TheStar.com - comment - Province failing to meet challenge of chronic disease

TheStar.com - comment - Province failing to meet challenge of chronic disease Province failing to meet challenge of chronic diseaseBetter treatment, particularly for women, could prevent almost 8,000 deaths a year May 21, 2008 Dr. Ben Chan If, tomorrow, someone were to invent a new technology, treatment or medication that would save the lives of nearly 8,000 Ontarians a year suffering from diabetes or coronary artery disease, it would be hailed as a tremendous medical breakthrough. The story would play prominently in the media and the inventor given all kinds of accolades and awards. PAUL LACHINE/NEWSART Well, the fact is, those tools already exist. They just aren't being used often or consistently enough.The reality is, Ontario is failing to meet the chronic disease challenge. As the annual report of the Ontario Health Quality Council highlighted yesterday, fewer than half of chronic disease patients in Ontario get the care they need.As a result, many Ontarians are suffering devastating complications or dying needlessly.The impact of chronic disease on the health of Ontarians is huge. Today, one in three Ontarians suffers from a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and arthritis. Eighty per cent of Ontarians over 65 have at least one chronic disease and 70 per cent of these have two or more. The World Health Organization estimates that 89 per cent of all deaths in Canada are caused by chronic disease.Ontario, like many ...