why canadians who want preventative healthcare fail to seek it out
close to 50 per cent of canadians do not utilize preventative care measures, leaving them vulnerable to developing more severe disease later on in life.
4 minute read
only 56 per cent of canadians go for regular check-ups with their healthcare providers, while 41 per cent get regular screening and early-detection tests.
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preventative medicine is a vital aspect of protecting oneself. it’s designed to ensure that health issues are avoided, prevented, or caught early in an attempt to prolong a person’s years of life and quality of life.
however, nearly 50 per cent of all canadians fail to access the preventive care supports available to them.
a newly released study, the blue cross health study, shows that, while canadians love the idea of preventative medicine, perceived limitations and barriers hinder people from seeking it out.
“it is concerning that many canadians are not seeking essential health services when they need it,” said tim bishop, managing director of blue cross canada, in a press release.
what’s involved in preventative care
preventative care encompasses everything a person can do before developing a disease or health condition that can keep illness at bay if done at the proper intervals. things that are involved in preventative care include:
- regular dental and medical checkups
- screenings for cancer and other diseases
- monitoring one’s own physical and mental health for changes
- maintaining good health through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a broad range of whole foods and exercising regularly
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when all of these actions are combined, they help to lower a person’s risk of developing a severe disease and help them stay healthier for longer.
the study data
the blue cross health study was conducted to get a better picture of how healthy canadians are and the actions they take to maintain their overall health. according to the study, roughly 64 per cent identified as being physically healthy, with 36 per cent noting that improvements could be made.
most canadians took their health into their own hands in the last 12 months by actively engaging in healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising or eating better, at rates of 67 and 69 per cent, respectively.
however, even while a high percentage of canadians have decided to utilize at-home tools to ensure overall health, their access to the healthcare system’s preventative care offerings is underutilized.
only 56 per cent of canadians go for regular check-ups with their healthcare providers, while 41 per cent get regular screening and early-detection tests. health education access was even lower at a rate of 34 per cent.
the reasons behind the lack of preventative care access are due to several factors, including:
- fear and anxiety over health
- lack of time
- lack of transportation
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fear and anxiety were the most significant factors keeping people from seeking out regular preventative care, especially among generation z and those who are not financially secure.
that said, roughly 48 percent of financially stable people and 36 percent of those who consider themselves financially secure fail to access preventative measures.
females are also more likely to forgo preventative care than males, at rates of 69 and 57 per cent, respectively.
“these perceived barriers not only impact individual wellbeing but also underscore the urgent need for accessible solutions, like health benefits plans, that empower canadians to access the care they need and value,” said bishop in a press release.
improving access to health benefits for better preventative care
there’s no way to force people to seek preventative screenings or exams, but there are ways to remove barriers so that people feel they can do it on their own terms. one way is by providing health benefits.
health benefits remove the financial hurdle that many people may have to face by helping them obtain services not covered under their respective provincial healthcare plans. many people may also feel as though they cannot afford to take time off work if something is wrong, which plays into both financial and fear and anxiety barriers, but having security through a health plan in that regard is also a step forward.
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according to the blue cross report, 69 per cent of people with health benefits believe they are in good health as opposed to 55 per cent who don’t have health benefits. people with a health plan are also more likely to actively improve their health and fitness at a rate of 77 per cent.
bishop said in a press release that “health benefits play a pivotal role by promoting preventive care, managing illnesses, and offering additional protection against unforeseen medical expenses,” showing that the data, while self-reported, paints an accurate picture of what having a health benefits plan can do for a person’s motivation to stay on top of their health.
new health approaches improving preventative care access
newly utilized health approaches are being implemented, making it easier for canadians to access preventative health care. for example, many pharmacists can now diagnose and treat minor conditions, with 90 per cent of canadians visiting their pharmacist for this reason.
virtual care appointments also increase access to care for people who experience barriers such as transportation or a lack of time. younger generations are more likely to utilize virtual and digital solutions, whereas older generations still look to their primary care provider for the bulk of their health information.
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with these new methods, people can address the limitations in seeking preventative care for certain conditions in a way that benefits their overall level of health.
“there is no single or best way to access care. it depends on the person and their specific needs. from walk-in clinics to telehealth and virtual platforms, canadians are enjoying a variety of benefits each format provides,” said bishop in a press release.
improving preventative care for all canadians can help keep individuals healthy and encourage a healthy society overall.
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