This text focuses on issues of health in today's cities. By arguing that place matters in relation to the population's health, Kevin Fitzpatrick and Mark LaGory make a convincing argument about the general unhealthiness of urban environments and thus, of the urban dweller. The authors offer a place-oriented approach to health and cover such topics as: the ecology of everyday urban life; the sociology of health, needs and risks of the socially disadvantaged; needs and risks of children and the elderly in cities; and strategies for better health services in urban environments.