To the Student We wrote an exciting textbook, Essential Health Skills, for high school health and wellness classes based on our experiences as professors of psychology (Catherine Sanderson) and biology (Mark Zelman), and as the accomplished authors of high school and college-level textbooks. As a supplement to the textbook, we created Human Sexuality to align with the National Sexuality Education Standards. Picking up where the textbook leaves off, Human Sexuality covers topics from gender identity to sexual decision-making and pregnancy prevention. As with our textbook, we wanted this supplement to give high school students the most current sexual health information, presented in an engaging writing style so students would enjoy reading the book. Additionally, we included a focus on practical health skills that young people can use to develop and promote positive health and wellness habits throughout their lives. As the authors of high school and college-level textbooks, we felt confident in our research and writing abilities, but felt that the pedagogy was better left to health teachers. We would like to thank Diane Farthing, Melanie Lynch, and Melissa Munsell for developing the skills-based questions, activities, and resources that are a vital part of this course. We are delighted with the final product, and wish all readers of this book a lifetime of health. ix