Medicine Book

This is a medicine book. You can request one when you get a prescription filled at a pharmacy.

You write your name, address, and other personal information here on the first page.

Each time you go to the pharmacy, the pharmacist types a label with the name of the medicine and the dosage and sticks it on one of the pages. It's optional. It's mainly for you to keep a record of your medication.

Tissues

Everyone seems to carry packages of tissues with them at all times. Papa, Big Sister and Little Brother carry a handkerchief and at least one package of tissues in their pockets. (I carry mine in my bag.) They need a handkerchief for the restroom at school and at the office. Most Tokyo public restrooms in our area have paper towels these days.

Packages of tissues are used as advertising. People stand on the streets (usually around stations) and hand them out to passersby. The package in the top left hand corner has an advertisement on the plastic packaging. The smaller packages are for kindergarteners and pre-schoolers. The white package with the bunny face has lotion type tissues. They are really soft.

Do a blog search to see handkerchiefs.

School Urine Test

Little Brother had to take a urine sample to school today. There are directions on the envelop. The little bottle is put in the envelop and taken to school. There is a name label on the envelop and on the bottle. The test is for diabetes.

Big Sister started public high school in April. She had a urine test a few weeks ago, too. Hers came with a little plastic zip lock bag.

Certificate for Clean Teeth

Elementary students have their teeth checked at school. Students line up in the gym to have their teeth examined by dentists. They get a sheet of paper that tells them they need to brush better, they need to make a dentist appointment, or they have perfectly okay teeth.

Little Brother got this certificate at his school a few years ago. The pink paper says, "Perfect Award, Congratulations!" Older kids just get a regular white sheet of paper with their results.

School Worm Check

In the first year of elementary, junior high, and high school, students have their hearts checked. Every year in elementary school, they have their teeth checked. Their urine is tested and they are checked for worms every year. Big Sister reminded me that these tests are not done in junior high and high school.

Little Brother brought this worm test home on Friday. He has to follow these directions two mornings in a row. The plastic strip has two sides that are used for each test day. He will put the strip in the little white envelop. His name and grade and class number are already printed on the other side. He will have to carry it to school on Tuesday. He told me, "Kids are never happy about this."