1. Presented by: Jasmine Li Susie Pike
Health in Japan
Presented by:
Jasmine Li
Susie Pike

2. Healthy Japanese Foods

3. Wakame: Seaweed
Rich source of vitamins and minerals

4. Goma: sesame seeds
High in calcium

5. Daikon: turnip
High in Vitamin C

6. Tofu
High in calcium

7. Mental Health
Good mental health is vitally important for your overall wellbeing and health
The more time and energy you invest in your emotional and mental health, the stronger it will be (e.g. making sure you get enough sleep is vital)
If you are struggling in any way, feel down, or think you might be depressed - talk to someone. Do not suffer in silence

8. Mental Health Continued
Depression can hit when you least expect it. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, it is not a sign of weakness. 
When you aren`t feeling happy, you forget about how much you have achieved. Think about how much you have learnt in the time you have been in Japan. It`s amazing. 
If you think a friend isn`t happy, please talk to them. A key sign is weight loss. If you are concerned about their welfare, talk to Dave or a PA who will be able to help.

9. Available Monday to Friday
If you need help…
The strength of the JET program is its extensive support system in place to help all JET Programme participants. If you need someone to talk to, call either:
JETLINE – Run by CLAIR Program Coordinators who are previous participants.
Available Monday to Friday
09.00 to
Call

10. 2. AJET Peer Support Group (PSG) -
Volunteers are current JET participants.
Available every night from
20.00 –
Call
If you need professional help, both the JETLINE and PSG will be able to put you in touch with an English speaking Psychologist in Tokyo. A typical phone appointment costs 8000yen for 50 minutes.

11. Culture Shock
There are no fixed symptoms ascribed to culture shock as each person is affected differently.
The shock of moving to a foreign country often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and if you do, you might not necessarily go through the phases in the set order.
Everyone is unique and adapts in their own special way

12. Four Stages to Culture Shock
Stage 1 -The Honeymoon Phase: The differences in your cultures seem exciting, amazing, fascinating and new. This period is full of observations and new discoveries
Stage 2 – Negotiation Phase: The excitement of Stage 1 may eventually give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration, anger, loneliness, homesickness and feeling disconnected from the surroundings

13. Stage 3 - Adjustment phase: A person grows accustomed to the new culture, develop routines and have learnt what to expect in most situations . They start to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture and begins to accept the culture's ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced.
Stage 4 – Mastery phase: People in this phase can participate fully and are comfortable in the host culture. Mastery does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the biculturalism stage.

14. Conclusion to culture shock phases
Everyone is different
You might suffer from some of these emotions, you might not.
If you feel you are stuck in one of these phases, do not worry, it is ok to struggle and you will be fine. 
Most importantly - if you are suffering in any way, talk to someone. Everyone is in the same boat, so don’t suffer in silence.

15. Seeking Help from Professionals
English speaking psychiatrist
Professional counselors

16. Visiting the Doctor Ask your teacher Consult the school nurse
Find out the hours
Bring your Alien Registration Card
Bring National Health Insurance Card
No need to make an appointment
Fore useful medical vocab: JET Diary
JET General Information Handbook

17. Multilingual Questionnaire: http://www. k-i-a. or

18. English-speaking Doctors in Yamagata http://www. pref. yamagata
Search for
medical institutions

19. Available in foreign languages
Female doctors

20. English
Choose the fluency level:
Native
Conversational
Basic
Female visitor only
Yes/No

21. Emergencies Fire, fire truck 119
Sudden illnesses & serious injuries 119
“Kyukyu-sha, onegai shimasu. (Your address) ni kyubyonin ga imasu.
(We have a medical emergency at _____ Please call an ambulance)
Traffic accidents & crimes 110
Out-of-hour medical care

22. Annual Workplace Health-check
JETs are required to take a government-sponsored medical check-up each year
Part of work duties, take place during work hours
Weight, height, blood pressure and eyesight, hearing, urine, x-ray for chest for tuberculosis
Results are confidential

23. Sexual Health STD tests available at regular clinics or hospitals
AIDS/HIV testing: available for free and anonymous at health centers

24. Sick Leave Calling in sick
20 days of sick leave (separate from nenkyu)
Obtain a doctor’s certificate (shindansho) to qualify for sick leave
Calling in sick
If you are sick and want to take byokyu, contact your school as soon as possible and discuss with them whether they require a doctor's note or other documentation. Please try to call your school in the morning before classes start. Alternatively, if you have your supervisorfs number, you could call them.

25. Support System PA CIR JET Helpline AJET Peer Support Group
Local Counseling Services
AMDA International Medical Information Center in Tokyo

26. For details & more useful resources
Refer to the handout
Thank you for listening.