The purpose of this study was to examine the health-related Quality of Life (QOL) of women and the effects of “fruits granola” on women’s health. It was based on an Internet questionnaire survey on QOL (using a QOL questionnaire for women that was prepared by LSTT Co., Ltd.) of 3,460 subjects who answered questions concerning physical and mental matters. It also had 165 subjects, 108 of whom had mild constipation and 57 of whom did not, consume fruits granola freely for a period of time and then compared their QOL before and after consumption.The results of the screening survey showed significantly higher scores in all categories among women who did not have constipation than women who did. Additionally, the mental QOL score was significantly higher among women who had the habit of eating fruits granola.Moreover, the overall QOL score significantly increased after consumption of fruits granola. These results suggest that consumption of fruits granola may be effective in improving women’s QOL.

In order to investigate the effects of fruits granola intake on defecation and quality of life (QOL), 20 females (mean age: 20.0 ± 1.1 y.o.) with frequency of defecation of less than 5 times per week were selected for this open study. Daily intake of 50 g of fruits granola was used as a substitute staple food for 2 weeks, and changes in defecation and QOL were compared before and after the procedure. The results showed that, compared with the pre-intake period, the frequency of defecation and the amount of defecation increased after fruits granola intake (p = 0.014, p = 0.024), and improvement of QOL (p = 0.011) was also observed. We conclude that, a continuous intake of fruits granola can improve defecation, and also improve quality of life.

  To evaluate the current state of the Onsen-Ryoho-Specialist (Broad Certified Fellow in Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine) training system, we surveyed the training facilities designated by the Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical medicine (BCPM). Of the 24 facilities targeted by the survey, 21 responded (88%). Currently, the training curriculum for Onsen-Ryoho-Specialists consists of 8 units on diseases and 8 units on therapy methods. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it is difficult for a single facility on effectively cover all of these units. The most pressing need is to establish and implement a standardized curriculum across all facilities. Until now, each related academic society has selected training facilities based on its own criteria. Moving forwards, the review/accreditation body of the Japanese Medical Specialist Broad will make site visits to establish and review Onsen-Ryoho-Specialist training facilities. These efforts should lead to the development of fully qualified Onsen-Ryoho-Specialist training facilities.