I agree with Michelle. Many Canadians are not really proud to be Canadian. Deep down they are very bitter. They always seem to need to compare themselves to Americans, and comparing yourself with someone else all the time seems to suggest a feeling of inferiority.Canada's media tries to instill in Canadians a false sense of pride, by making up phony comparisons like this health study. Canadians are so brainwashed and delusional that if anyone would disagree with such a study like this health analysis, they would accuse the person of being jealous, when in reality he is merely trying to wake them up to reality.

I found this topic funny. Does it matter who's healthier? What's the point of the comparison?

i can't believe what i'm reading.......there seems to be so much hatred between usa and canada..what wrong with this picture ?????should we contact obama and harper and ask for military help..we live in free countries.. be thankful that no one is shouting at all of us, yet !!! and for the rest about who is healthier ? who cares..leave it alone...i'm 65 yrs old and i have never witnessed or seen such hatred ...and frankly i don't even want to comment on how you all feel about anything.. your all blind, open your eyes...we are all human beings struggling to survive... i have lived in u.s.a. ,and loved it, and now in canada, and i love it...
a hug going to everyone of you..God Bless..............

i saw on t.v.in the u.s. senate where they gave all their opinions,and i couldn't believe john bayner was almost in tears,about this and how bad it will be,how does he know ? they've never tried it,they're too busy screwing everyone so how does he know !!people wonder why there so against it, THE INSURANCE COMPANY OWNS THESE PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES WAKE UP AMERICA.i hate to rub it in but,your president is right on the money,it's about time america caught up to the rest of the world.. cogratulations !!well done,don't worry it's not communism LOL peace

Bla, Bla, We all have what we fight for! That is ridiculous making comparable views! I only want to say this ....A society is judge on how well they treat the less unfortunate members! If you are well today who knows what will you are going to endure tomorrow! We are building on what many fought in the past to give a better way of life to future generations! Remember great societies are the compassionate ones not the tyrant ones! Not every body is born with a silver spoon or from rich parent! Politicians promote human rights to live and prosper but when comes to money the rights are out because the more they have the more they want from you and leave you out! You never going to have equality but we have to try to achieve it in the end !!!!! The storm is on but the sun comes out to greed everybody!

Canada , as we know it now , and the u.s, were founded and built from totally different mentalities and beliefs. Those differences are becoming more and more evident as the years go by. In God's country , we believed ALL in Canada should have the RIGHT to the same quality of health care . Canadians believed that we , from all provinces ,should benefit from the same quality of service.... a social safety-net for all. In short, your wallet should NOT dictate the value of your LIFE. Our system is FAR from perfect , but the care IS world class and nobody, compared the yanks , goes into bankruptcy because his child needed care.Nor does OUR system rely on insurance companies that cancels a women's coverage because she 's been diagnosed with double breast cancer .....and is now left ON HER OWN.! Think about it, ...this IS the american way! Sound right to you. Aren't you glad Canadians had the guts to build our own system! Thank God we also structured our banking system to OUR standards!
In the u.s. of A , it was their " almighty dollar" that dictated their degree of health care. Well ...those dollars are far less almighty and abundant. A recent international study would have us believe that u.s. citizens now have a life expectancy of almost 3 years LESS THAN CANADIANS. Does that sound like a good system to you? .....Talk IS cheap, action is not !!!
Comments from individuals like "ry cober" enforce the belief that u.s. citizens will drift farther and farther in mentality from Canadians as time goes by.
In Canada , the child of the most destitute will receive the very same quality of care as that of the most well-healed of Canadian society .As it should be , by Canadians standards,.... and as it is in almost all of the " civilized" world.
Think the yanks have all the right answers , THINK AGAIN!!!!!

Terrina and Peter, thanks for noticing the error. We have now corrected the article and it correctly states that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for Canadians and cancer the second most common.

