best books about health education

Health Education

(16 reviews)

College of the Canyons

Copyright Year: 2018

Publisher: College of the Canyons

Language: English

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Reviewed by April Parrott, Instructor, Lane Community College on 8/15/24

Covers all major topics well. I believe the section on cardiovascular disease should contain information on early heart attack detection and what to do, and BEFAST for stroke. The psychological health section covers a HUGE array of topics but... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Covers all major topics well. I believe the section on cardiovascular disease should contain information on early heart attack detection and what to do, and BEFAST for stroke. The psychological health section covers a HUGE array of topics but lacks information about treatment for most disorders. In general, great information on topics but less information on how to manage issues.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

Information feels accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Updates should be easy edits for this textbook but some of the information may not be relevant for long periods of time, specifically the information on marriage and relationships.

Clarity rating: 5

Easy to read. Limited use of hard to understand terminology.

Consistency rating: 5

Very consistent in terms of terminology and framework. Each chapter is laid out similarly to the previous chapter. However, this also means that each chapter is lacking in things like images, charts and graphs.

Modularity rating: 5

This textbook has very logically modulated the chapters and subtopics within those chapters. It would be very easy to direct students to certain blocks of information. I do not recall any self-referential material.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Organization is logical and builds upon itself. For example, the chapter on stress management begins by talking about what stress is and its effects on the body then into managing and coping. Chapter 5 introduces gender and sexuality which is immediately followed by sexual health which is followed by sexually transmitted diseases.

Interface rating: 4

There are some headings that are on one page and their text on the next or places where photos cause large gaps on previous pages. It does not have a navigable TOC.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Easy to read.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

I believe the section on Relationships and Communication is slightly dated and could be offensive to some readers as it describes relationships in a this way or that way type of language where it is likely that gender and relationships between genders is more fluid. I think this will date this chapter rather quickly.

In general, the book lacked things that made it interesting to look at. There were few images and they were not all the quality in terms of the breath of information they added. There is a lot of information that would be better presented in charts or tables. There is a general lack of how to turn this knowledge into practice.

Reviewed by Uma Hingorani, Affiliate Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 10/12/23

There is a Table of Contents, but an index and glossary of terms would both be helpful to find information quickly. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

There is a Table of Contents, but an index and glossary of terms would both be helpful to find information quickly.

The information is well organized and accurate. Some updates are needed, such as reference to latest edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including online tools to track menstrual cycle and Roe vs. Wade overturned stance on abortion in U.S., using more current CDC Fact sheets, including psychodelic mushrooms under drugs of abuse and impacet of legalization of marijuana on abuse potention, and including e-cigarettes, JUUL, and other modern cigarette types. Some minor typographical and spelling errors were noted ('spermacides').

Updating sections to include modern aspects would be helpful.

The language is clear and conducive to an undergraduate level college audience.

The book flows well and uses consistent terminology throughout the chapters.

The text is divided into subsections, making it manageable to read and understand.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The book is well organized and flows well.

Use of more diagrams would be helpful. The diagrams and charts used emphasize the textbook reading.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

Some minor typographical (bullets points not aligned in e-copy) and spelling errors were noted ('spermacides').

Culturally and racially sensitive.

This is a well-written, well-organized textbook which provides a good overview of health. Including the WHO definition of health and wellness would be beneficial as well as using more references to college-age students to engage this audience. In addition, updating sections to modern times would be helpful. Nonetheless, it is a straightforward and helpful textbook to use for a general health class elective.

Reviewed by Anna Smyth, Adjunct Faculty, Salt Lake Community College on 4/18/21

Health is a broad subject, and this book has done a nice job of categorizing and explaining some of the most important aspects. The book does not have a glossary or index but provides references at the end of each chapter for further exploration. read more

Health is a broad subject, and this book has done a nice job of categorizing and explaining some of the most important aspects. The book does not have a glossary or index but provides references at the end of each chapter for further exploration.

The data and information presented in the book appears to be accurate but some statistics are over 10 years old. Students would benefit from an updated edition. The information about sensitive topics such as violence in relationships, sexual health, etc. are handled skillfully without bias.

The text is written in a way that it would be relatively easy to update. Some of the topics, legal marriage for example, are changing due to legislation across the country, but the book speaks generally enough about these topics to capture this reality. The reader can pursue the references included at the end of each chapter to find more specific time-sensitive data around such topics.

Clarity rating: 4

The book is very clear in its use of language. This is a particularly appealing element if you have students whose native language isn't English. A moderate proficiency in English will make this book accessible--easy to read and understand. One missing piece of context noted: Section 5.6 seems to refer to a chart, ie "in the lower left corner" but no chart is included.

Consistency rating: 4

The text is consistent in the way the framework has been structured and the terminology is relatively consistent throughout, however there are some occasional verb tense inconsistencies, for example in Chapters 6 and 8 the voice alternates between speaking directly to the reader (you) and in third-person.

Modularity rating: 4

It would be as easy to pull a few excerpts from the book as assigned reading as it would be to review the entire text throughout a semester. There could be more of a contextual introduction to each chapter that may help provide a useful modular framework.

As the text is a presentation of a variety of interrelated topics rather than information that must be presented in a particular sequence for full and proper understanding, the organization seemed appropriate and sufficient. As Maslow's heirarchy is presented, there is an argument for using the order from that framework or the order of the six dimensions of health presented in Chapter 1, but the content therein, aside from Chapter 1, is not determined by the sequence so the current organization is sufficient.

I saw no significant interface issues, however the text could benefit from more illustrative images throughout to support learning and such images could help with minimizing any confusion as well as retention of the information presented. An example of such is Figures 14 and 15 on page 152 and Figure 4 in Chapter 9.

In my review, I noticed very few grammatical or spelling errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

Some of the sections could be updated with more inclusive language, such as the section on fertility and conception. Language such as "pregnant people" rather than "pregnant women" or "birthing person" rather than "pregnant mother" is more inclusive of the transgender community. The text generally tends to reference nationwide statistics without detail or context regarding specific demographics. This could be a valuable addition as illustrated in Chapter 1 that health can be substantially influenced by things such as race and ethnicity, culturally sensitive healthcare, sexual identity and orientation, etc. which are topics included later in the text. Expounding upon some of these critical aspects of health and determinants of health would add value and represent a more comprehensive perspective of health in the US.

