How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it
Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?
Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?
Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?
Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?
Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?
How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
Patrick J. Skerrett
Former Executive Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
Pat Skerrett is the editor of STAT's First Opinion and host of the First Opinion podcast. He is the former editor of the Harvard Health Blog and former Executive Editor of Harvard Health Publishing. Before that, he was editor of the Harvard Heart Letter for 10 years. He is the coauthor of Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Guide to Healthy Eating; The Fertility Diet; and several other books on health and science. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Popular Science magazine, Science magazine, The Boston Globe, and elsewhere. He earned a BA in biology from Northwestern University and an MA in biology from Washington University in St. Louis.
Posts by Patrick J. Skerrett
Patrick J. Skerrett
New public database shows hospital billing charges all over the map
Exercise & Fitness
Exercise is good, not bad, for arthritis
Patrick J. Skerrett
Survival skills for all-you-can-eat buffets
Patrick J. Skerrett
Physical therapy works as well as surgery for some with torn knee cartilage
Exercise & Fitness
New concussion guidelines say “When in doubt, sit it out”
Patrick J. Skerrett
Distracted driving: We’re Number 1
Patrick J. Skerrett
Take a nap to adjust to Daylight Saving Time
Patrick J. Skerrett
Panel cites top 10 strategies for improving patient safety
Patrick J. Skerrett
Deep-brain stimulation can be started earlier to ease Parkinson’s symptoms
Patrick J. Skerrett
Adult immunization schedule updated as vaccination rates lag
Men's Health
High-dose vitamin C linked to kidney stones in men
Patrick J. Skerrett
The trick to recognizing a good whole grain: Use carb-to-fiber ratio of 10-to-1
Patrick J. Skerrett
Generic drugs: don’t ask, just tell
Patrick J. Skerrett
Many drivers asleep at the wheel
Staying Healthy
12 tips for holiday eating
Patrick J. Skerrett
Simple blood test helps bring celiac disease out of the shadows
Patrick J. Skerrett
Is retirement good for health or bad for it?
Patrick J. Skerrett
Recipe for health: cheap, nutritious beans
Staying Healthy
Mini-relaxations to ease holiday stress
Patrick J. Skerrett
Turkey: a healthy base of holiday meals
Patrick J. Skerrett
Doctors aren’t immune to addiction
Patrick J. Skerrett
Treatment for head lice effective with one dose and no combing
Heart Health
World Stroke Day: Emphasize prevention, early detection
Heart Health
Peripheral artery disease: often silent, sometimes deadly, potentially preventable
How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals
UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it
Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?
Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?
Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?
Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?
Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?
How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
