A bold, captivating, and persuasive read that will become the definitive book on modern medical prescribing. Filled with dignity, humor, and great storytelling, this book will change lives and perhaps the world.

In this combined work, journalist Julia Hotz helps us discover lasting and invigorating medicine within our communities. Traditionally, when we fall ill, health professionals ask, "What is happening to you?" However, worldwide, groups of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers are beginning to reverse this question: "What matters to you?" Instead of pharmaceutical prescriptions, they offer "social prescriptions" - referrals to community activities and resources such as photography classes, gardening groups, and volunteer opportunities.

The results speak for themselves. Science shows that social prescriptions are effective in treating symptoms of the most common ailments of the modern world - depression, ADHD, addiction, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia, diabetes, and loneliness. As the cycle of healthcare becomes increasingly burdened, social prescriptions are also proving capable of reducing patient wait times, lowering hospitalization rates, saving money, and reversing health professionals' burnout.

As the general sense of illness affects more and more people, social prescriptions can make us feel healthier than ever. Hotz travels globally to investigate the spread of social prescriptions in more than thirty countries, where she meets people who embody this revolutionary approach: an emerging writer whose art workshop helps her cope with trauma symptoms and rediscover her joy; a policy researcher whose swimming class helps reduce her need for antidepressants; a military veteran whose phone conversations help him find his only true friendship;

The success stories she uncovers bring the familiar theory to life: if we can change our environment, we can also change our health. By reconnecting with what matters to us, we can all begin to feel better.

Pages: 336, Year of Publication: 0910, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm