Kiyoshi Suzuki, MD, PhD,
President, MOA Health Science Foundation
In Column 19, we discussed the significance of the integrative medicine medical model for lifestyle-related diseases and so-called intractable diseases. This time, I would like to talk about the other pillar—the social model. In this column, I stated that the social model is a concept unique to Japan, but why was the social model defined in Japan before other countries? And how does the social model relate to health?
１．How the concept of the social model was born in Japan
This is related to Japan’s insurance medical system and its experience with repeated major disasters. Japan’s universal health insurance system is an excellent system, but treatments that are not covered by insurance cannot be combined with Western medicine (prohibition of mixed medical treatment). I think this is a major reason why integrative medicine is not widespread in Japan.
Major disasters leave deep psychological scars on people’s minds and it takes time for them to recover. Various types of complementary medicines have been reported to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from around the world. In addition to the effectiveness of complementary medicine itself, I think it is also the compassion of the practitioner, as many of them take the time to listen to the patient while providing treatment that helps heal them.
It is known worldwide that communities that support one another are less susceptible to disease, have longer healthier lives, and are happier. In light of these facts, the Japan Society for Integrative Medicine (Inc.) and the Liberal Democratic Party Parliamentary League for the Promotion of Integrative Medicine met on a number of occasions to define a social model of integrative medicine in order to recognize and communicate the importance of a community that helps one another.
２．The significance of the social model of health
The importance of marital bonds is highlighted by a startling report that among people undergoing treatment for heart disease, single and divorced people were three times more likely to die than cohabiting couples. Although there is no data to support this, I believe that couples who have a good relationship will tend to be healthier. While diet and exercise are essential for maintaining good health, eating together halves the risk of depression, especially for men. There are also reports that exercising together reduces the risk of becoming dependent on care.
People who participate in neighborhood associations or hobby groups have a three-quarters risk of dementia, and those who serve as officers halve the risk. Ultimately, various bonds with society are important, and it has been reported that people who meet all of the following criteria—”have a spouse” “support of cohabiting families” “socialize with friends” “participating in local group activities” “working”—have half the risk of developing dementia (Figure 1).
Based on the above, the following are important points for preventing dementia: First, be careful not to develop lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes; and if you do develop them, try to control them. On top of that, eat a variety of different foods with someone and do some sweating exercise with someone. It will be even more effective if you also get involved in your local community and serve as an officer (Figure 2). The social model is becoming clear that it can also be useful for preventing and improving diseases other than dementia, and there was an enormous response when I gave a lecture on it at an international conference.
３．The significance of MOA activities as a social model
MOA activities can be said to be a social model of integrative medicine. The reason for this is that we are working to create a community and town where people can support each other’s lifestyles through the Okada Health and Wellness Program. In recognition of these activities, Tokyo Wellness Center has been certified by the Japan Society for Integrative Medicine as both a medical model and a social model of integrative medicine, making it the only facility in the country to hold these two titles.
Are MOA activities beneficial for your health? To investigate this, we began a joint study with Kaoru Sakatani, a specially appointed researcher (formerly a specially appointed professor) at the University of Tokyo, to determine whether MOA activities could lead to the prevention of dementia. By combining your health check data with a simple questionnaire, your risk of developing dementia can be determined. If you are interested, please contact the Tokyo Clinic. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the results will be.
In the next issue, we will talk about the importance of “caring medicine,” an area in which MOA International Inc. is working. Please look forward to it.
【Profile】
Suzuki Kiyoshi
Graduated from Chiba University School of Medicine in 1981. medical doctor. After working as Deputy Director of Pediatrics at Sakakibara Memorial Hospital, Seijo Clinic, (Medicine) Tamagawakai MOA Takanawa Clinic and Tokyo Medical Clinic Director, president of MOA Health Science Center and Honorary Director of Tokyo Medical Wellness Center. Director of The Society for Integrative Medicine Japan and Chairman of the International Committee. In 1994, he received the Young Investigator’s Award from the Japanese Society of Pediatric Cardiology.
