Health in Nova Scotia

There are a lot of great reasons to live in Nova Scotia.

• You are never more than 30 min from the ocean.

• The people are incredibly friendly.

• There are a ton of outdoor activities to take part in – fishing, camping, hiking etc.

Despite the positives that come from living in this province, there are also negatives, especially when it comes to the health of Nova Scotians. When compared to the rest of Canada, we have some of the highest rates of:

Cancer

• Overall, Nova Scotia has the 3rd highest rate of cancer diagnosis and

• The highest rate of lung cancer (Smith et al., 2019)

Diabetes

• 8.5% of the population

• Diabetes Canada considers Nova Scotia to be in a diabetes epidemic. It predicts rates will continue to climb (Calder, 2018)

Respiratory Disease

• Nova Scotia has the highest rate of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2009, 2009)

As well as higher rates of risk factors for which lead to the above diseases including:

Smoking

• 19-29% report daily or occasional smoking (Nova Scotia Health Profile, 2015)

Obesity

• 61% of the Nova Scotia population is overweight or obese (Nova Scotia Health Profile, 2015)

Meaning overall, those living in Nova Scotia have a shorter life expectancy

Interestingly, despite Nova Scotia having a lower life expectancy, high cancer rates, and diabetes, the residents believe they are in good health (Health - Provincial and Territorial Ranking - How Canada Performs, n.d.).

In my previous blog, I looked at the determinants of health and how they influence communities' health. Looking at the statistics above and knowing that having an adequate income, a good education, and a safe environment is linked to our overall health, it is not surprising that Nova Scotia has some work to do.

How to improve the health of Nova Scotians

Let's take a look at diabetes as an example.

The World Health Organization indicates the number of people living with diabetes has increased since 1980, particularly those in the low-middle income category (WHO | 10 Facts on Diabetes, n.d.) The impact of diabetes on both the individual as well as the health care system is substantial. Living with diabetes often: increases the likelihood of hospitalization, reduces lifespan, and contributes to the risk of strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure.

Diabetes Canada indicates that Nova Scotia is experiencing a growing diabetes epidemic, with an estimated 110 000 people are currently living with diabetes ((Diabetes in Nova Scotia, n.d.)

Diabetes Canada identifies some of the unique challenges in addressing diabetes in Nova Scotia and makes recommendations to the Government.

Addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) is essential to improving the health of communities. Diabetes Canada does a fantastic job of not focusing on how individuals should change their behaviour but instead looking at how the government can create policies that address the (SDOH).

References

Calder, S (2018). Nova Scotia latest budget fails to address diabetes epidemic in the province - Diabetes Canada. Retrieved October 17, 2020, from https://www.diabetes.ca/media-room/news/nova-scotia-latest-budget-fails-to-address-diabetes-epidemic-in-the-province

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2009. (2009). Retrieved October 17, 2020, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2010002/article/11273-eng.htm

Diabetes Canada. (2019). Diabetes in Nova Scotia. Retrieved October 19, 2020 from https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/AboutDiabetes/Diabetes%20Charter/2019-Backgrounder-Nova-Scotia.pdf

Health - Provincial and Territorial Ranking - How Canada Performs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2020, from https://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/provincial/health.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Nova Scotia health profile 2015. (2015). Retrieved October 19, 2020, from https://novascotia.ca/dhw/publichealth/documents/population-health-profile-nova-scotia.pdf

Smith, L., Cancer Society, C., John, S., Ryan Woods, L., Brenner, D., Bryan, S., Louzado, C., Shaw, A., Turner, D., Manitoba, C., Hannah Weir, M. K., Demers, A., Ellison, L., & Dixon, M. (2019). Members of the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee Analytic leads.

WHO | 10 facts on diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/diabetes/en/