Addictions and Social Connections Essays

Addictions and Social Connections Essays Addictions and Social Connections Essay Addictions and Social Connections Essay Essay Topic: The Social Contract Drug and alcohol addiction is part of todays culture. Many people have engaged in drug addiction due to various factors which include developmental, environmental and biological (Kuhar, 2012). Many people, however, perceive those who use drugs as people who do not have the willpower or moral principles and that they have the option of stopping their behavior by simply making a choice. Such people lack knowledge on how drug abuse is because it is a complex illness and takes up more than the drug users strong will or good intentions. They change their brains in various ways thus making them have hard times when trying to quit the act even when one is more than willing to do so. Alcohol is the most addictive substance used all over the world (Goodman, 2013). There are other drugs commonly abused as well and their include marijuana, tobacco, cocaine, and heroin. Social workers have played a huge role in the treatment of drug users and their post-intervention treat ment. Canada marijuana legalization There are legalized drugs and those that are considered illegal. Alcohol and tobacco are the main legalized drugs. People who use the drugs are embraced as citizens in good standing however when they cause public inebriation; they could be arrested and incarcerated for their actions (Nasr Phillips, 2014). Alcoholism has been regarded as a social acceptance in the society, and few people are punished for indulging in alcohol. Tobacco has lost its importance of social acceptance over the recent years, and it has been restricted to indoors or designated smoking area zones in Canada. The tobacco industry has fought the restrictions but the health ministry with the public health administration have argued with the effects tobacco causes to users and passive users as well unlike alcohol. Marijuana has been illegal in most states in America. In Canada, illicit drugs are present in the high-risk population such as street youth, natives, injectors and the inner-city poor. The illegal drugs i nclude marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Cannabis is however preferred areas such as Canada. It is still used regularly despite it being an illegal drug as there are cartels undertaking illegal drugs trade in the nation. Its usage among adults aged 25+ has been constant from 2004 to 2015 (Leyton, 2016). The government as well as the citizens have argued that it is similar to most drugs especially the legalized ones such as alcohol. Others have argued that it even has better effects to a user than alcohol. In a study by Pearson Janz Ali (2013), alcohol users were 21.6% while cannabis users were 6.8% in Canada. Alcohol has been found to be more addictive than marijuana in the nation. Many marijuana users in Canada are not regular users, and few of them become dependent on the drug. Those taking alcohol, on the other hand, become addicted to it after using it for some time and quite a number end up becoming alcohol users. Alcohol has been found to be more damaging to the body as well than marijuana. Alcohol causes liver disease among various kidney problems while cannabis is only linked to lung cancer when a user smokes it. In the society, alcoholism causes violence and reckless behavior, unlike marijuana. Most marijuana users are conscious after taking it. Hence they can realize when they are acting wrongly in public, unlike a person who has taken alcohol and does not know the acts he or she did after becoming drunk (Payne, 2014). The Canadian government has advocated for regulation an d legalization of marijuana for entertaining use. The legislation is in place to allow the drug to be sold in a similar way as alcohol in various shops in Canada using different provincial alcohol control boards retail shops. Some of the large pharmaceutical sellers have begun applying for retail licenses to trade medical marijuana also. Drug addiction treatment Addiction is regarded as a chronic illness described with the drug use and seeking which is difficult to control, compulsive, and with detrimental consequences. Most people begin taking drugs voluntarily. They, however, make it a habit that leads to changes in the brain which make the drug user have difficulty in self-control thus interfering with his or her capability to resist acute urge to depend on the drugs (Romach, Schoedel Sellers, 2014). When the brain changes become persistent, it leads to addiction. It has been found to be a reversing illness and it evident where people who are rehabilitated from drug use still go back to the behavior some few months or years of not taking the substances. Reverting to drug abuse is common to many previous drug users, and it should not bring a worry to families who have used a lot of finance in the rehabilitation of a loved one, but no change seems to be visible. The treatment process is an ongoing process that may take many years based on how fast the user responds to the treatment (Vaughn Perron, 2014). The plans of the treatment, therefore, need to be reviewed as the treatment process goes on to fit the users changing needs. Drug addiction effects In 2012, 10.1% of the Canadians had substance use disorders (Kuhar, 2012). The reward circuit of the brain is the major part likely to be affected by many drugs. The part controls a persons power to have the desire and encourage the person to iterate behaviors required to make him or her happy such as visiting new places. When the person overstimulates the reward circuit, it makes him or her extremely pleasurable which can make a person who loves taking drugs as a form of finding satisfaction taken them persistently (Goodman,2013). The brain adapts and adjusts to the high production of dopamine when the person goes on taking the drugs by minimizing the power of the reward circuits cells in the response. Tolerance occurs where the high feeling one gets normally reduces compared to the feeling one has when he or she takes drugs making the person to rely on the drug to attain the same high levels of dopamine. Drug intake helps these people to focus on the other activities that made them have pleasure as the drugs offer enough comfort. Substance abuse makes the liver function harder which accelerates the rate at which it becomes damaged or suffers from liver failure. Drug users have abdominal pains, vomiting, and nausea (Nasr Phillips, 2014). They also have a weak immune system which increases ones susceptibility to contracting infections. Drug and alcohol abuse have led to stroke, seizures and brain damage as well and it leads to memory lapse, decision-making, and attention issues among the drug users. They have encountered permanent brain damage or mental confusion. Other effects include cardiovascular conditions that include heart attacks and abnormal heart rate. Those who use injections may in the long term have collapsed veins, heart valves, and blood vessels infections (Leyton, 2016). users encounter appetite fluctuations and increase of body temperatures. Some have inflamed kidneys while others encounter gastric distress and muscle wasting.

