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Alcohol Counselling

There is a monthly session to give advice and support to people who have concerns, problems, questions etc. about alcohol and drinking habits. Information from Aizu Hoken Fukushi Jimusho Hoken Fukushi Group. Tel. 0242-29-5275

(Information from Shisei Dayori)

There are many small private hospitals and clinics in the city. Medical treatment is limited to the specialty of the attending physician. Waiting time is generally much shorter than at general hospitals, and the service is more personal. If you would like the name of a clinic near you, contact the association.

There are over 50 dental clinics in Aizu Wakamatsu including the general hospitals. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, or call the local association of dentists for more information at 0242-25-2611. National health insurance covers 70% of the cost of most dental work.

The drinking water here is not supplemented with fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste is available at many grocery stores. Some dentists will give you fluoride treatment upon request.

All registered foreign nationals who plan to live in Japan for a year or more are eligible to join the national health insurance plan, unless they are already registered in a company plan. Required documents for registration are the alien registration card and documents proving that you will be living in Japan for at least one year. (A good document here is your contract with your employer.) You will receive a health insurance certificate, which you should take with you when you go for medical treatment. The national health insurance plan covers 70% of most medical costs, including dental.

The City operates free HIV tests. The monthly schedule is publsihed in English in the City information bulletin, Shisei Dayori. There are both day and night consultations. An appointment is necessary for H.I.V. testing. However, you do not have to give your real name when you register. To register, and for more information, please call Aizu Hokenjo Kenko Suishin-ka at 0242-29-5514.

(Information from Shisei dayori)

There are 3 general hospitals in Aizu Wakamatsu:

• Kenritsu Hospital
  Shiro-mae, Closed every Saturday, 0242-27-2151
  

• Chuo Hospital
  Ikki-machi, Closed every 3rd Saturday, 0242-25-1515
  

• Takeda Hospital and Yamaga Clinic
  Yamaga-machi, Closed every 2nd/4th Saturday, 0242-27-5511
  www.takeda.or.jp/index_e.html
  The International Association carries copies of the Takeda Hospital Guide in English.
  

You can receive treatment for most ailments at these three general hospitals. Treatment at general hospitals is usually on a first-come, first-served basis and the waiting time can be quite long (Hint - take a book!). Each department has its own hours. If possible, check the hours before going to the hospital. The above three hospitals have 24-hour emergency services.

If you had to go to a hospital in a foreign country where you know no one, do you think your illness would get worse due to feeling helpless and nervous? You might worry about the differences in the medical systems, and worry about not being understood. But if a member of the hospital staff could speak your language, it would be a great relief. In addition, to covering all aspects of medical care, the Takeda General Hospital in Aizu Wakamatsu aims to have a regular staff member who not only translates words but understands foreign customs. See the "Medical Information/Translation" section below for more information.

Josie Hasegawa, who was the Takeda General Hospital interpreter for 6 years, has recently left Aizu, However, during her tenure she encountered many situations. Before she left, she graciously granted us an interview.

Interview with Josie Hasegawa =>

This section covers two broad catagories:

1) Immunizations for travel
2) Immunizations offered by the City of Aizu Wakamatsu

Immunizations for travellers:

This information changes frequently, so consult your travel agent, or contact the interpreter at Takeda Hospital who will access up-to-date information and advise where and how to get pre-travel immunizations:

Telephone: 0242-29-9948
Email: inter@takeda.or.jp

Immunizations offered by the City of Aizu Wakamatsu.

There are currently two translators/interpreters employed at Takeda Hospital. Miyoko Watanabe can speak English and Japanese, and Risa Kikuchi can speak Chinese and Japanese. They are available from 8:30am to 4:45pm Monday through Friday, and on the first, third, and fifth Saturday of every month. If you need to see a doctor at Takeda Hospital, it is a good idea to get in touch with one of the interpreters first. They will help you make an appointment as well. Please call 0242-29-9948, fax: 0242-27-5670, and email: inter@takeda.or.jp.

More Information =>

The City offers free consultations on mental health. People with mental health concerns and their families can attend confidential sessions with a professional psychiatrist and a public health centre worker in Aizu Fukushi Jimusho. Details available from Aizu hoken Jimusho Hoken Fukushi Group 0242-29-5275.

(Information from Shisei Dayori)

The City holds nutrition classes every so often. The class focuses on creating a balanced diet with delicious recipes. Please see the English edition of the city information bulletin, Shisei Dayori, for the schedule.

(Information from Shisei Dayori)

If you are pregnant, please go to the city hall and ask for a Mother and Child Health Handbook, which is used for recording details of your pregnancy, birth, and the subsequent development and immunization of your child. It is free and available in English. Once you receive your handbook, go the Health department of the city hall for more information.

Aizu Hoken Fukushi Jimusho opertates consultation sessions for couples concerned about sterility. It is held on weekedays from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Advice is available about treatment at hospitals. For further information, please contact Aizu Hoken Fukushi Jimusho Jido Shien Team at 0242-29-5278.

(Information from Shisei Dayori)