Includes bibliographical references (pages 212-248) and index.

"To live a long, healthy life, we are constantly told to change our 'lifestyles.' Yet, hundreds of studies tell the real story: living and working conditions actually play a determining role in our health. Distributions of income and wealth,. housing, employment, working conditions, education and adequate food - not medical treatments nor so-called wellness lifestyles - determine our health and illness. Social inequality results in the rich getting richer and the rest of us getting sick! The third edition of Health and Illness shows how inequitable distribution of the social determinants of health is structured by Canada's political economy, including public policy decisions. Dennis Raphael updates information connecting health and illness to the worsening levels of inequality. Theis edition includes a new chapter on COVID-19. The pandemic makes clear that we need to restructure work and living conditions through public policy that more equitably distributes economic resources to effectively promote the health of Canadians and prevent illness." -- back cover Provided by publisher.