Invitation to Health

In every chapter, candid and honest discussions engage and inform students. The authors draw on their decades of experience with students from a variety of cultures and educational backgrounds and their understanding of the modern health issues impacting college students today to connect with students.

The book's reader-friendly style and practical, action-oriented approach to everything from fitness and nutrition to stress management and healthy relationships help students take charge of their own health.

Practical coverage of occupational and financial health -- topics often overlooked in personal wellness textbook -- shows students how to develop and maintain a healthy lifelong relationship with money. Topics include investing, credit and designing budgets.

In-text learning aids include “Snapshot: On Campus Now” statistics; check-Ins that encourage students to reflect on the material; and chapter-based “Taking Charge of Your Health” checklists that allow them to track their own issues and make positive and lasting behavior changes.

New coverage of the impact of COVID-19 includes the latest information on coronaviruses and vaccines (Chapter 10), the impact of wearing masks (Chapter 7), as well as other pandemic-related topics, such as the effects of isolation, healthcare disparities, and the use of video conferencing.

Chapter 18 (now titled Financial and Occupational Wellness) covers important topics such as choosing a major, life satisfaction within a chosen profession, and a range of financial topics including credit scores, investing, and creating a budget. This chapter replaces the previous chapter on Personal Safety.

An expanded focus on diversity and inclusion throughout the book includes timely coverage of healthcare disparities, cardiovascular disease, sexuality and mental health.

The chapter on Sexuality Health now includes coverage of Pansexuality and Asexuality, an expanded discussion of bisexuality, and online resources for LGBTQ+ students. Terms and language have been updated in the discussions regarding gender, gender identity, and expression. In addition, an expanded discussion on Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ community has been added to Chapter 3.

Chapter 6 (now titled “Body Composition and Weight Management”) now emphasizes body composition and healthy body weight rather than BMI. The Physical Activity and Fitness chapter now includes coverage of FITT-VP, exercise addiction and skill-related fitness.