Doc on call

Save yourself a doctor’s visit with this advice

Why is my face so puffy?

Q:

I’m prone to ankle swelling when it’s hot and humid, but this year it’s much worse—even my face is puffy, and my fingers are so swollen that it’s hard to take off my rings. Plus, I feel draggy and can’t seem to shake it. What’s going on?

A:

It sounds like your lymphatic system may be sluggish. Much like the circulatory system, the lymph system is made up of small vessels, but instead of moving blood, it circulates lymph fluid through your body to filter out cellular waste for elimination. When the system is slow, waste accumulates, causing the bloat, fatigue and swelling you describe.

A great way to boost lymph flow is through movement (like walking and stretching) since muscle contractions keep lymph fluid moving throughout the body. Dry-brushing your skin may also improve lymph flow to reduce puffiness. To do: Using a firm-bristled body brush, make long, gentle strokes up your legs and arms in the direction of your heart before your daily shower. Bonus: The bristles exfoliate to improve skin’s appearance. Plus, the brushing itself is invigorating!

But since the skin on your face is too delicate for dry-brushing, I recommend a daily facial gua sha massage to reduce swelling there.

The technique involves sweeping a smooth, flat crystal with curved edges (like the Jade Gua Sha Scraping Massage Tool, $11, Amazon.com) across all parts of your face. To find tutorials and detailed instructions on how to do the massage, search “Gua Sha Facial Massage” on YouTube.

Also smart: Aim to drink 60 oz. of liquids daily to avoid dehydration, which signals your body to hold on to fluids that can prompt swelling.

But if symptoms persist after one to two weeks, see your doctor to rule out more serious causes of swelling.

Can I reduce my risk of dementia?

Q:

My mother was just diagnosed with dementia. Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk at 50?

A:

I’m sorry to hear about your mother, but I can give you some good news: It’s never too late to lower your dementia risk. In fact, a 44-year Swedish study revealed that middleaged women who participated in challenging and stimulating cognitive activities like reading and attending concerts and plays enhanced their ability to make new brain cells, lowering dementia risk by 26%.

Physical activity, like gardening or cycling, also reduces the risk. That’s because movement improves insulin resistance and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol (all risk factors for dementia), plus raises levels of a brain protein that acts like fertilizer for new nerve cells, especially in the part of the brain that oversees memory. Aim for 30 minutes four days a week.

Finally, your brain clears out harmful waste that can accumulate during the day while you sleep, making quality shut-eye key to overall brain health.

Q My sister started

taking drum classes as a way to reduce stress and says she feels amazing. Have you ever heard

of this?

A

I have! In fact, it’s a personal passion of mine. I take a djembe drumming class every week because it’s simple and fun and it melts away my stress. In fact, a recent study in South Africa showed that 40 minutes of djembe drumming significantly lowered blood pressure, stress and anxiety. It’s a safe and easy cardiovascular workout (there’s a lot of movement during class!) for all ages, and no musical experience is necessary.

If you want to try it, ask your local YMCA if they offer group djembe drumming music classes, in which you pound a gobletshaped wooden drum that sits between your legs. Or do a quick online search for djembe drumming in your area. If you can’t find one, djembe drums (and instructional DVDs) can be found online for as little as $20.