Health Inequality and Systems Overview

Health Inequality

• Health inequality refers to unfair and unavoidable differences in health between different social groups.

Healthcare Systems

• High-income countries (HICs), like Canada, have universal healthcare funded through taxes.
• Low- and middle-income countries (LICs) have individuals pay for healthcare out-of-pocket.

Healthcare in HICs and LICs

• HICs: Modern hospitals, accessible doctors, affordable/free treatments, and vaccinations prevent diseases.
• LICs: Poor sanitation, lack of clean water, unsafe workplaces, limited access to treatment, and high healthcare costs.

Life Expectancy

• Life expectancy is the average lifespan expected for a person.

Influences on Life Expectancy

• Lifestyle: Healthy habits (diet, exercise, social activities) improve life expectancy.
• Genetics: Genes influence disease resistance and lifespan.
• Politics: Government policies impact healthcare access and living conditions.
• Economics: Higher GDP per capita correlates with better healthcare and increased life expectancy.
• Healthcare Access: Unequal access to healthcare creates differences in life expectancy between countries.

Meningitis

• A serious brain and spinal cord infection.
• Symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, and stiff neck.
• Spreads through sneezing and coughing.
• Common in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the 'meningitis belt'(Senegal to Ethiopia).

Epidemic Spread

• Global travel facilitates rapid spread of diseases, turning local epidemics into pandemics.

Obesity

• A condition where excess body fat negatively impacts health.
• BMI over 30 kg/m² indicates obesity.
• Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Obesity Comparison (Kuwait vs. USA)

• Both countries have high obesity rates due to poor diet and lack of exercise.
• Kuwait focuses on promoting healthier traditional foods and physical activity.
• The US aims to improve access to healthier food and implement better healthcare policies, and community fitness programs.

Blue Zones

• Regions where people live exceptionally long lives, such as Sardinia (Italy) and Okinawa (Japan).
• Factors associated with longevity include healthy diets, physical activity, strong community ties, and a sense of purpose.