Addresses the questions on investments in improving social conditions, as a way of improving population health. This book addresses how health is determined by biological and social factors. It examines case studies that demonstrate the ways in which social change affects adults' health, and launches children's lives onto healthy trajectories.

Extensive research has shown that social factors are as important as biological ones in determining health, and their impact is enormous in both adults and children. The challenge of changing public policies and programs remains. Healthier Societies: From Analysis to Action addresses the fundamental questions which will lead the way toward countries investing seriously in improving social conditions, as a way of improving population health.

The book is divided into three parts. Section one addresses to what extent health is determined by biological factors, by social factors, and more fundamentally, by the interaction between the two. Section two examines four case studies that demonstrate the ways in which social change cna dramatically affect adults' health, as well as launch children's lives onto healthy trajectories. This section analyzes the cases of nutrition, working conditions, social inequalities, and geographic disparities. The third section of the book takes a serious look at what would be involved in translating the research findings described throughout the book into action.

Thanks in a large part to the efforts of public health researchers, the authors of this book included, an increasing number of policy makers, service providers and members of civil society are debating how to use the science to make societies healthier...this book is a valuable and timely addition to the debate.