ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D. YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How Often Should I Check Blood Pressure?
Is it necessary to check my blood pressure every month or so? I feel perfectly healthy. — Cecilia G., San Antonio, Texas
If you have been told you have normal blood pressure, 120/80, have it checked every year. Drugstores and OTC devices to
measure your blood pressure are widely available, and you can get one and use it whenever you choose. If you have had previous issues
with your blood pressure or are on medication to control it, have your blood pressure checked every month or as recommended by your provider. If you do it yourself, check it
in the late afternoon, when the workday is almost over and your stress level is at its highest.
I wake up with a dry mouth and sore throat every morning. What could be causing that?
— Larry A., Wellesley, Mass.
Morning dry mouth can result from mouth breathing, dehydration, certain medications, deviated septum, snoring, or even sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Drink water when you wake up first thing in the morning and see if the sore throat and dry mouth disappear.
Avoid alcohol before bedtime.
Try using mouth tape, which will keep your mouth hydrated and force you to breathe through your nose, thus preventing dry mouth and sore throat. Don’t worry about using tape on your mouth; you will not suffocate. Your body is made to breathe
through the nose, and taping your mouth gently will encourage it to do what it is meant to do.
My knees crackle when I go upstairs. Is that normal, or should I be worried?
— Roger C., Brentwood, Calif.
If you don’t experience any pain, I would not worry about it. There is fluid in the knee joint that moves around and even causes crackling noises without meaning something is wrong. If, however, you have pain, swelling, or redness of the knee joints as well as the crackling, you need to pay attention. Swollen, red joints mean inflammation, and you know we want to avoid any type of inflammation in our bodies. It could be caused by overexercising or doing an exercise incorrectly, which stresses the joint. You might have injured your knee, or it may be a sign of arthritis. Rule out above possible causes
before running to the orthopedic surgeon. If injured, take it easy, elevate, use ice for the first 48 hours after an injury, and put on an Ace bandage. If it’s because of exercising too much, decrease the frequency of workouts and see how you feel. Taking OTC NSAIDs is an option
that should not be overused due to possible side effects. Use only for three to five days, then stop and see how you feel.
I’ve been experiencing brain fog and have trouble concentrating. What could this be?
— Susan M., Phoenix, Ariz.
Brain fog can stem from numerous reasons, such as poor or not enough sleep, dehydration, an unhealthy diet that includes processed foods and alcohol, stress, medication, and, of course, hormonal imbalances. To figure out what’s causing
your brain fog, start the process of elimination. Make sure you get seven to eight
hours of sleep every night for at least a week and see if your brain fog diminishes. Change your diet. Eliminate processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, increase water intake, and see how that goes. Also, since anemia may cause
brain fog, you might want to increase your iron intake with spinach and meat. Finally, address your hormones,
because they might be the real cause of your brain fog.
Dr. Erika Schwartz is a global pioneer in preventive medicine and the author of eight bestselling books. Her newest, Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You, will be published in September.
Note: All information presented in this column 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.
96 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | JULY 2025
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