Physical checkup 健康診断 （kenko shindan)

The worst three causes of death of Japanese people are said to be cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However these days the metabolic syndrome which causes the life-style related disease such as diabetes has attracted many people's attention. Usually people can take annual physical checkups at schools or companies, but those who are not belonging to those organizations can take the checkups to prevent that disease at their local hospitals and clinics for the reasonable prices (yen 1,500 for under 70 years old, free for 70 to 74 years old, and X-ray for lung cancer costs yen 1,100), which system started in April, 2008. I went to the hospital today and took the checkup which included urine and blood tests, cardiogram, X-ray, measuring of height, weight, waist and blood pressure, and interview. The results will be sent by mails in a few days. I think health is the most important "健康第一（kenko daiichi)". Please take good care of yourselves!