This book is a solid resource with lots of useful information to use in health-related course curricula.

Reviewed by Garvita Thareja, Assistant Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 3/16/21, updated 4/22/21

It had covered most of the major topics in health and wellness. However, there are some foundational topics like dimensions or health (they touched these, but need more depth), theories for behavior change that should be added , being foundational... read more

It had covered most of the major topics in health and wellness. However, there are some foundational topics like dimensions or health (they touched these, but need more depth), theories for behavior change that should be added , being foundational in nature. Then again, some concepts are just added there and may not be needed at this level as it adds to confusion than contribution. We don't need that deeper biology part as its a health topic and not anatomy/physiology.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Its very accurate book. I would re structure some aspects and add some examples at few places, but overall, its up the mark with accuracy.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

Content needs an update. For example if its a weight management, then we need to add information about various apps and calorie tracking resources. If its a drug and abuse, I would add an activity that really engages students about how taking shots can affect their cognition and possibly put them in DUI. This text has too much theoretical concepts but less of applied part or case studies.

The information is clear and use simple languages. Not big jargons or difficult terms.

Yes, its consistent with the topics and headings and sub headings. Its just too much information actually VS field work, examples and real applications.

yes, its divided into various parts and sub parts. Easy to navigate and clear layout. I would just add that piece where if we click on a sub topic from table of contents, it takes us to that page automatically instead of scrolling around.

Yes, very clear and logical flow.

Interface rating: 5

Its easy to navigate. I would add a little more images as it gets monotonous reading it. WIth a topic like health, lot more colors and contrasts and images can be added.

I did not find one.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Not offensive. But I would actually add more of culture and diversity when it comes to health. Why are some cultures "Healthy"? or "why is disparity between genders with access to healthcare across the globe/developing nations"?

It is an interesting book. I liked reading it and refreshing some of the topics. I would just add some case studies and activities to make it more interactive instead of passive reading. May be we can have a supplemental lab with it? Its not a perfect book as it covers upper and lower division topics. But definitely, some components can be used as they are well written.

Reviewed by Sara Pappa, Assistant Professor, Marymount University on 2/24/21

The textbook is a comprehensive compilation of personal (individual) health topics, which are clearly defined and described. It would be appropriate for a Personal Health or Introduction to Health/Health Behavior course. It has a table of... read more

The textbook is a comprehensive compilation of personal (individual) health topics, which are clearly defined and described. It would be appropriate for a Personal Health or Introduction to Health/Health Behavior course. It has a table of contents, but not an index or glossary. It does not highlight key terms. There is a reference list at the end of each chapter--this could be expanded to include helpful links. Chapters do not have introductions or summaries.

The content is accurate and relatively unbiased. It includes current public health topics such as the leading causes of death, social determinants of health and health disparities. I might suggest changing the name of Chapter 12 to Chronic Diseases.

Each chapter is made up of many sections, or short descriptions of the topics. This helps with the organization of the content. There are not a lot of case studies, examples, graphics or anecdotal information to enhance the learning process. The material is somewhat dry the way it is presented (not very engaging).

The textbook is written in clear language and at an appropriate reading level for college students.

The chapters are organized in a consistent manner.

The textbook could easily be broken down into smaller units or sections as well as followed in a different order as indicated by a course or instructor. The short sections, as well as the chapter and section/sub-section numbering systems, make it easy to follow.

The textbook is organized in a clear manner, with chapter and section titles that make it easy to follow.

The textbook is easy to read and navigate.

The textbook is well written with few grammatical errors.

The textbook does include some references to culturally competent content. It would be improved with the addition of specific examples, including data and research, about cultural differences and how these affect health.

Reviewed by Sarah Maness, Assistant Professor, Public Health, College of Charleston on 1/27/21

Covers a wide variety of health promotion topics, primarily at the individual level. Lacks a section on social relationships and health. Only covers romantic relationships and in ways that are culturally dated (section on Married and Non-Marrieds). read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

Covers a wide variety of health promotion topics, primarily at the individual level. Lacks a section on social relationships and health. Only covers romantic relationships and in ways that are culturally dated (section on Married and Non-Marrieds).

Content Accuracy rating: 1

I would not feel comfortable using this text in my class based on issues with accuracy. Section 1.7 about Determinants of Health mentions Healthy People 2020 however does not describe the Healthy People Social Determinants of Health Framework when talking about Social Determinants of Health and includes different factors. Citations are very dated, 2008 or earlier when this edition came out in 2018. Healthy People 2030 is now out so next version should update to that as well. Bias encountered in the chapter about relationships and communication. Only covers romantic relationships and is written with from a heteronomative perspective that also centers marriage and is stigmatizing to those who are not married. ("Marriage is very popular..because it does offer many rewards that unmarried people don't enjoy." "There are known benefits to being married an in a long-term relationship rather than being single, divorced or cohabiting). Also refers to attempts to legalize same sex marriage in this chapter, which has been legal for years now. References are not formatted in AMA or APA style which is standard for the field. Wikipedia is used as a reference in Chapter 2. Chapter 6 discusses "options" for unplanned pregnancy (including taking care of yourself, talking to a counselor, quitting smoking) and does not mention abortion as an option. HPV vaccination recommendations need to be updated.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

All topics are relevant but the supporting statistics are outdated by more than a decade in many places. Years are not included in many statistics, nor in the citation at the end of the chapter.

Clarity rating: 3

The sections read as rather disjointed. Chapters could be more aligned and have improved flow for the reader to understand how concepts are related. For example, going right into theoretical models of behavior change in Chapter 1 is early and advanced for an introductory text.

Consistency rating: 2

In the Introduction it states the book is about health, health education, and health promotion. Since health promotion is broader than health education, and fits the topics of the book, it is not clear why this is not the title instead. This book could be useful for an introduction to health promotion class but instructors may overlook it because of the name. Some chapters contain no in text citations despite stating facts, while others contain many. Reference lists and in text citations are formatted differently in different chapters.

Almost too modular, not clear how some sections relate and there is not a lot of detail in many subsections.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

The sections within each chapter often seem disjointed and do not include enough detail in each section.

