On Some Aspects of My Contributions to the Farming Populace in Tokachi Farming District from the Viewpoint of Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health / 日本農村医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

As the president of this congress of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine, I would like to address you on some aspects of my contribution to the community from the viewpoint of agricultural medicine and rural health in the Tokachi district. The aspects of my contribution could be divided into three parts; one is relating to Farmer's lung, the next is to fatty liver, one of the important problems found by our physical check-up center, and the third is relating to reforms of the hospital management so as to meet the needs of the community with regard to medical care.<BR>Farmer's lung is in my line since I have made a specialty of respiratory medicine. When I came to Obihiro 18 years ago, farmer's lung was prevailing. Farmers were in fear of the lung disease. I took it upon myself to cope with the epidemic. Group examinations for farmer's lung were initiated. We learned what state farmers were in and what should be done by way of prevention. Nowadays, farmer's lung is rare in this district.<BR>As regards fatty liver, we have analyzed this pathophysiological aspect of steatosis of the liver with relation to obesity and hyperinsulinemia. In persons with fatty liver, significantly high blood levels of insulin after the glucose tolerance test was recognized. Hyperinsulinemia is well known as a risk factor for morbidity leading death. Fatty liver should be considered to be among high-risk factors for deadly diseases.<BR>Thirdly about our hospital. Obihiro Kousei Hospital has been contributing so much to the Tokachi district. As the director of the hospital responsible for regional health care, I have encouraged our staff members to take good care of patients who visited our hospital. I have also endeavored to ameliorate our system to provide quick emergency care. The number of patients rushed to our emergency ward has been increasing as a result.<BR>Finally, we would like to thank all the participants in the 51st Congress of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine in Obihiro city.