Epidemiological investigations on carcinoembryonic antigen levels. Comparison between urban and rural areas / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Epidemiological investigations were made on carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in 3, 259 rural inhabitants and 3, 200 urban inhabitants. Abonormally high CEA levels were found in 12.0% of male rural inhabitants and 6.8% of male urban inhabitants. For women, the percentage was 2.4% in rural areas and 1.6% in urban areas. Correlations between high CEA levels and age were noted in men. However, cigarette smokers had higher CEA levels than non-smokers in both rural and urban areas irrespective of age. Smokers' CEA levels were higher rural areas than in urban areas. These disparites in CEA levels between rural and urban inhabitants were studied, but remain unaccounted for.

Health conditions of young adults living in an agricultural community adjacent to a city in the western part of Hiroshima prefecture / 日本農村医学会雑誌

The future of Japanese agriculture depends a great deal on the young adult. In this study, preventive health strategies for young people living in a farming area are discussed. The following is a summary of the conclusions we have arrived at.<BR>1. There is much to be desired in their eating habits. Hence, the necessity of drawing up adequate guidelines and educational programs.<BR>2. Young men must be dissuaded from smoking cigarettes and drinking a lot.<BR>3. There is too much stress in living and working environments.<BR>4. Overworking must be avoided.<BR>5. Individuals must realize the importance of protecting and promoting their own health.

Workload and health of farmers of middle age or over in the suburbs of a city of Hiroshima Prefecture with special reference to blood test findings / 日本農村医学会雑誌

A questionnaire was conducted on the living and working conditions of inhabitants in the suburbs of a city in Hiroshima Prefecture. Respondents received medical and nutritional examinations. A summary of our findings is as follows:<BR>Those persons who are apparently overworking themselves eke out their energy deficiency by taking diets rich in carbohydrate complex. Their major health problems are hypertension, ischemic changes in ECG, anemia and lower cholinesterase activity.<BR>There were indications that agricultural chemicals have harmful effects on the health of the examinees.<BR>In contrast, many of those who work less consume large-even excessive-amounts of animal proteins and fats. Among them prevail liver failxure and metabolic disorders.<BR>In either group of the people examined, there was amundant evidence to show that they are at risk of developing arteriosclerosis.<BR>These findings should be taken into consideration when a health control program is implemnted.