The Evolution of Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Evolution of Terrorism - Essay Example This is partly because of the changing historical elements of terrorism, especially the exercise of terror by perpetrators within a certain political and social setting. This essay identifies the significant historical elements of terrorism and how they have evolved since the attacks of 2001. The 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center revealed that the historical elements of terrorism had drastically transformed. Nowadays, terrorists are involved in a spate of mass murder and suicide across the globe. In the past it had been reasonable to think that there were boundaries that terrorists would not dare go beyond. After the large number of casualties on the 11th of September 2001, it was clear that there are terrorist groups that would dare break boundaries. Terrorism in the past was different from that after 9/11. The history of terrorism is not only Middle Eastern but also European, and not only religious but also nonreligious. However, there are several common elements that can be identified in the evolution of the elements of terrorism. The 9/11 attacks were a threatening new turn in an ancient tale of obsession with political violence and terror. The term ‘terrorism’ became part of the European vocabulary after the 1789 French Revolution. In the initial revolutionary period, it was mainly through violence and terror that the French governments attempted to force their revolutionary new order onto the hesitant masses. Consequently, the original definition of ‘terrorism’ was ‘rule of terror’ (Coaty 9). Such definition works as a powerful message that terror is usually at its most violent when exercised by dictatorial regimes against their own citizenry. However, in the 19th century, terrorism went through a historic evolution, becoming linked, as it remains until now, to nongovernmental organizations.

Reaction Paper on the book The Souls of Black Folk Essay

Reaction Paper on the book The Souls of Black Folk - Essay Example The book portrays a new direction of his thinking. He writes passionately about the spirit of African-Americans and how they have succeeded in maintaining their humanity and strength in spite of centuries of oppression of the worst kind. According to Du Bois the best, and perhaps the only way, African Americans could rise above their situation was to understand their circumstances and embrace intellectualism and. Some critics felt that he should have advocated a more aggressive kind of social change but I believe that it was the right approach. Du Bois shows how a veil has been put over African-Americans and how others are unable to see them as they are. Race prejudice is the lens through which they are viewed. It is this veil that has created "double consciousness", a situation where the blacks see themselves in two ways, one what they think about themselves and the other how others view them. Du Bois’ feels that this veil on human beings divides the identity of the blacks. He describes this situation thus:† this twoness—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings . . . in one dark body.† (Du Bois, 1903) This is wrong and must be condemned. He wants the reader to understand that the African-Americans have a cultural identity of their own and all Americans must acknowledge and respect this. Some scholars felt that his concept of double consciousness is a defining moment in the history of African-American thought. Here I have to say that Du Bois’ description of how an African American feels in America is excellent. The words â€Å"He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face† are truly powerful. Du Bois through his essays wants us to realize that silent acceptance of racism

