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ERIKA SCHWARTZ, M.D.


YOUR MEDICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED


Are Migraines Linked to Estrogen Supplements?


My wife has been taking estrogen for her menopause symptoms and is now suff ering migraines. Is there a connection? — Ralph D., Harrison, N.Y.


There might be. Your wife needs to see a doctor who understands hormones, how they interact and how they need to be best balanced to avoid causing undesirable side eff ects like headaches. She also needs to address her diet. Make sure she isn’t suff ering from allergies (dairy, gluten, soda, and alcohol being the top off enders), which do tend to appear at menopause. Make sure she drinks enough water because dehydration also causes headaches. Sleep is another important factor, along with the supplements she’s taking that may also interact. And neck problems from sleeping poorly or exercising incorrectly can also cause headaches.


I’ve always resisted getting a flu shot. It doesn’t seem to be very eff ective, and I didn’t get sick last winter. Now, my 88-year- old mom has moved in with me and my doctor says I should get the vaccine to protect her this winter. Is she right? — Rachel B., Milwaukee, Wis.


No. The fl u vaccine rarely works, and it’s best to focus on what you can do to prevent the fl u rather than hoping that passively, the manufacturers have hit the right strain in their fortune-telling way of


developing vaccines in anticipation of the fl u season. Keep your mom healthy by preparing nutritious foods; make sure both of you move by walking or hiking; wash your hands as many times as possible a day; don’t share glasses, food, or utensils; keep hygiene at an all-time high in your house; and get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Open the windows every day to keep your home well aerated. Minimizing stress and keeping a positive, kind, and supportive atmosphere will protect everyone from the fl u a lot more than a vaccine will. This way, you will own the outcome rather than being a victim looking for a magic potion that doesn’t exist.


Can gene testing tell me whether I’m at risk of suff ering a stroke? — Archie W., Chicago, Ill.


It may tell you that you have genetic predisposition for a stroke. It may tell you that if activated, certain genes in your genetic code may increase your risk, but it won’t tell you if you’ll have a stroke. Armed with the knowledge that you may be in a higher-risk group, you may want to change your lifestyle: eat better foods; avoid alcohol, soda, and smoking; exercise regularly; and communicate better. Express your feelings calmly; don’t hold onto anger and stress. Learn not to worry, and meditate. Since you should be doing


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.


these things anyway, knowing your genetic predisposition is probably useless unless you really need a serious scare to make you live your best life.


I get a lot of urinary tract infections. My doctor puts me on an antibiotic to get rid of them, but they keep coming back. Is there any preventive measure I can take? — Sandy M., Mobile, Ala.


Make sure the infections are not caused by some mechanical issue or abnormality in your urinary tract or kidneys. If you have no medical issues, address your diet. Make sure you drink lots of water, and stay away from spicy processed foods, alcohol, and caff eine. If you have to urinate, do not hold it in. The longer the urine stays in your bladder, the higher the likelihood you’ll get infections. Use cotton underwear, and do not wear tight jeans or pants. Always take a shower or at least change your underwear after exercising. After you swim, promptly get out of the wet bathing suit.


Is vaping really safer than cigarettes? My teenage son has started doing it. — Judith J., Newark, N.J.


It took decades to fi gure out cigarettes were bad for our health. It’s certainly taking a lot less time to fi gure out vaping is possibly even worse than cigarette smoking. The chemical quotient in vaping is disturbing and the lung problems it creates are nothing short of scary and dangerous. Tell your son to take up healthier habits such as working out and sleeping eight hours a night.


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.


104 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | DECEMBER 2023


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