qa.html

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/file/06-Seisakujouhou-10900000-Kenkoukyoku/0000077514.pdf

The post What is Hay Fever (Kafunsho)? appeared first on Mie Info.

A lot of people may have seen news such as “Gastrointestinal cold is prevalent.” Do you understand the gastrointestinal cold correctly?

Gastrointestinal cold is an infectious disease called “Infectious Gastroenteritis”. The number of people infected will increase from the beginning of November and will peak in December. After that, it will decrease temporarily, it will increase again in January to March, and then it gradually decreases.

The Norovirus and Adenovirus in winter, infection by Rotavirus in spring and early summer are more frequent. Also, bacterial ones such as Vibrio Parahaemolyticus and so-called food poisoning are the causes of gastroenteritis in the summer.

Thus, gastroenteritis occurs throughout the year. Let’s know more about the symptoms of gastroenteritis and the route of infection and try to prevent it.

Main symptoms

The symptoms have the characteristic of abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, mild fever etc. It usually recovers in a few days to a week. However, in severe symptoms, it may cause dehydration or recovery of more than a week.

If symptoms persist, go to a medical institution and take a medical examination.

Infection route

In most cases infectious gastroenteritis is infected by contact with the patient (feces, vomit, etc.), contaminated water, food and oral virus and bacteria entering the body.

Prevention method

Please pay attention to the following points and try to prevent it.

1. Hand washing

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap in running water before and after cooking, before meals, after using the toilet, after changing diapers, and so on.
• If there are infected people in the household, please do not share towels etc after hand washing, please use another one.

2. Points to remember when treating waste (vomit and feces) of infected person

• Wear masks and disposable gloves and do not touch the waste directly.
• Keep the room well ventilated such as opening the windows.
• When wiping a dirty floor with, wipe it with a chlorine disinfectant of sodium hypochlorite or a household chlorine bleach (diluted with a chlorine concentration of 0.02%) and disinfect it.
• Put the used cloth and paper towels in a plastic bag, seal, disinfect, and throw it away.

3. Heating food and cooking utensils

• Make sure the foods are well cooked and heat the food sufficiently.
• Immediately wash the cutting board and kitchen knife used for cooking with hot water.

4. Vaccination

• Rotavirus can be vaccinated voluntarily for infants.

If infected with a gastroenteritis, painful symptoms can last long. Treatment is often a symptomatic treatment (relieving symptoms or losing symptoms by promoting the release of bacteria and viruses rather than directly removing the cause of the disease), and it takes time to recover. Therefore, prevention is very important. Please use this information by all means to protect your family including yourself.

＊Reference＊（in Japanese only）

http://www.kenkou.pref.mie.jp/topic/ityou/ityou.htm

http://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/TOPICS/m0014900034.htm

http://www.city.yokkaichi.lg.jp/www/contents/1509495290979/index.html

The post About Gastrointestinal Cold (Infectious Gastroenteritis) appeared first on Mie Info.

Pregnancy

Once the pregnancy is confirmed, contact the city office or local sub-office and proceed with the notification through “NinshinTodoke”.

In Japan, once pregnancy is confirmed the “Boshi Kenko Techo”, the Maternal and Child Health Handbook is issued to the pregnant woman. In addition, there are courses related to knowledge and techniques regarding pregnancy, delivery and baby care.

What is the Maternal and Child Health Handbook?

The handbook  was drawn up to register the pregnant and baby’s health exams results, as well as child’s development after birth, in addition to provide information on a number of public health services as exams, vaccination and more.

Some city offices provide Maternal and Child Health Handbooks in other languages in addition to Japanese, as English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, Filipino, and more. Get information upon make the notification on pregnancy.

Prenatal exams

Depending on the region you live, after making the notification of pregnancy, it is possible to receive the “BoshiHoken no Shiori”, a booklet containing 14 vouchers for prenatal exams. When presenting these vouchers on medical institutions, the determined medical exams in each one of the vouchers can be made for free.

Courses only for mother or for parents

In various locations, the city office or sub-office provides courses about basic knowledge and techniques on pregnancy, delivery and child care. Courses are free of charge.