Interface rating: 3

In many chapters, only weblinks are provided as citations. If the link is broken, there is no title, author, journal or year for reference. Figures included without citations (ex: Social Readjustment Rating Scale).

Grammatical Errors rating: 3

Did not notice overt grammatical errors.

Includes examples and text of people of multiple races and ethnicities. Is not inclusive based on sexual orientation and in terms of the way it discusses marriage and relationships.

The cover does not appropriately capture what the book includes. It could be more representative of health than just a sports field/physical activity. Health is multi-dimensional and includes in addition to physical - mental, emotional, spiritual, occupational aspects, which the book acknowledges in the text. Hair and clothing style of people on cover also look outdated.

Reviewed by Corrie Whitmore, Assistant Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage on 11/11/20, updated 1/10/21

This book was developed for a Health 100 class. It covers a wide variety of personally relevant health topics, with segments defining health, discussing "your bodies response to stress," describing threats to environmental health, and offering a... read more

This book was developed for a Health 100 class. It covers a wide variety of personally relevant health topics, with segments defining health, discussing "your bodies response to stress," describing threats to environmental health, and offering a guide to "understanding your health care choices," which includes both nationally relevant and California-specific information. The index is detailed and specific. There is no glossary.

This textbook would be appropriate for a lower division personal health course. Some components would be useful in an introductory public health course, such as the "Introduction to Health," "Infectious Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections," and "Health Care Choices" secgments.

The text is not appropriate for a "Fundamentals of Health Education" or "Health Promotion" course aimed at future Health Educators.

Book provides accurate information with clear references to unbiased sources (such as the CDC for rates of diseases).

Content is releveant and timely.

The book is appropriately accessible for lower division students, with clear definitions of relevant vocabulary.

Good internal consistency.

The segmentation of the book into 14 topical sections, each with subsections, makes it easy to assign appropriate chunks of reading and/or draw pieces from this text for use in other courses, such as an introductory public health course.

Well-organized.

Easy to navigate.

Good discussion of health disparities, acknowledges cultural components in health. Is not insensitive or offensive.

Reviewed by Audrey McCrary-Quarles, Associate Professor, South Carolina State University on 8/17/20

The Health Education book covered all the components usually found in other basic health books. It can be utilized as an Open Textbook for students taking the introduction to health or the basic health course, such as HED 151 - Personal and... read more

The Health Education book covered all the components usually found in other basic health books. It can be utilized as an Open Textbook for students taking the introduction to health or the basic health course, such as HED 151 - Personal and Community Health.

The author could use a picture that exhibits diversity on the cover.

Some of the data is just a little outdated but can be updated very easily with an article or current chart.

Clarity is okay.

Consistency is good!

Should be an easy read for students.

Organization and flow are great!

Text can use some more pictures and charts, especially in Chapter 1.

Did not notice any grammar errors in scanning over the book.

The cover should be a picture that depicts diversity as well as showing more diversity throughout the book.

Overall, the book serves its purpose. It is good!

Reviewed by Vanessa Newman, Adjunct Faculty, Rogue Community College on 7/22/20

The textbook successfully covers a wide array of health education topics. The chapters on "Relationships & Love" and "Health Care Choices" were excellent additions to what you find in many health books. Overall, I would have liked to have seen... read more

The textbook successfully covers a wide array of health education topics. The chapters on "Relationships & Love" and "Health Care Choices" were excellent additions to what you find in many health books. Overall, I would have liked to have seen more case studies, illustrations, examples, and quick quizzes to reinforce the content presented and to reach students with different learning styles. Many of the sub-topics could be even more robust with the addition of information on auto-immune disorders for example or a section on health education professionals like personal trainers and health coaches or information on what to do if you suspect a food-borne illness and how to access help.

The contributors have done a great job of presenting accurate information but it is now outdated in many sections and chapters which is what happens in textbooks generally. The language and presentation of material appears unbiased. The addition of more graphics and examples that cross demographics, cultures, and races would be a welcome addition. I found no factual errors but did question the notion that gluten-free diets can assist with anemia and wondered if research about the resilience gene in children might be referenced.

The research presented is all 2015 or before with an emphasis on 2008 information. Sections about marijuana and cannabis, infertility, social disorder, and smoking need refreshing. It would be helpful to have information about genetic testing (23 and me and Live Wello) added, functional fitness addressed, and infectious disease content brought up to date. So much has happened affecting people's health has transpired since 2015 that it is time for updating. Also, more information in sections like how baby birth weight can predict chronic disease development and mindfulness as a practice for improved quality of life.

Content is presented in clear, concise and appropriate language. Every once in a while there is a sentence structure issue or a word ordering that is clarified by a re-read. There is not an emphasis on jargon or overuse of idioms in my opinion. All terminology was defined or given reference as to where to locate additional information. Again the use of diagrams, illustrations, more examples would also improve clarity and accessibility for some. I did not recall seeing information on how many calories are in a gram of protein, carbohydrate and fat presented. And relevance affects clarity. For example, including language about portal of entry and exit in the infectious disease section.

Having a quick quiz at the end of every chapter would have added consistency. Also standardized formatting for charts and graphics would improve the textbook overall as well. The chapters, sections and headings all appear consistently presented. There was nothing presented that was jarring or appeared out of context. References looked similar and were all summarized at the end of each chapter.

Modularity was this textbook's strength. Large chunks of information were broken down into manageable sections and sub-sections and the white space was appreciated. Because of this, the information did not seem overwhelming or "too much too fast." Students can take breaks and not lose track of where they were or forget critical information. Again, more examples, quizzes or case studies could also improve modularity and add an interest factor. The table of contents was thorough.

Time was taken to decide which chapters and topics should be presented in which order. The flow was organic, natural and later sections built on previous information. The structure of the textbook made sense and usually my questions about a topic or subject were answered within the same page. I had no complaints about organization and could find sections easily based on the table of contents.

No interface issues for me, but I was reading on a personal computer and perhaps on a tablet or phone there would be.

The paragraph spacing was not what I would have chosen. There were some inconsistencies. There are contractions like isn't which I prefer not to see in textbooks because it is too casual a style for me. Many instances of punctuation coming after quotations, but this may have been a style choice. The font seemed appropriate but more bolding or color would keep the reader's attention. There are spelling errors on the food chart on p. 236. Some issues with singular vs. plural. For example on P. 64 "nightmares" needs to be plural. A few places where punctuation is missing.

