Public Health Agency of Canada
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Home > Publications > Report: 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.