ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Link Between Genetics and Stroke Risk
My father died recently after suffering a stroke in his 70s. He’d never had a sick day in his life. I’m in my mid- 40s and lead a healthy life, but I’m concerned the same thing could happen to me. Is there a genetic factor to strokes?
— Patrick W., Shreveport, La.
Genetics are only one of the determinants of our health. While your father having had a stroke may mean your genetics lean in that direction, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Your lifestyle will determine what happens to you. Exercise regularly; eat a diet low in animal fats, alcohol, caffeine, processed and fried foods, and foods full of chemicals; sleep 7-8 hours nightly; and learn to deal with stress by using meditation, breathing, or speaking to a therapist or coach to help diminish the negative impact of stress on your life. Deal with your relationships so they cause you pleasure and happiness, not stress, and do the same for work. Keep your hormones well-balanced, do not take unnecessary drugs, and use supplements that help limit inflammation in your body.
I sweat a lot, and now that the weather is warmer my clothes are drenched. What can I do?
— Phil K., Gaithersburg, Md. Ask your doctor to perform a physical
exam, go over your medical history, and obtain urine and blood samples to rule out hypoglycemia or any hormonal imbalances. The most common treatment for chronic sweating is to use a topical aluminum chloride-based antiperspirant. If this fails, your doctor may offer Botox injections. They work by blocking the nerve signals that communicate with sweat glands.
We all know that public swimming pools are not the most hygienic places, but they are the only option for my kids in the hot weather. How can I make sure they don’t catch anything bad?
— Renee C., Daphne, Ala.
Avoid having them go underwater and swallowing pool water. When they come out, it’s best to have them take a shower with soap to clean the pool water off them.
I’m 69 and I retired last year after a career as an accountant. Because my job was sedentary I’ve always tried to exercise by walking or playing golf. Now I’ve joined a gym. How often should I work out?
— Michael G., Ogden, Utah
Start where you were when you were at work and increase slowly. As you see how you feel, you will build muscle, endurance, and resistance.
ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D., is a leading national expert in wellness, disease prevention, and bioidentical hormone therapies. Dr. Schwartz (
drerika@eshealth.com) has testified before Congress, hosted her own PBS special on bioidentical hormones, and is the author of several bestselling books, including Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You.
Go to the gym every day or every other day: If your workout is heavy weightlifting, you need a day of rest between workouts; if you do aerobics, you can do it daily. Just don’t overexercise because that is as bad for you as not exercising at all.
I’ve been going to the same doctor for 20 years and I love him. But I recently received a diagnosis for a Gl issue that left me wondering if should get a second opinion. I don’t want to upset him and ruin our relationship. — Lucy M., Lexington, Ky.
If you have a real relationship with your doctor, you must tell him the truth. Hiding the truth or lying will destroy your relationship and you won’t be able to get good medical care from your doctor anyway. If your doctor and you are truly on the same page, he will appreciate the information and it may even help strengthen your relationship by talking the situation through.
I work in a large ofice and the woman in the next cubicle is constantly coughing and sneezing without covering her mouth. I recently got the flu and I’m sure she’s the culprit. How can I protect my health from her? — Sandra K., Nashville, Tenn.
Simply by taking better care of yourself. Drink lots of water, make sure you get plenty of vitamin C, get out of the building at lunch, and walk around and catch some fresh air and sun rays. Exercise regularly and consider taking an immune-boosting supplement.
Note: All information presented in “Medical Help” is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being.
Questions for Dr. Schwartz? Email
askschwartz@newsmax.com and write “Ask Dr. Schwartz” in the subject line.
JUNE 2024 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 97
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