Sweating Before Summer Arrives is Too Late. ITreat's Heatstroke Countermeasures Launched in Early Summer

Background of Setting "Health Enhancement Month"

ITreat Inc. (Headquarters: Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, President: Kenta Kimura) designated May 2026 as its employees' "Health Enhancement Month" and planned and implemented a walking event and a dodgeball tournament.

In the web production and marketing industry, where desk work is the norm, the physical and mental health of each employee is the foundation that supports the quality of work. ITreat has long considered employee health maintenance as one of its management challenges, and this time, it took practical steps through two initiatives: a walking event and a dodgeball tournament.

Heat Acclimation - The Importance of Getting Your Body Used to the Heat Before Summer Arrives

Heat acclimation refers to the process by which the body gradually gets used to heat and becomes more resistant to it by repeatedly being exposed to hot environments. As heat acclimation progresses, sweating increases, allowing for more effective body temperature regulation and reducing the risk of heatstroke.

Heat acclimation can be achieved by continuing moderate exercise, such as walking for about 30 minutes daily, in a "slightly hot environment" at an intensity that feels "somewhat strenuous." Experimentally, it occurs a few days after starting exercise and is said to be complete in about two weeks. Even from seasons when you wouldn't sweat just by sitting still, you can prepare a body that won't be defeated by the summer heat more quickly by making walking a habit a little earlier and increasing opportunities to sweat.

This concept is the underlying principle behind ITreat's decision to designate May as Health Enhancement Month and hold a walking event.

Source: Japan Meteorological Association, "Let's Learn About Heatstroke: Heat Acclimation"

28 Employees, a Total of 5 Million Steps!

Twenty-eight employees participated in the walking event. Their steps during the period were measured and tallied using an app, and the step rankings were shared within the company. The total number of steps taken by the participating employees was an astonishing 5,023,000. The top three participants received rewards from the company.

The inclusion of a competition mechanism encouraged sustained motivation among participants, and a key feature was that each person accumulated steps through their own ingenuity, such as during daily commutes or walks during lunch breaks. The design, which allowed for health promotion to be enjoyed like a game, led to a high participation rate.

Winning entries selected by employee vote

Discovering Local Charm While Walking - In-house Photo Contest Held

In parallel with the walking event, an in-house photo contest was also held. Participants submitted photos taken during their walks as entries, and all employees voted anonymously. The winners with the most votes received prize money from the company.

The event captured the charm of the local area, which employees might not have noticed during their usual commutes or breaks, such as streetscapes and seasonal flowers, by having them stop and walk. The event served not only to promote health but also as an opportunity to foster interest in the local community and develop observational skills.

Held in a park adjacent to the office

Dodgeball Tournament Born from Employee Feedback

The dodgeball tournament, held during lunch breaks, was an initiative planned and realized based on employee suggestions. The matches, divided into teams, were more intense than expected, with many employees sweating profusely by the end due to the high level of physical activity.

Securing an opportunity for full-body exercise, even within short breaks outside of work hours, can be considered an effective initiative from the perspective of heat acclimation. Furthermore, team formations that transcended departments and job titles contributed to the revitalization of communication among employees. The realization of an employee-proposed plan is also a reflection of ITreat's open organizational culture. We will continue to promote the creation of an environment where each employee can work healthily and vibrantly.

About ITreat Inc.

Our mission is to "solve the 'difficulties' of the medical field with the power of IT," and we engage in website production, system development, and secretariat services for academic societies. Based in Gifu Prefecture, we support medical and welfare professionals throughout Japan.

Company Name

ITreat Inc.

Location

2588 Nagarafukumi, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 502-0817 Tsukibun Building 3F

Representative

Kenta Kimura

Established

2014

Company Website

https://itreat.co.jp/

Contact for Inquiries

ITreat Inc. Public Relations Department TEL: 058-201-0240 Email: [email protected]