If you’re wondering how to measure how healthy your country is, there are a few factors that you need to take into account. These factors include getting enough sleep, a well balanced diet, exercise and physical activity, spending time with friends and family, and access to healthcare. If you are like most of the world, you put an emphasis on sleep to maintain your health.
Globally, we can all do a little better when it comes to our health. Studies and surveys have shown that on average, only about 66% of us get enough sleep, 59% of us are eating healthy foods, and 57% of us are exercising regularly.
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Access to Healthcare
Making changes to your everyday routine is completely in your hands, but what may not be in your hands is your access to healthcare.
In recent years, the health community has made tremendous strides both in medical treatments and technological advancements. While many countries have access to this new age of healthcare, the unfortunate reality is that not every person, even in developed nations, can receive the care they need.
Healthcare has become a financial burden for many, and in countries like the US, a trip to the hospital can end up sending you into mountains of debt. The global debate focuses around whether or not overcharging for medical services is moral, and if healthcare is a right or a privilege. This debate shows little signs of slowing down.
Looking at the Numbers
When you think of the best healthcare system in the world, does your country come to mind? For many, the answer is no. The grass always seems to be just a bit greener on the other side, not just looking at healthcare systems in other countries, but even healthcare in your own.
For example, in the US, healthcare is a hot button topic that has polarized the country. The poor think only the rich have access to the best medical services, and the rich think that the poor are driving the cost of healthcare up. So how does your country measure up?
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The US spends by far the most money on healthcare per capita by nearly $3,000 more than the next highest spending country, Switzerland. However, this doesn’t mean that the US has the best healthcare system in the world. In fact, if you look at one of the most important health indicators, life expectancy, the US ranks next to last out of developed nations with a life expectancy of only 79.3 years.
What about access to healthcare? Many countries, especially European countries, have government sponsored healthcare, also known as universal healthcare. While countries like Canada, Denmark, and Japan have 100% of their population covered, other countries like Chile, the US, and Luxembourg still have a percentage of their population without health coverage.
Take a look at these numbers to see how your country compares.
Please include attribution to First Quote Health with this graphic.
This really helpful infographic shows What Healthcare Looks Like Around the World. It breaks down what healthcare systems looks like in other developed countries.
Author’s bio:
Brian Segal is a content writer from San Diego. Graduating from San Diego State University with a Communication degree, he found his calling in the world of marketing and content. He enjoys writing helpful articles on health and healthcare.
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