JAPAN: Emperor's care process grows more open

TOKYO, Japan / The Japan Times / News / February 22, 2012

Trying to make the Imperial family appear less aloof toward the public, Emperor Akihito has become more open about his health, in contrast to his father's era, when such information was usually kept under wraps.

Pre-op: Emperor Akihito is greeted by doctors as he arrives Friday at University of Tokyo Hospital before his surgery.POOL

Although the handling of information surrounding medical care for an Imperial family member has changed with the times, so too has the type of treatment, with the Emperor opting for an invasive procedure — heart bypass surgery — that in a previous era may have been avoided.

On Saturday, the Emperor, 78, underwent a coronary-artery bypass for angina after an angiogram showed a narrowing of two of his three coronary arteries.

While it was possible for him to continue to receive nonsurgical medical treatment, the Emperor, based on advice from his physicians, decided to go through with the operation as a way to improve his overall health and continue to carry out his duties.

The doctors said the four-hour operation was a success and the Emperor is on a recovery track.

His choice to have surgery to correct the heart problem and the announcements about the process have shown that information about his health has become more open and that there are now more treatment options for members of the Imperial household.

While the increase in openness involving medical care may have played a part in the change, it also likely comes from the Emperor's desire to be fit enough to fulfill his official duties and his willingness to choose an aggressive form of treatment.

"There may be an unstable period for a while (after the surgery), but I very much hope that he will pass this time and begin taking walks every morning and playing tennis," said Ichiro Kanazawa, the Imperial household's main doctor.

Mission accomplished: Juntendo Hospital surgeon Atsushi Amano speaks to the press after the successful heart bypass surgery on Emperor Akihito at University of Tokyo Hospital on Saturday.POOL

This situation is in stark contrast with his father, Emperor Hirohito, known posthumously as Emperor Showa.

In April 1987, he threw up at a ceremony for his 86th birthday and three months later collapsed at an Imperial villa in Tochigi Prefecture. That September, he had intestinal bypass surgery, the first time he underwent a surgical procedure.

Some of his physicians, however, were against the idea of conducting open abdominal surgery.

And when he was diagnosed with cancer in a pathological test conducted just after the operation, the Imperial Household Agency refrained from disclosing the truth to the public and instead announced that he had chronic pancreatitis.

The agency did not inform him about his cancer, but told then Crown Prince Akihito about his father's condition and the course of treatment.

Akira Takagi, then chief physician to the Emperor, later explained that the agency did not inform the monarch about the cancer so he would be able to live a long life without any pain by avoiding aggressive treatment. The Imperial Household Agency is more open about how it handles the current Emperor's health.

In 2003, when he underwent surgery for prostate cancer, the agency openly announced that cancer cells had been found and did not hesitate to disclose that he was to start receiving hormone treatment to prevent a recurrence, and that an exercise regimen was to be introduced to avoid brittle-bone disease, a side effect of hormone treatment.

Partly behind this is the Emperor's unwavering stance that the public must be informed when he has to change the schedule of his official duties or undergo medical treatment.

"Emperor Showa and the current Emperor are both scholars in science," said an agency official familiar with the earlier era. "They judge their own health conditions scientifically and have trust in medical treatment. The only difference is perhaps the times."

On how to manage the Emperor's health following his heart surgery, an Imperial Household Agency official pointed to stress as one of the major factors that may weigh on his condition going forward but added that simply cutting down on his official duties may not be the answer to reducing stress.

Isao Tokoro, a professor at Kyoto Sangyo University who has written several books related to the Imperial family, suggested that the Emperor's sons — Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino — should share his burden of conducting official duties, except for those involving state affairs.

"Even if he does not go to as many places in person, it is still possible (for the Emperor) to express sympathy for the people," Tokoro said, adding that many survivors of the devastating earthquake and tsunami last March were encouraged by a video message he released.

(C) The Japan Times

____________________________________________________________
Credit: Reports and photographs are property of owners of intellectual rights. 
Seniors World Chronicle, a not-for-profit, serves to chronicle and widen their reach.

