Ken Yasumoto-Nicolson wrote:

> On 12 Apr 2004 04:15:45 -0700, still_the_same_me@hotmail.com (James
> Annan) wrote:
> 
> 
>>and an annual
>>full chest x-ray of completely healthy people for the theoretical
>>possibility of TB must be a very poor bet.
> 
> 
> Ahh, so that's why they do it. I was going to ask why. Next question
> is is there any scientific evidence of effectiveness to support this
> procedure?

Um...wrong question. This _is_ Japan we are talking about. There does 
seem to be a bit of a TB problem here but of course it is the homeless 
and unemployed who have the big risk and no employer's health check to 
diagnose it.

I've only actually had the x-ray once or twice out of the three 
check-ups so far, and no-one seemed to care when I missed it. The whole 
check-up thing is so obviously a "must be done" process rather than any 
genuine concern for the health of the staff, which is why I am so 
unenthusiastic about devoting a half-day after my return to visiting 
some medical facility to get poked and prodded by people with no useful 
work to do. Especially if it is likely to actually be injurious to my 
health.

James
-- 
If I have seen further than others, it is
by treading on the toes of giants.
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/julesandjames/home/