Episode Summary: Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) Part 1 with Julia Hotz

Podcast Title: Ologies with Alie Ward
Episode: Salugenology (WHY HUMANS REQUIRE HOBBIES) Part 1
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Guest: Julia Hotz, Award-Winning Author and Journalist
Host: Alie Ward

1. Introduction to Salugenology and Social Prescribing

Alie Ward introduces the episode by highlighting its focus on salugenology, also known as social prescribing. This concept marks a paradigm shift in healthcare from merely treating diseases to fostering overall well-being by addressing what matters to individuals.

Alie Ward [05:00]: "Social prescribing centers on a shift from like what's the matter with you? To what matters to you in treating and preventing illnesses."

Julia Hotz elaborates on the origins of salugenology, tracing it back to Dr. Antonovsky post-Holocaust, who sought to understand why some individuals thrive despite extreme adversity.

Julia Hotz [06:37]: "Health is not just the absence of disease. It's the process through which individuals understand that their life is comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful."

2. The Five Core Ingredients of Social Prescribing

Julia Hotz outlines the five core ingredients that enhance quality of life and longevity through social prescribing:

1. Movement
2. Nature
3. Art
4. Service
5. Belonging

Julia Hotz [15:11]: "It pretty much comes down to five core ingredients: movement, nature, art, service, and belonging."

a. Movement

Engaging in physical activities like exercising releases endorphins and serotonin, which are pivotal for mental health.

Alie Ward [16:11]: "Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands."

b. Nature

Exposure to nature has been scientifically proven to restore attention and reduce anxiety. Julia references a 2015 study showing that walking in a park decreased activity in brain areas associated with rumination.

Julia Hotz [19:12]: "People in urban settings have a 20% higher risk of anxiety disorders and a 40% higher risk of mood disorders compared to those in rural areas."

c. Art

Engaging in artistic activities reduces stress hormones like cortisol. Julia cites a 2016 study where participants experienced lower cortisol levels after art-making sessions.

Julia Hotz [20:22]: "Art helps us shift our perspective and realize like, hey, we're not alone."

d. Service

Volunteering and helping others fosters a sense of purpose and community, which are crucial for mental and physical health.

e. Belonging

Building social connections and feeling part of a community significantly boosts well-being and longevity.

3. Personal Stories Illustrating Social Prescribing

Alie Ward and Julia Hotz share compelling personal anecdotes to demonstrate the effectiveness of social prescribing.

a. Frank's Story

Frank, a truck driver battling diabetes and loneliness, benefited immensely from a social prescription to join a cycling class. This not only improved his physical health but also expanded his social circle.

Julia Hotz [27:31]: "Frank loses 40 pounds, comes off his insulin, and sees himself as a healthy person."

b. Amanda's Journey

During the pandemic, Amanda faced severe depression compounded by personal losses. A social prescription for sea swimming helped her regain her sense of purpose and build new friendships.

Julia Hotz [45:50]: "Amanda gets prescribed sea swimming lessons, which leads her to form genuine friendships and improve her mental health."

4. Benefits and Challenges of Implementing Social Prescribing

The discussion delves into the advantages of social prescribing, such as improved mental health outcomes and reduced burden on healthcare systems. However, challenges remain, especially in non-nationalized healthcare systems like that of the United States.

Alie Ward [55:29]: "Social prescribing makes sense for nationalized healthcare, but in the U.S., with its for-profit model and inequities, it's harder to implement."

Julia Hotz acknowledges these hurdles but points out that some U.S. insurers, like Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, are beginning to cover social prescriptions, recognizing their long-term cost benefits.

Julia Hotz [60:28]: "Insurance companies in some areas are prescribing art classes to save costs on future healthcare expenses."

5. The Role of Environment in Health

Emphasizing that 80% of health outcomes are influenced by environmental factors, the conversation underscores the need for healthcare systems to incorporate environmental and social determinants into patient care.

Julia Hotz [10:06]: "80% of our health outcomes as a population are driven by differences in our environment."

6. Practical Applications and Resources

Alie Ward provides listeners with practical resources to engage in social prescribing activities, such as:

• Pedal Ready (UK): Free bike programs for older adults.
• SilverSneakers (US): Fitness programs covered by Medicare Part B.
• Cycling Without Age: Volunteer-based bike rides for older adults.
• GrowNYC: Supporting equitable access to green spaces and local food.

Alie Ward [29:24]: "You can join a club, start a club, or find local resources that align with your interests and needs."

7. Addressing Mental Health Challenges

The episode highlights the "depression catch 22," where those suffering from depression find it hard to engage in activities that could alleviate their symptoms. Julia Hotz shares strategies to overcome these barriers through structured social prescriptions.

Julia Hotz [44:01]: "There's something called the depression catch 22... it's tough to prescribe social prescriptions to someone in the thick of it."

8. Future Directions and Conclusion

Alie Ward and Julia Hotz discuss the future of social prescribing, including its potential expansion in various healthcare systems and its integration into mainstream medical practices. They emphasize the importance of personal agency and community support in fostering health and well-being.

Alie Ward [71:45]: "Don't surrender your life to corporations... Do the things your ancestors evolved you to do."

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in hobbies that enhance their well-being and to advocate for systemic changes that incorporate social prescribing into healthcare.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alie Ward [05:00]: "Social prescribing centers on a shift from like what's the matter with you? To what matters to you in treating and preventing illnesses."

• Julia Hotz [06:37]: "Health is not just the absence of disease. It's the process through which individuals understand that their life is comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful."

• Julia Hotz [19:12]: "People in urban settings have a 20% higher risk of anxiety disorders and a 40% higher risk of mood disorders compared to those in rural areas."

• Julia Hotz [20:22]: "Art helps us shift our perspective and realize like, hey, we're not alone."

• Julia Hotz [27:31]: "Frank loses 40 pounds, comes off his insulin, and sees himself as a healthy person."

• Julia Hotz [45:50]: "Amanda gets prescribed sea swimming lessons, which leads her to form genuine friendships and improve her mental health."

• Alie Ward [55:29]: "Social prescribing makes sense for nationalized healthcare, but in the U.S., with its for-profit model and inequities, it's harder to implement."

• Julia Hotz [60:28]: "Insurance companies in some areas are prescribing art classes to save costs on future healthcare expenses."

• Julia Hotz [44:01]: "There's something called the depression catch 22... it's tough to prescribe social prescriptions to someone in the thick of it."

Key Takeaways

• Salugenology (Social Prescribing): A holistic approach to healthcare focusing on enhancing well-being by addressing movement, nature, art, service, and belonging.

• Environmental Impact: 80% of health outcomes are influenced by environmental factors, underscoring the need for systemic changes in healthcare.

• Personal Stories: Real-life examples like Frank and Amanda illustrate the transformative power of social prescribing.

• Implementation Challenges: While beneficial, social prescribing faces hurdles in non-nationalized healthcare systems but is gradually gaining traction.

• Practical Resources: Numerous programs and organizations support social prescribing activities, making it accessible to diverse populations.

Resources Mentioned

• Pedal Ready (UK): Cycling Without Age
• SilverSneakers (US): SilverSneakers.com
• GrowNYC: GrowNYC.org
• Cycling Without Age: CyclingWithoutAge.org
• Aura Frames: auraframes.com (From Advertisement)
• Quince: quince.comologies (From Advertisement)

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, Alie Ward and Julia Hotz explore the underpinnings of salugenology and its potential to revolutionize healthcare by prioritizing what truly matters to individuals. Through scientific research and heartfelt personal stories, the episode advocates for a more holistic, environment-centric approach to health, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful hobbies and community activities that foster well-being and longevity.