A civically minded approach to public health, perfect for students on any career path Understanding the Science and Practice of Public Health is an exciting new textbook designed specifically for introductory public health courses at the college level. In a world rapidly being challenged by climate change, starvation, water shortages, and epidemics--and in a nation plagued by obesity, diabetes, early onset cardiovascular disease, cancer, and gun violence--this book provides students with crucial information that they'll need to understand what's going on around them. Thematically, this book focuses on the viewpoint that "We the People" have the ultimate responsibility to collectively assure the conditions that allow people to successfully seek health and well-being. Public health is a public responsibility (a maxim often repeated in the book), and college and university students must be fully informed to optimally meet this vital civic obligation. Written to be accessible to students in any major, this unique text prepares students to participate in the daily actions needed (including advocacy and support of health-related regulations and policy) to become participants in public health practice, rather than passive recipients. Readers will: * Get an accessible introduction to the most pressing public health issues of today * Learn how public health is promoted in society using real-world examples * Become knowledgeable about public health so you can make informed decisions at the voting booth and in daily life * Discover the practice of public health as it applies to pandemics, substance abuse, climate change, gun violence, and more The science and practice of public health depends on a well-informed and highly engaged population of civic-minded adults. This book will enable students' enthusiastic participation in savings lives and promoting health--no matter what career path they decide to pursue.