Since the beginning of the 20th century, the average life expectancy for human beings in Canada has increased from the range of 45 to 75 years. While changes in our lifestyle (such as improved nutrition, reduction in smoking, and proper exercise) have played a part, this dramatic increase in our life expectancy is largely due to advances in health care as a result of medical research. From antibiotics, to new treatments for diseases like cancer, and new surgical techniques, medical research has brought about many advances in the health care field. Medical research has also made a larger number of people aware of harmful stuff.
One disease which has seen remarkable medical advances is cancer. The past 30 years have seen major developments in understanding the genetics, biology, and treatment of the disease. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the cancer death rate dropped 21 percent in men, and nice percent in women between 1988, and 2007.These lower death rates can be contributed to improvements in screening and early detection, and improvements in different methods used to treat various types of cancer. Although cancer is still the leading cause of death in Canada the death rates are declining, and will continue to decline as medical advances improve treatment.
The discovery and introduction of antibiotics has also proved to be a very useful one. Antibiotics play an important role in our society. The credit of invention goes to Sir Alexander Fleming whose careful observations in 1928 resulted in the invention of antibiotics. Without it, many lives would have been in danger due to so many infectious diseases. These days when someone gets an infection they would get a prescription of antibiotics, and have it treated easily. Many years ago this tiny infection could have even killed the person.
Another thing medical research has helped with is people becoming more aware of things that are harmful for our body, like smoking. Smoking became popular around the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1960s when people started becoming aware of the serious health problems that smoking can cause. Research finally linked smoking to cancer and other health problems, and population of smokers decreased dramatically in the following years. In Canada smoking is banned by the federal government in all indoor public spaces, and workplaces. This ban was introduced to protect people from second-hand smoke which can cause problems. There are also countless campaigns and health warnings on TV, and the internet issued about the dangers of smoking. These aim to prevent people from starting, and to convince smokers to quit. With constant research done on linking smoking to cancer many people would still be unaware of its harmful effects.
There has been a lot of research done over the years, and people have become more aware of the problems that alcohol can pose. There have been many regulations and laws introduced by the government to try and reduce the health risks that come with alcohol. One law in Canada is the “Last call” law which prohibits serving alcohol between certain times. In Ontario last call is at 2:00am, and alcohol may not be sold again until 11:00am. This is done to lower traffic accidents, violence, and alcohol related health problems. There are also strict regulations regarding minors and alcohol. A person cannot buy alcohol until they are 19, and punishments for adults buying alcohol for minors is severe. On top of the laws, and regulations concerning alcohol there are also many public health warnings in place, such as commercials. These commercials show how destructive and even deadly alcohol can be and aim to educate people on how to drink responsibly.
Medical research is one of the most important things. Throughout the years of research have increased awareness, and brought about better treatments for many diseases and conditions. As the years pass, the medical advances will only continue to get better.