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Thursday, February 06, 2014

Poverty the primary factor of illness

In the 2009 report of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Health, only 25 per cent of the health of the population was attributable to the health care system, 15 per cent was due to individual biology (i.e. genetics) and 10 per cent to environmental factors such as air quality and civic infrastructure.
The remaining 50 per cent was due to a variety of social determinants, including poverty, work conditions, housing, diet and community factors.

The Canadian Medical Association report — Healthcare in Canada: What Makes Us Sick? — was released in July 2013. Poverty was found to be the most significant determinant of illness. Other significant determinants included access to affordable and safe housing, early childhood development and education.

Most of us have a good idea of what we need to do in order to live healthier lives. Exercise, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke or use recreational drugs, limit alcohol, reduce stress and maintain good relationships.

Due to poverty, many families struggle to get food on the table. To eat five or more fruits or vegetables a day is not affordable. Others are unable to find safe and affordable housing. Some neighbourhoods do not have easy access to transit, community centres, parks or safe areas to walk.

From here 

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