Book excerpt: A comprehensive textbook providing a complete overview of the multifaceted nature of public health practice. It explores all aspects of public health from communities and wider society, child development and early relationships, inequalities in health, safeguarding, the rapidly changing nature of society and the significance of culture, equality and diversity. The book takes a life-span approach and makes direct links to the UK health and social care context and has been written for an interprofessional audience. It will be essential reading for health and social care students including nurses and midwives, allied health care professionals, social care workers, qualified health and social care practitioners and anyone who plays a role in understanding, promoting, and protecting public health. Key features: Comprehensive, wide-ranging coverage Addresses the realities of public health in a globalised world Applied to the UK four nation context but also considers the global dimension of public health practice