Enhancing the quality of human life is an important objective of the development paradigm in many developing countries. It is a well-known fact that India is the second largest populous country confronted with several emerging health related issues resulting in deterioration in health status. Human Development is a science subject which adopts life span approach to understand growth and development of human being from the moment of conception till death. It also deals with health problems during key stages of life including pregnancy, childhood and adolescence, senescence. Interdisciplinary research studies compiled in this book clearly reveal the powerful relationships between growth, development, health and care-giving. This book is a compendium of research studies on emerging health issues like maternal and newborn health, child and adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, nutrition and health, adulthood and healthy aging. The book is useful for students, research scholars and professionals of Human development, Food science and nutrition, Psychology, Anthropology, Social work, Sociology, Education, and Economics along with Medical Sciences to understand emerging health issues across the life stages. This book includes valuable suggestions made for welfare and development of people to promote quality of life and can be considered a valuable document for understanding the health in terms of individual and society.

Dr. Jamuna Prakash, is a Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at University of Mysore with vast teaching and research experience and actively involved in research with many publications and presentations. She is a Fellow of International Academy of Food Sciences and Technology, Canada and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India. She has guided many doctoral and post-doctoral students for research. An active consultant for Food Companies, member of many National and International committees, life member of many professional organizations, she is also nominated as a Visiting Professor by International Union of Food Sciences and Technology, Canada. She serves as Lead Chair for working group on education and training of food handlers, Global Harmonization Initiative, Austria. She is the recipient of prestigious Dr. Rajammal Devadas Memorial award for excellence in applied nutrition and Prof. Vishwanathan Honour award for research achievements.

Dr. Komala M. is working in the University of Mysore as an Assistant Professor of Human Development since 2003 and as a Coordinator of Mysore University Day Care Centre from 2008. She had completed her Graduation in Home Science (1994), Post Graduation (1996) and Doctoral Degree (2008) in Human Development from the University of Mysore, Mysore.  She has nearly 20 years of teaching, 8 years of research and administrative experience. She has published 25 research articles in national & international journals, presented more than 50 presentations in Seminars/Conference of National & International level. She has successfully guided 37 M.Sc. students for dissertation and 2 students for Doctoral degree. Currently, she is guiding 7 students for Doctoral and Post Doctoral Research. She is serving as a member in academic bodies of University of Mysore and other Universities, life member of academic societies. She has been actively involved in organizing seminars/workshops, faculty and students related programme of the department. As a resource person, she has delivered special lectures as well as written lesson plans for the certificate and diploma program of Karnataka State Open University. As a Human Development specialist, she is extending child guidance services to parents of the day care children and counseling services to needy students.