There is no issue more important than health.  Eighty-seven percent of Canadians are likely to be affected over the course of their lifetime by a chronic disease. Cancer. Heart disease. Alzheimer’s. Diabetes. Arthritis. MS. Parkinson’s... The list goes on.

And, as we get older, the likelihood of being affected by one of these major illnesses increases.

A partnership of 16 of Canada’s most recognized health charities focusing on workplace health and employee giving and engagement, Healthpartners understands the importance of chronic disease management and disease prevention. Through investments in medical research, the identification of risk factors, preventative actions and the provision of programs to Canadians in every community, Canadians can learn about preventing diseases, or how to best live with them.

"Whether it is the pain associated with arthritis, or the need for regular dialysis for Canadians with kidney disease, Canadians continue to require management and treatment regimens to better manage the symptoms of major illnesses."

Cost to employers

The cost to Canada’s employers is staggering: chronic diseases are estimated to cost the system over $90 billion annually in treatment and lost productivity. That includes employees who require leave for treatment, families who care for loved ones dealing with a disease, and those who continue to work through their treatment or chronic disease management. Furthermore, chronic diseases are responsible for 67 percent of total direct costs in health care and 60 percent of total indirect costs ($52 billion) as a result of early death, loss of productivity and foregone income (PHAC, 2006).

Pushing research forward

Advances in medical research have made it increasingly possible for Canadians to take actions that can prevent certain kinds of cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Exercise, sunscreens, a healthy diet and smoking cessation, have all been effective in preventing or delaying the onset of a disease.

Research has also identified the gene associated with Huntington disease, helped increase the life expectancy of children born with Cystic Fibrosis and made transplant of kidneys between donors with different blood types possible. Every day in Canada, more Canadians are able to reduce their risk and live healthier, longer lives as a result of research funded, in part, by a Healthpartners member.

Whether it is the pain associated with arthritis, or the need for regular dialysis for Canadians with kidney disease, Canadians continue to require management and treatment regimens to better manage the symptoms of major illnesses.

Future of care

While millions of Canadians have benefited from the research and support of Canada’s health charities, the need for further research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cures for chronic illnesses continues. Every day, Healthpartners charities are working hard in every workplace, community, and province to help Canadians lead healthier and longer lives. Healthpartners represents its 16 partner foundations in workplace fundraising to benefit all Canadians.