There has been a dramatic improvement in Aboriginal neonatal health, and the incidence of neural tube defects and sudden infant death syndrome has declined. Immunization rates have risen, and the death rate in all age groups has fallen. Though the report gives room for optimism, we can hardly be complacent about the progress that has been made. In l989, there was a unanimous all-party decision to end child poverty by 2000. Greater income inequity translates into poorer population health, that is, increased rates of low birth weight and its attendant morbidity, increased rates of emotional disturbance, decreased academic performance, and diminished involvement in activities with a positive impact on mental health such as sports, music and the arts.
Many markers point to health concerns involving Canadian youths.
Almost one-third of adult smokers began to smoke at age 12 years or younger. To increase health promotion opportunities, physicians can consciously make encounters with adolescents more youth friendly , that is, open and nonjudgmental, empowering, and respectful of their goals and objectives. Given that this group consults a physician infrequently, we need to reinforce healthy behaviours during every encounter. The number of children with complex health care needs is unknown, but such children have a profound impact on families. Most parents believed that their employment status was affected, and they had difficulty finding child care.