Marla Ahlgrimm | Why You Become a Mosquito Feast

If you’ve ever wondered why you get attacked by mosquitos but others in your household don’t, keep reading. Health expert Marla Ahlgrimm as explains why your body type makes you a target for the vampires of summer.

Mosquito bites are an important topic of conversation throughout the warm months, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Not only do they cause inconvenience in the form of itchy and painful welts, but mosquitoes can carry diseases. Unfortunately for some, mosquitoes are attracted to certain people more so than others.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are a number of factors that determine if an individual will be left alone or become an all-you-can-eat buffet for bothersome bloodsuckers. Weight and pregnancy are two of these as people in these categories tend to have higher metabolic rate white at rest. Likewise, exercise and alcohol consumption make the body produce chemicals that leave an invisible “open” sign over exposed skin.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Beat the Bloat

Bloating is an ugly word for “can’t wear anything but leggings.” There are many reasons that a woman might experience this abdominal discomfort but hormones are often the issue. Keep reading as retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm spills the beans on bloating (and how to stop it).

Q: What causes bloating?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The easy answer: Mother Nature. Women experience bloat for a number of reasons. Specific to “that time of the month” bloating is caused by a drop in progesterone levels. Fortunately, it only last a few days as your ovaries kick into high gear and even out hormone levels.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Low Protein Diet Good for Kidney Disease Patients

Protein is an essential part of any diet. However, there are a select few who would benefit from less of this muscle-boosting building body building block. Marla Ahlgrimm explains who and why in the following brief Q&A.

Q: When is a high-protein diet not a healthy option?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While protein is essential for the body, too much may actually cause harm to certain members of the population. Specifically, people with kidney disease. This is due to a byproduct of the digestion process. Urea is a waste product that is difficult for the kidneys to filter.

Marla Ahlgrimm Shares Insight on Summer and Sleep

Summer means long days and hot nights. Physical exertion and excessive heat can make it difficult for many women to get a good night’s rest, according to retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Keep reading as Ahlgrimm answers a few questions on how to beat the summer heat.

Q: Will showering at night keep me awake?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Taking a quick shower is a great way to mimic your body’s natural cooling mechanism. When you expose your body to moist heat, the evaporation process can cool you down and help you get comfortable under the sheets. A word of caution, however, avoid taking hot baths right before bed as getting overheated can raise your heart rate and make it even more difficult to nod off.

Marla Ahlgrimm Shares Tips on Sunburn Care

While you already know that sunscreen should be a part of your outdoor arsenal, sometimes reapplying slips the mind in the midst of a fun-filled day. Marla Ahlgrimm says that sunburns are the results of this over-enjoyment of the summer sun. Here are a few tips on how to beat the heat and heal your parched skin.

1. Take cools showers to help ease the pain. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a gentle spray of cool water can help temporarily. She recommends a low pressure setting on your shower head to avoid stinging the wound.

2. Moisturize. One of the reasons that sunburns hurt so bad is that the sun draws moisture out of the skin. You can restore some of this by applying an alcohol-free aloe vera gel or lotion to the affected area. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that products without dyes or synthetic fragrance are best.

Women at Risk of Obesity in Rural Areas, says Marla Ahlgrimm

People in rural areas are more likely to be obese than their city-dwelling counterparts, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Women are especially affected with 13.5 percent of women in the county experiencing severe obesity compared to 8.1 percent of urbanites.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the reason for the disparity between weights has to do with access to opportunities to pursue healthy behaviors, such as walking instead of driving a vehicle. What works for those in the city doesn’t always work for those on the outskirts of town. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that those living in an urban environment also have easier access to healthier foods.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Domestic Violence Against Women Impacts Overall Health

Domestic violence against women is an epidemic that can’t be ignored. Aside from the emotional scars that are left, it can leave behind a host of physical and emotional health issues that must be treated in order for a woman to regain control of her life. Marla Ahlgrimm explains in the following brief question and answer session.

Q: How widespread the problem is domestic violence?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Approximately 27% of all women in the United States have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Often, this is at the hands of a spouse or partner and may include verbal abuse.

Q: What are some physical issues that can result due to physical and sexual abuse and assault?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Women who are physically or sexually abused can suffer with a host of health conditions. This includes chronic migraines, gastrointestinal disturbances, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, circulatory problems, and asthma. Bladder and kidney infections along with irritable bowel syndrome and joint disease are also common.