Health Promotion in the 21st Century

An introduction to health promotion in Australia which addresses the complex local and international causes of ill health, and the range of strategies which can be employed to develop effective and sustainable health promotion interventions.

How should we invest precious health resources? At a time when chronic illness is increasing, inequality persists and climate change is starting to impact our health, how can health promotion improve health outcomes across the whole population?

Health Promotion in the 21st Century offers a systematic introduction to the principles of health promotion today, and effective planning, implementation and evaluation. The authors review the global, regional and local issues that affect health in Australia, and show how social, economic, political and educational elements in society contribute to population health and wellbeing.

Throughout, the authors emphasise that health promotion needs multiple solutions, and that health professionals should seek out strategic opportunities and partnerships. They consider the issues facing vulnerable groups - such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those with mental health issues, and the aged - and suggest a variety of innovative tools for working with particular populations. They also focus on strategies to ensure programs remain vibrant and sustainable in the longer term.

With case studies and activities in each chapter, Health Promotion in the 21st Century is an essential resource for anyone seeking to build a career in health promotion.

About the Editors

Professor Mary-Louise Fleming is a Public Health Consultant, a Non-Executive Board Director and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health and Social Work at Queensland University of Technology. She has been a consultant to WHO, to Commonwealth and Queensland health departments, and to the not-for-profit sector. She is co-author with Elizabeth Parker of Health Promotion.

Louise Baldwin is an experienced health promotion practitioner and an eminent leader in collaborative health promotion approaches. She has worked at the local, state, national and global level with extensive leadership in the non-profit sector. Louise is now based in the School of Public Health and Social Work at Queensland University of Technology.