JORDAN: Jordanians discover the joys of fastwalking

. AMMAN, Jordan / The National, Abu Dhabi / World / December 9, 2009 By Suha Philip Ma’ayeh, Foreign Correspondent AMMAN // Mowaffaq Maraqa blew his whistle and shouted to a group of walkers who swarmed Amman’s streets one night last week. “Walk to the left!” he said, instructing them to walk facing oncoming traffic, in line with safety precautions of walking outdoors. The Fastwalk Group, whch Mr Maraqa founded 3½ years ago through Facebook, is growing so rapidly that it is becoming difficult to control in a country where pavements are not pedestrian-friendly and speeding motorists are responsible for killing one person every nine hours on the road. But for Mr Maraqa, a 41-year-old civil engineer, it is definitely worth the trouble. He has been trying to promote fast walking in the country, hoping to instil healthy lifestyles among Jordanians. “I am trying to encourage a culture of fast walking in Jordan,” he said. “It is not only for the health benefits, but it also has psychological advantages. It makes people happier, as their happy hormones start flowing after the walk. Fast walking also clears their minds and releases negative energy.” Those who exercise in Jordan often use gyms, but walking outdoors is not a part of Jordanian culture, let alone walking in groups. Pedestrians too often complain that the pavements are narrow, or have electricity poles or trees in the middle and even cars parked on them, leaving little room to manoeuvre. In some areas, there are no pavements at all. In addition, as urban sprawl grows there are more cars on the road and pedestrian crossings are ignored. Under Jordanian law, pedestrians do have rights, however: when they are run over, it is the driver’s fault. Khaled Nouri, a 55-year-old businessman, joined the Fastwalk Group two months ago. “It is difficult to walk in Amman, but it feels safer to walk with a group,” he said. “I am usually lazy and a smoker. I haven’t exercised since 1977. It is an achievement for me to walk. I am doing my best to continue walking with them.” Until the beginning of this year, the Fastwalk Group included 300 members. When it got media exposure on local television last February and then Al Jazeera in August, the number of walkers swelled to nearly 1,200. The membership on the group’s Facebook page reached 2,123 and dozens of others are still pending. “It is contagious and addictive,” Mr Maraqa said. Farah Kanan, 24, joined the group in October after being convinced by friends who are members. “I never liked sports, but when I tried walking it was great. When we walked uphill it was much more difficult,” she said of her first time. “But the advantage of walking with such a crowd is that you forget your pain and just enjoy the walk. “My muscles ached for three days afterwards, but it has really inspired me and helped change my lifestyle,” she said. “I haven’t missed one walk since the day I started … Then, I decided to get the most of the walking experience by enjoying the simple flow of walking to open my mind. Honestly, the revelations I discovered during the walk set me free.” Twice a week, the group walks one of a number of 12km routes, which are posted on Facebook before the walk. The size of the groups vary from walk to walk, but often there are several hundred people and as many as 1,200 participated in a recent excursion. “People have the chance to get more acquainted with their city and venture into places they did not get the chance to see before. It strengthens their sense of belonging,” Mr Maraqa said. There are also rules to follow. Fastwalkers are not allowed to wear flimsy shoes or jeans when they walk. They have to wear proper sports outfits and trainers. Smoking is prohibited. They also have to follow safety precautions, including wearing bright outfits or vests. The streets of Amman can be a dangerous place for pedestrians, with its narrow pavements obstructed by light and electricity poles. Salah Malkawi for The National “The challenge is to change social habits … It is a constant battle to convince people to remain committed,” Mr Maraqa said. The Fastwalk Group members range in age from their 20s to 60s. Many women find the group appealing because they feel safer walking in groups. Manal Nayfeh, 28, joined the group in July. “Roads are dangerous to walk in because of the speedy cars,” she said. “But there is safety in numbers. Besides, it is fun walking with a group and I feel relaxed afterwards.” Her friend Dana said though she used to walk by herself once a week for two hours, it was not comfortable because of the frequent lewd remarks and shouts from men. “I usually have music on when I walk so that I will avoid hearing people’s comments. But as everybody walks together, I feel immune.” Some walkers are already feeling the difference. In the past month, Lana Hyari, 48, said she quit walking at a private club and joined the Fastwalk Group. Six years ago, she was told she had breast cancer. The treatments increased her cholesterol levels and caused her arthritis. As a result, she stopped taking medication last year. “I like walking, and my husband really encourages me a lot. Now I walk with the group for two hours twice a week. It is really helping me and I feel better. It boosts my mood,” she said. “In one month, I already feel shaped up. I also lost 2kg. Next week I am going to test my cholesterol level.” [rc] E-Mail: smaayeh@thenational.ae © Copyright of Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC.

JORDAN: Ahli Bank Celebrates With Food, Clothes For People At Elderly Homes

. DUBAI / AME Info / January 20, 2008 In the spirit of the holidays, Jordan Ahli Bank, leading financial institution, with headquarters in Amman, has visited a number of Jordanian charities for elderly people, providing food, clothes and blankets to meet their needs during the winter season. The Bank's management said that these visits come to stress on the continuous social role Ahli Bank plays in the Jordanian society, pointing out that the main aim behind these visits is to improve the living standards for these individuals. Activities of this sort strengthen humanitarian efforts and pushes solidarity to new levels, according to the Bank's management. The management added that these visits and donations translate Ahli Bank's slogan 'The Power of Change', embodying its approach towards providing added value to the Bank's customers and community at large. The Bank is a pioneer in the field of financial services. Its social activities are sponsored customarily by the Bank's management to spread the spirit of joy and hope in the lives of the needy. The Bank stressed that while these visits were inspired by the holidays, its approach is to constantly present and support charity initiatives throughout the year. The visits included Dar Al-Diafah and Dar Al-Salam for the elderly. For their part, centers' officials commended the Bank's initiative in providing assistance for their centers. © 1996 - 2008 AME Info FZ LLC