People’s health status and life expectancy increase in tandem with their levels
of education. For example:
- Women with higher levels of education are more likely to have normal birthweight babies
(Canadian Institute of Child Health, Healthy
Pregnancy and Childbirth resources).
- Statistics Canada reports that people with more
than 12 years of education are less likely to have high blood pressure, high blood
cholesterol, or to be overweight. (Saskatchewan Public Health Association, The Link Between Education and Health)
- Canada’s 1996-97 Population
Health Survey found that almost twice as many university graduates as people with
grade school education rate their health as "excellent" (30 per cent compared to
19 per cent).
- Dementia (losing mental abilities) seems to be higher among older people with less
schooling. (Alzheimer Society, Alzheimer's Disease and Risk
Factors).
Why this link between "schooling" and health?
Researchers are not really sure how this works. However, it is clear that education is
related to other factors which can in turn affect health. Education makes it easier for
people to access information and resources to make decisions about their health.
It also contributes to health in a number of other ways. For example, people with
higher education are more likely to be able to find well-paying "good" jobs.
This increases their chances for stable incomes, job security and job satisfaction.
Education also provides people with the knowledge and skills they need to solve problems
and to cope with change. This gives them a sense of control over their circumstances.
How can we ensure that everyone has access to good education?
Supporting head start (preschool), stay-in-school, and literacy programs helps. Investing the
same amount or more than we now do in public education for all children also helps ensure
access. Creating schools that nurture and respect all children is also essential.
Finally, keeping post-secondary education financially accessible to all Canadians, and
developing on-the-job learning opportunities (such as co-op programs) will go a long way
toward promoting health.
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