The text is not culturally insensitive, but without additional examples, graphics, and diverse charts it becomes a bit bland. The reference to a handgun on p. 56 was uncomfortable for me. Under weight management, there could be more information presented on how different cultures appreciate varying body types and have different food rituals and discussion on how not to "fat shame" others. Some examples of cultural influences could be presented in the infectious disease section like how practices for burying the dead can lead to disease and how food preparation affects disease management.

I thought it was comprehensive and well organized. If it were not for relevance issues, I would choose to use this book in our general health class.

Reviewed by Robert West, EMS Program Director, North Shore Community College on 6/7/20

Health education is an enormous subject area but this text does an excellent job covering the most important topics. The comprehensive nature of it topic coverage does come at the cost of not being comprehensive within any single topic- this book... read more

Health education is an enormous subject area but this text does an excellent job covering the most important topics. The comprehensive nature of it topic coverage does come at the cost of not being comprehensive within any single topic- this book is an overview that provides an excellent framework for further study and exploration.

Topics within Health Education are inherently subject to bias- religious, cultural and generational perspectives often influence the scientific and open-minded exploration of issues in topics like sexuality, nutrition, and relationships. This book clearly strives to support perspectives with research and did not shy away from topics like abortion and gender roles.

The greatest weakness of this text is that it often feels outdated. Health information is dynamic and no text can always be current, but there are sections that are clearly too old to be considered useful unto themselves. Examples: The narcotic abuse epidemic is absent. This is a major issue in substance abuse and the text primarily looks at heroin abuse without examining the larger issue of prescription narcotic gateways to abuse, or even other narcotics of abuse. The use of PrEP for reducing HIV transmission has been available since 2012 but is not mentioned. The section covering sexual orientation and gender identity cites the 1993 Janus Report for its source of statistics. There is no publication date listed in the text- the latest citation that I noticed was 2015 but most come well before 2010, making the text a decade old in a field that changes rapidly.

The text is well-written and easy to comprehend.

Consistency rating: 3

The Acknowledgements page at the front of the book states that it was "compiled by..." and this speaks to the way the text appears. There is no consistency is the writing of the book. Some chapters are broken down into Sections, brief (often only a paragraph long) collections of sentences that seem to address a behavioral objective that we do not see. Other chapters are written like a standard text and then some appear in a question-and-answer format. None of these are inherently problematic, but the changing style may trouble some readers.

Chapters and chapter sections are clearly delineated.

Chapters are well organized- there is no logical order into which one must teach the various issues of health. The readings of this text could easily be sequenced as desired by the instructor.

The interface is clean and simple. There are few images/illustrations- they would be a welcome addition.

The text is well-written and contains no grammatical/spelling errors that I noticed.

Overall the text seems fair and cites studies to provide evidence of its claims, though some sections simply feel less than open-minded. In the discussion of marriage vs. cohabitation (does anyone use that word anymore?), the text lists advantages of being married that include less likely to commit crimes and less addiction. Statistically, perhaps, but is there a causal relationship? A single paragraph addressing "spiritual health" states: The spiritual dimension plays a great role in motivating people’s achievement in all aspects of life. Some people, yes, but it's not a global truth. Race is never addressed as a topic within the text, though it is commonly listed when a risk factor of disease, health care disparity, etc.

If updated, this would be a superb book. As it stands, it provides an excellent framework for a college course in General Health from which the instructor, or students, could be directed to contemporary writings on these issues. An instructor could readily assign chapter readings and then short research projects that would that could be shared with the class as a whole to assure present day relevance.

Reviewed by Kathy Garganta, Adjunct Professor, Bristol Community College on 5/26/20

The textbook covers a variety of topics in a choppy sequence jumping from three chapters on sexuality and sexual health to substance abuse then onto nutrition. The book was limited in depth and many areas needed additional explanation. There are... read more

The textbook covers a variety of topics in a choppy sequence jumping from three chapters on sexuality and sexual health to substance abuse then onto nutrition. The book was limited in depth and many areas needed additional explanation. There are many lists that did not have the background explanations to support the lists. Several areas were lacking details and were not at college level.

Content Accuracy rating: 3

The text was generally accurate, but lacked backup documentations. Several phrases or statements appeared subjective without the supportive documentation that could lead to misinterpretation. For example, page 107, Section 6.6, Sexual Frequency is covered in one paragraph. In it a statement, “although satisfaction is lower in women,” is delivered with no backup explanation. On page 149, section 7.11, Sexually Transmitted Infections begins with a list of twenty different infections without clarity of an opening explanation.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The textbook was written in 2018 and is still current today. Because of the changing nature of health, it will need updating.

The text was basic and often used lists without additional explanations. Many sections were too brief leaving the reader confused. Page 210 contained an example of a diet list. The list for 4 healthy diet approaches was followed by confusing numbering.

The structural set up of headings and subheadings were consistent, but occasionally spacing was off.

The use of headings and subheadings were helpful. The table of contents clear and easy to follow. Often the sub headings were very short and needed additional information to validate their statements. As an OER text, sections could be assigned as resources to courses outside of health.

The topics were arranged with an unusual flow. Having three chapters on sexuality before nutrition changed the flow and weight of importance.

The text is free of significant interface issues. The chapter headings in the table of contents allows for easy navigation. The use of charts, color displays, photos would have assisted in explaining the topics. The chapter’s would benefit with a more engaging approach. Introspective questions or activities would help to relate material to students lives.

The text contains no significant grammatical errors. However, spacing and formatting needed consistency. For example, on page 86, five definitions all begin with the same exact phrase, throwing off the reader’s flow. On pages 285-86 the formatting/spacing is off.

The text should make greater use of photos/drawings that are reflective of a variety of gender, races, and backgrounds.

Grateful to the author for contributing to OER resources.

Reviewed by Sonia Tinsley, Assistant Professor/Division Chair, Allied Health, Louisiana College on 4/28/20

Covers a variety of health topics that are typical to a personal and community health course. However, the information is very brief. read more

Covers a variety of health topics that are typical to a personal and community health course. However, the information is very brief.

