Norway’s location and climate, as well as natural and monetary resources are characteristics of the country that impact the general health of the population. These effects can be positive or negative. Norwegians’ mental and physical health are impacted by things like the availability of fresh seafood, the intensity of the sun due to it’s polar location, and the finding of oil in Norwegian waters, which are all examples of how geography and resources affect the health of Norwegians.
Because of the abundance of fresh seafood in Norwegian waters, the seafood industry is one of Norway’s biggest. Norway exports a large percentage of fish (the 3rd biggest export behind oil and gas), but Norwegians also consume a very healthy portion of it themselves. Fish contains high levels of vitamin-D and omega-3 fatty acids, two things that are proven to improve physical and mental health, specifically for the heart and the brain. Vitamin D is known to decrease the risk of dementia and depression and improve bone health. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of heart disease.
Whether it is the lack of sun in the winter and the abundance of it in the summer, the position of Norway in relation to the earth’s tilt certainly affects the mental and physical health of Norwegians. During the summer, people are generally in much better spirits than they are in the winter, when it is so dark. Sun deprivation means lower levels of vitamin-D, which increases the risk of depression. The summer sun means higher vitamin-D absorption and happier people. Folks that live in northern Norway are affected by the sun more than those in the southern part of the country.
On a different note, as a result of a wealth of oil found in the North Sea decades ago, Norway can financially support the social welfare system in place to take care of the Norwegian population. Norwegians have a high standard of living and there is a low income gap. They pay hefty taxes and in return receive inexpensive health care and more leisure time than most of the rest of the world and thus, tend to be a healthier population. Whether it is summer or winter, Norwegians cherish outdoor activities year-round.
There is no question in my mind about why Norwegians are one of the healthiest populations in Europe!
Comments:
BM:
Today is actually the last day of the year in Kirkines. the next day will be about two months from now. My day today (in Bergen) is 6h39m long. That means that most people arrive at work in the dark, and leave in the dark too.
The taxes aren’t too bad. Income tax is around a third, including social security. The worst tax is the wealth tax, which you pay if you have assets totaling more than 500 000kr / $89 000 / £54 000. Luckily, only 25% of the value of your house is included.
I was recently privileged enough to enjoy Norwegian emergency care. I had a terrible ear-infection, and so went to the legevakt in town. The doctor who treated me was Polish, and was difficult to understand. He prescribed three different medicines.
After the consultation, I was told to go the kasse. Coming from the UK, the whole idea of a cash register in a hospital is so foreign to me, I thought perhaps it was some sort of drug dispensary. Not only did I have to pay for the consultation, but I also had to pay an extra charge for /not/ using a credit card.
Then, I went to the government-run pharmacy. Here, I also had to pay not only for medicines, but an “out of hours” fee, because it was a Sunday.
In total, the bill came to around 600kr / $105 / £65.
I have had the same ailment before, so I can make a direct comparison with the UK. The bedside manner was a lot more sympathetic, and the total price came to around 85kr / $15 / £9.
Hysfjon:
There are co-pays through the system. Note that all expenses exceeding £ 180 / $ 300 per year is refunded. That is the maximum you’ll have to pay for health care in a year.
Dental and vanity surgery not covered.
Also worth noting is that Norways oil revenues are not spent, but go into a sovereign wealth fund. All the benefits are from the non-oil economy.