Marla Ahlgrimm: Women’s Health Conditions That Never Were

Medicine has come a long way since ancient times. Nonetheless, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there have been many “conditions” that were never problems in the first place, and some that persisted into modern times. Here, we look at two of these specific to women.

Bicycle face

Just before the turn of the 20th century, Dr. A. Shadwell was published in National Review for his views on a unique condition common in women of the age. Bicycle face, he asserted, was the result of a person pushing themselves further than their physical prowess allowed. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women with bicycle face looked anxious, irritable, or strained while pedaling around town.

QA With Marla Ahlgrimm: Prenatal Vitamins

When you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you will likely hear the term “prenatal vitamins” thrown around quite a bit. But, what are they, and are they really important? Keep reading as Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few common questions about vitamins for pregnant women.

Q: What are prenatal vitamins? How are they different than a multivitamin?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A prenatal vitamin is formulated specifically to aid in the development of a growing fetus. They contain a precise balance of vitamins and nutrients, including folic acid and calcium. They are similar to multivitamins but have more of the things a pregnant woman’s body needs.

Q: Are prenatal vitamins all I need to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely not. Although vitamins can provide you and your unborn baby with an extra boost of nutrition, there is nothing that can replace eating well and exercising. You may not even need prenatal vitamins if you have a diverse diet that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Your doctor can help you decide which, if any, prenatal vitamins are right for you.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Weather and Mood

If you have ever woken up to a dreary, cloudy day, you know that the sky has an impact on your mood. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, you are not alone. The weather plays a role in many people’s disposition. Here are a few ways the sun and sky can change how you feel.

Sunshine on a cloudy day

Sunshine does more than simply light our way, says Marla Ahlgrimm. When your body is exposed to sunlight, it creates vitamin D, which can help keep you healthy. Further, sunshine tells your brain it’s time to be alert and active. Another thing to consider is that the day/night cycle is linked to the body’s metabolism and circadian rhythm. Studies continually show that experiencing a predictable amount of sunshine during the day can help you sleep better, which can also go a long way toward keeping your spirits high.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Fish Oil a Common Supplement

A popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, Marla Ahlgrimm says that fish oil is available in a capsule or liquid form, and it is used as a health supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are not manufactured by the body but are essential for efficient growth and muscle development in humans.

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids are tuna and salmon. However, fish oil supplements are available over the counter at most pharmacies. These typically contain EPA and DHA, two different omega-3s. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that fish oil supplements are generally considered safe and may help treat or prevent a number of health conditions.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Insomnia More Than Sleeplessness

Sleep is a basic human need that, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, is vital to the brain and the body. More than 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Insomnia is one of the most common and is characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Marla Ahlgrimm claims that people with insomnia usually experience one or more of the following:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Decreased work or school performance
• Low energy

There are three forms of insomnia: transient, acute, and chronic.

Transient insomnia lasts from a few days up to a week. Some causes include:

• Excessive worry
• Short-term stress (A few examples cited by Marla Ahlgrimm include an upcoming exam, arguments with a significant other, or criticism at work)
• Excitement
• Sleeping in an unfamiliar place
• Jetlag
• Illness
• Relationship problems

Marla Ahlgrimm | Summer Swim Safety

Summer is near, and that means swim season. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, safety should be everyone’s #1 priority, even more so than whether or not we fit into those itsy bitsy bikinis. Here are a few swim safety tips compiled by the women’s health expert.

Don’t swim in cloudy water.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that there are many reasons to avoid pools with cloudy water. First are the germs. A cloudy or milky-looking swimming pool has not been properly disinfected. If the water is not crystal clear, the equipment has not been maintained in there are of germs, viruses, and bacteria waiting for you to take a dive. Further, dirty water makes it considerably more difficult to see to the bottom of the pool. This is dangerous, and Marla Ahlgrimm notes that people have died in swimming pools and gone undiscovered for several hours or days because the other swimmers simply could not see that there was a problem.

Marla Ahlgrimm | The Endocrine System and You

Your hormones are important, says Marla Ahlgrimm. So much so that your endocrine system – a series of glands that produce hormones – has a role in your health from top to bottom throughout your entire life. Here, Ahlgrimm answers a few questions on the topic.

Q: What, exactly, does the endocrine system do?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The endocrine system is made up of many different glands. These glands push hormones throughout the body via the bloodstream. Once there, they can be distributed where they’re needed. These hormones are crucial to reproductive and metabolic development. They work with other hormones to affect mood, physical growth, and organ function.