A new Ipsos poll spotlights healthcare for the first time in this federal election campaign. Almost three out of four voters said that “addressing the problems facing Canada’s health system” is a crucial issue, second only to the economy.
Let’s not do the typical Canadian thing and talk about the next ten minutes in healthcare. Let’s finally take a longer-term view to drive real change for the future. And let’s look at the connection between voters’ top two issues – health and the economy. You can’t solve one without the other.
With the world economy limping along, and the ratio between wage earners and retirees declining, how are we going to reconcile health and wealth in the long term?
Children’s health just might help us to balance the equation between economic success on the one hand, and health system reform on the other.
Most chronic diseases have their onset in childhood. Even now, rates of chronic disease such as type II diabetes, heart disease, obesity and asthma are on the rise. There are worrisome signs that this next generation might become sicker adults, not healthier, than us – a troubling thought as they head into adulthood and the labour force.
Here is where health and the economy really intersect:
· Obesity will cost the Canadian health system $35.5 billion in the next 10 years. And the problem is only growing. If we don’t change our current trajectory, by 2040 up to 70 per cent of today’s children will be overweight or obese adults.
· Mental illness will cost the system $423 billion in the next 10 years. Over the past five years, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario has seen an explosion in the number of children and youth coming to the emergency room in a mental health crisis. We know we’re not unique, and the surge in demand for mental health support is happening right across the country.
· Premature birth will cost Canadian taxpayers $27.8 billion in the next 20 years. According to a recent UNICEF report card, Canada’s performance for kids is distinctly mediocre. We are 17th among 29 industrialized countries on measures of child well-being, and below average on health indicators like infant mortality, child poverty, overweight and alcohol use.
If we can improve child and youth health in Canada, the payoff will be huge.
We can stop chronic illness before it sets in, or delay the onset of its consequences much longer. Parents will save time and resources that would otherwise be taken up by caring for sick children. Today’s kids and youth will grow into an adult population with better physical and mental health, lower health care costs, higher productivity and lower absenteeism. Adults will be better able to maintain health as they age and stay independent longer.
Yes, the number of seniors is rising in our country. And the health care system needs to re-tool to manage this steady, gradual shift – including moving resources to homecare and other services that can keep seniors healthier, independent and in their own homes. These are indeed important issues that need to be addressed today.
But there is a long-term game and Canadians cannot afford to sit out. Healthier kids will equal a healthier and wealthier Canada tomorrow.
Let’s make this central in the election debates, because it certainly is central to Canada’s future.
Alex Munter is president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa.
