The results of a recent Northern Health Issues Strategy Steering Committee (NHISSC) study regarding the health of northerners had no surprises.
We?re not as healthy as people who live south of Parry Sound. The report shows cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and rates are significantly higher in Northern Ontario than the rest of the province.
The region also has significantly higher incidence rates for lung and colorectal cancer.
Northern Ontario rates of injuries and poisonings are significantly higher.
The study also showed personal income is lower, unemployment rates are higher and there are more individuals with an education of Grade 9 or less in the north.
?The poor health status of Northern Ontarians is of grave concern and is in need of serious attention,? said NHISSC chair Esko Vainio. ?The Northern Health Issues Strategy project has attempted to address these issues by focusing on solutions to assist health care agencies across the north to deal with this dilemma.?
