The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) publishes a comprehensive annual report and analysis called “OECD Health Data” in July.

OECD countries in this report include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the USA.

A concentrated version called “Health at a Glance 2007” was published this week, which is where these graphs were sourced and now presented without the analysis. It covers a variety of statistics on insurance, lifestyle influences (smoking, alcohol, road accidents), salaries for doctors and nurses, hospital care and government spending.

An overall look at health care in Greece will be presented in a future post.

Notes

Countries absent from a graph were excluded by OECD, either because data was not available or the data/survey was somehow tainted, skewed or inappropriately answered.

All graphs are presented as clickable images that will enlarge, since shrinking them only made them unreadable. You have the option to use the OECD link above, however the report is embedded in 50 pages and graphs are presented the same way. Here, you have them all at your fingertips and can choose only the ones that interest you. Have fun!

1. Demographics

1-1: Population

Total population

Annual growth

Aged population

1-2: Birth rate

Overall rate

Age entering motherhood

1-3: Gross domestic product (GDP)

Overall

Growth

2. Health Status

2-1: Life expectancy

By gender

Rate of increase

Longevity vs. GDP

2-2: Disability trends in people over 65

2-3: Premature death rate by gender

2-4: Death from heart disease and stroke

Heart disease

Stroke

2-5: Death from cancer

Lung cancer

Breast cancer

Prostate cancer

2-6: Death from road accidents

By population

By gender

Rate of increase

2-7: Suicide rates

By population

By gender

Rate of increase

2-8: Infant mortality

Overall rate

Rate of increase

2-9: Infant low birth weight

2-10: Child dental health

2-11: Perceived health status

Overall rate

By gender

2-12: Death by AIDS

3. Lifestyle determinents of health

3-1: Smoking

Overall rate

By gender

Rate of increase

Number of cancer-related deaths

3-2: Alcohol consumption

Overall rate

Rate of increase

Liver cirrhosis

3-3: Being overweight and obesity

Overall rate

By gender

Rate of increase

4. Health care resources and utilization

4-1: Medical and nursing graduates

Number of medical graduates

Number of nursing graduates

4-2: Practicing physicians

Number of private/public doctors in practice

Rate of increase

General practitioners vs. specialists

4-3: Practicing nurses

Overall number

Rate of increase

Ratio of doctors to nurses

4-4: Salaries of doctors and nurses (GDP)

Public vs. private doctors

Renumeration vs. density

Salaries of nurses

4-5: Hospital beds (acute care)

Availability per capita

Occupancy rate

4-6: Hospital beds (long-term)

Availability per capita

Occupancy rate

4-7: Medical technology

MRI

CT scanners

Radiation therapy

4-8: Consultations with doctors

Overall number

Rate of increase

Number per doctor

4-9: Hospital discharges (omitted)

4-10: Length of hospital stay

Acute care

AMI

Overall average

4-11: Cardiovascular procedures

4-12: Treatment of renal conditions

Number with renal failure

Rate of increase

Number of dialysis patients

Number of kidney transplants

4-13: Caesarean sections

Overall rate

Rate of increase

4-14: Cataract surgeries

Inpatient

Day cases

4-15: Pharmaceutical consumption:

Antidiabetics

Antidepressants

Anticholesterols


Antibiotics

5. Health care spending

5-1: Expenditure per capita (public/private)

Overall rate

Rate of growth

5-2: Expenditure vs. GDP

Private vs. public

Actual consumption

5-3: Expenditure by function

Overall

Curative-rehabilitative

Public health and prevention

5-4: Pharmaceutical expenditure

Per capita

Percentage of GDP

Annual growth rate

5-5: Financing of health care

Public share and sources

Public share of pharmaceuticals/services

Out-of-pocket/private share

5-6: Health insurance coverage

Total

Private coverage

6. Quality of health care

The quality of health care section provided limited information and did not include more than a few countries, either because data was not available or the survey was not completed correctly. Therefore, I omitted this data. (Greece was not included, in case you’re wondering).

