"Our issue isn't that we need more funding, we simply need a healthier population."

In 2019, total health expenditure in Canada is expected to reach $264 billion, or $ 7,068 per person. It is anticipated that, overall, health spending will represent 11.6% of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP).

It is in my opinion that we do not need to spend a single dollar more on healthcare than our current levels. Our expenditure should be more than adequate. However it doesn't seem to meet the needs of our populace and it is a constant point of contention and discussion. Our issue isn't that we need more funding, we simply need a healthier population.

Yes a healthier population. The bulk of healthcare cost get used up by patients needing drugs, treatment, and ultimately expensive hospital care, to treat disease brought on by poor lifestyle choices.

That's right poor lifestyle choices. Our eating habits, our sleep habits, and exercise have eroded over the last 50 years. Kids are fed fast food and treats regularly, high school teenagers will walk over the local malls and convenience stores at lunch in search of pop and chips, adults use drive throughs daily, consume alcohol weekly and exercise little. Our consumption of live streams, and video games is at an all time high.

Walk around any public space and take a look at our general populace. Do we look healthy as a group or have we all accepted that it's ok to let ourselves go?

The best news is that it's never too late, we can all make some small changes daily to improve our lives. Put your phone away two hours before bed, I guarantee a better sleep. Reach for apples not fries. Skip the after work drinks for an after work workout.

Let's stop asking what the government can do, what our mayors can do, what doctors and nurses can do, and what others can do. Let's start by looking at ourselves and saying

What can I do to today improve my lot in life! We are not hopeless victims at the hands of big government, we are 100% capable of improving our own daily lives by actively choosing to do so. So let's choose to do so!