Author Description

During the last decade, the importance of health promotion has been increasingly recognized. Pharmacists, particularly those working in the community, are ideally placed to offer advice on a healthy lifestyle. This book aims to inform pharmacists about major health topics, using a practical approach and incorporating case studies. The major risk factors and the prevention of coronary heart disease, and cancer, are presented in detail and the role of risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise are summarized. Also included are sections on family planning, drug misuse, baby and child health, and the rapidly growing field of screening and diagnostic testing in the pharmacy. The authors show what pharmacists can achieve in health promotion. Key chapters focus on inequality of health care, problems in achieving behavioral change, and the importance of good communication.