Harvard Commentaries on Health

Harvard physician perspectives on ten topics including medical myths, fitness, parenting, heart health and more.

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Get up off the couch and follow Dr. Howard LeWine and Dr. Paulette Chandler's advice on staying fit no matter what your age or condition.

MEDICAL MYTHS

Warts from touching toads? No swimming after eating? Myth master Dr. Rob Shmerling separates the facts from the far-fetched.

• Lifting the Myth Off Hernias
• Can You Really Throw Your Back Out?
• Choosing Your Six-Pack: Abdominal Muscles and Pot Bellies

A PARENT'S LIFE

While they cannot raise them for you, Doctors Hank Bernstein, Claire McCarthy and Leann Lesperance provide excellent advice about how to keep your kids healthy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Good nutrition is one of the keys to health. Nutritionists from Brigham and Women's Hospital tell how to eat to keep your body operating at its peak.

MINDING YOUR MIND

Dr. Michael Miller offers his thoughts and advice on topics related to mental and behavioral health.

HEALTHY HEART

Heartfelt advice from Dr. Tom Lee to keep your cardiovascular system well-tuned.

• Why Angioplasty May Not be Right for You
• Are You Paying Too Much for Your Heart Medications?
• What Does PROVE-IT Prove for Your Heart?

WOMAN TO WOMAN

Dr. Alice Chang provides frank and fresh advice to women of all ages.

• Women's Health: Could the Problem be Hormonal?
• New Moms: Welcome Relief from Hand Pain
• Is a Man in Your Life Depressed?

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR IS SAYING

Does your doctor speak in "medicalese"? Dr. Rob Shmerling translates to help you improve communication and receive the best care.

HIGHLIGHT ON DRUGS

Harvard experts provide insights about drugs and treatments along with useful tips to help you get the most from your medications and save you money.

WHAT YOU DOCTOR IS READING

Each month, Harvard physicians offer you a snapshot of what's new in the medical literature.