I’m Dr. Andrew Weil, founder and co-director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine. I explore how integrative medicine – which combines the best of conventional and evidence-based alternative therapies - can help you and your family achieve your health goals. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:37:37 -0800 Yahoo! http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/3038/canola-oil-for-popcorn/ I use canola oil in moderation, when I want a neutral tasting oil, but I always look for organic, expeller-pressed brands such as Spectrum's High Heat Canola Oil. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:45:38 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/3032/thin-skin-from-topical-steroids/ Conventional medicine sometimes treats eczema flare-ups with topical steroids, but the strongest of these are contraindicated for use on thin-skinned areas of the body (including the groin) because they can lead to precisely this problem: skin thinning (atrophy) as well as a change in color (depigmentation), and acne-like eruptions. Often, affected skin returns to its normal thickness naturally over time, but in some cases, it can persist for years. Newer, topical drugs called 'topical immunomodulators' or TIMs are now available to treat eczema and do not cause skin-thinning with long-term use. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:50:24 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/3028/natural-scabies-relief/ Scabies is an infestation with microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabei, eight-legged creatures that burrow under the skin and cause intense itching. You can pick up scabies by prolonged contact with a person already infested -- children get them from other kids, sexual partners from each other. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:12:52 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/3004/graviola-magic-cancer-fighter/ I've seen Internet sites touting graviola, which is being widely promoted as a cancer-fighting herb. Some Web sites claim that it is 10,000 times stronger than the chemotherapy drug Adriamycin, and that it is effective against prostate, lung, breast, colon and pancreatic cancers. None of this is true. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:48:32 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2985/battling-eyelid-inflammation/ Blepharitis can be caused by dandruff, a bacterial infection, malfunctioning oil glands in the eyelid, or acne rosacea, a skin disorder that causes redness and inflammation. Tue, 27 May 2008 20:54:24 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2975/music-therapy-for-parkinsons-disease/ Several small studies have suggested that music therapy can slow the progression of Parkinson's. One of the best known clinical trials, from Italy, found that music therapy positively affected movement, emotions and quality of life among a small group of patients. Other research has suggested that some types of music can stimulate production of dopamine and serotonin, another neurochemical involved in Parkinson's. Fri, 16 May 2008 19:08:06 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2974/can-skin-salves-treat-tumors/ For centuries, corrosive pastes and plasters (sometimes called black salves or drawing salves) have been applied directly to skin tumors in the hope of burning them away, or rubbed into the skin over internal tumors in hopes of "drawing out" the cancer. Although dermatologists sometimes use a mixture of bloodroot and zinc chloride to remove skin cancers, (a treatment known as "Mohs chemosurgery," after the doctor who invented the technique), none of the black salves or drawing salves sold today have ever been formally tested, and no scientific evidence supports claims that these products are safe or effective. Wed, 14 May 2008 19:39:22 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2972/need-nausea-relief/ Nausea can be a symptom of anything from persistent "stomach flu" to food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating, blocked intestine, drug overdose, concussion, and migraine. Tue, 13 May 2008 01:34:22 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2952/coffee-can-it-keep-your-brain-in-shape/ If you like coffee, and it has no adverse effects on you, you may benefit mentally over time. On the down side are coffee's well-documented side effects: anxiety, insomnia, tremor and irregular heartbeat. Fri, 02 May 2008 20:24:24 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weilhealthyliving/2936/fighting-a-feminine-infection/ Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age. We don't know why this happens, but we do know that it isn't an infection you pick up from sex partners. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:38:00 -0800 Andrew Weil, M.D.