The Body Economic: Why Austerity Kills

Hello HEALers,

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been inadvertently catching episodes on CBC Radio on the economic effects of austerity policies. What is austerity? Wikipedia describes it as, “policies used by governments to reduce budget deficits during adverse economic conditions. These policies can include spending cuts, tax increases, or a mixture of the two.”

I thought Anna Maria Tremonti's recent interview with the author's of The Body Economic: Why Austerity Kills might particularly interest you.  To give you some background, in Greece they’ve had to cut their health sector budget by 40%.  These cuts have impacted their preventative programs. As a result, suicide rates have increased, new HIV infections have jumped 200%, and malaria has returned since cutting their mosquito spray programs.  For more information, access the book here.

While I was searching for interview above, I also came across another CBC documentary on health care.  This one focuses on Aboriginal health in Canada: State of Care Documentary: Canada’s Segregated Health Care

On another note, a few weeks ago I was perusing your blogs and noticed that our former HEAL member, Jenn Fane, has rejoined the blogging sphere. She’s now an Associate Lecturer in Health Education at Flinders University. Congratulations Jenn! Catch up with her!

Finally, here is a recap of the posts you've shared:

OSTEOPATHY
Finding meaning from living experience
Stroke of insight
This is Water
Principal fires security guards to hire art teachers
Supplemental Information
Biophelia...in Victoria BC!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Cheers,

Jacqueline