Wealth Equals Health

Money can't buy happiness but apparently it can buy a healthier life?

Two new studies released Monday suggest that the path to optimal health begins with a healthy paycheque.

The first study conducted by the Canadian Medical Association found that Canadians who have lower incomes report inferior health status compared to wealthier individuals.

The second study found that younger, poorer diabetes patients in Ontario run a higher risk of dying than their richer counterparts, though universal prescription drug coverage may help close the gap.

CMA

The survey, conducted by the CMA, found that Canadians with lower incomes held a more negative view of their health than wealthier individuals, suggesting that good health starts with a healthy income.

The survey results also revealed that Canadians with lower incomes use health services more often than those with higher incomes.

Only 39 percent of survey respondents earning less than $30,000 a year described their health as excellent or very good, compared to 68 percent of those earning $60,000 or more.

Almost 60 percent of Canadians who earned less than $30,000 a year said they accessed health care services within the past month. Meanwhile, only 43 percent of those earning $60,000 or more had accessed the same services.

Haggie told CTV News that one factor that may be causing the growing health gap between low-income and high-income Canadians is the economic downturn, which forces low-income families to make difficult decisions.

Drug coverage and diabetes care

Meanwhile, a second study found that younger, poorer Ontarians with diabetes have a 50 percent higher risk of dying than their more wealthy counterparts.

The ICES study found that while death rates among diabetes patients have fallen substantially, largely due to effective drug therapy, low-income patients under the age of 65 run a higher risk of dying compared to wealthier patients.

“In that group, poor people are 50 percent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and poor people are also 50 percent more likely to die than their high-income counterparts,” said Dr. Gillian Booth, the study’s lead author.

Booth told CTV News that these findings were consistent at all ages under 65, but the difference fell dramatically in the group over the age of 65 when universal prescription drug coverage kicked in.

Washington Post's Stats

Price. Healthy foods often come with a hefty price tag. “Price is a major determinant of food choice, and healthful foods generally cost more than unhealthful foods in the United States,” the study said.

Income gap. The income gap in the U.S. is growing. “Less money for those who had less money, to begin with, has put even more strain on dietary decisions,” the Post said. This goes beyond the price of food. Oftentimes a car is required to access a grocery store with healthy food options. If you can’t afford a car, your food options are limited.

Education. “Nutrition knowledge, which is strongly related to education level, is likely to play a role in the adoption of healthful dietary habits, and better nutrition may be a lower priority for economically disadvantaged groups, who have many other pressing needs,” the study said.

Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/health-headlines/wealth-equals-health-two-new-studies-suggest-1.911878

https://www.moneytalksnews.com/wealth-equals-health-when-it-comes-to-eating/

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