Metformin (Glucophage) Reactions

Metformin (Glucophage) Reactions Metformin (Glucophage) is available in the Pakistan since 1998. It falls in the same drug class as phenformin. Metformin is considered a first line agent and is significantly useful in people with known insulin resistance GLUCOPHAGE ® (metformin hydrochloride tablets) and GLUCOPHAGE ® XR (metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets) are oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. The structural formula is as shown: Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride tablets) Structural Formula Illustration Metformin hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline compound with a molecular formula of C4H11N5 †¢ HCl and a molecular weight of 165.63. Metformin improves hyperglycemia primarily through its suppression of hepatic glucose production, especially hepatic gluconeogenesis[1]. The average person with type 2 diabetes has three times the normal rate of gluconeogenesis; metformin treatment reduces this by over one third.[2] Metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a liver enzyme that plays an important role in insulin signaling, whole body energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats;[3] activation of AMPK is required for metformins inhibitory effect on the production of glucose by liver cells.[4] Research published in 2008 further elucidated metformins mechanism of action, showing that activation of AMPK is required for an increase in the expression of SHP (Small heterodimer partner), which in turn inhibits the expression of the hepatic gluconeogenic genes PEPCK and Glc-6-Pase.[5] Metformin is frequently used in research along with AICAR as an AMPK agonist. The mechanism by which biguanides increas e the activity of AMPK remains uncertain; however, research suggests that metformin increases the amount of cytosolic AMP (as opposed to a change in total AMP or total AMP/ATP).[6] In addition to suppressing hepatic glucose production, metformin increases insulin sensitivity, enhances peripheral glucose uptake, decreases fatty acid oxidation, and decreases absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract.[8] Increased peripheral utilization of glucose may be due to improved insulin binding to insulin receptors.[9] AMPK probably also plays a role, as metformin administration increases AMPK activity in skeletal muscle.[10] AMPK is known to cause GLUT4 translocation, resulting in insulin-independent glucose uptake. Some metabolic actions of metformin do appear to occur by AMPK-independent mechanisms; a recent study found that the metabolic actions of metformin in the heart muscle can occur independent of changes in AMPK activity and may be mediated by p38 MAPK- and PKC-dependent mechanisms.[11] Metformin causes a few gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, metallic taste, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort[7] . These can be avoided if the dose is increased slowly, and taking the drug with meals. A small amount of weight loss, possibly due to drop in net caloric intake due to appetite repression and/or a reduction in hyperinsulinemia is suggested. Falling in the same drug class as phenformin, the reported incidence of lactic acidosis is surprisingly low, 0.03 per 1000. In a US double-blind clinical study of GLUCOPHAGE in patients with type 2 diabetes, a total of 141 patients received GLUCOPHAGE therapy (up to 2550 mg per day) and 145 patients received placebo. Most Common Adverse Reactions (>5.0 Percent) in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of GLUCOPHAGE Monotherapy The occurrence can further be avoided if contraindications are followed. It is contraindicated in people with a high risk of lactic acidosis: renal serum creatinine levels over 150 ÃŽ ¼mol/l[14}or hepatic impairment, respiratory insufficiency, severe infection and alcohol abuse. Any pharmacological therapy that alters either of the factors mentioned before is also considered. It should also be used cautiously in elderly especially those above 80 years of age. It is recommended to monitor renal function upon