#Japan #Daiichi Sankyo #Tokyo #High School Students #Self-Care Academy

Empowering High School Students with Self-Care Knowledge

Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., headquartered in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is committed to sustainability initiatives that envision a healthier future for individuals, society, and the planet 100 years from now. As part of their approach to address health issues, the company has launched the "Self-Care Academy," conducting outreach lessons in high schools across Tokyo, Fukui, Shizuoka, Osaka, and Fukuoka. On September 11, students from Nakamura Junior High & High School and Narusei High School in Tokyo participated in a concluding session after seven classes where they developed videos highlighting the importance and methods of self-care.

Throughout the program, students became "Self-Care Ambassadors," using their learnings to create informative videos aimed at their peers. This initiative allowed the students to confront the overwhelming presence of misinformation prevalent in today's society due to social media and the internet. They aimed to cultivate their ability to discern accurate health information and become empowered communicators.

At the beginning of the lesson, Iwaki, the Sustainability Promotion Manager of Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare, encouraged students by emphasizing the significance of navigating vast amounts of information while also encountering misinformation. He stated, “In this era, we encounter an abundance of information, including unreliable sources. It is crucial for us to learn how to safeguard our health, determine practical self-care strategies, and carefully select medications and products appropriate for our unique needs. This outreach was designed to embody that vision. I look forward to seeing how each of you will uniquely convey the importance of self-care to your peers as ambassadors.”

Students formed four teams with 4-5 members each (18 students in total), focusing on five different themes: "How to Skincare," "How to Oral Care," "Choosing Over-the-Counter Medications," "Basics of OTC Drugs," and "Nutrition and Dietary Basics." Each team selected a unique theme to develop their videos.

The produced videos were evaluated by company employees and teachers based on four criteria: "clarity of message," "creativity in expression and structure," "reliability and accuracy of content," and "innovation and entertainment value." In the results, the team focusing on "Nutrition and Dietary Basics" scored the highest in the long-video category, while the "How to Skincare" team excelled in the short-video category, and notably, the latter also achieved the top position in the overall rankings.

During their presentations, the teams showcased creativity that made audiences laugh and incorporated engaging elements that successfully impressed the judges.

Student Reflections
Students expressed newfound insights into self-care through the video project, saying things like, “I didn't know much about self-care before this project, but I gained a lot of knowledge and want to share it with everyone,” and “Watching the OTC medication selection video made me realize that it's possible to ask pharmacists for help when choosing medications.” Many noted the joy of collaborating with classmates from different grades and schools.

Teacher Insights
Teachers observed students interacting with the vast amount of information available through social media and recognized the need for students to acquire skills to access accurate information. One teacher remarked, “This program provided a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their abilities to filter reliable sources, even when covering complex subjects like medications.”

Summarizing the experience, Iwaki stated, “Creating these videos has made you realize the challenges of gathering accurate information and communicating it effectively. I hope you’ve recognized the importance of self-care as you keep yourselves healthy. Your videos presented fresh perspectives and were exceptional in quality. The goal of this initiative goes beyond simply completing the videos. It is also significant that you continue to act as Self-Care Ambassadors, spreading knowledge about self-care within your peer groups. Encourage your friends to watch your videos; it could be the first step in improving the health of those around you.”

Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare aims to continue its momentum in conveying self-care knowledge to Generation Z through various educational initiatives, including outreach lessons.

About Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare

Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare operates under the philosophy to fulfill diverse healthcare needs by providing over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The company has expanded its business scope beyond OTC products to include functional skincare, oral care, and nutrition. Guided by the corporate slogan “Fit for You,” Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare is committed to promoting self-care to ensure a healthier, more beautiful society for everyone.

About Wellness for GOOD

As part of its sustainability agenda, Daiichi Sankyo has initiated the "Wellness for GOOD" concept, underscoring the commitment to support long-lasting well-being for people, society, and the Earth, contributing to a healthier and enriching lifestyle for individuals.

About Self-Care Academy

This initiative aims to equip high school students with the knowledge of self-care practices through both physical outreach programs and online content. Students learn the importance of self-care while developing skills to navigate and filter reliable health information, amid a landscape often cluttered with misinformation on social media.