If you're a public health enthusiast or professional, you probably love a good read. As a self-proclaimed public health nerd, I’ve curated a list of must-read books to inspire, educate, and challenge your perspective in 2025. Let’s dive in!

Have you noticed how often the phrase “public health” or "social determinants of health" pops up these days? I’ve been seeing it everywhere—grant applications, news stories, and healthcare discussions. And let’s be real, every time you turn on the news, it feels like there’s another story about how broken the U.S. healthcare system is, or how patients barely get five minutes with their doctor.

Did you know that 68% of Americans do not get enough physical activity? Walking for just 30 minutes daily could be the key to transforming your physical and mental health. Here’s why lacing up your sneakers for a short stroll is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

At its core, public health is about protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. It goes beyond individual doctor visits and focuses on populations as a whole. According to the CDC Foundation, public health works to “promote health, prevent disease, and prolong life among the population as a whole.”

Here are a few ways public health touches our lives…