Ro Cober it is about time for you to change your thinking.If you like to live in Canada forget the US.Canadians are proud and have giving the US always a helping hand,if you dont like Canada,go back where you came from,(remember you need a Passport to enter the US) Ricardo

All you wonderful ex-pats that come to this fine country from the USA should remember that you came here for a better, kinder way of life. Size of a country or the size of people does not make us who we are. We are all borthers and sisters and share so many of the same values. Just be thankful your in North America and not in other countries which I do not need to mention.

Why would having more children be healthier? Is this a health benefit? Isn't the planet too populated and wouldn't it be better to have fewer or no children?

The numbers in this survey are similar and without seeing the statistics used may even not really mean anything if the standard deviations are wide.

You people are all pathetic. Canada and the United States are two seperate countries with two seperate identities. Get over it people both countries are spectacularly beautiful and unique. I am Canadian and have never wanted to live anywhere else but, come on if the U.S. were so bad why do we always go there on vacation? The health care system suits either country to it's own satisfaction. Leave it at that and move on.

To Robo: If your country is so great, why are you here using up our natural resources!! Should we pull the plug on all our natural resources like electricity, gas and oil so that you can ride your bike instead? If your country is so great where are your natural resources!!! Jealousy doesn't get you anywhere. What are you doing in this country, GET OUT. We don't need people like you. WE are PROUD canadians.

Diabetes is lower in Canada? Maybe, but the guidelines for diagnosing diabetes a very different between the Canadian Diabetes Association and the American Diabetes Association.

In a fasting glucose test in Canada, with a result of 6.0 mmol/L your doctor will consider you "normal" while in the US that would already be considered pre-diabetes.

I lived in the US for thirty years and now I live in Canada. I have never came across so many of these comparisons as I do living here. So if Canadians aren't trying to compare themselves to the US then why so many of these stupid things.... These are pointless and a waste of time yet Canadians love to compare themselves to others to only come out on top... It may be true but it is arrogant.

Overall I don't see that there is a big difference between the two countries, especially if we are calculating based on population also.

Instead of trying to have a Canadian/American debate, let's keep our focus on making sure we as individuals are healthy and doing what we can to maintain it.

i see this article to be more of a warning to both countries. To Canadians we are not much healthier than the country that is perceved has the unhealthiest country in the world(weather thats true or not is irrelevent). We should step it up still. and to Americans showing them losing in so many categories should motivate people to become healthier. I see it as room for tons and tons of improvement.

Isn't a lower birth rate a good thing (Canada)? It shows more resposibility and thought, ecologically and financially.

Oh yes, I AM an American ExPat. Im in Canada because I love it and look forward to becoming a citizen of a country I can be proud of! I'm not one of those sorry souls that hangs out at "American Clubs" etc. If ya don't like Canada, quit your whinin' and head south, eh?

Hey Ro Cober, if ur such an ex patriot than go back to where u came from and stop using our system to benefit yourself....I have no want to pay taxes to support your health...and if Canada was such a "tiny little country" then why did the Unites States expect our support...maybe the US should fight their own battles...ooops did I say that out loud?

"Perhaps if Canadians were not so insecure, these types of so called studies, that do nothing except waste money, would cease to exist. If you spent as much time making Canada a better place to live, you would be a better country. And if you think Americans are fatter in general than Canadians, open your eyes - you guys are morbidly obese in general. Canada will never be the U.S., get over it, you are a little tiny country with absolutely no impact on the world. No wonder the U.S. makes you feel so inadequate. An expat living in Canada." - Ro Cober

Why do you choose to live here if think we need to make "Canada a better place to live"? If it's so bad and full of "morbidly obese people" why did you come here? Go back to your wonderful country we will not miss you nor feel "inadequate" due to you loss. We are NOT insecure; we are secure in our identity as Canadians and we DO NOT need to "get over" wanting to "be the US" and in fact spend most of our time abroad trying to convice others that we are NOT US citizens and that we have our own values, culture and history. Expats= former patriots- you are the one that needs to "get over it"!!!!!

