大和健康资讯 第66期（2009年2月）

Greetings

Hello. I'm Kawakami, in charge of the email newsletter.

This month, with the cooperation of the NPO Japan Food Function Research Association, you can watch an interview with Dr. Keisuke Iizuka, Director of Nishi-Shinjuku Yamate Clinic, on our website.

We also have useful information such as the latest health advice.

I look forward to your continued support.

■ Health advice from doctors

◎ Integrated Medicine & Health Interview

Detecting cancer cells that cannot be detected by regular cancer tests at a very small stage

Ultra-Early Diagnosis — Cancer Gene Testing —

Dr. Keisuke Iizuka, Director of Nishi-Shinjuku Yamate Clinic

■ World Hells Report

◎ Whole grains become the top healthy food ideal for Americans

■ Health Tips

◎ Learn from Health Proverbs: "Alcohol is the Best of All Medicines"

This Month's Menu

■ Latest Information on Integrated Medicine [36] Curing Obesity with Medication

■ Editorial Notebook ~The Raging Effects of Influenza~

■ Latest Information on Integrated Medicine

[36] Cure obesity with medication

The development of drugs to treat obesity is becoming increasingly active. In the near future, practical applications are expected to include those that suppress fat absorption from food and those that increase satiety to prevent overeating.

The former interferes with the enzyme 'lipase,' which breaks down fat into a form that is easily absorbed, thereby preventing fat from being absorbed. Already, the ingredient 'orlistat' is widely used overseas. It cuts about 30% of the fat absorbed from food. The fat that isn't absorbed is excreted as stool.

Overseas studies have shown that when combined with proper diet, just under 60% of people achieved a 5% weight loss even after one year. However, it is also thought that it can inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin E) and other medications.

Regarding orlistat, a major pharmaceutical company in Japan announced in January that it would begin development there. It is not yet clear whether it will be a prescription drug or an over-the-counter drug (a drug available without a prescription at pharmacies), but if it becomes available at pharmacies, it will add a major option for approaches to obesity.

That said, careless use of medication is strictly prohibited, and the principles for preventing and eliminating obesity remain unwavering: diet and exercise. An integrated approach that includes the use of supplements is important.

■ Editorial Notebook

Recently, when watching the media, I often hear things like, "This year's flu doesn't work for medicine," or "This year's flu will cause many deaths."

Influenza is often mistaken for a cold due to its early symptoms, but in fact, it is completely different.

Both share the fact that symptoms are caused by viruses, but the so-called common cold mainly involves symptoms in the nose and throat, whereas influenza first presents with a fever of 38~40°C. Furthermore, influenza also strongly causes systemic symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain due to high fever.

Even more frightening are the complications. Bronchitis and pneumonia are more likely to occur, and severe cases can lead to encephalitis or heart failure, which can be life-threatening for the elderly and infants.

Influenza suddenly causes a major outbreak. There are records that global outbreaks caused many deaths. Once infected, not only the individual but also the virus spreads through the air, causing the virus to multiply rapidly among those around them.

So, how long does influenza actually exist?

There are records that it has been popular since ancient times, but clear records date back to the 11th century. This is a world record, but when exactly did it appear in Japan?

It dates back as far as the Heian period, but this is not certain.

It is possible that it is a different virus presenting with influenza-like symptoms.

You may have heard of it once in the Edo period, but it was called the 'Hayaki Cold' or 'Ryukyu Cold.'

What exactly is the true nature of influenza?

The answer is the influenza virus.

Influenza viruses can be broadly divided into three types: Type A, Type B, and Type C.

However, since the other side must leave behind the influenza virus from the concept of 'preservation of the species,' it gradually changes its form every year.

These are called 'variants,' and they become less responsive to medications.

In particular, type A has many variants and causes a global pandemic.

The influenza A virus is carried globally by migratory birds and other means, and predictions about which type will spread are made by analyzing global trends. This determines the type of vaccination.

I can clearly understand that you must always be mindful of prevention.

When it comes to influenza prevention, the most important thing is to focus on so-called 'primary prevention.'

What is primary prevention?

(1) Hand washing and gargling

(2) Wearing masks

(3) Avoid crowds

(4) Vaccinations

And most importantly,

(5) Get enough nutrients to boost your body's resistance

That's what it means.

Currently, the anti-influenza drugs used to treat influenza are drugs that suppress the spread of the influenza virus. Influenza viruses multiply rapidly and peak in numbers 2~3 days after symptoms appear (48~72 hours later). Therefore, if you use anti-influenza drugs to suppress the spread before the viral load peaks—that is, within 48 hours after symptoms appear—it may be possible to prevent symptoms from worsening.

It was recently reported that the medicine might not be effective against the upcoming influenza virus.

In that case, the white blood cells inside the body must fight off viruses. Let's constantly boost our immune system and build a body that can fight viruses.

Now, here's one very important point.

As I mentioned at the beginning, the flu causes a sudden high fever.

Everyone has probably had a fever at least once for reasons other than the flu.

In such cases, perhaps they used antipyretics instead?

This is absolutely not allowed when you have influenza.

The widely used antipyretic is salicylate-based antipyretic analgesics. There is data from overseas suggesting that this could cause the onset of influenza-associated encephalopathy.

Therefore, more than anything, it is important to focus on prevention and to avoid being infected with the influenza virus, so please be very careful.

Next month, we will continue to provide information about domestic and international exhibitions as well as columns.

We look forward to your continued support.

We welcome your opinions and feedback.

The next issue of "e-Health Kawaraban" is scheduled to be distributed on March 10.