University of Utah PRT Faculty, Alumni and Student Co-Edit New Book on Health and Leisure
Highlights
- University of Utah PRT faculty, alumni and a current Ph.D. student are among the authors and co-editors of a new book on health and leisure.
- The volume is the only book of its kind focused on health and leisure.
- Chapters examine timely topics including social determinants of health, stress management, climate, and nature.
Parks, Recreation and Tourism faculty, alumni and students are among the authors and co-editors of a newly released book believed to be the only one of its kind focused on health and leisure. Dart Schmalz, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, served as an author and lead co-editor of the volume, alongside Jeff Rose Ph.D., Paige Fery, Ph.D., a May graduate of the Ph.D. program, and Carly Knudson, a current Ph.D. student.
Health & Leisure: Making the Connections, 2nd Edition explores pressing topics, including social determinants of health, sociocultural and economic factors that influence well-being, and the role of leisure in supporting physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual health.
Chapter topics include the relationship between leisure, health and wellness; designing leisure and recreation programs for family health; nature’s prescription for health; mindful dining as leisure; leisure and stress management; and environment and climate change among other timely topics.
The foreword was written by David Buchner, M.D., a globally respected physician, researcher and public health leader whose work has helped shape physical activity policy and practice for decades. Buchner’s leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and his contributions to the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines have made him one of the field’s most influential voices.
Schmalz’s work focuses on the connections between leisure, health and well-being, as well as the ways recreation and nature can support healthier lives and stronger communities. In addition to her role as professor and chair, Schmalz is co-leader of Nature & Human Health-Utah. The new book reflects the department of PRT’s research, teaching and outreach on leisure and recreation as an essential determinant of health and development across a wide range of populations and settings.
For more information or to order the book, visit the publisher’s page: Health & Leisure: Making the Connections, 2nd Edition