Childbirth expenses

A normal delivery is not covered by health insurance, and if we add up it to the expenses regarding the periodical prenatal exams, the cost is very high.

In Japan, hospital admission for delivery is about 4 or 5 days and the cost is approximately ¥ 500,000. However, if the pregnant is covered by Kokumin Kenko Hoken or other health insurance, after childbirth, it is possible to receive the ShussanIkujiIchijikin, a lump-sum subsidy worth ¥ 420,000.

Preventive vaccination

Preventive vaccine are administered either to avoid infection and disease development or to minimize the clinical condition, or, still, avoid the disease becomes epidemic. Vaccines are regulated by the Preventive Vaccination Law aiming to avoid disease infections and are free of charge.

Vaccines determined by the Preventive Vaccination Law
(updated in May 2015)

*Based on Japan’s chart of periodical vaccination (May 18, 2015) – National Research Center of Infectious Diseases

http://www.nih.go.jp/niid/images/vaccine/schedule/2015/JP20150518.pdf

*For more information regarding vaccination methods and the period of each one, contact the division in charge in your city, or consult the children’s doctor.

*Vaccination may undergo changes, according to the law.

[Source]

Ippan Zaidan Hojin Jichitai Kokusaika Kyokai Tagengo Seikatsu Jyoho (Counsel of Autonomous Bodies for Internationalization)

http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengo/index.html

KokuritsuKansenshoKenkyujyo Home Page
(National Research Center of Infectious Diseases Homepage)

http://www.nih.go.jp/niid/ja/

The post Pregnancy, Childbirth and vaccination appeared first on Mie Info.

Periodic exams are indicated to check out health conditions and prevent diseases. And the Mie’s Health Management Center (Kenshin Center Sante), carried out free exams at Brazilian school Nikken Gakuen in Yokkaichi city. The person in charge for the exams spoke about the purpose of this exam and gave us important information on tuberculosis.

[Interview with Fukuoka Hideyasu – health supervisor of Kenshin Center Sante]

“Mie’s Health Management Center’s purpose is to carry out free tuberculosis exams for foreign residents in Japan and, through it, raise people’s awareness on the importance of this exam, as well as bring information on what is tuberculosis. And if everyone carries out the health exam, our goal will be reached.

Could you speak about what is tuberculosis?

“Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Koch’s bacillus. And the most affected organ is the lung. Elderly, children and people with low immunity are the most vulnerable, therefore they need to be careful.”

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

“The first symptoms are similar to a cold. Prolonged cough for 2 weeks, catarrh, sudden weight loss, fatigue in addition to fever and night sweats are symptoms of tuberculosis.

How should we proceed in the case of suspected infection?

“When there is suspected infection, it is important to attend a hospital immediately.  Even there is no suspected infection, the recommended is to carry out a periodic health exam once a year.

Besides children, school’s employees have also carried out the preventive exam, and they thanked to have the opportunity to join it.

[Interview with Celina Yojo – director of Nikken Gakuen]

“According to researches the number of foreigners infected by tuberculosis is significant, but there is the fact people does not comment on. And in Japan there are several cases of diseases caused by viruses, and there are the cases where children are in a serious situation due to this. So we find important since they carry out not only the X-ray exam to detect tuberculosis, and if any problem is detected they let us know. We appreciate their presence and if we could carry out this exam every year here at school I think it is very important. Because we have to take care of both children and employees’ health. ”

[Interview with Ademar Oshiro – teacher at Nikken Objetivo]

“It is gratifying, not only on prevention, but in an eventual detection of a further problem. That’s why I think it was quite valid, and also I feel thankful because this company is making it availableto school with no cost.”

Tuberculosis is a serious disease, therefore we have to avoid a mass spreading. Periodic exams are important since they can detect the disease in the initial stage. Get information on health exams at the Hoken Center of your city.

The post Preventing the spread of tuberculosis in Japan appeared first on Mie Info.

After the opening ceremony, presentations, music and dancing enlivened the event. A nursing uniform fashion show conducted by students of elementary, middle and nursing also received the audience’s applause.

In the lounge, there were photo exhibitions on the nursing service as well as an area to experience the work of a nurse, a DVD presentation, how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), and other areas to experience how is the body of a pregnant woman and an elderly person. The Governor of Mie, Suzuki Eikei, also toured the stands and participated in activities and explanatory.

