Tax Incentives for Health Promotion
Health promotion is an evolving approach to individual health that focuses on a proactive approach to health behaviours and not a reaction to illness. In light of the rising rates of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory disease in Canada, new strategies for chronic disease prevention are required. Addressing the common denominators of chronic disease (tobacco and alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet) is at the forefront of health promotion strategies. Canadians are the benefactors of a universal, publicly funded health care system that provides care to all individuals across their lifespan, including those who neglect their health. Accordingly, health promotion has …show more content…
Health policies are directed by The Health Act of Canada whose main objective “is to protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to health services without financial or other barriers” (1984). This broad definition allows for the complex nature of chronic disease ( physiological and environmental factors, comorbidities, and the involvement of multiple health professionals) to be included in health promotion. Tax incentives allow for the delivery of this model to all demographics, regardless of individual social or economic standing or health status, by utilizing the existing tax structure. The financial rewards that are offered provide the motivation to change, allowing lasting healthy behaviours to be formed through personal choice and …show more content…
For health promotion to accomplish its mandate, the universal model must be adapted. Stakeholders must identify target groups by income, age, or risk factors, and design incentives to address one of the common denominators. At the risk of appearing biased, this approach would provide support for those most at risk for unhealthy lifestyles behaviours. Offering a sales tax at the point of purchase, rather than a tax credit in the spring, would decrease the expense of purchasing equipment or supplies related to a healthy lifestyle and provide a tangible, immediate benefit according to von Tigerstrom, Larre & Sauder (2011). A tax incentive policy is an objective measurement of health promotion whereas quality of life is subjective valuation. As such, health promotion must be seen as personally beneficial to individuals, not just in tax dollars saved or decreased health care costs. Governments must take their share of the responsibility in removing barriers to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and not rely on a single strategy to be effective. As well, individuals must accept responsibility for their current and future health, and not rely on a universal health care system. Ultimately, tax incentives will not fulfill the mandate of the Canada Health Act when governments use incentives as an
Health promotion is an evolving approach to individual health that focuses on a proactive approach to health behaviours and not a reaction to illness. In light of the rising rates of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory disease in Canada, new strategies for chronic disease prevention are required. Addressing the common denominators of chronic disease (tobacco and alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet) is at the forefront of health promotion strategies. Canadians are the benefactors of a universal, publicly funded health care system that provides care to all individuals across their lifespan, including those who neglect their health. Accordingly, health promotion has …show more content…
Health policies are directed by The Health Act of Canada whose main objective “is to protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to health services without financial or other barriers” (1984). This broad definition allows for the complex nature of chronic disease ( physiological and environmental factors, comorbidities, and the involvement of multiple health professionals) to be included in health promotion. Tax incentives allow for the delivery of this model to all demographics, regardless of individual social or economic standing or health status, by utilizing the existing tax structure. The financial rewards that are offered provide the motivation to change, allowing lasting healthy behaviours to be formed through personal choice and …show more content…
For health promotion to accomplish its mandate, the universal model must be adapted. Stakeholders must identify target groups by income, age, or risk factors, and design incentives to address one of the common denominators. At the risk of appearing biased, this approach would provide support for those most at risk for unhealthy lifestyles behaviours. Offering a sales tax at the point of purchase, rather than a tax credit in the spring, would decrease the expense of purchasing equipment or supplies related to a healthy lifestyle and provide a tangible, immediate benefit according to von Tigerstrom, Larre & Sauder (2011). A tax incentive policy is an objective measurement of health promotion whereas quality of life is subjective valuation. As such, health promotion must be seen as personally beneficial to individuals, not just in tax dollars saved or decreased health care costs. Governments must take their share of the responsibility in removing barriers to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and not rely on a single strategy to be effective. As well, individuals must accept responsibility for their current and future health, and not rely on a universal health care system. Ultimately, tax incentives will not fulfill the mandate of the Canada Health Act when governments use incentives as an