Content is accurate. However, some chapters tend to be limited with reference information.

Some chapters include a limited number of statistics and references but could be updated.

Information is basic and easy to follow.

Terminology used is consistent throughout the text.

The information can be divided into modules to use throughout the course.

Topics are organized and easy to follow.

There were not any features in the text that seemed to be distracting or confusing.

There were no glaring grammatical errors.

The text was very basic and seemed to be written for a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Would have been helpful to have more self-appraisals for readers to complete and make information personable.

Reviewed by Jeannie Mayjor, Part-time faculty in the Health and Human Performance Dept., Linn-Benton Community College on 1/15/20

I think this book does a great job of making the material presented easy to understand. Many similar textbooks are more advanced due to more challenging word/term choices, but this book would work well for anyone taking an intro level class in... read more

I think this book does a great job of making the material presented easy to understand. Many similar textbooks are more advanced due to more challenging word/term choices, but this book would work well for anyone taking an intro level class in health.

The book doesn't cover any of the topics in an in-depth manner. Since it's an intro-level textbook, there aren't many complicated ideas to present where accuracy could be a problem. I think some areas, like nutrition, are missing more up to date info, but that could be remedied by incorporating more recent articles and info from various health journals.

Since this text provides an easy to understand overview of health, it would be easy to update. There are no cutting edge or controversial views expressed in the book, so it does have longevity, but again, there will be a need to present more up to date info to supplement the general understanding that the students will have after reading this text. I like the section on sexual health/identity/orientation in the Sexuality chapter. One more chapter that I appreciate is the chapter on psychology: the most common mental health disorders that college-aged students encounter is important and the section on resilience in both the psychology chapter and the stress management chapter are greatly needed.

The book is very clear and understandable. After having taught a health class every term for the past twenty years, I think the way this book is written would appeal to most students.

I did not catch any inconsistencies in this text. Topics discussed in early chapters might come up in later chapters at times, but the info presented the second time around is consistent with earlier explanations of ideas and terms.

Larger type on chapter headings would help improve the ability to divide the book into smaller reading sections, it's easy to miss the start of a new chapter when scrolling through the text. Once you are in a chapter, the subheadings are helpful in dividing the chapter into smaller reading sections. I wish the chapter on cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease and stroke) was limited to those two diseases, without including a section on cancer. I think the topic of cancer deserves its own chapter.

The text is well organized and chapters flow into each other in logical ways. There are enough chapters to spread this out over a ten or 15 week term/semester. The chapters are short enough that you could easily assign one and a half chapters or two chapters for one week's worth of classes.

I would have liked to see more photos, although there are plenty of graphs, and I enjoyed the interactive quiz called The Big 5 Personality Test, I would have liked to see more. Some of the links listed in resources are no longer working, and one link in the Fitness chapter is not working, (Adding Physical Activity to Your Life) and I had been looking forward to exploring the topic in more depth. The MyPlate.gov website has been significantly changed, around the time that this book was published, so some of the links to that site no longer work.

I usually notice grammatical and spelling errors, as well as missing words, but I did not encounter anything obviously wrong in my reading.

The text could use more cultural references. I would have liked to see more acknowledgement of cultural differences and references to the health of people from other cultures, especially as it relates to changes they may encounter once a person from another country moves here.

Great overview of the various topics covered in a 100 or 200 level college health class. I will use sections of this book to help simplify some of the topics that my students find challenging, for instance, the fitness and heart health chapters/sections. Due to the inclusion of many of the mental health disorders that our students encounter, I will fit in some of the sections in the psychology chapter. I look forward to implementing some of the material in this text into my health classes.

Reviewed by Jessica Coughlin, Assistant Professor , Eastern Oregon University on 1/6/20

This textbook includes very similar topics to most of the college level health education books that are available today. While the book includes many of the main points related to each topic, it does not go into too much depth. However, this... read more

This textbook includes very similar topics to most of the college level health education books that are available today. While the book includes many of the main points related to each topic, it does not go into too much depth. However, this limitation can be solved by supplementing the book with scholarly articles. Based on the number of chapters and the amount of information, I think this book would be beneficial for a 10 week or 16 week term.

The book cites quality sources, however it would be helpful to include in-text citations since the references are only at the end of the chapters and it is difficult to know where the information is coming from. This is especially important for time sensitive information such as statistics. Also, some information seems to be directly from the sources, but it is not cited.

The information is mostly up to date, however as stated before, including in-text citations would help readers have a better idea of the relevance of the material. Also, there are limited references for each chapter.

The material is delivered in a clear and concise way. Adequate context is provided for terms and concepts.

The format of the text-book is consistent as is the type of delivery for the information.

The text includes a good amount of headings and sub-headings, which makes it easy to break the information down into smaller reading sections.

The book has a good flow to it. Each section within the chapters is well-organized and provides a logical progression.

The book is free of any significant interface issues, however there are some small issues such as spacing and formatting errors. Additionally, some small changes such as larger title pages for each chapter would be helpful as well as more graphics and pictures.

I did not notice a significant number of grammatical errors.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive. Like most textbooks, it could provide more examples that navigate the relationship between health and different backgrounds.

I would use this textbook, along with other supplemental materials for my course. It reviews the main topics I currently cover in my course and has less limitations than many overly-priced books.

Reviewed by Kathleen Smyth, Professor of Kinesiology and Health, College of Marin on 4/17/19

This textbook covers the myriad of required topics for an Introductory Health Course. The table of contents includes all of the topics I cover in my classes. No textbook is perfect and this book is no different but one should not rely on textbooks... read more

This textbook covers the myriad of required topics for an Introductory Health Course. The table of contents includes all of the topics I cover in my classes. No textbook is perfect and this book is no different but one should not rely on textbooks only anyway. This free textbook is an excellent launching point for any contemporary health education course.

One of the greatest challenges in teaching health is to be unbiased given so many factors affect our health like politics, economics, zip code etc. The textbook does a fine job of explaining the role of government. For example: generic drugs and the abortion debate. Any areas in question can be used by the instructor to create a discussion with the students for better/different alternatives or ideas.

Health is very dynamic so the textbook will need to be updated on a regular basis.

This is an easy to read text. The majority of college students will have no issues with the terminology.