You think Canada has no impact on the world!? look around you and read things. What is Canadien made you own? most likley, more than you think. Who's off helping other countries, fighting wars, we don't really have to fight, We impact te world more than you think. Some of the best people come from Canada. Maybe some people won't mind being Americans, but keep in mind, Canadiens arn't all Obese, most arn't. Come and see yourself. By the way, We are not inadequate. We love who we are, we are PROUD to be Canadien!

Ro Cober BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO two thumbs down

hahaha well Canadian's are definatly healthier than Amarican's al because of the fact that we have to trudge through the waist deep snow to get to work in the Summer.

It is sad that so many responded to this article, with
agitation. There is good and bad in any health care system.We Canadians are fortunate to live here.
I am a RN trained in The Netherlands whom has almost
adopted the American health care system, through insurance companies.And it has been to expensive for
a lot of people. Our Canadian health care is a cut above many other countries.

I am an American citizen who proudly is a perm. resident of Canada. We are less stressed here because we dont have to worry about how we are going to afford seeing a doctor/buying medications that are over priced. JUST today I found a pharmacy in Canada who can fill my brother's prescription for Crohn's disease for $375 for 90 days. In the USA..........per month....$700!!! hence $2,100. for 90 days! Since I have become a Windsorite, I have noticed that, IN GERNERAL:
Canadians don't freak as easlily over little things as Americans do; CA's keep there jobs MUCH longer and are happier in them as a whole; many Canadians are even able to take early retirement with benefits which is practically unheard of in the USA; Minimum wage is much higher; service people actually get a pay cheque (please note my fellow Canadians when you travel in the States, please tip 20%, a server makes $2.13 per hour!!!); when you are at the casino you can actually pick out the yank and the canuck. The yank is loud and rowdy and the canuck is minding their own business.
Now don't get me wrong, I am a red blooded American, but I am getting my duel citizenship. It's just 'calmer' here for lack of a better word. As far as the article lets remember we have to take in to consideration that alot of health problems are hereditary and will happen regardless of what you do to prevent them. What we need to do is realize we are NORTH AMERICA. My husband is Canadian. I have a tshirt that reads " what is the real deffinition of a Canadian......An American with no handgun but with health care" That being said, I am more Canadian than him hehe. Ro Cober, go back to your rock in whatever city you live in so you can continue to make people there miserable. Following everything on the news with the terrorists etc, that goes for anyone in any country, IF YOU DO NOT LIKE weather/the rules/the laws/religions......DONT LIKE IT>>>>>>>> LEAVE!!! and take that soilder killer Hasan with you !!!!!!!!!

Does anyone ever question where some of the comparative statistical information is derived from?

If we are looking at the term "obese", perhaps it should be taken into consideration that the "ideal" body type is based entirely around the caucasion body type.

What was the demographic polled?

Where was the information taken from?

Before everyone gets so defensive, perhaps you should be questioning both the source and accuracy of "statistics". While I don't mean to "knock" the idea of statitical information, I think people need to remember that it is intended to give a "snap shot" of a particular situation and does not necessarily reflect actual figures ...or even a majority of the population ... since that would essentially be impossible.

Doesn't surprise me, I think access to health care is what helps Canada!! I was born in the US, but lived in Canada most of my life until 4 years ago...........I should have stayed. I did not think that there would be much difference in health care as long as you were working and paid your insurance premiums here..........BOY was I wrong!!

As far as Ro Cober, the ex pat? Why did you go to Canada, escaping something in the US???? If you dislike Canada and the way things are..........I would gladly trade you places!!! I was born in the US, and spent most of my life in Canada defending the US to Canadians.................NEVER AGAIN!!! The US and most of its people are war mongering, arrogant, selfish, and ignorant!!

A reply to " Ro Cober" . If you're so well off in the "good old u s of a , why not return there? I hear they may ,in the distant future move remotely closer to the Canadian way of health care (or is that the reason you're up here. I know the consect of universality of health care is " un-american" , but up here in God's country , we believe all of "God's " people DESERVE EQUAL CARE.
Tell us all where the "merican way" is best. Is it your auto industry that would have collapsed without Canadian dollars , or your real estate market , how about your banking sector which still titters on the brink of collapse , or how about you health care down there?

