Timeless wisdom on how to be healthy both physically and mentally from one of the greatest doctors of the ancient world. The Greek physician Galen, the most famous doctor of antiquity after Hippocrates, is a central figure in Western medicine.

Galen, a doctor, surgeon, writer, philosopher, teacher, pharmacologist, and inventor, attended the court of Marcus Aurelius, experiencing plagues that devastated the Roman Empire. He also served as a physician to professional gladiators, boasting that only two fighters died during his first year, while his predecessor had lost sixteen.

In his writings, which form the foundation of Western medicine up to the 19th century, Galen created a cohesive account of health and disease.

In the book "How to Be Healthy," physician and classicist historian Kathryn Van Slyke presents a collection of Galen's timeless insights on how we can care for our body and mind, prevent diseases, and reach a healthy old age.

Although we know that many of Galen's ideas regarding physiology are incorrect, "How to Be Healthy" shows that many of his recommendations remain worthy of attention. In selected excerpts from his writings, presented with new translations, Galen discusses the art of medicine, exercise and nutrition, the mind-body connection, the difficulty of applying general medical principles to individuals, and much more.

It includes an introduction, brief notes that link ancient medical practices to contemporary ones, and the original text in Greek on facing pages. "How to Be Healthy" offers an entertaining and enlightening new perspective on the timeless pursuit of well-being, from the importance of "exercising with a small ball" to the benefits of "avoiding stress."

Pages: 272, Dimensions: 11.4x11.4cm