1.Health conditions and life-working style of oyster farmers in Hiroshima Bay.
Seiryo TAKASHINA ; Yoshitaka SEKIGUCHI ; Toyofumi MITSUYAMA ; Hidetaka SENOO ; Yukihiko GOMYO ; Kazuhiko HATTA ; Yoshihiro YOKOTA ; Yasuhiro YOKOSAKI ; Masao DOI
Journal of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine 1985;34(1):21-33
An investigation was made into the health conditions of oyster farmers in Hiroshima Bay with reference to their job requirements and way of life. The findings are as follows:
Their working conditions are harsh. However, compared with those engaged in agriculture, the oyster farmers eat fairly large amounts of calorific foods, especially animal products. Their alcoholic consumption is also large. They get enough sleep and rest on a regular basis.
Mild obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are prevalent among men, and tendency of obesity is more common among women. Furthermore, those with the risk factors for arteriosclerosis account for more than 50% of the people examined.
From these findings, it could be said that their health is at risk. Appropriate and effective measures should be taken promptly so as to reduce the risks, particularly those risks associated with arteriosclerotic damage. Mechanization will be one of the measures against the health resks that oyster famers are now exposed to. Without preventive measures, there might be an outbreak of the diseases originating in the blood vessels.