As the weather is expected to be extremely hot across Japan during the Olympics, there is the risk of heatstroke even when watching TV at home.
The Environment Ministry and medical organizations are sounding the alarm as it is easy for people to forget to keep hydrated when glued to the TV watching exciting sports events.
Nationwide from July 12 to 18, 4,510 people were transported to the hospital for heatstroke, 4-1/2 times more than the same period last year, according to a preliminary report of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Of the total, about 40% were taken to the hospital from their home, suggesting that staying indoors is not free of heatstroke risks.
While people are being urged to stay home to watch the Games as nearly all venues and events do not allow any spectators, so as not to spread the novel coronavirus, it is important to use an air conditioner and stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
About 90% of the 200 people who died last summer from heatstroke in Tokyo's 23 wards were found dead indoors, according to the Environment Ministry. About 90% of this group were not using an air conditioner. The ministry is urging people to use air conditioners and drink at least 1.2 liters of water per day.
It is easy to forget to keep hydrated when concentrating on something, such as watching TV, according to Hideki Taniguchi, deputy chairman of a group of doctors promoting hydration and a doctor at Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital in Yokohama.
Watching TV for a long time while drinking alcohol easily makes people dehydrated, he added.
"Hydrate while eating and set times to drink water while cheering on the Olympians," Taniguchi said.
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