"Autism is caused by poor mothering." That was the belief of the medical community until the late 1960s.

"Autism is a genetic brain disorder." That is what most people -- and most of the medical community -- believe today.

I'm here to tell you that neither one of these statements is true.

It‘s not uncommon to hear someone who takes a statin drug (like Crestor, Lipitor or Zocor) complain of muscle aches and pains. But that‘s a fairly benign trade-off, right? After all, these drugs help lower your cholesterol.

Well, not so fast. Statin drugs are far more dangerous than Big Pharma wants you to know. In fact, even those "benign" aches and pains could be much more serious than you think.

Essential oils were used in ancient Egypt, Sumeria and in earlier times. In this truly holistic therapy the mind and body are inseparable. Plato is to have said that the source of most illness has its roots in the soul. There may be no better way to influence the mind and spirit, than through a physical medium that includes nature's essences; essential oils provide this.

This summer, Texas Congressman Ron Paul introduced two important health freedom bills. Together, the "Health Freedom Act" and the "Health Information Protection Act" would help to limit the power of my old adversary, the Food and Drug Administration.

Don't forget that the FDA plays a major role in each of the two potential disasters I've already sounded the alarm about this week -- so I'm all for anything that helps keep this inept, out-of-control federal agency at bay.

I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of blowing up balloons for our children or grandchildren. And, as I’m sure you’ve seen a thousand times, the balloon starts to lose air over time and begins to look wrinkled and shriveled.

Believe it or not, that same phenomenon is leading you to develop sagging, wrinkled skin.

When you take a drink, it is likely that every cell in your body will feel the effect of that drink. In moderation, alcohol intake is harmless and, in some cases, it may even be therapeutic for certain diseases, such as red wine for cardiovascular disease. In the case of alcohol abuse, however, the effects can be grim.

Dear Pharmacist,

I need to lose weight, about 100 pounds to be honest. I’m addicted to fast food and I hate to exercise.  I take lovastatin (Mevacor) for high cholesterol; I take Alli and phentermine to lose weight.  What supplements can I take along with these?

--H.R. Hallandale, Florida