initiation and at least once a year thereafter. It should be withheld immediately before a person has a procedure with a radiocontrast dye, as the dye increases the risk of renal failure and therefore lactic acidosis [15] [16]. It should also be discontinued before and surgery and can be started immediately after if the renal function is normal and the patient is stable. It is also recommended to monitor hematological parameters as it alters vitamin B12 absorption [12] [13] and therefore cause anemia (7% in clinical trials). The mechanism of action is unknown but can be reversed by discontinuation of the drug. Daily dosage should be 500 mg orally twice daily with meals. The dose can be increased every 2 weeks to 2000 mg daily. References Kirpichnikov D, McFarlane SI, Sowers JR (2002). Metformin: an update. Ann Intern Med 137 (1): 25-33. PMID 12093242. Hundal R, Krssak M, Dufour S, Laurent D, Lebon V, Chandramouli V, Inzucchi S, Schumann W, Petersen K, Landau B, Shulman G (2000). Mechanism by which metformin reduces glucose production in type 2 diabetes (PDF). Diabetes 49 (12): 2063-9. doi:10.2337/diabetes.49.12.2063. PMID 11118008. Towler MC, Hardie DG (2007). AMP-activated protein kinase in metabolic control and insulin signaling. Circ Res 100 (3): 328-41. doi:10.1161/01.RES.0000256090.42690.05. PMID 17307971. Zhou G, Myers R, Li Y, Chen Y, Shen X, Fenyk-Melody J, Wu M, Ventre J, Doebber T, Fujii N, Musi N, Hirshman M, Goodyear L, Moller D (2001). Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in mechanism of metformin action. J Clin Invest 108 (8): 1167-74. doi:10.1172/JCI13505. PMID 11602624. Kim YD, Park KG, Lee YS, et al. (2008). Metformin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis through AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent regulation of the orphan nuclear receptor SHP. Diabetes 57 (2): 306-14. doi:10.2337/db07-0381. PMID 17909097. Zhang L, He H, Balschi JA (2007). Metformin and phenformin activate AMP-activated protein kinase in the heart by increasing cytosolic AMP concentration. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 293 (1): H457-66. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00002.2007. PMID 17369473. Bolen S, Feldman L, Vassy J, et al (2007). Systematic review: comparative effectiveness and safety of oral medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ann Intern Med 147 (6): 386-99. PMID 17638715. Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and the British Medical Association. Chapter 6:Endocrine system—6.1.2.2 Biguanides, British National Formulary, 54. Bailey CJ, Turner RC (1996). Metformin. N Engl J Med 334 (9): 574-9. doi:10.1056/NEJM199602293340906. PMID 8569826. Musi N, Hirshman MF, Nygren J, et al. (2002). Metformin increases AMP-activated protein kinase activity in skeletal muscle of subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes 51 (7): 2074-81. PMID 12086935. Saeedi R, Parsons HL, Wambolt RB, et al. (2008). Metabolic actions of metformin in the heart can occur by AMPK-independent mechanisms. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 294 (6): H2497-506. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00873.2007. PMID 18375721 Andrà ¨s E, Noel E, Goichot B (2002). Metformin-associated vitamin B12 deficiency. Arch Intern Med 162 (19): 2251-2. doi:10.1001/archinte.162.19.2251-a. PMID 12390080. Gilligan M (2002). Metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency. Arch Intern Med 162 (4): 484-5. doi:10.1001/archinte.162.4.484. PMID 11863489 Jones G, Macklin J, Alexander W (2003). Contraindications to the use of metformin. BMJ 326 (7379): 4-5. doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7379.4. PMID 12511434 Weir J (March 19, 1999). Guidelines with Regard to Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis and X-ray Contrast Medium Agents. Royal College of Radiologists. Retrieved on 2007-10-26 through the Internet Archive. a b Thomsen HS, Morcos SK (2003). Contrast media and the kidney: European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines. Br J Radiol 76 (908): 513-8. doi:10.1259/bjr/26964464. PMID 12893691.  

