Health Care in JapanI still remember the days I spent alone in a cold Japanese apartment with a fever and no phone. Back then you had to buy a really expensive telephone line and I couldn`t afford one. Indeed it challenges you when you are really sick and alone. Fortunately today, in virtually all cities of Japan you have access to very good medical facilities, and in the larger cities, many of the staff speak at least a little English. And this latter fact improves year by year. The standard of health care in Japan is one of the best in the world. For example, things like the MRI machine was invented in Japan. Japan is a leader in disease research and prides herself on high standards in health care.
What kind of health insurance do you need here? Most expat English teachers living in Japan opt for Komin Kenko Hoken. This is health insurance organized through your district or ward--the area you live in, in Japan. Our sister site, Howto teach English in Japan, advises that this insurance is a
cheaper option.
Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic I will never again go to the dental clinic at the Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic however. I only recommend the doctor side of the clinic and I have to qualify that. It depends on which doctor you get. Some of the Japanese doctors are good and some are so-so in my opinion. Their bedside manner leaves something to be desired. Some of the foreign doctors are reportedly good in all aspects. I had two bad experiences at the dental clinic there, so will never go again. Have Back Problems? Helios Accupuncture Clinic in Tokyo One practitioner I recommend wholeheartedly is Dr. Greg Sappers O.M.D. Dr. Sappers has seen me stagger in to his Roppongi Clinic a few times, and then watched me as I walk out! No joke! He does chiropractic adjustment, massage and accupuncture. I recommend it all. However he is not cheap. If you have foreign insurance he accepts that. If you don`t bring lots of cash! He is worth it though if you are barely walking. He will head you on the road back to good posture/health! By appointment only. Closed Sunday and Holidays Dr. Sappers Tel. 3403-3272 Fax: 3405-5080 Open 10AM-20:00PM Address: Calm-Nogizaka 1003, 6-27 Akasaka 9-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo (Near Roppongi Station Exit 4a, or Nogizaka Station Exit 3 Chiyoda Line,or
English Speaking Hospitals in OsakaHealth Care in Japan - OsakaHospitals in Osaka City where English and other languages are spoken. Before seeking a medical examination, please confirm that the hospital or clinic you intend to visit has an appropriate department for treating your particular ailment. Also please confirm the counseling hours of the department and inquire whether services are still available in your language and if appointments are required. Some Common Ailments in JapanHealth Care in JapanExpats new to Japan often complain about certain ailments that are somewhat unique to Japan. One thing I never had trouble with in Vancouver was my feet. That all started during the very dry Japanese winters. (Vancouver has a very wet winter) Us NJs (non-Japanese) often complain of cuts on our toes. They just appear during the winter. They can be quite painful. They look almost like someone took a knife to your toe. The toe skin become separated from the soul of your foot leaving a gaping crevasse-like hole! Okay maybe I exaggerate a little but to get rid of it what you need is an: eikitai bansouko (liquid bandage), and one brand is called "Coloskin." Here is the commercial for coloskin showing a woman using it for dry cuts on her fingers: Health Care in Japan - Dry Heel Problems If your heels get really dry, hard and develop cuts or (fissures) then you could try coloskin or get a karuishi which is a kind of rock that people use to get rid of the dry skin. I found it along fixes the problem after a short time. Us the karushi by rubbing it on your heel during the bath or after a bath. I actually use it during the bath. I actually never get bad anymore, I use the karuishi when I feel my heels are getting dry and it seems to fix them so that they don`t get too bad--I rarely ever get the dry cuts there anymore.
From Health Care in Japan to Japan Living (home)
|
