#Japan #Tokyo #Meiko Gijuku #Child Health #Heatstroke

Ensuring Children's Health During Hot Summers

As summer approaches, the rising temperatures pose significant health risks, particularly for children. A recent survey conducted by Meiko Gijuku on parents of children from 4th grade to 9th grade reveals insightful data. The survey, aimed at assessing how families manage heat-related health issues during the scorching summer months, showed that an impressive 83.5% of parents are concerned about their children's health amid the heat.

Context and Importance

In recent years, Japan has consistently faced extreme summer temperatures, leading to increasing cases of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts that this summer will continue the trend of above-average temperatures, making it crucial for families to prioritize the well-being of their children, especially with their numerous outdoor activities including school commutes, physical education classes, and club activities.

Recognizing the importance of addressing heat risks, Meiko Gijuku has committed to conducting annual surveys starting in 2023 titled “Research on Heatstroke and Heat Management in Households with Children.” This initiative seeks not only to raise awareness but also to provide helpful strategies for families to manage heat stress effectively.

Key Findings from the Survey

Awareness and Understanding

1. Parent Awareness: The survey found that 57.4% of parents are aware of the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a key indicator for measuring heat stress, reflecting an increase of 14.5% from the previous year. This shows a growing recognition among parents of the need for heat management.
2. Cooling Shelters: While 38.7% of parents reported knowing about cooling shelters—designated spaces provided by local governments for relief from the heat—this figure remains lower compared to the awareness of WBGT.

Heat Concerns and Responses

3. High-Risk Activities: The survey highlighted that the most significant worry among parents pertains to children engaging in physical activities during classes or playtime outside (52.4% cited physical education, 46.4% noted outdoor play, and 40.8% highlighted commuting).
4. Usage of WBGT in Activities: Despite the increasing awareness of WBGT, its application in school activities is still limited, with only 35.5% of physical education classes adapting to WBGT guidelines and 24.7% in club activities.
5. Adjusting Outdoor Activities: An overwhelming 85.3% of families are now restricting unnecessary outdoor activities in response to high temperatures. However, only about 30% use WBGT as a reference for making these decisions.

Impacts of Heat Management on Family Life

6. Changes in Lifestyle: As a result of heat management protocols, about 39.6% of parents reported increased time spent on games or video consumption by their children, indicating a shift in daily routines away from outdoor play.
7. Self-Management Awareness: Interestingly, 70.2% of parents feel their children are capable of managing their own heat-related health, demonstrating a level of trust in their awareness and ability to self-regulate their activities during hot days.
8. Health Issues: Alarmingly, 70% of children have experienced health issues due to summer heat, with about 30% acknowledging an increase in frequency, highlighting the pressing need for continued vigilance and supportive measures.

Conclusion

The increasing awareness among parents about managing children’s health during the summer heat is commendable. It reflects a broader social consciousness about the dangers of heat-related illnesses and the importance of effective communication between parents and children regarding health management. With the measures taken by educational institutions, such as Meiko Gijuku, and growing parental awareness, it is hoped that children can enjoy their summer while staying safe and healthy. Continuous efforts are necessary to ensure that these protective strategies evolve, keeping the well-being of children as the top priority.

Looking Forward

As noted by the representative of Meiko Gijuku, Kotaro Okamoto, the firm is taking significant steps to enhance classroom environments further in preparation for the busy summer tutoring sessions that begin in July. With a commitment to bolster health measures, they ensure that parents can feel secure about their children's safety while participating in educational activities during the summer months.