Singaporeans are living longer but are sick for more years than people in several other countries, with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and mental illness the main culprits, a study said on Monday. Many deaths come from diseases that could be prevented, said the Ministry of Health study. While the average woman in the city-state should live to 81.8, she will likely spend eight of those years ill or disabled, said the prognosis published in The Straits Times. Men are also expected to spend eight of their 78 years in poor health. The findings will help authorities prioritize in spending health resources.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Living longer but are sick for more years.
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Singapore - Singaporeans are living longer but are sick for more years than people in several other countries, with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and mental illness the main culprits, a study said on Monday. Many deaths come from diseases that could be prevented, said the Ministry of Health study.
ReplyDeleteWhile the average woman in the city-state should live to 81.8, she will likely spend eight of those years ill or disabled, said the prognosis published in The Straits Times. Men are also expected to spend eight of their 78 years in poor health.
The findings will help authorities prioritize in spending health resources.
"With early detection of diseases, prompt medical treatment can hopefully minimize illness and medical complications," Dr Lam Pin Min, a member of the government parliamentary committee for health, was quoted as saying.
People were urged to go for regular screenings, eat more vegetables, less salt and exercise more.
Japan emerged as the top country for long, healthy lives with women living an average of 77.7 years in good health compared to 71.3 in Singapore. Men live 72.3 years compared to 68.8 for those in the city-state.
San Marino, Spain, Switzerland, Monaco, Sweden, France, Italy, Andorra and Australia were among the countries with better figures than Singapore.
Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/152001.html