“When we think of health and longevity, we often think of doctors and nurses who care for the sick. However, throughout human evolution and history, human health has been improved by our tendency not to get sick rather than what happens when we get sick. And thanks to a safer environment (sanitation and clean water), better nutrition, and the natural ability of human tissues to heal and self-regulate, we tend to get sick less. In other words, in both developed and developing countries, the most important factors that determine human health are the environment (physical and social), human behaviour, genetics and, to a lesser extent, medical care”. 

Life expectancy in most areas of the world is increasing with the exceptions being due largely to war, epidemics, and social displacement. The improvements in life expectancy are still largely due to public health and preventive interventions (some delivered through medical care) rather than medical care provided to the already ill.

This books looks at the in-depth analysis of each individual Social Determinant of Health (SDOH), how it impacts on our everyday life and how to be cognisant in addressing health challenges before they occur.

The last two chapters of the book emphasize Political and Leadership roles in addressing Social Determinants of Health and roles to be played by every citizen in a given demographic population.