The Health Consequences of 'Modernisation'
Evidence from Circumpolar Peoples

Investigates the health consequences of switching from an active 'hunter-gatherer' lifestyle to that of sedentary modern living.

Roy J. Shephard (Author), Andris Rode (Author)

9780521065566, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 June 2008

324 pages, 24 b/w illus. 62 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.48 kg

"The book's strength in physiological topics reflects the authors' background and experience. Moreover, there is much in this book that is useful for any health care practitioner and researcher with an interest in the North. It is a convenient, single-source introduction to the Inuit and their health status, with a comprehensive bibliography." Transcultural Psychiatry

What are the health consequences of a transition from an active 'hunter-gatherer' lifestyle to that of sedentary modern living? In this book, the impact of 'modernization' is assessed in various populations in the circumpolar regions. The hazards of living in polar regions, and the adaptations shown culturally, behaviourally and physically by the indigenous peoples are examined and the effect of changes in habitual activity, diet, and general lifestyle due to more urban living patterns on the body composition, pulmonary function and susceptibility to disease discussed. The implications of this switch are important not only for all those concerned about the survival of indigenous communities around the world, but for all of us living in an increasingly sedentary, urban environment. Anthropologists, physiologists and those interested in population fitness will find this a comprehensive and valuable volume.

Preface
1. The circumpolar habitat and its peoples - traditional lifestyle and early research findings
2. Concept of the International Biological Programme Human Adaptability Project and IBP studies of circumpolar peoples
3. Changes in social structure and behaviour
4. Secular trends in diet, metabolism and body composition
5. Secular trends in physical fitness and cold tolerance
6. Secular trends in lung function and respiratory disease
7. Secular trends in growth and development
8. Current health status
9. Lessons from the Arctic
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX], Physical anthropology [JHMP]