Key Determinants of Health
Instead of ever-increasing expenditures on sickness care, Picard calls for allocating more funds for social programs such as income assistance, subsidized housing, early childhood education, and affordable child care. There is abundance evidence to show that these expenditures help people to live better lives and, as a result, to stay healthier. Yet, a recent study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that over the period from 1981 to 2011, average per capita spending for health (sickness) care was $2,900, almost three times the $930 per capita spending for social services. It also increased more rapidly than social services spending over this period.
The study calculated that if governments spent one more cent on social services for every dollar spent on health, life expectancy in Canada could have increased by 5% and avoidable mortality could have been reduced by 3%. This would happen because it is having a decent income, an education, housing, food security, a sound physical environment, and a sense of belonging that keeps people healthy.
Notwithstanding the evidence, it is very difficult for politicians to reallocate spending from health (sickness) care to preventive programs and supports. While the latter will improve conditions for many over the long term, health spending addresses pressing current needs of individuals. When a government is preoccupied with the next election, short term considerations prevail. Even so, we can and should do more to bolster social programs and supports which help to keep people healthier and, therefore, decrease sickness costs down the road.
From my winter perspective south of the border, I see the opposite pattern unfolding. The political party that controls Congress and occupies the White House is determined to repeal the Affordable Care Act and to resist and reduce expenditures on social programs and supports. This stunningly stupid “double whammy” – unless reversed – will help to undermine the health of Americans and increase the cost of sickness care.
Don’t Wait for Government Action
The determinants of health are well known and unless your personal circumstances are really severe there is much that individuals can do to promote health and prevent sickness. Not surprisingly, diet and exercise are at the top of the list.
Don’t smoke. Drink moderately. Reduce consumption of red meat in favour of fish. Avoid heavily processed foods. As much as possible, eat plant-based foods such as are prevalent in the Mediterranean diet.
Get moving! You don’t have to embark on a rigorous exercise program, especially since sticking to such a regime is unlikely. Start by not being a couch potato. Sitting for long periods of time – at a desk or in front of the TV – is bad for your health. Stand up and move around every hour. Take walks whenever possible. Stretch muscles. Get enough sleep. These changes are simple to introduce in your life and will be very beneficial.