Interview  Governor of Mie Suzuki Eikei

“Mie Prefecture, if compared nationwide, has a small number of nurses, which causes a greater burden for those working in this area. I would like everyone to know that most of nurses still say that work is worthwhile. And, mostly, I wish this festival to be an opportunity to thank these employees in nursing, public health and midwifery that dedicate arduously for us.”

Those attending the event could ask questions to professionals, learn about the proper way to perform cardiac massage and even hold a baby doll whose crying was very real.

And it was also possible to do health exams for free. The participants could get lots of interesting information about the nursing profession.

Interview with the event’s organizer – Mie Nurse Center 

“We are here to spread general knowledge in the nursing field and also for young people who are interested in this area and perform it in the future. ”

The nursing profession is very wide. Besides it can qualify professionals in various medical fields, this profession has a high rate of employability.

“The service itself is to take care of patients, both in hospitalization and medical consultation, as well as to instruct people in healthy conditions to lead a more healthier life . ”

We asked about the conditions to become a professional in nursing here in Japan.

“People who are interested in this profession, after completing high school, will have to complete a course at a school or nursing college and then pass a public exam, otherwise they can not work as a nurse. ”

” There are courses in commercial or industrial area, but the ideal is to make the traditional course of high school , then join a vocational school for 3 years . Then there are more 4 years of nursing school, and, after completing this, you are entitled to receive the nursing certificate and will be able to choose between obstetrics and public health area and take the public exam.

”Attending to a vocational school, you will be able to become a nurse after taking the public exam, and then take another course in obstetrics or public health area. ”

For foreign residents is also possible to become a nurse professional here in Japan, but studies and dedication are required.

We asked Mr Suzuki Eikei if young foreign residents in Japan can also become a nurse.

Interview  Governor of Mie Suzuki Eikei

” Yeah, sure . To make this possible, you need to be prepared to take the tests and undergo training. ”

Besides nursing , there are many other job opportunities in Japan. The Multicultural Sector of Mie Prefecture , in 2010, produced a DVD entitled ” Carreer Guide to Foreigner’s Children” for young people to have a goal early and feel encouraged to study and seek their professional achievement. See more details in the DVD informative website.

http://www.careerguidemie.jp

The post Mie’s Nursing Festival 2014 appeared first on Mie Info.

The purpose of this seminar, held in the city of Suzuka,  was to provide information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The seminar was presented by a Professor from Mie Prefectural College of Nursing.

According to the speaker, many people have no apparent symptoms of disease, but may suffer sudden illness and even death. She listed 5 major factors that can negatively affect health :

* Irregular eating habits – not eating at regular times, salty foods, fried foods in excess, etc.

* Insomnia and Stress – Sleep helps the body’s health and stress lowers immunity .

* Excessive alcohol consumption

* Cigarette

* Lack of exercise

Perform physical activities without straining your body is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle . For example, if a person walks 4-5 times a week for about 40 minutes, he/she is no longer consider a sedentary person.

The speaker suggested some questions for participants :

– Do you not eat breakfast every day?

– Do you like salt and fried food?

– Do you consume lots of instant food or semi-prepared foods ?

– Don’t you usually weight or even know your weight?

Among other questions.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then, it is time to rethink your eating habits and seek a healthy diet. Maintaining regular hours for food is also important.

And, whenever there is a break at work, try to rest in places with fresh air to be able to relax.

Small changes in daily habits will make a difference in your health, and your body will thank you. Atendees in the seminar also had the opportunity to get some health exams like measuring body pressure, weight , height , BMI and urine test to check the level of glucose and protein .

It is very important to do regular checkups to see how is our health. Professor Hashimoto Hidemi, from Mie Prefectural College of Nursing, spoke about the importance of knowing the condition of the body.

Today’s seminar, about healthy life and daily life, was focused on foreign citizens.

Sponsor : Government of Mie   Co-sponsorship : Suzuka City , Mie Prefectural College of Nursing

Collaboration: Association of Psychologists of Mie , Mie Philippine Community ( MIFILCO )

Achievement: Mie International Exchange Foundation ( MIEF )

The post Healthy Life – Tips for maintaining health appeared first on Mie Info.

