Doctors On Call

Doctors are making house calls -- via the phone. , a new 24-hour phone service, connects people with doctors for minor ailments such as sore throats and back problems. For a monthly fee, you can get advice based on your symptoms and medical history. (It's not meant to replace doctor visits.)

What do experts think of the service? Dr. Mary Frank, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, says face-to-face visits are best. "True, the service is a convenience, and we can see why the need arose, but ideally, a patient's own physician would take care of these needs."

Another way to get expert advice at home: Check your e-mail! In a Canadian study, workers who received weekly e-mails with diet and exercise tips ate healthier and were more active than those who didn't get them. Sign up for these free Web newsletters: ;

Diet & Fitness;

.