For related stories, click “EU” for more EU vs. USA stats or “Health.”

At 4 a.m. this morning, my future brother-in-law took himself to the hospital after closing the bar because he felt extremely ill. He errs on the side of safety because he’s barely 30, past scans have detected a heart irregularity, and my future mother-in-law last year had a quadruple angioplasty. Heart disease is genetic. Add to this he smokes like a chimney, doesn’t exercise and eats poorly.

He has IKA, but decided to go to a private hospital here in Athens at which he previously had a good experience. It claims to be associated with an Ivy League medical school.

With his medical history, he believed it was best to pay out of pocket and enjoy a higher standard of care with immediate attention, rather than waiting hours in a state hospital that may not have a specialist on call.

The doctor performed a heart scan, which came back with poor results. He did another just to make sure and got the same results. Feeling alarmed and panicked by what he saw, he went ahead and told my future brother-in-law to have bloodwork and other tests run. Two hours later, all of these tests came back normal.

Baffled by this contradiction, he did another heart scan. This time it’s OK. The doctor does another. Now it’s not OK! He does another. It’s not OK.

Finally it’s revealed that the heart scanner is malfunctioning and needs maintenance.

There’s nothing like a little unnecessary stress from your heart doctor to aggravate a heart condition. At least he didn’t have to pay…not in euros, anyway.

Related posts

“Greece vs. EU and USA: Health care“
“IKA covers prescription medicine“
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Photo from cityofpuyallup.org

* Although I also had a poor experience with the hospital in this post, I cannot give its name for legal reasons. Readers are encouraged to share stories without direct references to the medical facility.

Some choose vegetarianism for religious, spiritual or medical reasons, some because it’s trendy. But my motivation is based purely on respect for the environment, the planet, my fellow man and animals.

But how can I call myself an animal lover when I still meat once a week?

When you’re green, you grow

Twenty years ago, I read a book called “Diet for a Small Planet,” which taught me that using land to grow fruits and vegetables instead of raising a few animals would preserve rainforests and ecosystems otherwise cleared for livestock, emit less carbon (packaging, transportation, etc.) and erase starvation from the planet. Whatever need there was for a solution almost two decades ago has only grown stronger.

But if you were born and bred with meat as a part of culture, tradition or habit, as I was, it’s difficult to give it up.

I like a good filet mignon on occasion, and there’s no one who likes fish more than me, though I’m sure I could change my psychology and convince myself otherwise. But for some it’s hard to imagine Thanksgiving without turkey or Easter without lamb, and I understand that.

Going vegie requires vigilance, to ask questions and read packages carefully since even the average marshmallow contains an animal product called gelatin.

At times, it also requires endurance. The first time I quit cold (err) turkey, my parents gave me such a hard time that it was unpleasant to eat with them. Comments like, “Oh, you think you’re so much better than us,” “you’re just doing it for attention,” “why can’t you just be normal like the rest of us?” In addition to breaking a habit, continuing to be responsible for cooking my family’s meals (with meat) and shaking off personal criticism twice daily only added to the challenge.

Whatever relief I found in not cooking meat for others and going to a restaurant was quashed by the lack of variety in menu choices. I often ate salad, while my antagonists snickered.

I gave up my quest after five months, and my family slipped back into its comfort zone and declared victory.

Who doesn’t like options?

Over the years, it’s become easier if more acceptable to be vegetarian, especially in some parts of the world where it’s been a way of life for decades.

In Sweden, there are a ton of vegetarian options at every restaurant and every grocery store. I’m not saying soy dogs are delicious (they’re not), but it’s nice to know I can get reasonably priced tofutti, rice milk or barley (Korn) patties that taste a lot like chicken if I want them.

I loved being in India where I ate no meat, no wheat and no cheese. The food, especially in the South, was so amazing that I didn’t notice these three elements were missing. Even my meat loving fiancé gave up flesh, but for a very different reason — we call it the Tandoori chicken incident.

