Take care of your health during seasonal changes

Japan has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
The change of seasons often causes people to get sick more easily.
One reason for this is that the body becomes tired from the sudden change in temperature and is affected by the unique influences of each season.
 
Symptoms like lethargy and skin problems as well as colds may be experienced.
In addition, there can be irritability, lack of motivation, and other effects on the mind.

Causes and remedies for poor health

There are several reasons why people are more likely to become ill during the change of seasons.
 
- Changes in the natural environment, such as weather and atmospheric pressure
Changes in weather, temperature, and humidity, including changes in atmospheric pressure and drier air
 
- Effects caused by plants, insects, etc.
Pollen spreading in the air in the spring and mites increasing in the summer and fall.
Many people suffer from allergic symptoms.
 
Temperatures and weather change dramatically during seasonal changes in Japan.
To prevent illness, be very careful about a few things.

Winter to Spring (usually March to April)

Diseases and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Hay fever, discomfort due to cold temperatures

What is hay fever?

It is an allergy caused by plant pollen entering the body. In Japan, pollen from cedar and cypress trees can be observed from February to April.
You may experience runny nose and itchy eyes because of pollen allergy.
If symptoms are getting worse, you should go to a doctor of internal medicine or otolaryngology to have anti-hay fever medicine prescribed for you.

Physical Health Care Tips

• Wear a mask and glasses as a measure to prevent hay fever.
  Before entering your house, pay off your clothes to avoid the presence of pollen on them.
• To prevent getting sick from temperature differences, dress warmly in the morning and at night.
  
  

Spring to Summer (usually May to June)

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Rainy season fatigue, heat stroke, food poisoning, summer colds

During the rainy season, humidity is high and atmospheric pressure varies widely. This causes some people to feel sluggish and have headaches.
Mold and dust mites increase, and some people are more prone to allergic symptoms at this time.
 
As the weather gradually becomes hotter, it is also important to take measures against heat stroke and food poisoning.

Physical Health Care Tips

• Drink water frequently
• Don't push yourself when you're tired
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the room
• Store food properly and prepare it in clean conditions

Summer to Fall (usually September to October)

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Autumn fatigue, colds, hay fever, etc.

In autumn, when the weather suddenly cools down from the summer heat, the body may not be able to keep up with the change in temperature and may become sluggish or may experience loss of appetite. (Autumn fatigue)
Due to the temperature difference between day and night, it is easier to catch a cold. Try to take care of your physical condition.
 
In addition, watch out for allergy symptoms in the fall.
In Japan, some people suffer from hay fever from autumn plants (ragweed and silver grass) and allergic symptoms from dust mites.

Physical Health Care Tips

• Prepare a jacket for the temperature difference between morning and evening and daytime
• Pay attention to allergies caused by pollen and dust mites. You may want to use an air purifier

Fall to Winter (usually November to December)

Diseases and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Flu, dry skin, winter depression

Winter in Japan is cold, and the days are short, making it easier for some people to feel depressed. This is called "winter depression".
The cold weather keeps people from going outside, and some may feel lonely due to lack of exercise and not being able to see others.
 
The air is dry, and colds and flu are easy to catch. Skin is also prone to dryness.

Physical Health Care Tips

• Be sure to "wash your hands" and "gargle" to prevent colds and flu
• Use a humidifier to maintain room humidity
• Consider a flu vaccination
• For dry skin, consider using a moisturizing cream
  
  

Staying well through seasonal changes

There are several measures that can be taken to avoid getting sick during the change of seasons.
 
Establish a good lifestyle rhythm
Try to have a regular lifestyle by going to bed early and getting up early.

Attention to your food
Have a balanced and healthy food.

Do physical exercise
Do some light exercise and stretching to loosen up your body.

Create time for relaxation
Take a relaxing bath or listen to your favorite music to relieve tension.

Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is also a good idea if you are worried about flu.

Four Seasons by Region

In Japan, weather and temperatures vary from region to region.
Here we introduce the characteristics of the four seasons in five different places: Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, and Naha.

Sapporo (Hokkaido)

Sapporo has very cold winters. There is a lot of snow and very cold days in winter.
On the other hand, the summer is very cool and pleasant.

Source: JMA Historical Weather Data Search Sapporo (Ishikari Region) 2023 (monthly values)

Tokyo 23 Wards (Tokyo)

In Tokyo, summers are hot and humid. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, but not often.

Source: JMA Historical Weather Data Search Tokyo (Tokyo) 2023 (monthly values)

Osaka City (Osaka)

Osaka's proximity to the ocean makes summers hot and humid, while winters are dry and sunny.

Source: JMA Historical Weather Data Search Osaka (Osaka Prefecture) 2023 (monthly values)

Kanazawa City (Ishikawa)

Kanazawa is famous for its cloudy days. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are snowy.

 Source: JMA Historical Weather Data Search Kanazawa (Ishikawa) 2023 (monthly values)

Naha City (Okinawa)

Naha, Okinawa is a warm city throughout the year.
Even in summer, it does not get very hot, and there are fewer days with temperatures above 35°C (95°F) than in other prefectures.
Winters are also warm and comfortable for those who do not like the cold, but the area is susceptible to typhoons.

Source: JMA Historical Weather Data Search Naha (Okinawa Prefecture) 2023 (monthly values)

Impact of Global Warming

Recently, global warming has caused an increase in seasonal average temperatures in many parts of Japan.
Summer temperatures are particularly high, and the risk of heat stroke is increasing.
Winters also have more mild days and less snow in some places than before.
 
Yet there are still seasonal temperature differences.

Finally

In Japan, the seasons allow us to experience beautiful sceneries and eat a variety of delicious foods.
However, it is easy to get sick during the change of seasons.
It is important to take care of your health on a regular basis but be especially careful during the change of seasons.
Then stay healthy and enjoy the Japanese season!

Source：
気象庁　公式Webサイト
日本医師会　健康ぷらざNo.548 「雨の日に体調が悪くなる – 天気病」
医療法人社団創造会　予防医療センター 「気象病」の症状と対策　‐ 天気や気圧による体調不良対策 -