Those proud but few Americans who turn their backs on
Old Glory and emigrate northward could actually be extending
their lives. According to a recent survey by the US-based
non-profit thinktank, Population Reference Bureau (PRB),
a startling 253,000 people died in the US in 1998 who
perhaps would have lived had they dwelt on Canadian soil.
The reason? Canada has significantly lower mortality rates
for a number of common illnesses.
The two countries had enjoyed roughly
the same average life expectancy in 1955 (70 years),
but by 1998 we were clearly ahead. We'd managed to stretch
our life-span to the ripe old age of 79; meanwhile,
Americans could expect to meet their maker at 77.
The authors of the study found
cardiovascular problems were to blame for most of the
excess deaths. Most of the common International Classification
of Diseases (ICD) causes of death used by the study
were more prevalent in the US than in Canada, with two
exceptions being fatalities caused by neoplasms and
suicide.
Based upon the study's data one
might reasonably conclude that the American snack food
staple, the humble Twinkie, is as hazardous to the nation
as its equally ubiquitous Smith & Wesson pistols.
In 1998 in the US there were a total of 14,129 more
homicides than would have occurred if they had the same
murder rate as Canada. When using the same criteria
to compare deaths caused by circulatory diseases the
US was found to have an excess of 171,446 deaths relative
to Canada.
The US actually had a lower incidence
of hypertension and smoking than Canada, which leaves
their very high obesity rate — 28% for men and
34% for women — as a likely culprit for many of
the excess deaths. Canadian obesity rates are significantly
lower (men 13%, women 11%). As the authors wrote, "presumably
if Americans had Canadian BMIs, excess deaths caused
by obesity would be reduced."
The researchers concluded their
report by calling for more research into why American
average life expectancy is lagging behind its poorer,
colder northern neighbour.
To read the full report, visit
www.prb.org.
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