Illegal drug abuse can cause serious mental and bodily harm, and, recently, certain illegal drugs have become easier to obtain. In this video, we will explain several well known illegal drugs and controlled substances.

1) Psychostimulants
Psychostimulants excite the nervous system, reducing fatigue and supressing hunger. Psychostimulants are extremely addictive, and require larger and larger doses to achieve the same desired effects. Long term use can result in hallucinations. The use and/or possession of psychostimulnants is a crime in Japan.

2) Cannabis/Marijuana
Cannabis (also known as marijuana) is a drug that is smoked, much like tobacco. While some people report a relaxing effect when using marijuana, people who abuse marijuana often experience changes in hearing, muscle fatigue and sharp drops in motivation. Growing and distributing cannabis are both crimes in Japan.

3) Other controlled substances (cocaine, heroin, MDMA, etc.)
Cocaine, like psychostimulants, excites the nervous system, but the effects last for a far shorter period of time. People who use heroin not only develop psychological dependencies, but physical dependencies as well. Heroin use is extremely dangerous, and continued heroin abuse may result in hallucinations and paranoia. MDMA (commonly known as “Ecstacy” or “X”) is extremely addictive, and can cause visual distortion and hallucination.

Why do laws that target drug and illegal substance abuse exist?

Substance abuse causes the user a great deal of psychological and physical harm. In addition, many drugs impede individuals’ ability to make decisions and distinguish right from wrong. Those who abuse drugs may also harm family members or other members of society. Individuals under the influence of drugs are also more likely to cause motor vehicle accidents.

Also, drug abuse can be a large financial burden, with small portions of certain drugs costing 10,000-20,000 yen. The majority of the profits made through illegal drug sales benefit organized crime, which has no concern for the well being of drug users.

There is one piece of advice that everyone should remember about illegal substances
“Stay away from drugs. Once you start, you will not be able to stop.”

4) Substances designed to mimic controlled substances/drugs
“Synthetic cannabis” is an herb that produces effects similar to cannabis/marijuana. There are also substances that are meant to mimic other controlled substances and illegal drugs. Users consume these substances in various ways, and they are sold in a variety of forms, including powder and liquid.

More research needs to be conducted in order to completely understand the effects that these substances have on the human body, but there is already clear evidence that abusing these substances can result in serious psychological and physical harm to users. There have been incidents where individuals using these substances have experienced serious side effects and sought medical assistance via ambulance. Some individuals have even lost their lives as a result of consuming these substances. Individuals under the influence of these substances have also been the cause of traffic accidents that involved many innocent bystanders.

We urge you to avoid illegal drug use and situations where controlled substances are being consumed or distributed. The information provided here is only a small representation of the dangers of illegal drugs. Please remember that staying away from illegal drugs is a way to protect yourself and the ones you love.

＊The information contained in this video was taken from the seminar conducted by the Mie Prefectural Police Department at the EAS Brazilian School in Suzuka.

The post Information about Illegal Drug and Substance Abuse appeared first on Mie Info.

Calling an ambulance in Japan

When you dial 119, the dispatcher will make some questions so they can prepare the ambulance crew according to need, but in high-risk cases, the ambulance will help to even before finishing all of the following questions.
Do not panic and try to respond calmly.

Sample conversation with attendant (pdf file)

Seeking medical attention on weekends, holidays and at night

There are emergency clinics available in the event that you require immediate medical attention on the weekend, on a holiday, or at night. If you require immediate medical attention and do not know which emergency clinics are open, please call the Emergency Clinic Information Center nearest you.

You can also search for hospitals using an automated voice guidance system by calling the following number:

0800-100-1199（Toll Free）

More Info:
Medical Information Center of Mie.

(Informations in Japanese and English)

The post What to do in an emergency (if you suffer a serious injury or suddenly become ill) appeared first on Mie Info.

The law states that only those aged twenty and above can drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. There is a reason that the limit was set at 20 years of age.

It is important for both you and your families to have knowledge of the damaging effects so that you can avoid the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

The post Drug Abuse, Alcohol and Tabacco Prevention appeared first on Mie Info.