An Iraq war vet and doctor brings children who are injured in war-ravaged areas to the United States for much-needed medical care.

A woman who cares for her husband disabled by a terrible car accident becomes a crusader for family caregivers.

A mother and father start a camp for chronically ill children inspired by their son who died in a racecar driving accident.

They are this year’s WebMD Health Heroes: Heidi Adams, Dr. Craig Lambrecht, Carol Levine, and Pattie and Kyle Petty. Learn more about their remarkable stories.

More remarkable reading: Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated actor Ashley Judd reveals the challenges and highlights of her work with YouthAIDS, as well as her personal challenges battling depression.

So does a new movie, starring Sopranos alum Joe Pantoliano, which deals with mental illness in a thoughtful, informative way. Read more in this issue’s WebMD Checkup (always on the last page). Finally, this holiday season WebMD sends you:

• Inspiration (in anything you do, no matter how grandiose or trivial)
• Healthy perspiration (yes, everyone in my office wants to know what I mean by this, but you get it)
• A good dose of relaxation (and vitamin C; you can combine the two by freshly squeezing a dozen oranges or, for you margarita fans, substitute limes and skip the mix, laden with calories -- and remember: if you drink, do so in moderation, especially over the holidays).

Yours in well-being,

Nan-Kirsten Forte, MS
Editor in Chief, WebMD the Magazine

P.S. Help us find our 2008 Health Heroes. To nominate your candidate for next year’s award, go to www.WebMD.com/healthheroes.