Life expectancy and preventative health budget in Poland lag behind Western Europe
Public health expert Robert Mordaka stated that Poland lags behind Western Europe in life expectancy, pointing to insufficient prevention budgets and risk factors.
Speaking at the Karpacz Economic Forum, public health expert Robert Mordaka reported that Poland lags behind Western Europe in terms of life expectancy and healthy life years.
Assessment at the Karpacz Economic Forum
Public health expert Robert Mordaka stated at the Karpacz Economic Forum that Poland is lagging behind Western Europe in life expectancy and the number of healthy years lived.
Causes of Death and Prevention
It was stated that approximately 60 percent of deaths are caused by cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and that prevention and early intervention play a significant role in these conditions.
Share of Prevention in the Health Budget
Poland ranks among the European Union countries that allocate the smallest share of their health expenditures to preventative health services.
Budget Ratios and Resource Issues
While the European Union average is 6 percent of the budget, this rate remains below 2 percent in Poland, and it was emphasized that the trend cannot be reversed without allocating resources.
Lifestyle and Daily Choices
It was conveyed that individual choices hold an important place among the factors affecting lifespan, with blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, sleep, and nutrition being critical.
Effects of Obesity and Smoking
It was stated that obesity can shorten life expectancy by up to 15 years, while smoking and lack of physical activity also reduce lifespan by several years.
Physical Activity and Mobility
It was recalled that, according to World Health Organization guidelines, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.