Résumé
Among lots of lifestyle factors thought to be related to the Japanese health status, bathing in hot water, utilizing onsen (hot spring) facilities, and drinking green tea are very special among the Japanese. In our previous study, we investigated the frequency of bathing, the utilization of onsen facilities, and the consumption of green tea among the Japanese and found that these activities improved subjective health to a similar degree as balanced diet, exercise, no tobacco use, and quality sleep. In the present study, to ascertain healthy activities that should be encouraged throughout the year, we included survey items about seasonal variations in taking baths, taking showers, and utilizing onsen facilities, as well as investigated the difference between consumption of brewed green tea and of canned and bottled green tea. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 6,000 residents in Shizuoka prefecture aged ≥20 years in 2012. Using unconditional logistic models, odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for several factors that were considered to affect self-rated health (SRH; subjective health, sufficient sleep and rest, and subjective happiness). This time, in a more detailed investigation of bathing habits, onsen utilization, and green tea consumption, we found that daily bathing all year round (subjective health: OR=1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.52; p=0.012, sufficient sleep and rest: OR=1.41, 95%CI 1.13-1.77; p=0.003, subjective happiness: OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.15-1.58; p0.021), and daily consumption of at least 500 mL of brewed green tea (subjective health: OR=1.24, 95%CI 1.01-1.53; p=0.039) are health-improving habits that should be proactively encouraged in daily living. We believe that the inclusion of a formal recommendation for daily green tea consumption and daily bathing and the establishment of reference values for these habits in the Health Promotion Policy will foster health and longevity in Japanese citizens.
Résumé
Among lots of lifestyle factors thought to be related to the Japanese health status, bathing in hot water, utilizing onsen (hot spring) facilities, and drinking green tea are very special among the Japanese. In our previous study, we investigated the frequency of bathing, the utilization of onsen facilities, and the consumption of green tea among the Japanese and found that these activities improved subjective health to a similar degree as balanced diet, exercise, no tobacco use, and quality sleep. In the present study, to ascertain healthy activities that should be encouraged throughout the year, we included survey items about seasonal variations in taking baths, taking showers, and utilizing onsen facilities, as well as investigated the difference between consumption of brewed green tea and of canned and bottled green tea. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 6,000 residents in Shizuoka prefecture aged ≥20 years in 2012. Using unconditional logistic models, odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for several factors that were considered to affect self-rated health (SRH; subjective health, sufficient sleep and rest, and subjective happiness). This time, in a more detailed investigation of bathing habits, onsen utilization, and green tea consumption, we found that daily bathing all year round (subjective health: OR=1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.52; p=0.012, sufficient sleep and rest: OR=1.41, 95%CI 1.13-1.77; p=0.003, subjective happiness: OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.15-1.58; p0.021), and daily consumption of at least 500 mL of brewed green tea (subjective health: OR=1.24, 95%CI 1.01-1.53; p=0.039) are health-improving habits that should be proactively encouraged in daily living. We believe that the inclusion of a formal recommendation for daily green tea consumption and daily bathing and the establishment of reference values for these habits in the Health Promotion Policy will foster health and longevity in Japanese citizens.
Résumé
Among lots of lifestyle factors thought to be related to the Japanese health status, bathing in hot water, utilizing onsen (hot spring) facilities, and drinking green tea are very special in Japan. With this study we aimed to determine the contribution of these lifestyle factors to Japanese health condition estimated by self-rated health (SRH), sleep quality and rest, and stress level as the dependent variable. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 5,000 residents in Shizuoka prefecture aged≥20 years in 2011. Using unconditional logistic models, odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for several factors that were considered to affect SRH. The lifestyle habits of bathing in hot water every day, utilizing onsen facilities often, and drinking green tea a lot showed a strong association with good SRH. Bathing in hot water was also related to lower perceived stress. In conclusion, the promotion of daily bathing in hot water, utilizing onsen facilities often, consuming a lot of green tea examined in this study may help to enhance people’s own perception of their general health. It is possible that these lifestyle habits may contribute to good health status of the Japanese.
Résumé
Among lots of lifestyle factors thought to be related to the Japanese health status, bathing in hot water, utilizing onsen (hot spring) facilities, and drinking green tea are very special in Japan. With this study we aimed to determine the contribution of these lifestyle factors to Japanese health condition estimated by self-rated health (SRH), sleep quality and rest, and stress level as the dependent variable. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of 5,000 residents in Shizuoka prefecture aged≥20 years in 2011. Using unconditional logistic models, odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for several factors that were considered to affect SRH. The lifestyle habits of bathing in hot water every day, utilizing onsen facilities often, and drinking green tea a lot showed a strong association with good SRH. Bathing in hot water was also related to lower perceived stress. In conclusion, the promotion of daily bathing in hot water, utilizing onsen facilities often, consuming a lot of green tea examined in this study may help to enhance people’s own perception of their general health. It is possible that these lifestyle habits may contribute to good health status of the Japanese.