Health and Wellness
● Acute vs. Chronic Illness and Disability:
○ Acute: Short-term conditions that resolve with treatment (e.g., flu, broken bone).
○ Chronic: Long-term, ongoing conditions that may require lifelong management
(e.g., diabetes, arthritis).
● Five Dimensions/Pillars of Holistic Health:
○ Physical: Exercise, nutrition, sleep.
○ Emotional: Stress management, self-care, seeking support.
○ Social: Healthy relationships, social connections, community involvement.
○ Intellectual: Lifelong learning, problem-solving, critical thinking.
○ Spiritual: Sense of purpose, personal beliefs, meditation.
● Biological vs. Chronological Age:
○ Biological: Age based on physical health and body function.
○ Chronological: Actual age in years.
● Social Determinants of Health: Factors influencing health, including income,
education, employment, environment, access to healthcare, and social support.
● Health Continuum: A spectrum ranging from optimal health to severe illness, illustrating
how health is dynamic and constantly changing.
The Canadian Healthcare System
● Medicare in Canada: Publicly funded healthcare system, considered a “single-payer
system” because the government covers basic healthcare costs. A “multi-payer system”
(e.g., the U.S.) involves multiple insurance providers.
● Healthcare Spending: Majority spent on hospitals, physicians, and medications.
● Healthcare Use by Age Groups:
1. Seniors use more healthcare resources due to chronic conditions.
2. Younger individuals require less frequent medical care.
● Healthcare Funding: Primarily through taxes at federal and provincial levels.
● Tommy Douglas: Known as the "Father of Medicare," he introduced Canada’s universal
healthcare system.
● Federal Government Role: Ensures Medicare meets national standards, provides
funding, and regulates healthcare services.
● Canada Health Act (5 Principles):
1. Public Administration: Non-profit management by provincial authorities.
2. Comprehensiveness: Covers essential medical services.
3. Universality: Available to all Canadian residents.
4. Portability: Coverage maintained when moving between provinces.
5. Accessibility: No financial barriers to access services.
● Provincial Role in Healthcare: Manages hospitals, regulates healthcare providers, and
delivers services.
● Acute vs. Chronic Illness and Disability:
○ Acute: Short-term conditions that resolve with treatment (e.g., flu, broken bone).
○ Chronic: Long-term, ongoing conditions that may require lifelong management
(e.g., diabetes, arthritis).
● Five Dimensions/Pillars of Holistic Health:
○ Physical: Exercise, nutrition, sleep.
○ Emotional: Stress management, self-care, seeking support.
○ Social: Healthy relationships, social connections, community involvement.
○ Intellectual: Lifelong learning, problem-solving, critical thinking.
○ Spiritual: Sense of purpose, personal beliefs, meditation.
● Biological vs. Chronological Age:
○ Biological: Age based on physical health and body function.
○ Chronological: Actual age in years.
● Social Determinants of Health: Factors influencing health, including income,
education, employment, environment, access to healthcare, and social support.
● Health Continuum: A spectrum ranging from optimal health to severe illness, illustrating
how health is dynamic and constantly changing.
The Canadian Healthcare System
● Medicare in Canada: Publicly funded healthcare system, considered a “single-payer
system” because the government covers basic healthcare costs. A “multi-payer system”
(e.g., the U.S.) involves multiple insurance providers.
● Healthcare Spending: Majority spent on hospitals, physicians, and medications.
● Healthcare Use by Age Groups:
1. Seniors use more healthcare resources due to chronic conditions.
2. Younger individuals require less frequent medical care.
● Healthcare Funding: Primarily through taxes at federal and provincial levels.
● Tommy Douglas: Known as the "Father of Medicare," he introduced Canada’s universal
healthcare system.
● Federal Government Role: Ensures Medicare meets national standards, provides
funding, and regulates healthcare services.
● Canada Health Act (5 Principles):
1. Public Administration: Non-profit management by provincial authorities.
2. Comprehensiveness: Covers essential medical services.
3. Universality: Available to all Canadian residents.
4. Portability: Coverage maintained when moving between provinces.
5. Accessibility: No financial barriers to access services.
● Provincial Role in Healthcare: Manages hospitals, regulates healthcare providers, and
delivers services.
