Here's a recent article about U.S. mortality data:
Life Expectancy for White Americans Drops Slightly;
Analysts Cite Drug Overdoses - NYTimes.com
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
HC Elsewhere Observations
After you've posted your HC Elsewhere research, highlight unusual
findings in the spreadsheet and then note them in this post. After most of us have posted, comment on the highlighted
findings. I'm especially interested in what you think about
Cincinnati's data.
Here's a recent article about U.S. mortality data:
Here's a recent article about U.S. mortality data:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
When looking at my information for the healthcare elsewhere, Japan had some very interesting results. The finding that I found most interesting was the mortality rates which each was very low. Both of the rates were as low as 1.2%. The fact that these rates are low show how effective their healthcare system must be. It also relays the fact that they are very successful in keeping their people alive and healthy. I wanted to know how well they educate their people about healthcare or if they are really just more effective with managing it. If so, maybe the US needs to learn a few things from them in order to mock the same rates they have.
ReplyDeleteComparing Japan to India, it can be seen that Japan's healthcare system is a lot more effective, but then again India doesn't have a universal system, which causes less people to be covered and having to pay out of pocket for any medical procedures.
DeleteThere were a number of alarming things I discovered while researching the US healthcare stats and comparing them to other countries. We all assume the USA will have the highest life expectancy, lowest poverty levels, best healthcare resources etc but it seems this is not true. First, looking at the life expectancy of people in the US it is lower than most other countries. In the US it hovers around 79 while most other countries, even those considered 'third world', average somewhere in the mid low to mid eighties. Why is this? Next, the neonatal and maternal death rates when compared to other countries are surprisingly high. In the US, for infants almost 6 deaths per 1,000 live births occur and for mothers almost 18 per 100,000 births. These numbers are staggering compared to the 1.1 and 1.2 of Japan, respectively. Also, the average amount of money spent per person on healthcare in the US is significantly higher than most other countries. The average person spend about $8,000 in the US compared to about $5,000 in Canada, $3,500 in Finland, and only $2,800 in Japan. Related to this I found it interesting that citizens spend about $17,000 per year on Medicare patients while other countries obtain similar treatments and only spend around $7,000. This discrepancy is something that needs to be adjusted by any future healthcare reform in the US.
ReplyDeleteI believed the same things that everyone would be higher than the U.S. in poverty rates and mortality rates as well. When I did my research on Japan, however I was shocked. The idea that they have a lower rate than our country should raise some eyebrows that a country nearly 3 times smaller than ours can manage life better than us.
DeleteEver since taking a lifespan development class I've been surprised by the high infant mortality rate in this country. I've never really heard a reason for this occurrence and am interested in finding out the cause of this. Also, the lifespan in the U.S. is just weird to me. One idea I had is that it seems that most people avoid going to the doctor. I feel like this limits preventative care for many illnesses, and results in illnesses being diagnosed too late. I am curious if there is any evidence to back this up.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBrycen I completely agree with your opinion on the strangely low lifespan in the US! Most would say obesity, heart disease etc (which is likely a part of the problem) but I think it has to do with both the avoidance of the doctor as well as the (previous and still working) poor access to healthcare that most people had. For a long time, and likely still today, a majority of the US did/does not have a primary care physician and only goes to a clinic/ER/urgent care when something is seriously wrong. And even then, visits to these such places look specifically at the problem presented, do what they can to fix it and send the patient on their way without a second thought to ask about family history, screenings or preventative care. Nice observation Brycen!
DeleteI agree with you Abb's that it is a shock or surprise of how high the US ranks when it comes to things like our life expectancy compared to other countries and I believe that it is all hype.
