A Quick Q&A With Marla Ahlgrimm: Boosting Your Immune System

We’ve all seen them: products on the store shelves that claim to boost your immunity. Marla Ahlgrimm says the majority of these have little, if any, science behind them. But, there are a few natural ways to take care of your immune system. Keep reading for more. 

 

Q: What is the immune system? 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm: Your immune system is a vast network of proteins, cells, and processes that help to keep you healthy and free of disease. You can think of it as a record-keeping system of sorts. Each time a new microbe/virus enters your body, the immune system evaluates it and adapts to destroy it. Once the virus is gone, your immune system can then recognize it immediately if it enters your body again. It can then fight it off more effectively and potentially prevent you from becoming sick because of the same virus. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Signs Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. But, as Marla Ahlgrimm explains, it may not be that easy to spot. Keep reading as the women’s health expert explains the signs and symptoms and what to do if you feel you are at risk. 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, breast cancer does not come prepackaged with the same signs for all women (or men) some women may experience a visible lump in the breast while others may notice something off in their armpits. It is also not uncommon for a small portion of the breasts to swell or thicken. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm’s further reports that flaky skin or redness around the nipple may be an outward sign that something is amiss. Other issues to look for around the nipple are pain and discharge, excluding breast milk. It should be noted that small quantities of breast milk may continue to leak from the breasts for months to years after a woman finishes nursing a baby. 

Hot Flashes? Mother Nature Has A Remedy, says Marla Ahlgrimm

Hot flashes are an unfortunate but rather common side-effect of menopause, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Fortunately, there are many ways to cool yourself off, including sleeping under cotton sheets and keeping a fan handy. But, night sweats don’t only happen when you’re snug in bed, and there are a few herbal remedies that may keep your temperature down the whole day through. 

 

Black cohosh 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, black cohosh has been studied for many years, and it is purported to have a significant effect on hot flashes for some women. As a dietary supplement, black cohosh was formerly believed to act like estrogen within the body. New research suggests now that it does not, and this herb is typically considered safe by most healthcare providers. It is worth noting, however, that there is some anecdotal evidence linking black cohosh to potential liver problems. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | How To Open A Pharmacy

If you are a young pharmacy student with big dreams, one of your goals may be to open your own pharmacy one day. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is a lofty goal, but one they can pay off in both financial rewards and community engagement. Keep reading for a few quick bullet points on what it takes. 

 

Find the right advisors and mentors. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm says that finding the right mentors and professional advisors is your first step. Among other professionals, the retired pharmacist and entrepreneur suggests that a financial advisor, insurance agent, and legal counsel are crucial to your endeavors. Further, you’ll want to speak with industry leaders and established pharmacy owners. 

Marla Ahlgrimm | Vitamins And Women

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women have unique nutritional needs. Ideally, these are met by food and doing activities, such as going outside to trigger vitamin D production. However, it’s important for women to know which vitamins are most important to our bodies so that we can work with our healthcare professionals to ensure a proper balance. 

 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are dozens of vitamins crucial to women’s health. B vitamins, which includes thiamin, niacin, biotin, and folate, are good examples. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, works to produce energy and effectively metabolize fat. Niacin helps women reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases while pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is an important tool in a woman’s hormone-production arsenal. 

Marla Ahlgrimm: 4 Ways To Beat Stress Today

Are you stressed, anxious, and ready for the world to get back to normal? We all are, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Fortunately, a vaccine is here, and it is only a matter of time before we reach the herd immunity we so desperately need. Until then, here are four things you can do today to mitigate stress. 

 

Visit your pharmacy for a health supplement. 

 

There are many supplements that can reduce anxiety, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Valerian root, green tea, and lemon balm are three that come to mind. Valerian can help with sleep, green tea increases serotonin levels, and lemon balm is known as a natural anti-anxiety supplement. 

Marla Ahlgrimm On The History Of The Bra

The question of who invented the bra is a difficult one to answer, says Marla Ahlgrimm. This staple wardrobe piece has been worn and some iteration since ancient times. Today, we take a quick look at the transformation of our favorite/most-hated undergarment. 

 

The corset 

 

Sometime in the 1500s, French women began wearing what we know today as the corset. Part bra, part body shaper, the corset made a woman’s waist look small and the breasts look large. For almost 400 years, women routinely wore corsets, which Marla Ahlgrimm explains did not change much through there for centuries of popularity. 

 

Split corset 

 

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, near the turn of the 19th century, a French designer named Herminie Cadolle decided to cut the corset in two. This allowed women to breathe a bit easier while supporting the breast and cinching the waist.