Marla Ahlgrimm Lists the Best and Worst US Cities for Women’s Health

You already know your quality of life is directly related to where you live. Your ZIP Code can affect everything from your exercise levels to your chances of being a victim of a violent crime. Here, retired women’s health advisor Marla Ahlgrimm notes the best – and worst – US cities for women’s wellbeing.

Best bets

San Francisco, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; St. Paul, Minnesota; Portland, Maine; Seattle, Washington; Austin, Texas; Burlington, Vermont; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Jose, California; and Boise, Idaho make the cut for the best cities for women, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Hormones and Weight a Balancing Act | Marla Ahlgrimm

Hormones direct every response in the body from how well we sleep to how much we eat. And, as women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm explains, hormones play a role in our metabolic function.

Metabolism explained

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that, first and foremost, metabolism is nothing but a series of chemical reactions on a cellular level. Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy so that our bodies can keep moving. When metabolic hormones are out of disrupted, it can trigger a continual cycle of hunger, energy, and cravings.

It’s H.E.C, you see

Hunger, energy, and cravings, (HEC) can offer clues as to how a woman’s hormones are behaving, says Marla Ahlgrimm. When hunger is low, energy is usually plentiful, and cravings are few and far between. When energy is low, carb cravings may be unbearable.

Marla Ahlgrimm on the Rise of Drug Advertisements in America

Turn on your TV and chances are you’ll see a flashy ad for everything from foot fungus to fevers and forgetfulness. But, according to retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, it wasn’t always this way.

Before the 1980s, medicine was a one-way street. Doctors evaluated patients, prescribed treatment, and adjusted when necessary. Marla Ahlgrimm recalls that many patients, especially those with multiple prescriptions in hand, had no idea which treated a particular ailment. Drug companies wooed the doctors and patients were left in the dark regarding available treatment options.

Marla Ahlgrimm says this all changed back in 1986 with the first direct-to-consumer televised ad campaign for Seldane, an allergy medicine that did not come with the pesky side effect of drowsiness. Then current FDA regulations required advertisers to include all potential side effects of named drugs. Seldane got around this requirement by not naming the drug directly but simply telling patients their doctors had an option that wouldn’t droop their eyelids. Seldane, which was bringing in about $34 million in annual sales at the time, saw profits soar to $800 million, largely due to the televised campaign.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Summer Health

Summer is coming and that means it’s time to think about warm weather health. According to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, there are special considerations during the summer that are an issue in cooler months.

Q: What is Lyme disease?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Lyme disease is an illness caused by a specific bacteria transmitted to humans via black-legged or deer ticks with an active infection. Fever, fatigue, and headaches are the most prevalent symptoms. Lyme disease is common during the summer due to the possibility of exposure. While there is no guarantee that a person will not be exposed to an infected tick, preventative methods include reducing tick habitats, applying pesticides in outdoor areas, removing ticks promptly, and using an insect repellent.

Estrogen and You | Marla Ahlgrimm

Estrogen is one of the two main sex hormones in females. But, what is it responsible for and is it exclusive to women? Marla Ahlgrimm answers these questions and more in the following informational post.

Q: What is the primary function of estrogen in the female body?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Estrogen is one of the main hormones that controls the menstrual cycle. It is vital to human reproduction. Estrogen triggers the start of the menstrual cycle and breast growth. Aside from menstruation, estrogen plays a role in brain health and cholesterol.

Q: How does it work?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are three main types of estrogen: estrone, estriol, and estradiol. Each is produced by the ovaries and, to some degree, by the adrenal glands. Fat tissue also produces small levels of estrogen. Estrogen moves throughout the body and has an effect on every cell in every system.

Marla Ahlgrimm Offers Answers to Common Women’s Health Questions

In the following brief question-and-answer session, accomplished author and women’s health entrepreneur Marla Ahlgrimm answers questions on women’s health topics.

Q: What do changes in the menstrual cycle mean?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A woman’s menstrual cycle may change over time. However, any changes that last for more than three months should definitely be evaluated by your doctor or gynecologist. Endometrial cancer and uterine fibroids are just two reasons for heavier bleeding. Stress and even your BMI can affect your periods.

Q: Is a waning sex drive common during menopause?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A decreased libido is common as women age, especially past the 50th birthday. A few ways to increase a waning sex drive naturally include watching your diet and getting plenty of exercise. If intercourse is painful due to vaginal dryness, you may use an over-the-counter lubricant to minimize discomfort.

Q: Are ovarian cyst common?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ovarian cysts are common in women of reproductive age. They are not as common in women who have experienced menopause, though they are typically noncancerous. If you have a family history of ovarian cysts, speak with your doctor to determine if you are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

Q: Does using birth control alter the menstrual flow in pubescent girls?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It typically takes up to five years for a young lady to establish a normal menstrual cycle,so irregular cycles are not typically concerning during this time. Birth control is an excellent long term solution to not only prevent pregnancy but to reduce discomfort and regulate menstrual flow. Chances are, birth control will have no long-term effect on a young woman’s cycle but certain types of hormones, such as those used in the Depo Provera birth control shot, may cause irregular periods for the first three to six months.

Beautiful Skin Starts from Within | Marla Ahlgrimm

It’s been said that beauty is only skin deep, but we all want to take care of the skin that were in. In today’s brief question and answer session, women’s healthcare pioneer Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few common questions on how to keep your skin at its best.

Q: What is the best type of facial cleanser?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There is no right or wrong answer to this question as it greatly depends on an individual’s skin type. Some women are prone to acne and may want to use a moisturizing cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Those with oily skin may want to stick with a natural milk-based cleaner.

Q: How does what we drink affect our skin?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The skin is the largest organ and, like other organs, requires water in order to operate properly. Women who drink mostly coffee and other caffeinated or sugary drinks, such as soda, may experience more acne than those who stick with good old-fashioned H2O.