For a textbook that is not professionally published I found the terminology and framework sufficient for my needs. Anything missing can easily be added by the instructor and used as a discussion or research assignment for the students.

Maybe the best feature of the text is the modularity. Each section of the table of contents is hyperlinked so one could easily pick and choose the topics assigned to the students.

The organization follows the same logical fashion as all of the top rated professionally published Health Education textbooks.

There are a couple formatting issues but nothing that affects clarity in my opinion. I think because this is free I have lower expectations vs a professionally published textbook and I am ok with this.

I did not notice any obvious grammatical errors.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive but it could include in-depth analysis of health status in relation to one's race, culture and zip code. As I mentioned previously this is a topic that can easily be supplemented by the professor.

This free textbook meets all the requirements for an introductory health course. It leaves room for me to do my job to engage my students in more detail by discussing controversial topics while giving them the opportunity to be critical thinkers. I appreciate all of your efforts on this project.

Reviewed by Amanda Blaisdell, Assistant Professor, Longwood University on 4/11/19

It gives a lot of information, but it isn't very "in-depth." Admittedly, it would be a challenge to be very in-depth with one book that covers so many topics. This book certainly lacks sufficient images/pictures. The amount of information varies... read more

It gives a lot of information, but it isn't very "in-depth." Admittedly, it would be a challenge to be very in-depth with one book that covers so many topics. This book certainly lacks sufficient images/pictures. The amount of information varies by topic. For some reason, some topics (that don't seem as important in relation to other priority issues) have much more text and information, while other topics lack in comprehensive quality to a large extent. Types of intimate partner violence is incredibly insufficient. There are LOTS of ways that people are abusive, those 5 bullets are not enough. There are lots of incomplete sections. It seems like most sub-topics are hand-selected.

There are biases in the information. For example, mental health is described with an emphasis on college-aged students. Why? Mental health issues affect everyone. This makes it seem like a college student problem. Another example, on page. 57 a strategy to cope with stress is to "give in once in a while." What are we promoting here? I have taught health education and stress management for years. There is a better way to phrase the point they are getting to.

It seems like it is up-to-date as of right now, but health facts are only good for five years.

Sometimes more jargon is necessary. Too much relying on cultural metaphor.

Not all facts have footnotes so that the reader can find the source of the information. Why do some have a reference footnote but other facts do not? How can we dig deeper and fact-check? The reference sections are hyperlinks, which come and go. Why are the references lacking any actual APA, MLA, or other format? APA would be appropriate. Students emulate what they find in textbooks. Some seem to be in some formal form, but others are not and the formatting is not correct.

Yes, very much so.

Some topics fit in multiple categories, so there should be some in-document link to information.

Some sections have a space between paragraphs... some do not.. it is not consistent or visually appealing (Example, p. 23). Figure 1 on page 51 seems to have highlighting and blurriness on the image. Look on p. 122, what is that symbol before the "Copper IUD"? WHy does it say it twice? Is there a heading that wasn't bold? What is going on?

I don't know if you call this "grammar" per-se, but formatting is not consistent. For example, on p. 55 there is no consistency in capitalization of first words in bullet points. That just seems sloppy and unprofessional.

Don't refer to sexual arousal as being "turned on," as that is a cultural metaphor. Some language needs to be technical because this book is supposed to provide information. There is lots of evidence of attempts at cultural competence, but it doesn't provide enough of that. There are lots of lifestyles that are OK even if they don't fit our Western model.

To be honest, it seems like portions of this book are plagiarized. Is this a rough draft?

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Health
• Chapter 2: Psychological Health
• Chapter 3: Stress Management
• Chapter 4: Relationships and Communication
• Chapter 5: Gender and Sexuality
• Chapter 6: Sexual Health
• Chapter 7: Infectious diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)
• Chapter 8: Substance Use and Abuse
• Chapter 9: Basic Nutrition and Healthy Eating
• Chapter 10: Weight Management
• Chapter 11: Physical Fitness
• Chapter 12: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Cancer
• Chapter 13: Environmental Health
• Chapter 14: Health Care Choices

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Readers will learn about the nature of health, health education, health promotion and related concepts. This will help to understand the social, psychological and physical components of health.

About the Contributors

Contribute to this page.

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• Student Outcomes
• Student Support

25 Books Healthcare Professional Should Add to Their Reading Lists

March 6, 2019

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Online Healthcare MBA

Walk in someone else's shoes or brush up on the latest innovations when you pick up any of these 25 books.

1. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

Many professionals believe they must power through adversity before they can succeed. When a skill or situation seems difficult, professional norms dictate that you should simply work harder. This book suggests the opposite. Instead of advising readers on how to correct their deficiencies, the author focuses on how readers can develop their natural strengths.  StrengthsFinder 2.0 directs readers to an online quiz aimed at helping them understand personal strengths so that they can better manage and work with others. The book and online materials can help healthcare professionals better understand and utilize their strengths .

2. Medicaid Politics and Policy by Judith D. Moore and David G. Smith

This book understands Medicaid as a "weak entitlement" that is less established than Medicare or Social Security, but more secure than welfare and food stamps. The authors emphasize both politics and policy in an accessible way, while aiming to help readers distinguish policy grounded in analysis from partisan ideology. This updated version accounts for changes in the Affordable Care Act and includes a current glossary. If you’re at all involved in Medicaid policy , you’ll benefit from reading this book.

3. The Creative Destruction of Medicine by Eric Topol, M.D.

Although the phrase "creative destruction" carries a negative connotation, this book outlines the positive impact of individualized medicine on the healthcare industry. The author suggests using genome and digital technologies to understand individuals at the biologic level to determine appropriate medical intervention. Although this book was published in 2012, its ideas continue to be relevant today. The book contains a new postscript to address the current healthcare revolution and how mobile technology has transformed our lives.

4. The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande

The combination of life and healthcare has produced many productive multitaskers, but this book suggests that we may have lost the ability to organize and deliver a consistent experience. The author argues that we can produce and specialize more, and make better use of technology, by using simple checklists in surgery and in daily life.