Motives for Iraq War through Realism and Neo-Conservatism Lenses Essay

The invasion on Iraq by the United States in 2003 has become the biggest, lengthiest, and most expensive use of armed force since the Vietnam War. It is the first major post-Cold War U.S. military action taken unilaterally, without an international coalition, and the first U.S. experience as an occupying power in a Middle Eastern country. Although the invasion decision was distinctive (U.S. military connection in an Arab or Muslim country), the argument here is that the Iraqi invasion deals with motives related to natural security, power, and resources. Both realism and neo-conservatism claim to capture the motives behind the war, but only through a comprehensive comparison of the two can a synthesis be achieved. On March 20th, 2003, the United States military invaded Iraq with the ground campaign lasting almost three months. According to then-President of the United States, George W. Bush, and then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, stated reasons for the invasion included the disarmament of â€Å"Iraq, especially with respect to weapons of mass destruction; the ending of Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism; and the liberation of the Iraqi people† (White House Archives). On May 1, the end of major combat operations was declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period. However, was this war really needed to put an end to Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq—a regime that, at that time, had been considered a threat to the United States, as the neo-conservatives claim? Moreover, did Iraq really possess weapons of mass destruction, or was control of Iraq's oil the reason for the United States to invade it, as realists may posit? Often termed the â€Å"pessimistic view† of international politics... ...ospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_road_to_aqaba>. Lieberfeld, Daniel. "THEORIES OF CONFLICT AND THE IRAQ WAR." International Journal of Peace Studies 10.2 (2005): 1-20. Print. Lowbeer-Lewis, Nathaniel. "A Neo World? NEOCONSERVATISM, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND THE IRAQ WAR." Diplomat & International Canada 2009: 72-75.Diplomat & International Canada. 2009. Web. 4 Dec. 2010. . "President Discusses Beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom." White House Archives. 22 Mar. 2003. Web. 04 Dec. 2010. whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030322.html>. Walt, Stephen. â€Å"International Relations: One World, Many Theories.† Foreign Policy. Spring 1998: pg. 29-45. Waltz, Kenneth. â€Å"The Anarchic Structure of World Politics† International Politics. New York: Pearson, 2009. 37-58.

