The Blog
Everything I write, sorted into five shelves so you can find what you need.
This is the front door to everything I write on this site. Some of it is practical medicine for people who just got news from their doctor. Some of it is about how I think about food and movement. And some of it has nothing to do with lab values at all: essays about writing, notes on the techno-thriller Swarm 700, and the worldbuilding behind the games at Mirrorshard Studios.
I sort the writing into five hubs. Each hub opens with a longer introduction that explains how I approach the topic, then lists every article in it. If you're new here, pick the one that matches the question you walked in with.
Health
The Health hub is built for the days and weeks after a new diagnosis. I explain what the numbers on your lab report mean, how conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure actually cause harm, what treatment usually looks like, and which questions are worth bringing to your next appointment. Every health article is written and medically reviewed by me, with the review date shown at the top.
Diet
The Diet hub is about eating patterns, not fads. You'll find plain guidance on eating for your heart, your blood pressure, and your blood sugar, with an eye toward real kitchens and real grocery budgets. No miracle foods, and no shame.
Fitness
The Fitness hub starts where most people actually are: busy, a little out of practice, and sometimes nervous after a diagnosis. It covers beginner walking, simple strength training, and how to build a routine that lasts, always with your own doctor's clearance first.
Nonfiction
The Nonfiction hub collects personal essays: why I write books for patients, why a physician started a game studio in Arkansas, and what I've come to believe about explaining hard things simply.
Fiction
The Fiction hub is where I write about storytelling: spoiler-free notes on Swarm 700, and the thinking behind the worlds of Sky Bandits, Legendary Tail, and The World's Worst Adventurer's Guild (working title). Original short fiction will appear here too.
A note on the health writing
Everything in the health, diet, and fitness hubs is general education. It can help you understand your situation and ask better questions, but it can't account for your history, your medicines, or your exam. Please read the full disclaimer, talk with your own doctor before you change your treatment, and call 911 if you think you're having an emergency.
All articles
Health
Understanding Your New Cholesterol DiagnosisA physician's plain-language guide to a new cholesterol diagnosis: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, your overall heart risk, statins, and what to ask your doctor.Health
Living With a New Hypertension DiagnosisWhat your blood pressure numbers mean, how to measure accurately at home, which habits lower pressure, how medicines help, and when to call 911.Diet
Cholesterol-Friendly Eating BasicsA physician's plain guide to eating for lower LDL cholesterol: saturated fat, soluble fiber, label reading, grocery swaps, eating out, and realistic goals.Diet
Diabetes-Friendly Meal BasicsA physician's practical guide to diabetes-friendly meals: the plate method, carbohydrate awareness, fiber, drinks, label reading, snacks, and eating out.Fitness
A Beginner Walking Program After a New DiagnosisA physician's beginner walking program for people newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease. Start slow, stay safe.Fitness
Strength Basics for Busy AdultsA doctor's guide to strength training basics: why muscle matters for blood sugar and aging, plus a 20-30 minute full-body routine you can do at home.Nonfiction
Why I Write Medical Books for PatientsJeremy Saul MD on why he writes plain-language guides for the newly diagnosed, the thinking behind Your New Diagnosis and Heart Strong, and their limits.Nonfiction
Why a Doctor Makes Video GamesJeremy Saul MD on why a doctor in Arkansas founded Mirrorshard Studios, and what medicine and game design share: systems, feedback, empathy, iteration.Fiction
Swarm 700: Behind the ScenesSpoiler-free commentary from Jeremy Saul MD on Swarm 700: why a techno-thriller, technology and human judgment, and how medicine shapes his thriller craft.Fiction
Building Worlds at Mirrorshard StudiosJeremy Saul MD on how Mirrorshard Studios approaches worldbuilding for Sky Bandits, Legendary Tail and a comedic fantasy RPG: tone, rules, play and humor.Books
If you'd rather have it all in one place, the books page lists the Your New Diagnosis series, Heart Strong, and Swarm 700, all published under the byline J. Wayne Saul MD.