DeleteI was interested to learn about Norway's healthcare system since it is completely government run with the ability for citizens to pay out of pocket if they so wish. While their neonatal and maternal death rates are average for a country, 2.48 and 5 per 100,000 respectively, their hiv rate and overall infected are extremely low compared to most if not all other countries with only 250 new cases a year and the majority of it is immigrants from other countries. The top 3 causes of death are typical for what you would see in a developed country with heart problems and alzheimers ranking in the top which can often be contributed to age. The amount they spend in healthcare per person is about average to a little higher than average at around $6000. That is very efficient considering everyone in the nation, residents and guests, is covered by their healthcare. With an astoundingly low poverty rate of 1.7% and a literacy rate of 95% Norway has a seemingly very effective healthcare system.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty amazing standpoint on healthcare. I wonder what would happen if the US would take this standpoint?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe information I found for Cuba's healthcare system was very interesting. Their government operates a national health system and all health services are government-run. The system is universal and free for all Cubans without restrictions. The top 3 causes of death include heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, which are typical for most developed nations. Although their maternal death rate of 73 per 100,000 isn't very good, their neonatal death rate is average at 2 per 1,000. The HIV rate of infection and total infected are fairly low at .1 and 14,000 respectively. Cuba also spends a lot less money on health care than other counties with $603 per person and they focus on primary and preventative healthcare. Cuba provides almost 2,000 students every year with free medical education. They have one of the highest doctor per patient ratios in the world with one doctor per 170 people. Despite extremely limited resources, Cuba has managed to guarantee access to care for all segments of the population and obtain results to those of the most developed nations. According to the UN’s World Health Organization, Cuba’s health care system is an example for all countries of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to agree with the UN's World Health Organization on this one because Cuba's health system is quite superior to many. In fact any system that is universally free without restrictions is impressive. I would like to know how the United States ranks in the doctor per patient ratio compared to Cuba.
DeleteWow I had no idea that Cuba had a great healthcare system overall. Maybe there is some tips that we can implement into our own healthcare system, so that we can minimize the amount each person in our own country spends.
DeleteFor India, I found that they didn't have much in healthcare. There is only about 17% of India's population that is insured. Also, only 2% of doctors are in rural areas which is where 68% of the population live. There is a lot of HIV infection rates in India, making it the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. They are moving to get a universal health care system in India, which would provide universal health coverage throughout the country.
ReplyDeleteIn researching different healthcare, i've noticed that India and Kenya are closely related. HIV In Kenya makes this among the top epidemic in the world.
DeleteIn exploring healthcare in Kenya, I wasn't surprised by much. The life expectancy is 60yrs/old. Despite the current diseases that are wide spread throughout Kenya, their life expectancy is very high. Kenya also has one of the highest HIV epidemics in the world. 1.5 million are infected with more than 1/2 not receiving treatment and killing 80,000/year. Aside from HIV, Malaria is Kenya's biggest death defier killing one African child every 30 Seconds. This is the leading cause of death in children under five. In most areas, there was not a budget for healthcare. One doctor and Ten nurses were responsible for 10,000 people.
ReplyDeleteWhen comparing the healthcare elsewhere information to the country we live in and the United Kingdom which is the country I did research on I realized that some countries really struggle to stay healthy. Before doing this activity I did not think much of my own countries healthcare and I thought the United States could be doing a lot better. After doing some research and observing other students' research I recognize the fact that America could be a lot worse and us citizens have a pretty fulfilling life compared to other countries especially if you can afford health insurance.
ReplyDeleteAmerican citizens definitely have a lot to be thankful for compared to many countries. Most of the bad things that we see are because of us alone. People in countries like Kenya and India do not have the opportunities that we do. It is sad that some people do not recognize this.
DeleteAustralia, being much like America, was very similar to it with it's healthcare system. They both have medicare and they both have a very intricate system of health care and Australia's sounds much like it was before Obamacare took place. Australians have 3 types of healthcare including primary care, secondary, and private and public hospitals. Public hospitals provide free treatment to all residents of Australia. The downside is that stays, ambulances, etc. are not free. An unusual finding was that dimentia/alzheimers disease is one of 3 leading causes in 2 or 3 of the European nations including Australia. Something that was not surprising was how many of those causes of death had to do with heart disease, which could be easily prevented by eating right and staying fit. Also, among young people from 18-45, suicide was the largest cause of death in Australia. We could do so much to prevent these leading causes of death, especially in our young people.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought that suicide was the top cause of death in Australia. So sad. Especially in such a beautiful place.
DeleteI found several interesting things, when looking for data on France. First, France has higher life expectancy rates than the United States. This data comparison could mean that France is healthier than the US. Second, France has a lower poverty rate than the US. I couldn’t find the average dollar amount that France spends on healthcare, but, lower health care costs explain the lower poverty rates. Finally, I found two of the top causes of death for France. They are cardiovascular disease and cancer, which are the same as in the United States. This data shows that France is struggling with these diseases as much as we are in the US.
