University students in Tokyo give foreign tourists tips to avoid heatstroke

TOKYO -- Students from Atomi University have been explaining measures to prevent heatstroke to foreigners visiting Hamarikyu Gardens in the capital's Chuo Ward, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The event, which is part of a larger project to raise awareness about heatstroke, will continue until Aug. 10. The students study under professor Naoko Ishiwata, who teaches dietary habits at the university's Faculty of Management.

Last summer, the school's students asked 524 foreign tourists about what measures they took to deal with the heat. Residents outside of Asian countries had a strong tendency to just avoid the sun instead of staying hydrated, indicating their insufficient understanding of heatstroke.

The students explained to foreigners visiting Hamarikyu Gardens that during summer in Japan it is possible to suffer from heatstroke even if they stay in the shade. They handed out ion supply drinks and booklets including a checklist and information on emergency treatment for heatstroke.

A fourth-year student commented, "We want to raise awareness among foreigners about the proper ways to prevent heatstroke."

(Japanese original by Hitomi Tanimoto, Lifestyle & Medical News Department)