After more than a month of eating this way, I felt healthier, slimmer and harmonious. But when I came back to Greece, everything I ate caused me to break out in hives to the point I could not sleep or breathe. Trying twice to find an allergist at a public hospital was fruitless, so we consulted two private allergists who asked, “so why are you keeping a food diary?” Duh. In any case, the experience taught me how impure everyday food can be.

Since then I’ve also managed to convert my meat and potatoes fiancé into a mostly vegetarian mate who likes Brussel sprouts and eats meat twice a week.

Meat me in Greece

The first time I went to the meat market in Monastiraki ten years ago, I didn’t eat meat for a month.

My grandfather was a butcher, so I’d seen tongues and didn’t expect anything to be encased in Styrofoam and plastic, but I didn’t think there’d be blood running in the street or heads hanging from a hooks with eyeballs staring back. And it was summer, so the smell was bellissimo.

Occasionally there’s a blood clot or dangling artery in my chicken breast, but nothing that has ever shaken me to the point of no return, which I understand happens to people who turn vegetarian.

Today, something happened that pushed me one step closer.

Some months ago, I saw a Globe Trekker episode featuring Vietnam and Laos where host Zay Harding drank snake blood, caught goats blindfolded in his quest for a wife and ate eggs that I can only describe as delicacies. I remember feeling both disgust and admiration because everything he did was without hesitation and without making faces.

In what can only be described as a “Zay Harding moment,” an egg from my future mother-in-law’s village exploded in a boiling pot to reveal a half grown chick head with feathers and filled the kitchen with an odor that was half rotten egg, half dead animal. And of course I was alone, so I couldn’t faint or pass the deed to my fiancé.

I threw away the rest of our eggs, can’t look at the “dead chicken pot” and am fasting now. Zay, give me a call.

Related stories

“10 Easy ways to save the planet“
“Bottled water is tap water, so WTF?“
“How much does garbage cost?“
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Photo from PETA

Salaried workers and pensioners in Greece who have IKA are entitled to receive pharmaceuticals at no cost if a doctor has prescribed them. In some cases, natural remedies, vitamins and other nutritional supplements may be covered.

What to do

1. Call and make an appointment with an IKA doctor

2. Make certain your IKA health book (Βιβλιάριο Υγείας) accurately reflects the amount of ensima you earned and bring the book to the appointment as proof you have coverage

3. Discuss your symptoms and needs

4. Get a written prescription, signed and stamped by the doctor

5. Take identification (tautotita or passport), the prescription and your IKA health book (Βιβλιάριο Υγείας) to a pharmacy and present them

6. The pharmacist takes your paper, dispenses and explains your prescription, perhaps has you sign a log. You pay nothing.

Why many people don’t bother

- Many people are uninformed about who to call and what to do

- Adept, experienced pharmacists can often diagnose symptoms and make informed recommendations

- Medication is often inexpensive and easily obtained over-the-counter without a prescription

- Too much trouble: By the time an appointment is set, many symptoms pass or get worse; some people are unable to transport themselves or take time off from work; sometimes it’s just laziness.

* It is imperative you consult experienced medical professionals in treating any illness. Until you are well informed and able to distinguish what pharmacists are reliable and highly experienced, it is recommended you see a doctor. Your health is precious and not worth endangering at all costs.

Related posts

“IKA offices in Greece“
“IKA vs. IKEA, there is a difference“
“How to sign up with IKA“

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Photo from psychtreatment.com

The saying, “everyone loves a parade” comes from the sentiment that all people like a celebration that is colorful, entertaining, sprinkled with beautiful men and women and has something for everyone. In essence, it’s one big happy party.

But what about the opposite of that? Something secretive, ugly and full of grey areas.

Dusk to darkness

It was Sunday, and we were having dinner with my future mother-in-law on the balcony at sundown. My fiancé called our friend “Wife” to ask how she was to which she inquired when we’d last talked to “Husband.” Though my fiancé had spoken to Husband only two days before, it was clear he avoided a major subject and we were in the dark. Something was disclosed, and the phone conversation ended quickly.

