{
  "id": 5183073,
  "title": "Japanese study finds heatstroke risk varies by age and day of the week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/japanese-study-finds-heatstroke-risk-varies-by-age-and-day-of-the-week",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-02T22:00:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260902/p2a/00m/0li/014000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tokyo researchers discovered heatstroke risk varies greatly by age and day of the week, showing lifestyle and activity patterns impact heat-related illnesses. Japan's heatstroke emergency calls have been rising, and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) determines risk, but physical activity influences it. Daily routines fluctuate between weekdays and weekends/holidays, with new patterns appearing on holidays. Using Fire and Disaster Management Agency data, Toho University scientists analyzed heatstroke ambulance transports in Tokyo from May to September 2015-2025, breaking days into regular weekdays, weekends, holidays, and the first weekday after weekends/holidays. Adjusting for heat using WBGT, they examined risks by age, illness severity, and location. The study found adults 65+ had 13% higher heatstroke ambulance transports on the first weekday after a break compared to other weekdays, and 13% fewer on weekends/holidays. Children and teens under 18 faced 80% higher transports on weekends/holidays. Mild cases rose 11% on weekends/holidays, while moderate/severe cases dropped 17%. Public outdoor spaces saw 76% more incidents on weekends/holidays, while educational institutions had 21% more, workplaces 69% fewer. Professor Yuji Nishiwaki noted delayed medical consultations could explain higher cases in seniors after holidays, and increased exposure to heat when resuming regular activities. The study published August 7 in an international journal from the Japanese Society for Hygiene.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- A Toho University research team has found that the risk of heatstroke varies significantly according to age and the day of the week, highligh",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}