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.

Q&A with Marla Ahlgrimm | Colon Cancer

Marla Ahlgrimm answers questions about colon cancer, a disease that is on the rise in people born within the last 30 years.

Q: Is colon cancer fatal?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While all cancers can be deadly, colon cancer is very often preventable. However, many of its symptoms mimic that of irritable bowel syndrome. Sadly, the symptoms of each are embarrassing and many women forgo medical testing.

Q: What are some of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer?

Marla Ahlgrimm: One of the first signs of colon cancer includes blood in the stool. Although small amounts of bright red blood likely indicate a hemorrhoid or small fissure in the soft tissue surrounding the anus, dark maroon or black-colored streaks in either hard or soft stool indicates bleeding deep inside the colon.

Marla Ahlgrimm Offers Health Tips for Summer

Summer is coming and that means lots of time outdoors, plenty of sunshine, and warm weather. All of these lend well to personal health and well-being but there are a few precautions to take to ensure you don’t get too much of a good thing. Here, Marla Ahlgrimm makes a few simple suggestions for summer safety.

Focus on hydration

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, heat can make you sweat and sweat can lead to dehydration. In the summer, especially if you’re going to be outdoors, drink plenty of water. Strive for at least one extra 8-ounce serving each day, more when temperatures tip the scale at 90° or higher. Dehydration can make you feel – and look – tired and disheveled. Severe dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and contribute to heatstroke.

Healthy Aging | Marla Ahlgrimm

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, healthy aging involves so much more than simply eating right and working out. Here, the retired pharmacist and women’s health industry entrepreneur offers advice on how to age with grace.

Watch your diet. Diet is certainly the most important part of a healthy daily routine, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Eating a diet full of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, lays the foundation for your other healthy activities.

Take your medicine. Hopefully, you’re not required to take any daily medications. However, if your doctor has found it necessary to prescribe medicine, take it. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that doctors do not wantonly write prescriptions; if you do not understand why you have been given a certain medication, ask lots of questions. Do not stop taking any medication without approval from your healthcare provider.