Check Up   (July 2003)


I had my first check up here in Japan.  It's quite an experience.  A testament to Japanese efficiency and completeness.  They even give you and ultrasound.  By the way, I'm not pregnant.  :-)  But the most interesting part is actually the survey you have to fill out before going to the doctor.  It's really not geared towards foreigners.   So, here is some of it translated into English:

Lifestyle survey

Circle the closest answer.

Breakfast
1) How many cups of rice to you eat during breakfast?      ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
2) How many servings of noodles do you eat during breakfast?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
3) How many cups of miso-soup do you eat during breakfast?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
4) How many pickled vegetables do you eat?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR

Lunch
1) How many cups of rice to you eat during lunch?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
2) How many servings of noodles do you eat during lunch?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
3) How many cups of miso-soup do you eat during lunch?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR

Dinner
1) How many cups of rice to you eat during dinner?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
2) How many servings of noodles do you eat during dinner?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR
3) How many cups of miso-soup do you eat during dinner?     ONE    TWO   THREE   FOUR

Miscellaneous
1) How many cups of Japanese tea do you drink each day?
   a) THREE OR FOUR   b)  FIVE OR SIX  c) SEVEN TO TEN     d) MORE THAN TEN

2) How many servings of alchol do you drink per day?
    a) THREE OR FOUR   b)  FIVE OR SIX  c) SEVEN TO TEN     d) MORE THAN TEN

2) How many packs of cigarettes do you smoke per day?
     ONE    TWO    THREE   FOUR

The whole visit lasted 3 hours and they have almost twenty different things they check.   It only cost 3000 yen (about $25), and the company reimburses you.