What is Ningendock (Comprehensive health checkup)?

Japanese Preventative Medicine at its best: The Comprehensive Health Checkup - Ningen Dock.

The name Ningen Dock (Japanese for “human dock”) was inspired by ships at sea that dock in ports regularly for examinations and any necessary repairs. The program is designed to provide individuals with a thorough health assessment, including various medical tests and examinations.

The Ningen Dock program relies in the concept that early detection and treatment of health problems could improve overall health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

The program was initially targeted at corporate employees and executives, who were encouraged to undergo the comprehensive health check-up as part of their employee benefits package. The program quickly gained popularity, and it soon spread in the Japanese society.

Today, the Ningen Dock program is a cornerstone of Japanese healthcare, and it is often cited as an example of successful preventative medicine. The program has helped to detect many health problems early, which has led to better health outcomes for individuals and reduced healthcare costs for society.

The development of this “comprehensive health checkup system” may be one reason for Japan’s long-life expectancy.

This comprehensive health checkup system is designed to provide individuals with a detailed assessment of their health status and identify potential health risks before they develop into more serious conditions. Here are some advantages of the Japanese Ningen Dock:

• 1
  Comprehensive testing: The Ningen Dock is a comprehensive health checkup system that includes a battery of tests, including blood tests, chest X-rays, and ultrasound scans, among others as well as advanced diagnostic tests as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) or Endoscopy. These tests can help detect potential health problems early before they become more serious or difficult to treat.
• 2
  Personalized medical examination: An added value of this system is that optional tests and examinations can be selected. As an example, the general condition and risk of a 45-year-old smoker could be evaluated by adding a colonoscopy, brain examination, heart examination, lung examination, and test for arteriosclerosis. The idea is to be able to perform a tailored examination that is better suited to the individual.
• 3
  Convenience: The Ningen Dock is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all your health screening needs. Rather than having to visit multiple specialists and undergo various tests at different locations, the Ningen Dock provides everything in one place, making it convenient and efficient.
• 4
  Peace of mind: By undergoing a comprehensive health screening, individuals can gain peace of mind knowing that they are taking proactive steps to protect their health. This can help reduce anxiety and stress related to potential health issues.
• 5
  Cost-effective: The Ningen Dock is often more cost-effective than undergoing multiple tests and consultations with multiple specialists. Additionally, catching potential health issues early can help avoid more expensive medical treatments down the line.
• 6
  Personalized health recommendations: Based on the results, the Ningen Dock provides personalized health recommendations to each individual. These may include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or specific medical interventions to address any issues that were identified.
• 7
  Follow-up care: After the examination, individuals receive a report detailing their health status and any recommended follow-up care or treatment.

Overall, our program provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to preventive healthcare, which can help individuals identify potential health risks early and take proactive steps to protect their health.