This definition positions health promotion as a collection of inter-related technologies. Other definitions emphasis philosophical foundations. This definition is resoundingly upbeat - it makes claims about what health promotion can do when everything goes right. The actual range of results is wide, poor results can and do occur, and the technology is under constant testing and improvement. Finally, a word is in order about health promotion in relation to the field of public health.
Health promotion is an integral part of public health.
Its technologies are critical to the successful practice of all aspects of public health, from the control of emerging infections to the successful management of challenges associated with the ageing population. Health promotion is in fact the vital element that defines a 'new' era of public health. Health promotion is that element of public health that focuses on developing social conditions adequate not only for the maintenance of health, but for developing better health to facilitate a thriving, productive and equitable society. We hope that your discussions before and during dinner have included a focus on this issue, and we look forward to a lively debate this evening. I am grateful for Spencer Hagard's , Trevor Hancock's and Anne Bunde-Birouste's helpful suggestions.