"Throughout the recent economic recession 2007–2009 and beyond the public's attention was directed principally to the worldwide impact on business and the way countries struggle with the financial aspects of the ‘crisis'. But what about the influence of this recession on social and health aspects of life? These were discussed only later. Over the last 200 years, other important economic breakdowns have challenged the world. Below I review the consequences of today's crisis on individual health, population health (national and globally), look back at history, and then ask if there are possibilities for change. Economic downturns are frequently accompanied by higher unemployment rates, decline of private consumption, job insecurity, and job migration. Indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), investment spending, and household income decline during crises. Are there consequences for human health, and if so of what kind?"

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