This book is an excellent review of health promotion in the context of the pharmacy practice. Since the publication of the first edition, major changes have taken place in the involvement of pharmacists in health promotion. Health promotion is now a core role for community (retail) pharmacist and health promotion is now taught as a core-subject in all schools of pharmacy. The misuse of drugs is now a greater problem than ever before and pharmacists need updating in this area. Pharmacists have the monopoly on sales of nicotine replacement therapy and are now the key group involved in opportunistic advice to those who want to stop smoking. The book aims to inform pharmacists about all major health issues such as the effects of smoking; nutrition; exercise; oral health; family planning; woman's' health; child health; travel health; alcohol and mental health. The authors show pharmacists what they can achieve in health promotion stressing the social and behavioural aspects. There are key chapters on the major health challenges facing the 21 Century, the social inequalities of health and health care, problems in achieving behavioural change, and the importance of good communication especially about risks. From reviews of the first edition: 'Pharmacists interested in health promotion - which should be all pharmacists -could hardly make a better start to updating their knowledge than to read this book and pass its messages onto their patients.' Community Pharmacy Quotable comments from cards: 'This book is ideal reading for pharmacists intending to expand their business in this area or students studying pharmacy practice'. Terry McGuire, Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast 'An excellent book for giving a review of areas of health promotion in which pharmacists can be actively involved.' Dr M Aslam, Director of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Nottingham
