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Continue reading →: Who Really Gets Referred to Social Prescribing? A Wake-Up Call from the UKSocial prescribing is often celebrated as a tool for tackling health inequalities. By connecting people with community-based supports—like exercise groups, financial advice, arts activities or befriending—it aims to address the root causes of poor health. But a new study from the UK has me asking: Is social prescribing always living…
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Continue reading →: Can Mindfulness Improve Brain Health? What the Latest Research Tells UsMany of us have heard about mindfulness—paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment. But could this simple practice also help protect our brains from aging, cognitive decline, and even dementia? A new review by Mace et al. (2024) pulls together an emerging body of evidence to show that mindfulness-based…
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Continue reading →: Why Community-Led Social Prescribing Could Be the Future of HealthcareAs a general practitioner and researcher, I see firsthand how our healthcare system struggles to meet the needs of patients whose health is shaped not just by biology, but by the social and cultural worlds they live in. That’s why I was so heartened to read the recent paper by…
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Continue reading →: How Urban Greenspace Supports Cancer Survivors’ Cardiovascular HealthAs cancer survivorship becomes a longer journey for many, the focus is shifting from merely surviving to truly living well after treatment. A recent study published in Health & Place sheds light on an unexpected ally in this journey: urban greenspace. Key finding: Breast cancer survivors who lived near urban…
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Continue reading →: Social Prescribing in Canada’s Changing Healthcare LandscapeWhat if your doctor could prescribe not just medications—but meaningful connections? A local walking group, an art class, a lunch with neighbours? This is the heart of social prescribing, and it’s transforming healthcare in Canada. A newly released report by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) explores how provinces…
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Continue reading →: Should Comedy Be Prescribed on the NHS? Exploring the Healing Power of LaughterThe saying “laughter is the best medicine” might be more than just a cliché. In a time where mental health conditions are on the rise, innovative approaches to wellbeing are gaining attention—including the prescription of comedy. A recent article in the Bristol Post highlights an exciting initiative in the UK…
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Continue reading →: Social Prescribing: Transforming Healthcare Through Community and ConnectionSocial prescribing is an innovative approach in healthcare that connects individuals to non-medical community services to enhance their health and well-being. Recognising that factors such as social isolation, loneliness, and lack of physical activity significantly impact health, social prescribing addresses these determinants by linking patients to activities like arts programs,…
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Continue reading →: A Prescription for Connection: How Social Prescribing is Transforming Lives in AustraliaIntroduction When Claire, a 52-year-old Melbourne resident, visited her GP complaining of persistent fatigue and low mood, she expected a prescription for antidepressants. Instead, her doctor handed her a referral to a community gardening group. Confused but open-minded, she attended the first session. Within weeks, Claire found herself looking forward…
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Continue reading →: The Rise of Gut Health in Lifestyle Medicine: A Key to Overall Well-BeingIntroduction Gut health is increasingly recognized as a foundational component of overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion and metabolism to mental health and immune function. A balanced gut microbiome plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases, improving nutrient absorption, and enhancing quality of life. As research continues to highlight…
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Continue reading →: Social Prescribing in the United States: A Growing Movement for Holistic HealthIntroduction In recent years, the concept of social prescribing has gained traction as healthcare systems worldwide recognize the importance of addressing social determinants of health. While the practice has been well-established in the UK and other countries, the United States is now beginning to integrate social prescribing into its healthcare…
Medicine, Storytelling, and the Spaces Between
Hello,
I’m Dr. Katie Zippel
Step into my digital home, where medicine, storytelling, and life intertwine. As a doctor and a lover of narratives, I explore the human experience through both science and story. Here, I share insights on healing, resilience, and the power of words to shape our understanding of health and humanity. Let’s connect, reflect, and embrace the art of medicine together.
Dr. Katie Zippel 