Elderly Drivers Outline

Elderly Drivers Specific Purpose: We want our audience to agree that the physically disabled elderly people need to retake their test or prove that they can drive before actually getting behind the wheel of a car. Thesis Statement: These elderly drivers, who are physically disabled, should not be driving without retaking the test or doing something to prove they are still capable to drive. I. Elderly are terrible drivers. A. The elderly are an increasing population of bad drivers, because of their health. B.Those include medical conditions like diabetes, having heart problems, having poor eyesight and being delusional. C. People with health risk or even something simple as just wearing glasses should â€Å"renew† their license, and to pass should have to take a small series test as simple as an eye exam. D. Overall, people over the age of 70 should have to perform a simple test to renew their license. II. Problem: According to the U. S. Census Bureau, the population of drivers 70 and older is expected to increase from 27. 8 million in 2010 to 51. 7 million in 2030 and 67 million in 2050.The rapid increase in the older driver population has led to concerns about the potential effects on traffic safety associated with this trend. A. Based on data reported by states to the Federal Highway Administration, there were approximately 22. 3 million licensed drivers 70 and older in 2010. B. A NHTSA study of 1995 FARS (Fatal Accident Reporting System) data reports that senior citizens accounted for: * 5% of all people injured in traffic crashes * 13% of all traffic fatalities * 13% of all vehicle occupant fatalities * 18% of all pedestrian fatalities C.If the elderly continue to drive as their health problems increase, they will not only be putting their selves at risk, but the rest of the population as well. III. Criteria for Solution: The solutions cannot be physically, mentally, or emotionally harmful to the driver. It has to be fair, affordable, and feasible. I V. Possible Solutions: There are a number of solutions that could help prevent harm to drivers of old age. A. Re-test the people over the age of 70+ in every state. B. Give mid-year health check-ups on the elderly to check their capability to drive an automobile. C.On the license plate of an elderly driver, have an identifier on it to signify that it is an elderly driver. D. Make it mandatory to have a passenger with a license to ride in the car with them. E. Check for any diseases, and health risks that would put the driver at risk or being hurt. F. Make sure the person knows the area they drive in. It has to be familiar to them. V. Best Possible Solution: Re-Test the elderly after a certain age. A. Maryland state law allows police, doctors, and residents including relatives to refer potentially unfit drivers to the Motor Vehicle Administration's Medical Advisory Board.B. A 2004 Florida law requiring that older drivers pass a vision test before getting a license renewed has helped cut the death rate among drivers 80 and older by 17%, according to researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Conclusion: In conclusion, we believe people should have to retake a driving test and vision and hearing test every few years to prove they are still safe and capable drivers. Reflective Thinking Sequence 1. Elderly drivers cause younger drivers to have road rage and put their self at risk. We can limit the problem by making drivers at the age of 70 retake the driving test. . The causes of the problem are the elderly’s vision and hearing getting bad. As they get older, they face more problems. 3. The effects of the problem are people getting hurt or put into danger. The driver puts their self into danger and then gets hurt by other drivers or other drivers hurt them. 4. The criteria in which the solutions should be judged are: Health checkups every few years, have another responsible driver in the car with the elderly, and/or retake the driving test at th e age of 70. 5. A possible solution is to have the driver retake the driving test at the age of 70.A strength would be better drivers on the road. A weakness is they may not want to retake the test. 6. The best solution is to make it mandatory for drivers at the age of 70 to retake the test. 7. We can put it into effect by making the retest a requirement at the age of 70. It’s not illegal because some states already put this into effect. Citations â€Å"Elderly Driving. † Elderly Driving. N. p. , n. d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. ;http://www. stritch. luc. edu/depts/injprev/Transprt/tran3. htm;. â€Å"Fatality Facts: Elderly. † Fatality Facts: Elderly. Transsaftey Inc, n. d.Web. 29 Nov. 2012. ;http://www. usroads. com/journals/rilj/0101/ri010102. htm;. Copeland, L. (2009, July 6). States seek tests for older drivers. . Retrieved from http://usatoday30. usatoday. com/news/nation/2009-07-05-older-drivers_N. htm Taira, E. D. , M. Maynard, and M. J. Madigan. Assessing the dr iving ability of the elderly, a preliminary investigation. Binghampton, New York: Routledge, 1991. 215. Print. Rothe, John, Peter Cooper, and Brian De Vires. The Safety Of Elderly Drivers: Yesterdays Young, Todays Traffic. Transaction Publishers, 1990. 435. Print.

Health Care Systems For Every Country - 1042 Words

Health care systems are institutions and resources whose main purpose is to improve health. There are different health care systems for every country. The United Kingdom (U.K) has a universal health care that is called the National Health Service (NHS). In the U.K everyone that is a resident has access to the same health care. It is free for people who are not residents (visitors) only if in an emergency or if the person has some infectious disease. One pro of the U.K health care system is that all the records are digital and can be shared between medical systems. This makes it easier for doctors to access records. Although the health care system is great the citizens have to pay extra taxes in order to maintain having a good quality†¦show more content†¦This health care system may sound ideal but the conditions in Cuba compared to other countries are not well off. They have very limited resources, poor equipment and old facilities. But there health care helps its citizens. Unlike the universal health provided by the other 3 nations, the United States (U.S) has a private health care system. This system is not funded by taxes and a citizen would need health insurance to access it. It is not guaranteed for all citizens; in fact the system does not guarantee coverage for the entire population. Some low income people are provided with insurance but not always. More than 50 million Americans do not have health insurance and are really suffering without it. We as Canadians are very blessed when it comes to have our health care system when compared with the U.S. Canada has a single-pay mostly funded system while the U.S has a multi-payer, private system. Canadian health care is universal and is guaranteed for all citizens, but in America there about 50 million people that are uninsured. In 2013 Canada’s life expectancy was 81 years and the infant mortality rate was 5 deaths/1000 live births, while the U.S was at the bottom in infant mortality and life expectancy. In 2012 the gross domestic product (GDP) for Canada was 10.4 % and the GDP in the U.S was 16%, meaning the U.S spent more on health care than Canada. One pro of the U.S health care system is that there are not long waits, in Canada non-emergency surgery