Health Lesson from London #2: Signs and Statistics

Do good signs = good health?

This question arose for me during a recent visit to London. While wandering the city I noticed the number of brightly colored placards and informational health warnings far exceeded the amount in my new home of Los Angeles. The signs in London also surpassed the number I noticed in Manhattan and Washington D.C. during recent visits to these cities. This observed signage disparity between the UK and the U.S. made me wonder if public health signs relate to public health statistics.

The content of the health-related signage in Britain varies. Some warn that carrying knives as weapons can cut life short. Others caution against over-indulgence of fermented cider. Since I'm over six-feet tall I particularly appreciated strategically placed suggestions to duck. British officials also deliver health warnings without using signs. Subway (or tube) riders frequently hear public address system-reminders to "mind the gap" when traversing the 3 inches or so between car and platform.

Britons might spend loads of quid on health-related signs, but Yanks spend more dough on health care. Ironically though, Americans trail the British in a number of important health indicators. For example, Americans trail Britons in life expectancy by two years, according to the WHO.

Why do British citizens live longer than Americans despite spending less on doctors and drugs? Does plentiful signage explain the disparities between health statistics in the U.S. and Britain? Probably not. Americans won't close the health gap by putting up placards. Nevertheless they might do well to divert some medical care spending towards preventative measures - like clever subway signs.

Photo credit: the author