5. Leadership is an Art by Max Depree

This revised edition addresses leadership as a type of stewardship by stressing the importance of cultivating relationships, initiating ideas and creating an overall value system within an organization. According to the author, an artful leader must:

• Enable others to achieve personal and institutional potential
• Develop, express and defend values
• Nurture future leaders to strengthen and solidify corporate culture

6. Becoming the Best: Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership by Harry M. Kraemer

The author believes that one can become a better leader after achieving one’s best self. This straightforward and practical guide applies value-based principles to help the reader create a personalized framework for leadership success. Using case studies and personal experience, Kraemer prescribes four principles to improve five areas of the reader's career and life.

7. Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande

Through firsthand accounts of his own surgical experience, the author offers an unabridged take on what happens during surgical complications. This book can enlighten anyone in medicine and healthcare, whether behind the scalpel or the computer. Gawande's stories are personal and heartfelt reminders that doctors are people too.

8. The Comfort Garden: Tales from the Trauma Unit by Laurie Barkin

Told from the perspective of a trauma nurse, this book is about the plight of people who have survived massive trauma before being admitted to the hospital. These real-life stories highlight the impact of such trauma on the patients and everyone in their lives, including their caregivers.

9. How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman

Groopman set out to shatter myths by examining the relationship between doctors and their patients. By exploring thought processes behind doctors' decisions, the author pinpoints why doctors succeed and why they err. This is a must-read for anyone wants to understand how doctors can deploy skills to profoundly impact our health.

10. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

This parable that takes place in a maze. Two mice and two people navigate the maze, and each group has an entirely different relationship with the cheese they seek. For the humans Hem and Haw, cheese is more than sustenance; it is their life and livelihood. Readers are likely to relate the cheese as something in their own lives, be it a job, money or career path. Who Moved My Cheese? is recommended for those who may fear or resist change.

11. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

After Pausch learned he had terminal pancreatic cancer, he delivered an hour-long video presentation that summarized his philosophy on the importance of hard work and perseverance. This book expands upon the themes presented in his lecture and may be valuable to any professional attempting to balance work and life.

12. Too Busy for Your Own Good: Get More Done in Less Time with Even More Energy by Connie Merritt

Although this book is targeted towards women, both men and women can benefit from its tips on how to prioritize, when to say no and how to get more done in less time. In our fast-paced world, these are skills all professionals need.

13. How Not to Die: Surprising Lessons on Living Longer, Safer, and Healthier by Jan Garavaglia

Using anecdotes from her cases, medical examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia gives readers advice on how to live healthier, longer lives. The author also shares insight on what she believes to be the most easily preventable deaths. The book covers accident prevention, medical hygiene and everyday dangers.

14. Helping Children Overcome Fear in a Medical Setting by Rob Luka

This easy-to-read guide empowers both children and adults to transform fear into cooperation. The book is a helpful tool for anyone in the medical industry, regardless of rank. Administrators and executives may not work directly with children, but they should understand the unique challenges of those who do.

15. A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen

Bowen's message is simple: stop complaining. He proposes that life gets better when you stop focusing on the negative. The book issues a challenge: stop complaining for 21 days. When the complaints stop, the mind focuses less on negativity, allowing room for more positive changes.

16. Conspiracies of Kindness: The Craft of Compassion at the Bedside of the Ill by Michael Ortiz

Ortiz proposes that compassion is a craft that can be learned, practiced and refined. Building on his nursing experience, the author provides educational tales about interactions with patients that demonstrate compassion and kindness. Healthcare professionals at any level can benefit from reading this inspirational and educational book.

17. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

In 1951, Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer and treated at Johns Hopkins University. During her treatment, Dr. George Gey took a sample of Henrietta's cells without her knowledge; these cells have been cultured and used in experiments for the last 60 years. Lacks' family did not know about the cells or their profits until 20 years after her death. This well-written non-fiction book explores the contribution of these cells to science and how the ordeal has impacted her family.

18. The Soul of a Doctor by Susan Pories, M.D., Sachin H. Jain and Gordon Harper, M.D.

This book offers a glimpse into the emotional journey third-year medical students face when they begin adopting clinical responsibilities. For most, these students are facing real crises with real people for the first time, and they must put aside their emotions to make potentially life-saving decisions. Every doctor takes this personally, and this book provides a raw and emotional perspective of doctors that the general population often doesn’t see.

19. In Stitches by Anthony Youn, M.D.

Youn writes about growing up as one of two Asian-American kids in a small Midwestern town, and how he chose the journey to become a doctor. Readers will relate to this humorous coming-of-age story.

20. The Patient Will See You Now: The Future of Medicine is in Your Hands by Eric Topol

Eric Topol shows an alternative view of medicine that puts more power and control into the hands of patients. Topol shares innovative ideas such as using a smartphone to obtain rapid blood test results or monitor vital signs. These ideas could empower a patient to obtain a diagnosis without seeing a doctor, and the process could result in substantial financial savings. This may well be the future of healthcare.

21. In Search of Good Medicine: Hospital Marketing Strategies to Engage Healthcare Consumers by Mark D. Shipley

As American healthcare reforms, patients have a stronger role in the healthcare decision-making process. In this book, Shipley proposes new ways to attract and engage these empowered patients. In Search of Good Medicine provides an executive overview of the current state of healthcare and extends a protocol to help organizations become competitive in this marketplace. This book is especially beneficial for those in the healthcare marketing field.

22. The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D.

Siddhartha Mukherjee won the Pulitzer Prize for this account of the history and biology of cancer. Cancer is a disease that humans have lived with and perished from for over five thousand years. This biography of cancer includes discoveries, victories, seatbacks and deaths. The Emperor of All Maladies is an enlightening book that provides clarity and demystifies cancer.

23. The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida, K.A. Yoshida (translator), David Mitchell (translator)

The Reason I Jump is as a collection of short stories that illustrate life with autism. It offers a unique perspective: the author is a 13-year-old boy with autism. Reading these stories offers an instrumental understanding in autism for healthcare professionals.

24. The President Is a Sick Man: Wherein the Supposedly Virtuous Grover Cleveland Survives a Secret Surgery at Sea and Vilifies the Courageous Newspaperman Who Dared Expose the Truth by Matthew Algeo

This is the story of President Stephen Grover Cleveland and the massive cancerous lesion he had removed from his hard palate during his presidency. The President is a Sick Man tells of the surgery and the physicians involved. This book provides the history, conspiracy and surgical technique surrounding the incident.

