This course challenges students to holistically assess the health status of self and others and to examine the criteria for maintaining healthy lifestyles. The connection between health and development will be examined as well as the current health status and health trends in the Caribbean. Students will critically discuss alternative/ complimentary medicine, particularly as they affect the bio-psychosocial aspects of primary healthcare in the cultural setting. The value of having a public health orientation, along with the need for a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach to addressing health issues will be emphasized. Finally students will examine the need for ongoing research and evaluation.