The document discusses health inequalities in the UK based on findings from several government reports since 1842. It shows a strong link between poverty and poor health, though overall health has improved. Two nearby areas, Drumchapel and Bearsden, are compared, showing Drumchapel residents are much more likely to die young from common causes like heart disease. Recommendations are sought for reducing the health divide in West Dunbartonshire, particularly for young people.

1. The Health Divide

2. The Reports Many investigations into health inequalities have been carried out “ The General Report on the Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population of Great Britian” Edwin Chadwick 1842 “ The Black Report and Inequalities in Health” DHSS 1980 “ Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health” 1998 (The Acheson Report) “ Tackling Health Inequalities” Department of Health 2005

3. What do they show? Although since the Chadwick Report in the middle of the nineteenth century, the health and life expectancy of the people of this country have improved dramatically, all of the reports, including the most recent, show a strong link between poverty and poor health. We may be rubbish at football but we do top one league……

4. “I belong to….” Glasgow Shettleston Glasgow Springburn Glasgow Maryhill Glasgow Pollok Glasgow Anniesland Glasgow Baillieston Manchester Central Glasgow Govan

5. ? Why

6. Causes of Health Inequality – a reminder Diet Exercise Stress Housing Occupation Lifestyle choices Education Gender Ethnic group Age

7. Acheson

8. A Case Study

9. Drumchapel

10. Bearsden

11. The Facts Drumchapel and Bearsden are less than 1 mile apart a 21 year old living in Drumchapel today is 2 ½ times more likely to die before the age of 65, than a 21 year old in Bearsden. Before the age of 65, men in Drumchapel are 3 times more likely to die of heart disease than men in Bearsden

12. Over the same 3 year period… The main ‘killers’ in both Drumchapel and Bearsden were: Heart Disease Bronchial Disease Stroke Lung Cancer Breast Cancer

13. Yes, but what about the numbers? Bearsden Drumchapel 65 163

14. Let’s look back at the causes D iet E xercise S tress H ousing O ccupation L ifestyle E ducation G ender E thnic A ge S H O E L E G D A E A Wee Reminder!

15. If Mr. Carson Ruled the world! Put 10 pence on income tax to pay for increased benefits for poor people Ban smoking and drinking now! And sue the makers. Set fire to chippie vans outside schools Quadruple the tax on high fat / salt / sugar foods Wait – I’m not finished… there’s more!!

16. Padlock the doors of every McDonalds Give every child a free school meal (Healthy choice of course) and lock the gates at lunchtime. Refuse to give health care to people who damage themselves through ‘stupid’ lifestyle choices. Haw! Ronnie! Haud this a wee minute will ye!

17. Meanwhile, back on Planet Earth! You are an adviser to West Dunbartonshire Council. You have been asked to draw up a five year strategy to reduce the Health Divide in this area with a particular emphasis on young people. You should state clearly: Recommendations Reasons Possible Problems After all…

18. Does he deserve to die younger because he was born in … Drumchapel Shettleston Springburn Maryhill