ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.
YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
I Live in Fear of My Family History
How does my family history aff ect my health? My mother died of breast cancer and my father died of a heart attack. — Jennifer H., Denver, Colo.
Family history is something that you should be cognizant of, but it should not entirely dictate your medical decision making. The more information you have about your parents’ conditions, the better you will be able to understand the possibility of genetic predisposition. For instance, the overall health of your parents, their age at the start of the illness, as well as your own overall health record are important in determining your individual risks. Prevention of chronic diseases is always connected to your diet, lifestyle, supplements, and hormones and will help keep your risks low regardless of family history.
I have been experiencing erectile dysfunction and have tried both Viagra and Cialis; neither work for me. Any recommendations? — G. Narrone, Memphis, Tenn.
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common problems that men report to their doctor, resulting from an underlying physical or psychological condition. Anxiety and depression can play a large role in erectile dysfunction. Both Cialis and Viagra only work for ED when a man is sexually aroused. Since testosterone
plays a vital role in controlling sexual desire and arousal, it is imperative you ask your doctor to perform a blood test to check your testosterone levels and write a prescription for bioidentical testosterone from a compounding pharmacy if necessary.
In the summer months my skin darkens in my armpits, elbows, and behind my knees. What causes this, and can I prevent it?
— D. Waltham, Fort Worth, Texas
Darkening of the skin is caused by an increased number of cells containing the pigment melanin in the skin. In the summer months sweat blocks your pores, which may lead to skin darkening. Also, excessively using abrasive antiperspirants and deodorants can cause long-term skin irritation, which leads to scarring and thickening of the skin in the armpits. You may want to see a doctor to rule out any hormonal issues or insulin resistance.
My primary care doctor recently told me I have prediabetes. Does this mean that I will definitely develop diabetes? — N. Anderson, Bowling Green, Ky.
Prediabetes is a medical term that means you are potentially at risk of diabetes in the future because on a blood test, you might have a higher- than-normal blood sugar level (but not
ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D., is the leading national expert in wellness, disease prevention, and bioidentical hormone therapies. Dr. Schwartz (
drerika@eshealth.com) has written four bestselling books, testified before Congress, hosted her own PBS special on bioidentical hormones and is the author of a new bestseller, Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You.
quite high enough to be considered diabetes). Most commonly this stems from a combination of eating too many carbohydrates and processed foods and your body having diffi culty processing and detoxifying from them. With lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol and processed sugars (desserts, sodas, bread, pasta, etc.) and increasing physical activity, you can reverse this trend and prevent the development of diabetes.
I’ve been exercising consistently for three months and have not lost any weight yet. What else should I be doing? — T. Werner, San Antonio, Texas
Oftentimes when we start an exercise program, we tend to overdo it. Make sure you take at least a couple of rest days per week, as well as vary the type of exercises. Resistance training is crucial for muscle building and in turn, weight loss. Also, if you don’t eat enough calories daily (meaning, you’re trying to cut back too much), your body will not release stored fat — in fact, it will hold on to it.
I have urinary frequency that is disrupting my sleep. Do I need to see a doctor?
— Bob F., Charleston, S.C.
Before you see your doctor, implement the following: Stop drinking any fl uids two hours before bedtime; eat a low sodium diet (less than 2,000-3,000 mg per day); check any medications you are taking for potential side eff ects that may include urinary frequency and take them in the morning instead of the evening, if possible.
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.
96 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | NOVEMBER 2022
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