ReplyDeleteDo you think it is possible that its not just what they eat, but maybe their different lifestyles they have compared to us?
DeleteI was surprised that although the government ensures many basic healthcare needs, it does not provide for prescriptions. Also, most provinces will not cover infertility treatments. Things that breed competition like advertising, are kept to a minimum so the doctors' funds can be better focused on the quality of care. Preventative care is encouraged and patients are able to choose their primary care doctors. Lastly, a survey showed that 91% of Canadians said they prefer their current system over the system used in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI feel like two points you made about Canada are great and the US should take note: more controlled drug and research regulation to limit cost and a push for preventative care
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI was very surprised by the information I found out about Sweden. I was shocked at the amount of people infected by HIV in the last 30 plus years. 10,000 people is a lot, but what is more shocking is that 6,200 of those people are living still. Another piece of information that caught me off guard is the amount of money spent on healthcare compared to the United States. Almost $3,000 in difference. There's a lot I think we take for granted, and seeing the results of everyone's countries confirmed that thought. I will say that this formation proves that all countries are struggling, whether it be with HIV, or the care provided for its citizens.
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at this information I never realized how bad HIV was in these other countries. I also, did not realize how bad it was in the US. After looking at all these stats I have come to realize that there is a big problem and we need to become more aware.
DeleteI found that Cincinnati was not a very healthy city. Our poverty rate is the 10th highest in the country, and that it is on the rise. The neonatal death rates and maternal death rates are above the national average. The state of Ohio as a whole spends on average $7,076 per person on healthcare. I could not find an exact number per person in Cincinnati, but I would imagine it would be higher because we have access to more advanced medical techniques with Cincinnati Children's in the city. In almost every category, Cincinnati is higher than the national average. Combining my research with what I viewed from Abby's, Cincinnati is actually a little worse off than most other first world countries. I did a quick search of the healthiest cities in the US however, and found that Cincinnati was number 18 on the list of the 50 largest cities. This was actually really good, because other nearby cities were a lot farther down. Cleveland was 33rd, Columbus was 40th, Nashville was 46th, Indianapolis was 47th, Louisville was 49th, and Memphis was last at 50th. So while Cincinnati is not one of the healthiest places to live, for the Midwest region it has some of the best healthcare.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that Cincy would be considered a healthy city with such a rise in STD's and HIV rates along with drug use. Do you think that the amount of money we are spending is really getting us what we need?
DeleteI found that Cincinnati was not a very healthy city. Our poverty rate is the 10th highest in the country, and that it is on the rise. The neonatal death rates and maternal death rates are above the national average. The state of Ohio as a whole spends on average $7,076 per person on healthcare. I could not find an exact number per person in Cincinnati, but I would imagine it would be higher because we have access to more advanced medical techniques with Cincinnati Children's in the city. In almost every category, Cincinnati is higher than the national average. Combining my research with what I viewed from Abby's, Cincinnati is actually a little worse off than most other first world countries. I did a quick search of the healthiest cities in the US however, and found that Cincinnati was number 18 on the list of the 50 largest cities. This was actually really good, because other nearby cities were a lot farther down. Cleveland was 33rd, Columbus was 40th, Nashville was 46th, Indianapolis was 47th, Louisville was 49th, and Memphis was last at 50th. So while Cincinnati is not one of the healthiest places to live, for the Midwest region it has some of the best healthcare.
ReplyDeleteThese findings on Cincinnati's healthcare are a little shocking but expected. It is good to know that we live in a healthier city according to the list, however the poverty and death rates are pretty alarming.
DeleteI was interested to discover that Indonesia is currently in the midst of an HIV/AIDS epidemic, having the highest population with the disease in all of Asia. As well as the fact that the nation does have a national healthcare system, even if only 48% of the population is currently enrolled in it. I'm not exactly sure why the other 52% aren't, but some ideas I have revolve around isolated areas that the news hasn't reached and people with private insurance.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to find in a study that the poorest Americans die younger than the poorest Costa Ricans. Most people would think that generally the poor in the US would have a higher life expectancy since it is such a developed country compared to a country like Costa Rica. Costa Rica's health care system is very good. Under the universal system, every Costa Rican citizen has health care coverage and can use the public system. Funded by a 9 percent employee income tax and a variable employer contribution, the health system provides care to all, regardless of pre-existing conditions or the extent of the treatment needed. There are no bills sent to patients, and prescription medications are free. With an even greater physician shortage than the U.S., the Costa Rican health system’s main flaw is its lines for elective procedures. However, a citizen may purchase private insurance and use the private clinics and hospitals.
