Scurvy Making a Comeback: Cost of Living Crisis to Blame?
Scurvy Making a Comeback: Cost of Living Crisis to Blame?
Scurvy, a disease of the past, is re-emerging in Australia.** The cost of living crisis, obesity, and ultra-processed foods are being blamed for people not getting enough vitamin C and developing the disease. Even wealthy Australians are cutting back on doctor’s appointments due to costs, leading to a 246% increase in people delaying or avoiding GP visits in the past four years. People in regional NSW are more likely to put off seeing both GPs and specialists, with 24% of regional residents delaying or not seeing a specialist due to cost in 2024. Bulk billing clinics are disappearing, further exacerbating the problem. **Is the cost of living crisis contributing to the resurgence of scurvy?