25. The Knife Man: Blood, Body Snatching, and the Birth of Modern Surgery by Wendy Moore

John Hunter was one of the most distinguished surgeons of his day. Many argue that his eccentricity pushed him to uncover secrets of the human body that define modern surgery. Hunter’s efforts to advance his medical knowledge included stealing bodies and infecting himself with venereal diseases.

This recommended reading list is meant to supplement your continued education and provide varied perspectives. The chosen books offer a well-rounded view of the healthcare industry, which would be especially helpful for anyone interested in healthcare administration .

Recommended Reading

The Ethical Gray Areas of Data in Healthcare Business

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MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH) ONLINE

Top 15 Public Health Book List from USC Online MPH Faculty

November 8, 2023

View all blog posts under Articles

USC’s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program is proud to share its reading list for leaders in public health based on recommendations from program faculty in 2022. Read more and discover how you can promote equitable, effective public health by enrolling in USC’s online  Master of Public Health (MPH) program . Learn from expert faculty members and incredible fellow students. The USC online program is the only MPH in the country delivered by a top-ranked medical school with a world-renowned faculty. Learn more about how an MPH from USC can propel your career in public health today.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks  

Author: Rebecca Skloot

Recommendation by  Tracy Bastain

This is an important story of modern medicine, the birth of bioethics, and race.

Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-first Century

Author: Dorothy Roberts

Recommendation by  Ricky Bluthenthal

This book examines the myth of race as a biological concept and how that has led to inequality and social injustice.

Start with Why

Author: Simon Sinek

Recommendation by  Rita Burke

Although not a public health book per se, it is an important book as it tells the story of how leaders should lead.

A Good Time to Be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future  

Author: Perri Klass

Recommendation by  Farzana Choudhury

This book focuses on one of public health’s biggest achievements: its impact on reducing infant and child mortality. Only one hundred years ago, in even the world’s wealthiest nations, children died in great numbers from preventable deaths. This book pays tribute to the scientists who rewrote the human experience so that early death is now the exception rather than the rule for the first time in human memory.

Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity

Author: Erving Goffman  

Recommendation by  Mariam Davtyan

This seminal work conceptualizes stigma related to health conditions and the devastating impact of stigma on social interactions.

For Her Own Good: Two Centuries of the Experts Advice to Women  

Authors: Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English

Recommendation by  Sofia Gruskin

This is a women’s history classic that exposes the constraints imposed on women in the name of science and the myths used to control them. Historically, among the experts’ diagnoses and remedies: menstruation was an illness requiring seclusion; pregnancy, a disabling condition; and higher education, a threat to the long-term health of the uterus. From clitoridectomies to tame women’s behavior in the nineteenth century to the censure of a generation of mothers as castrators in the 1950s, given current realities, it is worth revisiting some of the ways the health profession has intervened in women’s sexual, emotional, and maternal lives.

The Cider House Rules

Author: John Irving

Recommendation by  Susanne Hempel

This novel offers an insightful view into abortion, healthcare services, and choices.

Mountains Beyond Mountains

Author: Tracy Kidder

Recommendation by  Jakub Hlavka  

In this book, Tracy Kidder tells the story of Dr. Paul Farmer (1959-2022) and his mission to provide care to people around the world. At the heart of the book is the Haitian proverb, “Beyond mountains there are mountains” (as you solve one problem, another problem presents itself.) Paul Farmer lived a truly selfless life. As a student, his story inspired me to choose my next career steps.

The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance

Author: Laurie Garrett

Recommendation by  Sue Ingles

Thirty years ago, Laurie Garrett explained what’s happening today.

And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic  

Author: Randy Shilts

Recommendation by  Roksana Karim

This is one of the classic and essential books of our time that takes us back to the early 80s to see for ourselves how the AIDS epidemic influenced our society and how politics influenced the epidemic. The science prevailed, nonetheless. It is a must-read for anyone willing to have a public health career. The movie based on this book is also highly recommended.

Smallpox: The Death of a Disease – The Inside Story of Eradicating a Worldwide Killer  

Author: D.A. Henderson

Recommendation by:  Roberta McKean-Cowdin

This is a fascinating story of controlling smallpox with the odds stacked against Henderson and the public health workers amidst small budgets and political games set to see them fail.

The Premotion: A Pandemic Story

Author: Michael Lewis

Recommendation by  Jane Steinberg

This is a brilliant nonfiction story about a group of health care experts and the Santa Barbara public health officer trying to communicate accurate information about the beginning of the COVID outbreak during the Trump administration and being stymied at every turn.

Innovation Generation: How to Produce Creative and Useful Scientific Ideas

Author: Roberta Ness

Recommendation by  Melissa Wilson

It’s about how to think creatively in the sciences.

The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World

Author: Jacqueline Novogratz

Recommendation by  Heather Wipfli

Jacqueline Novogratz explains how traditional charity often fails and how to find better ways to address poverty by promoting self-sufficiency instead of dependency.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures

Author: Anne Fadiman

Recommendation by  Mellissa Withers

This is a well-researched and moving story of a Hmong family’s struggles to navigate the healthcare system in the US. Even though this book is now 25 years old, it is a timeless classic, and the issues brought to light are still very relevant in today’s world.

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The 25 Best Books of All Time for Health Promotion Professionals

Affiliation.

• 1 Editor in Chief, the American Journal of Health Promotion, Senior Fellow, The Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO).
• PMID: 33557579
• DOI: 10.1177/0890117121992225

Best books lists are the ultimate opinion pieces. In this editorial, this journal's editorial team go out on a big science limb together and proclaim the 25 books relating to the health promotion profession that we consider "must reads." While several of our selections are standard bearer textbooks that have informed the training of graduates from Schools of Public Health for several decades, many of our best books finalists are best-selling books that have garnered tremendous accolades in the popular press. This best books list for health promotion professionals has been published on publicly accessible blog sites and I invite readers to visit those sites and weigh in with their reactions and recommendations for books that they believe should be included in future lists.

Keywords: best books; health education; health equity; health journalism; health promotion research.

Publication types

• Health Personnel
• Health Promotion*