Because my future mother-in-law knows our friends and their parents personally, my fiancé purposely withheld the contents of the conversation and changed the subject. I didn’t push because I understood it was private and probably something bad. Within seconds of finishing dessert, my fiancé rushed us out of there, we got into the car and he told me that Wife and “Son” moved out and were no longer living with Husband.

On the way home, we speculated about what it could be. We knew there were some issues with Husband spending thousands of euros on self-indulgent shopping instead of using the money to pay for household expenses, which Wife pays with her now part-time salary since agreeing to stay home almost full-time to take care of their 2-year-old son. Husband is also impatient with Son, spends little or no time with him, is annoyed by everything he does and treats him like a house pet. Concern has been expressed by others, both male and female.

Several months ago, I also heard a comment that disturbed me enough to change my opinion of Husband, which I’ve been unable to reverse or forgive. He said, “If Wife doesn’t want to move with me to another country, I’ll do it after I’m divorced and leave her with the kid.” I immediately jumped on his case and told him that whether or not he’s joking, I think it’s a shitty ass thing to say. Since then, my interaction with him is restrained.

My fiancé has tried speaking to him about his actions out of concern, but these words fell on deaf ears and met with outrage that it’s none of anyone’s business how he conducts his financial and personal affairs.

Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, it was difficult for us to not play judge and jury. To us, it was not a matter of guilt but the degree.

Disclosure

I talked to Wife the next morning and made a point of starting the conversation by expressing how upset and worried we are for her, and said that she should only share whatever she feels comfortable with and is not obligated to tell us everything or anything if she chooses. We respect and support her in whatever she needs and wants.

In a straightforward way without name-calling or wild emotion, she told me that an argument had broken out last Monday night after she put their son to sleep (the night after we saw them and a full week ago!). The yelling woke up Son and he started crying, Husband was further angered by the crying and hit her. (!!!) As she tried to grab their son and run for the door, he locked the door and repeatedly hit her until he unlocked the door and pushed her and her son out the door and into the street with nothing but her purse and the car keys she managed to sneak into her pocket. (!!!)

Husband was not drunk, the fight was not physical until he hit her, she went to the hospital but did not need extensive treatment, was at a friend’s house until her parents came back from vacation on Friday and managed to purchase some underwear, clothes, toiletries and other basics. She also filed a police report to gain legal access to collect her things. She and Son are doing fine.

Wife has absolutely no plans to go back or reconcile since she knows if it happens once, it will happen again.

Reaction

The truth was worse than anything we’d speculated on the night before, and I was speechless when she finished.

The only thing I could think to say was the truth: “I have no idea what to say to you, except I’m sorry and I hope you know I deeply care about you and Son, and I’ll be here for anything you need.” After we hung up the phone, I tried to digest what I’d been told before calling my fiancé and breaking the news. He had the same reaction.

Both of us have revisited the same mixed feelings of shock, sadness and confusion.

Let the charade begin

If there was a way to immediately cut Husband out of our lives, we would. But, of course, we can’t just yet.

Husband and Wife are our koumbaros and koumbara.

My fiancé until today considered Husband one of his best friends, like the big brother he never had. Now he doesn’t know what to do with those feelings or how he might react when he sees him again, which could happen at any time since they train together and see each other at work on occasion.

Husband is also the reason we are friends with Wife and Son, though it’s clear where and with whom our loyalty lies.

My fiancé doesn’t see any other option but to let the friendship fade away and end, but it will take time. So the charade of pretending we don’t know anything and keeping our mouths shut as requested by Wife begins.

I decided I cannot see Husband because I don’t know whether I would go for his jugular or be diplomatic enough to stay silent and walk away. How do I separate the person who is/was my friend from the person who is a wifebeater and made my other friend a statistic? They’re the same person.

At least I know Wife will be fine. She’s a strong-willed intelligent young woman, athlete, great mother and educated professional with a career, good sense and a strong network of family and friends.

Why I did this post

I know that domestic violence isn’t a cheery subject, but it’s prevalent in every nation and does not discriminate according to age, race, class, social status, education level or gender. It’s also never been at my doorstep until now.

