A thousand and one days

Sue Gerhardt

“A wonderful book... an essential guide to some of the most important and pressing issues in healthcare and psychology.” Philippa Perry, author of “The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read.”

“A lively and captivating book that challenges prevailing notions about health... I loved it.” Julia Samuel, author of Grief Works.

“Incredibly important.” Steve Biddulph, author of Raising Boys and The Secret of Happy Kids: “An extraordinary book with immense power… A game-changer with a message so important, it needs to be shouted out loud.” Dr. Graham Music, Consultant Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic and author of Nurturing Nature. We think of childhood and old age as opposites on the spectrum of life. Yet, they are inextricably linked. Our early experiences prepare us for a lifetime of good mental and physical health, or for future health challenges. 1001 Days will explore the vital, and often overlooked, factors that determine our lifelong health. Delving into the latest research in medicine, neuroscience, and biopsychology, renowned psychotherapist and author Sue Gerhardt explains how many of the most common diseases affecting our society today—from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease, depression, and dementia—have their roots in prenatal and postnatal childhood development. Sue Gerhardt challenges the political and cultural assumptions that prevent us from acting on what science tells us—for example, that poor health is often viewed as the result of poor “lifestyle” choices. The evidence she highlights could transform how we approach disease, its prevention, screening, and treatment in the healthcare system and broader social systems. There is no simple causal relationship that explains an individual’s health outcomes. But by knowing how your childhood continues to shape your health today, you can feel empowered to seek the help you need.