Healthy, No Matter What: How Humans Are Hardwired to Adapt

A provocative manifesto that teaches you how to take control of your own health, no matter your age or circumstances—from an innovative doctor and his philosopher daughter

“If you care about your health or the well-being of others, read this book.”—Ethan Kross, author of Chatter

Dr. Alex Jadad is the creator of the Jadad scale, which has become the world’s most widely used methodology to assess the quality of clinical trials, and his daughter Tamen Jadad-Garcia is a health entrepreneur and philosopher. Here they combine their expertise to uncover the medical system’s unstable foundations, which condemn you to be ill. The Jadads begin this exploration with a simple question: “What is health?”

Through engaging stories and case studies, the Jadads expand the understanding of health beyond the medical industrial complex. They show how distant connections in your personal networks can influence key aspects of yourself, like your weight, anxiety, and addictions; how reliance on medications can be reduced by intentionally designing the places where you live, work, and play; and how comparisons with peers can shorten your life.

In this practical guide, the meaning of health is redefined, putting you in the driver’s seat and recognizing you as the most effective evaluator. Building on data and experiences from millions of people around the world, the book reveals that a healthy life is possible even with complex chronic conditions or terminal illnesses. The Jadads explain why perceiving yourself as unhealthy might actually be fatal, and how you can monitor your true health and boost it in practically any context, no matter your cultural background or socioeconomic circumstances.

With wisdom and empathy, Healthy No Matter What teaches you how your natural gift of adaptability equips you to overcome any obstacle, provides actionable pointers, and shows how and when to use the medical system, so that you can thrive, regardless of the twists and turns life may take.

Alex Jadad, MD, is a physician, philosopher, educator, and innovator. A pioneer of evidence-based medicine, end-of-life care, and digital health, he is the creator of the renowned Jadad scale. He leads large-scale efforts to shape the future of health and medicine, is an adviser to heads of state and multinational corporations, and is the author of twelve books and hundreds of scientific articles.

Tamen Jadad-Garcia is an entrepreneur and philosopher who builds businesses and leads strategic projects with Fortune 500 companies in healthcare, consumer goods, and technology. She is the author of scientific articles and books on topics spanning end-of-life care, love, and the future of health.