This book examines human health behavior as a lifetime process of adaptation and response to internally and externally demanding environments. Beginning with conception, this book follows the family life cycle from "seed to sod" and beyond. From considerations of conception it moves to birth, growth and development, disease, life style, environment, chronic disease, and death, and finishes on a positive note with a chapter on the future of quality of life. The opening chapter, entitled "Welcome to Earth: The Seed is Sown," is followed by one that examines the complex interaction of heredity and environment. Chapters on smoking, drinking, drug taking, dating, and mating follow. They are examined as complex interactions between youth and various groups demanding their allegiance. This is followed by chapters dealing with marriage, family, and population. Following the life style cycle approach, the next few chapters deal with consumerism, nutrition, weight control, noncommunicable disease, environment, and health care delivery systems. Finally the subjects of dealing with aging, death, and coping with death are examined. International in scope, this text provides information on Canadian as well as American health practices. A glossary of terms relating to the book is included. (SK)