This approach, rooted in 17th century science, has led to widespread indifference to the influence of the primary determinants of human health environment and personal behaviour and emphasizes the role of medical treatment, which is actually less important than either of the others. A newborn child today may expect to live to be 74 years old if he is male, and 81 if she is female. Today, less than 1 of every 100 children is stillborn, compared to 1 of 3 in the early 1800s and 1 of 10 in the early 1900s.
Cemeteries are no longer at the centre of our towns and villages.
Good health now typifies our lives. While interventions such as immunization and treatments have a role to play in achieving and maintaining good health, a higher standard of living and a healthier environment are also major factors. The National Forum on Health has pondered this finding at length and has considered how it fits into public policies as we enter the 21st century. Many health and social indicators are promising life expectancy has increased while crime, injuries, per capita alcohol intake and smoking among males have decreased. Many people believe, however, that elements in our current economic and social environment put our health at risk.