Breaking Our Fever

A doctor’s prescription for healing our bodies, communities, politics, and planet—from heart and lung surgeon and former United States Senator William H. Frist

Many of us are feeling anxious about the rising threats in our world—heatwaves, new diseases, wildfires, and storms—and wondering what they mean for our health and our family’s safety. If you feel this way, you’re not alone. Millions are searching for trustworthy answers and practical steps to protect themselves in a rapidly changing climate. Yet, most conversations about climate change feel distant, political, or overwhelming, leaving us uncertain about what really matters for our daily lives.

With decades of experience caring for people who are scared and vulnerable, and with years of experience in Washington working to bring people together to make changes, few are as well positioned as former Senate Majority Leader and global board chairman of the Nature Conservancy William H. Frist to speak to these anxieties. Bringing the steady, compassionate voice of a trusted physician to one of the most pressing issues of our time, Breaking Our Fever shows us how to work for healing our bodies and our planet.

Dr. Frist knows firsthand how climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a real and present danger to our bodies, minds, and communities. After his own family was struck by a mysterious illness linked to environmental shifts, he set out to uncover the hidden ways climate change is fueling new diseases, worsening chronic conditions, and impacting mental health. Drawing on decades of medical, policy, and global leadership experience, Frist reframes the climate crisis as a health crisis—one that affects every reader, regardless of politics or background.

Frist offers practical, science-based prescriptions for individuals, families, businesses, and communities. He shares moving personal stories, clear explanations, and actionable advice—empowering you to take steps that will protect your health and help heal our divided society. Whether you’re a parent, business leader, or concerned citizen, you’ll find hope and clarity in his words.