To say that I'm a Canadian is the most proudest thing in the whole world to me. Americans think that there better than us in every way and that is just not so.
We can travel anywhere in the world and be accepted and be treated with utmost respect. Its a shame that Americans can't do that but they did it to themselves. Stay in your own damn country.

I find it interesting that many people look at the numbers and take it as a condemnation of the US. The facts say canadians are healthier in some comparisons. Big deal. Its amazing how quick Americans are to get defensive and competative about silly things. I personally have never heard a canadian say they envied the Americans. The only things we might envy are the low taxes but any one who is not upper middle class to wealthy is probably better off in Canada. I would much rather be poor in canada than the US. I wonder how many Americans are going to be bankrupted by the flue or are going to die because they can't afford medical treatment.

The American health care system is more profitable privately than in Canada and generally dental is not included in both systems at least in the federal level. In Canada, especially in the provinces, dental is not included for most citizens of the country except for the supposed poor and even then it is severely restricted. In the United States it is even more optional.

ro cober, if Canada is so insignificant then why have we saved your butts in WWI and WWII. Canadian soldiers proved this many times during these wars when other nations failed to the job they sent in the Canadians! You may have weapons and technology but we have heart. and the will to never give up! Canadian soldiers are among the most respected soldiers in the world!
Why don't we talk about the war of 1812? Didn't think you'd want me to bring that up. Hurts eh!!!! All and all we are very much alike but yet so different. I won't touch the education system either OK. Canada may not be perfect but it's damn close!!
Remember that we are like brothers Canada and the United States.

First, the purpose of the survey is fun facts, that's all, so don't read it if you don't like it or don't care. The reason it came up is because the US is currently drafting legislation to create a health care system, so it's a poignant time if you're going to pick them apart. Second, a good reason for comparing and seeing areas where one is struggling and another is failing is it can possibly direct policy-makers in areas that require improvement or methods of improvement in the health of the population. Third, those commenting about the birth rates stat, they state quite clearly that the actual INFERTILITY rates are the same for both countries, and although they could state the conclusion more clearly, it is that the lower birth rate is obviously by choice. Honestly, birth rates below 2.0 are unhealthy because it leads to a reduction in the size of the available work force who must pay for health care for the increasingly aging and typically more needy (in terms of health care) population. Last, I'm sorry but we are not the envy of the world for our health care. There are European countries that are far ahead of Canada in terms of how well tax dollars are managed, especially in health care. I still back our system overall, but a little bit of pride needs to be swallowed here.

I would think Canadians are more healthy because of the population and the air. The U. S. has a cumbersome way of getting around and many murders happens there.

To the gentleman (and I use the term VERY lightly) who says that Canadians want to be like Americans... because we're so insignificant.... first, please accept my apologies for the late reply.. I was out jogging while you were stuffing your face with Krispy Kreme donuts. :)

I think it's time for you to move back to your amazing, wonderful, superior, hot-headed, war-mongering country... eh. Get over yourself and your darned magnificent country. :)

*PROUD to be Canadian*

Statistical significance? Nahhh..... don't worry about it.

Well, of course we get more exercise. If we don't keep moving, we'll freeze to death in our igloos in Southern Ontario!

I agree with the person about Ro Cober, If Canada is such a bad place to live GET OUT. Canadians are not insecure about the U.S. as we have a great country to live and I would not want to live anywhere else. We never have wanted to be like the states and never will.

The article was interesting and actually shows how closely are two countries are in health related matters. I mean we pretty much eat the same and obviously there would be differences due to area lived in, climate and economic factors. No country has the perfect Health care system but I will take ours over the states any day. The difference is , Canada has a Health Care System and the U.S. has a Health Insurance System.

The United States and Canada have been allies and good neighbours for a very long time. It saddens me to see people - on both sides of the border - act and speak in such a disgraceful and dishonourable manner. There is enough hatred in the world as it stands.

