Society

Supporting Healthy Living in Disaster Areas

"Kesennuma Health and Longevity Corps," principal contingent Konami Sports (then Konami Sports Club Co., Ltd.,) was selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to support regional healthcare operations as part of its 2011 Tōhoku revitalization effort.
Made up of six organizations, including regional medical institutions, a university, and health-related businesses, its mission was to promote healthy living to victims located in the Motoyoshi District of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture through various events focusing on public awareness and health services covering exercise, nutrition, medical consultations, and other important areas.

The Konami Group was responsible for the administration of such aspects of the operation as healthcare management - carried out through our IT systems - and conducting exercise classes.
An example of our involvement was the allocation of scales and blood-pressure gauges to common areas of temporary housing, and the IT health management system used by patrons of Konami Sports Club and other facilities was put to use in monitoring residents' health.
In the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami, approximately 40% of the population is thought to have some form of sleep disorder, and others have disuse syndrome, where the body weakens due to reduced physical activity. These and other conditions had profound effects on residents' health.
Additionally, sodium intake is relatively higher in the Tōhoku region, and is considered a possible cause behind the increased rate of hypertension seen there. With this in mind, dietary changes involving low-sodium foods was a key part of the Corps' operations.

Through providing low-sodium foods and recipes, sleep-data monitoring, phone consultation services, and other programs, the Kesennuma Health and Longevity Corps has helped residents of disaster areas live healthier in body and mind.