Health Effects of Seasonal Bathing in Hot Water, Seasonal Utilization of Hot Spring Facilities, and High Green Tea Consumption / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

  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.