Ro Cober you need to get over yourself! I understand that these studies are fairly pointless, all they do is make the two countries drift apart from each other, But maybe we do them because compared to America, your sorta right, we have almost no economical influence. But countries all over the world know us as being a friendly country. If you have a Canadian flag on your luggage people will treat you so kind whereas if you have an american flag on your luggage most people will ignore you. I would rather take kind over power anyday. And your point on how most of us are "morbidly obese in general", try and take another look. Most normal poeple don't look like super models and there not obese either. Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes and who are you to genralize a whole country! I'm 15 and you learn in kindergarten that Canada is second largest country in the world. these is going to sound really cheesy but "if you don;t have naything nice to say don't say anything at all. I understand these are comments but it's supposed to be on the study not on which country is better. You need to grow up, get a life and shut your mouth!

To the expat living in Canada your comments are typical of many Americans I know, and I have family there, when shown in a lesser light they will attack the heritage of the person they are in discussion with, and it is so great to be American! the almighty.

For Ro Cober:
Perhaps if Americans - like you and your ilk - weren't so bloody arrogant the world wouldn't perceive you as negatively as they clearly do. If you don't like this tiny country with no impact then please - GET OUT - please, before you steal health care dollars from worthy and respectful Canadians. Bye-bye.

Not sure how rates of death of cancer and cvd mean one is healthier than the other? The bottom line is we all die of something, if you live very long your chance of getting cancer is very high--but which is healthier death from cancer at 92 or death from some other cause at 50?

and agree with other posts about birth rate, the measure there should be infertility rate which is basically the same

I work in the city of BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. I've never seen such a community w/ so many obese and overweight adults and children. Perhaps its because its a lower middle class community and a lot of uneducated locals. Seems to be a high number of teenage parents as well.

Perhaps if Canadians were not so insecure, these types of so called studies, that do nothing except waste money, would cease to exist. If you spent as much time making Canada a better place to live, you would be a better country. And if you think Americans are fatter in general than Canadians, open your eyes - you guys are morbidly obese in general. Canada will never be the U.S., get over it, you are a little tiny country with absolutely no impact on the world. No wonder the U.S. makes you feel so inadequate. An expat living in Canada.

these studies or whatever you want to call them are really lame and do nothing but further distance one another.I'm pretty sure there are more important things to be writing about and as a Canadian, I find it is embarrasing to fall into the trap of us vs. them. Bottom line: who cares? Maybe working together to help one another should be whats really important. I can only hope that the new generation of kids coming up don't drop the ball as my own and previous generations seemed to have done. Are we done with forward thinkers? I sincerly hope not. peace.

Higher birthrate is more healthy? So places that have an even higher rate per woman are even more healthy? I'm not buying that one. I'm a woman who chose not to have children -- does that make me unhealthy? I don't think so!

Terrina and Peter, you are very attentive readers! We're looking into those numbers and will post when we have an answer for you.

I didn't find this article to be so against the U.S. and there is nothing wrong with taking percentages to compare countries with different populations. That is the equalizer between the two. It is the rate in which things occur, so if you have 10 people or 100 people and half the population is affected, than 50% is the rate or percentage, whether it is 5 or 50 people.

The birth rate was interesting though. Could the higher rate be due to Infertility treatments? It would be interesting to find out how many kids are born without medical intervention vs those born with the help of medicines and such. This might be a better way to find out what the true health of fertility rates are. And also to consider that we are pusing the age limits on natural pregnancy rates.

Why would you consider a higher birth rate as "healthier"? Perhaps Canadians have fewer children by choice! Fewer kids could mean more available resources per capita, leading to a healthier lifestyle for the child... and less stress for the parent.

In response to some of the comments below...yes a mother who breastfeeds is healthier than one who doesn't in many way, not to mention that the antibodies she passes on to her child will strengthen that child's immune system, making that child healthier in the general population.

As for comparing us to the U.S., the population shouldn't make much of a difference in this type of study. Can you think of any other nation that we are most similar to in climate, diet and health care systems? Let's face it, even doctor's will tell you that Canadians in general are more health conscious than Americans. I believe that is due to our education system more than anything else.