The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on The State of Public Health in Canada 2008

Determinants of Health

The overall health of Canada’s population is considered very good, especially in comparison to many other countries. But a closer inspection of disease, disability and death rates shows that some Canadians are less healthy than others.

Factors influencing these rates include:

• Our genetic make-up which can result in a pre-disposition to certain diseases.
• Age Since most disease and disability occur as people age, we can expect increases as Canada’s population ages.
• Our lifestyle choices related to nutrition, physical activity and the use of drugs and alcohol
• Social and economic influences, including poverty, early childhood development, education, income and housing.
• Our social status and the work we do
• Where we live, whether in urban or rural areas
• Our social connections, whether we have close family and friends who are there for us when we need them.
• How Canadian society is structured, from employment opportunities and working conditions, to the quality of our neighbourhood environments and even aspects of community design.