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Some things a doctor can’t prescribe... but they can be just as important to health as the ones she can. Social and economic conditions like income, housing, and access to nutritious food are powerful determinants of health.
Research has shown that people who live in the poorest neighbourhoods have a lower life expectancy, and higher mortality rates for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Children living in poverty are more likely to have poorer developmental outcomes, to drop out of school sooner, and to suffer from asthma and chronic diseases.
It has been suggested that over 20% of health care spending in Canada is due to income disparities. Policies and programs which reduce social and economic inequities can reduce the burden on the health care system.
In Peterborough, poverty and its impact on health is a major concern.
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Last Revised/Reviewed
Monday, 2009-06-22 2:04 PM