ReplyDeleteI found that the healthcare of El Salvador was poor. It was ranked 115 out of 190 countries in regards to the quality of its healthcare system. One shocking thing I found was that only 20% of the people there have health insurance; people not having health insurance is seen as a serious issue in America and we have almost 90% of people with health insurance. This issue is clearly more severe in El Salvador. El Salvador's healthcare system is still developing and reforms are needed to improve care specifically in the public sector given that the total expenditure per capita on health is only $100; a relatively low number.
ReplyDeleteGermany is surprising healthy country opposed to places like Cincinnati. I thought something was pretty cool is that Germany has a fund that is put into place that each german will put money into so not one german will go into serious debt for expensive medical bills. I was surprised how much someone in Cincinnati spends on healthcare. One of our own close cities is not as healthy as you would imagine. Looking through all the countries, heart disease is a continous cause of death no matter what the location is.
ReplyDeleteI think that's really interesting that Germany has a fund that each German puts money into to prevent one from going into serious debt for expensive medical bills. Although it seems unfair to those who don't have a large amount of bills, that is a nice way to keep many out of debt.
DeleteI was very surprised with the obesity and diabetes rates in Mexico. I'm NOT saying Mexico is a third-world country, nor am I demeaning the Hispanic people at all. But, based on the image the general public/media has painted of Mexico, surprised me when conditions like these typically call for exposure to a high volume of food,sweets,unhealthy lifestyke were prevalent in Mexico. It sounds awful of me, but I thought that there were more hungry people than obese/diabetic individuals. Once again, I feel bad (and surprised) about it, but that's what is usually expressed in the general media. I dunno, maybe I'm just ignorant lol!
ReplyDeleteI may or may be accurate in saying that Finland statistically speaking ranks among the best countries as far as health care goes. On average, Fins live 2 years longer, have wayyyyyyyyyyy lower STD/HIV rates, lower poverty rates, higher literacy rates,and spend less than half of what Americans do. I think that the United States is falling behind in several matters concerning health care. In the Cincinnati region, we can really see how the epidemic of drugs, especially heroin, and the use of shared needles is effecting life expectancy and the spread of HIV. I find it very interesting that in Cincy, life expectancy ranges 67-88: wow. I would assume that with that data that neighborhoods where drug use is spreading could be pinpointed.
ReplyDeleteBack to Finland, great country. I would love to move there. Good health for a lower price and a great education system as well.
I was surprised to see Cincinnati's infant mortality rate, it is two times the national average. I had China and their infant mortality rate was 10 out of every 1,000 which is just a little higher than Cincy's. I would also have to agree with Katrina about Finland, Finland seems as if they have this healthcare thing figured out. I would have thought the U.S. would have substantially better statistic across the board but I was shocked to see some alarming things such as: life expectancy, literacy rate, and money spent on per person on healthcare.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see Cincinnati's infant mortality rate, it is two times the national average. I had China and their infant mortality rate was 10 out of every 1,000 which is just a little higher than Cincy's. I would also have to agree with Katrina about Finland, Finland seems as if they have this healthcare thing figured out. I would have thought the U.S. would have substantially better statistic across the board but I was shocked to see some alarming things such as: life expectancy, literacy rate, and money spent on per person on healthcare.
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at the data for Cincinnati, I was surprised to find that the maternal death rate is 21 deaths per 100,000. Just thinking about this that makes think of stories about maternal death in the last year. It really isn't that common in our area and country but 21 deaths per 100,000 still strikes me as high.
ReplyDeleteWhen doing research on Saudi Arabia I was surprised to find that their 3rd highest death rate was the influenza and pneumonia. In America the death rate from the flu is high among infants and the elderly, but it is not high overall for the entire population. Also, what I found interesting was that the literacy rate for Saudi Arabia was 97%. I was actually expecting it to be lower because I thought that most females would not be allowed to read and write.
ReplyDelete