Zeke Emanuel, MD, PhD

03/05/2026

I'm against almost everything RFK Jr. has said on vaccines, but on food, he’s going somewhat in the right direction.

Cutting ultra-processed foods, sugar, and salt, and eating more fiber, plant protein, and dairy is where the science holds up. But the push for beef and beef tallow isn't backed by evidence. The attack on seed oils like canola is misguided, and not everyone has the budget for olive oil.

When it comes to eating well, we shouldn’t worry about getting it right 100% of the time, but following science-based advice is key. Great talking to AARP about current health policy and my new book “Eat Your Ice Cream.” Link in the comments.

Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel talks to AARP about his new book, ‘Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life’

03/04/2026

Exciting news: My New York Times bestseller "Eat Your Ice Cream" is officially launching in the UK on May 7 with Penguin Books's Ebury Publishing. Simple, evidence-based habits for living well are coming across the pond.

Pre-order now. International orders can be placed at https://ebury.lnk.to/EatYourIceCream

03/03/2026

Casual conversations have a way of turning into medical consultations when you're a doctor.

That incessant asking is exactly what inspired me to write my new book “Eat Your Ice Cream.” I do not blame people for having so many health questions. The wellness industrial complex bombards people with information and misinformation, leaving us more confused than ever.

I would rather people ask questions than jump to crazy conclusions, like spending 10+ hours a week on wellness when all you really need is 2-3 hours a week. Spend the remainder of your time prioritizing your family, close friends, a meaningful career, and making the world a better place.

I sat down with Philadelphia Inquirer to walk through the six rules and share what I think the wellness industry keeps getting wrong.

In his newly released book, titled "Eat Your Ice Cream," the Penn health policy expert and oncologist outlined his six evidence-based wellness rules.

03/02/2026

Price transparency is not an actual health care solution.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for price transparency. But when people need health care, price is rarely their only priority. Quality matters. And the price itself varies wildly depending on your employer and insurance plan.

What we actually need is simplicity and standardization. That's how you meaningfully reduce administrative costs and start fixing American health care.

Great talking about remaking health care with the Big Fix series on WHYY.

The United States spends more money on health care than any other country and still millions of Americans struggle to get care. How can we make a better healthcare system?

02/27/2026

As Men's Health reports, America has a growing ni****ne addiction problem.

Some claim ni****ne pouches improve mental focus and slow cognitive decline, but any benefits are far outweighed by the risks. They increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and have unknown long-term effects.

As I write in "Eat Your Ice Cream," many wellness fads don't hold up against proven methods. This is just another one to avoid. Don't be a schmuck.

02/27/2026

When Ben Franklin retired, he did not go to the Jersey shore or play pickleball.

Instead, he invented the bifocals, founded the University of Pennsylvania, and signed the Declaration of Independence – just to name a few.

Ben Franklin lived to 84 at a time when the average life expectancy was under 40. His retirement teaches us an important lesson about wellness. Staying useful, being curious about the world, and contributing meaningfully to society are keys to a happy and healthy life. Modern science backs this up, too. Studies show that a sense of purpose helps delay dementia.

Read more about what we can learn from our greatest Founding Father in Jessica Stillman's piece in Inc. Magazine and Fast Company.

The American statesman understood that the key to successful aging was finding purpose in life. Modern psychology agrees.

02/24/2026

I just love the Olympics. I watched the speed skating competition in Milan this weekend and it was fantastic.

As I write in "Eat Your Ice Cream," staying active is one of the most important parts of living a long, healthy life. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to compete at Olympic levels. Getting moderate exercise like going for a walk or run with a friend can do just the trick to improve your health.

02/20/2026

Volunteering not only helps other people, it may also help you become healthier yourself.

According to a recent study, adolescents who volunteer regularly report higher life satisfaction, are more likely to exercise consistently, and have up to a 50% lower risk of diabetes.

As I write in "Eat Your Ice Cream," social connection is one of the most powerful predictors of a long and healthy life.

02/17/2026

My new book has six simple rules to living a healthy life. But what would the seventh rule be? Having a good sense of humor.

It is important to have fun in life, especially when you do it with other people. Exuberance is a secret to an enjoyable life.

I feel confident in the six rules I laid out in my book, but I am glad Steven Petrow asked me about my humor. It is an honor to be the subject of his last book review in Washington Post.

Ezekiel Emanuel explains why his new book, “Eat Your Ice Cream,” is different from the many others about how to live longer and better.

02/13/2026

A study of 130,000 people found that drinking coffee and tea in moderation may lower dementia risk by reducing neuroinflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. As I discuss in "Eat Your Ice Cream," simple daily habits can have significant long-term health benefits.

02/12/2026