Preventative health measures seem to be all the rage, and so they should be!

In a time when economic and political stresses and strains weigh heavily on the minds of not only our leaders but every individual as the try to cope with the realities of an economic downturn, preventative measures seem to be an affective answer to some areas of concern.

The CHHS-AP has released a report focused on finding ways to prevent heart problems before they happen. A proactive approach to what is quickly becoming the deadliest of diseases around the world with an estimated 23.4 million people worldwide set to die from heart diseases by 2030 (WHO, 2008). In Canada alone 1 in every 20 people are diagnosed with a CV (Cardio-vascular) disease and this number could increase if nothing is done.

A proactive approach to health diseases has many benefits to a society both directly and indirectly. Firstly, it changes the social habits of a society which has; “seen a dramatic increase in physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes and hypertension” (CHHS-AP, 2009). Reversing such habits, as well as; creating more healthy environments, educating Canadians on healthy living, improving conditions for Aboriginal/ Indigenous people, administering more comprehensive health services, increasing knowledge on prevention and care and reforming the structure of health providers can all have a positive, direct affect on our society.

Another popular trend in socio-political analysis seems to be attempting to quantify the indirect benefits of improving social programs. This has been used with environmental conservation issues in the past and has proven to be quite affective. In the report the CHHS-AP certainly touched on the indirect benefits in a number of areas. The benefits to an already bewildered health care system are undeniable. By tackling the root of many diseases we can keep people out of the hospital system (and I don’t mean excluding them). People will be able to lead lives that rely less on medication. There is an old adage that the more we create different medicines the more we create different diseases. I’m not suggesting that medicine is not crucial to alleviating many illnesses, or is not essential to giving many people hope for an improved way of life. I work at a hospital part-time and it doesn’t take much to see that amazing service and sacrifice they make for the public, but we can all agree that limiting medical dependence to the most essential and crucial services will help us all. To quantify such affects would mean to look at the changes in hospital wait lines, medical insurance and the decreased burden on taxpayers and medical services etc.

This translates, according to the CHHP-AP, to a rough estimate of about $3 billion dollars (CAD) annually in economic benefits. From a utilitarian point of view, weighing the benefits of a $3 billion/year savings to a $700 million dollar initial investment or cost, which is what the CHHP-AP is calling for, provides a strong argument for implementation. It remains to be seen whether these measures will, in fact, produce such a dramatic social benefit, but this is why the Steering Committee is being overly cautious about its predictions. A more optimistic outcome is possible and could see an even greater benefit to Canadians.

Whether or not one feels it is necessary to implement these measures the aim is undoubtedly clear. Becoming more active and healthier can improve our physical and mental well-being; it can connect us to the community and natural environments we live in and it can help set an example for future generations to value their health above all. On that note, I think I will take my own advice and stop working on my computer and go outside for a run!

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Tags: canadian heart health strategy and action plan, healthcare, heart disease, obesity

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 3:52 am and is filed under health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.