In a rare intersection of the judiciary and health advocacy, Judge Amul Thapar of the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has ventured beyond his judicial responsibilities to pen ART’s Health Corner, a newsletter dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles. Since January, Judge Thapar has provided actionable health and wellness tips, attracting attention from both his judicial peers and the broader legal community.
Judge Thapar, who has a keen interest in personal health, began his wellness journey two years ago after experiencing persistent shoulder and back pain. Dissatisfied with traditional medical responses that leaned heavily on pain medications, he immersed himself in literature and podcasts about health. His transformational journey led to the development of his newsletter, where he shares insights based not only on personal experience but also on extensive research, an approach reminiscent of his well-regarded judicial opinions.
Legal professionals, often ensnared by the demands of a sedentary and stressful lifestyle, could find Judge Thapar’s insights particularly useful. “A problem with our profession is that we experience all the usual health problems—but on steroids,” Judge Thapar remarked, underscoring challenges such as mental health strains and substance abuse linked to the pressures of the legal field. His personal health journey, now publicly accessible through his newsletter, offers a data-driven approach that legal professionals could integrate into their often-hectic schedules.
His weekly tips cover topics ranging from exercise and sleep to the dangers of ultra-processed foods and sugar. More uniquely, he delves into nuances like water filtration systems and the intricacies of bloodwork, striving to impart clarity and actionable advice in a tone that maintains the lightness and accessibility readers appreciate.
The newsletter, initially a private endeavor among family and friends, has grown substantially. Approval from the Sixth Circuit’s ethics adviser allowed Thapar to make it public, though he remains circumspect about the content, mindful of his role as a judge. His careful curation ensures that the newsletter remains free of controversial topics and commercial endorsements, offering instead a genuine resource aimed at improving well-being within the legal sector.
Judge Thapar’s foray into health advocacy might seem unorthodox, but for him, it is a natural extension of his commitment to the public good. His health insights could perhaps herald a change in the wellness landscape for legal professionals, a field not immune to the exigencies of stress and time constraints. This initiative also posits Thapar in a compelling light: a figure already considered a US Supreme Court shortlister, he demonstrates how personal commitment to health might well complement judicial acumen.