It got me thinking about the women who are not like Wife — women who may be foreign, may not speak Greek, may not have a job and depend on their husband for financial support, don’t have friends or family to turn to in Greece and/or abroad, and don’t know what to do, where to go or who to call.

Everyone always talks about how women stay silent and don’t leave, but they don’t tell them who to call to let their voices be heard and where to go if they want to leave.

Where to go for help

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence in Greece — whether it’s physical, psychological, emotional, verbal or $exual — there are people who can help. It’s never too late. Most of the centers are in major cities, however a counselor can dispense advice by phone or may be able to recommend someone local who can provide support and assistance.

Non-EU spouses who hold a residence/work permit because of ties to a Greek citizen retain their permits when domestic abuse has occurred, no matter how long the marriage lasted or the length of stay in Greece.

There is never a good reason to abuse a woman, man, child or animal.

Emergency Hotlines:

Police - Domestic Violence line in Greece
Tel: ‘179′

The National Center for Immediate Social Assistance
24-hour hotline
Tel: ‘197′

Counseling For Women Victims of Violence
SOS line
Tel: (210) 331-7305

SOS Support Line
Tel: (210) 644-2213

Tourist Police (for visitors)
French, German, Greek and English spoken
Tel: ‘171′

Non-emergency contacts:

Center of Family Support of the Archdiocese of Athens (KESO)
95 Akadimias
Athens
Tel: (210) 381-1274, (210) 384-1536

Center for Mental Health, Foreign Counseling
Tel: (210) 883-1784

Counseling for Women - Victims of Violence
Athens Office: 11 Nikis - Tel: (210) 331-7305/6
Piraeus office: 76 Alkiviadou - Tel: (210) 411-2091

International Social Service
Tel: (210) 321-7758

National Center for Immediate Social Assistance (EKAKB)
135 Vas. Sophias
Athens
Tel: (210) 649-7706

* I don’t have first-hand experience with any of these centers, and I welcome any further contact info that can be added to the list.

Fast facts

* Domestic abuse is defined by experts as a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner
* It is a myth that domestic violence is committed by lower class people with low education levels
* It occurs just as often among educated doctors and lawyers, it’s not just lower class workers and drug addicts
* There are different forms of abuse: Physical (74%), emotional, psychological (often starts before marriage), verbal and $exual
* 1 in 5 women are abused and 20% of them report that the physical abuse started shortly after getting married and another 20% say it started after getting pregnant
* Only 1 in 20 will ever report it
* More than 30% of women who go to emergency rooms sustain injuries as a result of domestic violence
* Women will stay an average of 4 years in a relationship before leaving, whether by choice or an event that forces them to leave (permanent physical injury, death)
* Half of women murdered each year are killed by their spouse, boyfriend or partner
* Many women suffer from low self-esteem and blame themselves for provoking a man’s behavior — it’s not true!
* New laws will make it possible to arrest, charge and jail a violent spouse without a formal complaint
* Although 90% of women are abused, men are abused also

Related posts

“Friends minus two“
“Cockroaches and courthouses, landlords and leases“

Sources

- Some 28,000 cases a year of ill treatment and abuse (Kathimerini)
- Battling a hidden epidemic of child abuse (Kathimerini)
- SOS Children’s Villages in Greece provide refuge for the abused (Kathimerini)
- Abuse blamed for family tragedy (Athens News)
- Bill tackles family violence (Kathimerini)
- Domestic Violence in Greece (White Ribbon Campaign, Norway)
- Few battered women walk out on abuse (Athens News)
- Greece aims to curb pedophilia, domestic violence (Reuters)
- Greece fails to allocate funding for activities aiming to combat and prevent domestic violence; shelters remain empty due to insufficient protection and laws (Amnesty International)
- United Nations recommendations to Greece regarding domestic violence and other abuses (Greek Helsinki Monitor)
- Women called on to break silence of domestic violence (Athens News)

Article updated March 8, 2008