The Ultimate Prescription

December 1, 2011

What happens when we separate our physical lives from our spiritual lives? Marcum (cardiology, Chattanooga Heart Inst.) explains our current overmedicated state as an absence of belief, a lack of biblical understanding, and a rejection of God ("the Great Physician") and Jesus Christ. Marcum's cardiology patients were not living healthy lifestyles (for the most part): too much meat, too many processed foods, not enough water, too much stress, and not enough rest. As a behavioral cardiologist, he sought to prevent future heart damage through helping patients change their lifestyles. For Marcum, this means connecting (or reconnecting) patients with the Bible. Using plenty of patient vignettes and personal stories, Marcum, sometimes citing chapter and verse, explains how our physical lives are linked to our spiritual ones. VERDICT For readers coming from any faith tradition other than evangelical Christianity, this book is a nonstarter. Although the health information is spot-on (eat well, drink plenty of water, avoid stress, get rest, see your physician for checkups), Marcum couches all of his medical recommendations in Christian theology, making it a somewhat uncomfortable read for those who do not identify as evangelical Christians.--Rachel M. Minkin, Michigan State Univ. Libs., East Lansing

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