Health & Veritas Ezekiel Emanuel: Ice Cream and Other Keys to a Long Life
Jan 6, 2026
Ezekiel Emanuel, physician, oncologist, bioethicist and author of Eat Your Ice Cream, shares evidence-based pushback on the wellness industry. He discusses why social connection and movement matter, his defense of full-fat dairy and ice cream, what fitness metrics he trusts, yoga for balance, and his views on alcohol and public health communication.
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A Book Born From Anger And Speed
- Ezekiel Emanuel wrote an initial 35,000-word manuscript in three weeks out of anger at obsessive wellness messaging.
- After encouragement from peers he polished and published it as the book Eat Your Ice Cream.
Speedy Father, Built-In Daily Exercise
- Ezekiel Emanuel recalls his father never exercising formally but walking fast and earning the nickname "Speedy."
- That daily brisk movement gave him natural steps and fitness long before fitness trackers existed.
Social Life Is A Medical Intervention
- Strong social connections cut mortality risk by roughly 28–30% over eight years.
- Sociability also changes gene expression and boosts immune and cardiovascular health.
