This book emphasizes the indivual's personal responsibility for wellness by presenting general (core) and current health information to guide decision-making. The focus of the text is to present health topics, including cultural, racial, ethnic and gender diversity, identify risk factors and give students useful and sensible suggestions to reduce their risk for preventable diseases and conditions in order to achieve optimal levels of wellness for themselves, friends and family. Filled with practical advice, stimulating discussion questions and self-assessment exercises, this text takes an applied approach and empowers students to take control of their own health. Concentrated emphasis on health issues as they relate to various cultural differences make this text one of the most up-to-date resources for health-related culture, gender, ethnic and age issues.