The practices of health education vary from one country to another. In Finland, health education is a statutory subject in basic education and in vocational and general upper secondary education. In fact, Finland is a model country in terms of health education, and the book by Määttä and Uusiautti provides a unique source to those interested in its implementation.

The book discusses the value and implementation of health education in Finland and abroad by analysing a legion of health-related concepts. There is a wide variety of health education concepts because the issue is studied within several academic fields. Indeed, through renewed health concepts the book opens up novel perspectives on health literacy.

Health education expertise is examined in the book from the perspectives of pupil support and positive psychology. The book brings out various health promotion methods through special cases involving children and youths.

"The significance of health and a healthy lifestyle is increasingly emphasized in education and decision making. Concern for youths' health behaviour, their risky lifestyles, and repeated experiences of health problems have sparked a wide discussion on how youths could be supported on their path toward a good life", says Professor Määttä.

The book also depicts the history of health education and presents concrete, research-based models of health promotion on different educational levels.

In addition to Professor Kaarina Määttä and Docent Satu Uusiautti, the following graduates of the University of Lapland have given their expert's contribution to the book: Doctor of Education Maija Rask, Doctor of Education Outi Hyry-Honka, Doctor of Education Ari Kunnari, Doctor of Education Marika Savukoski, Master of Education Sanna Hoisko, and Doctor of Education Teija Koskela.

The book can be used as a textbook in vocational institutions, universities of applied sciences, and universities. It also makes useful reading for teachers, researchers, and developers of health education.

Time for Health Education was published by Peter Lang.

It can be purchased from web stores or directly from Peter Lang Publishing Group's web pages.
 
 
Further information:

Professor Kaarina Määttä
Phone +358 400 696 480
kaarina.maatta (at) ulapland.fi

Docent Satu Uusiautti
Phone +358 50 355 1280
satu (at) uusiautti.fi
 
 
ULapland/Communications/OT