Marla Ahlgrimm Shares History of the Pharmacy

Marla Ahlgrimm is a retired pharmacist and one of the nation’s leading female healthcare experts. She has been involved in pharmaceuticals since the 1970s, but explains that the history of the modern pharmacy dates back before language.

Prehistoric medicine

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the people we commonly know as cavemen were actually the first “pharmacists.” By trial and error, prehistoric man learned that certain compounds, including dirt, leaves, and mud, were soothing to injuries.

Ancient China

Considered one of the first herbal healers, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung investigated and recorded the medicinal value of 365 native remedies. Nung was brought roots, barks, and herbs from all over the world and many of his findings were the foundation for modern medicinal cures, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Women’s Roles Changed During Wars, Reports Marla Ahlgrimm

Antebellum America is largely responsible for the gender stereotypes we know today, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, the Civil War and World War II offered women the opportunity to shatter them, leading to greater equality among the sexes.

The years prior to the Civil War saw women shaped by the idea of “true womanhood.” This meant married women found their primary purpose in creating a clean, comfortable, and inviting home for their spouses and children. However, as tensions between the North and South escalated, women began taking on roles outside the home. At the onset of war in 1861, women were some of the first to volunteer to further their cause. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that greater than 400 women masculinized themselves and fought discreetly as men in both the Union and Confederate armies.

Marla Ahlgrimm Gives the Lowdown on Low Sex Drive in Women

Sexual desires for both men and women fluctuate throughout life, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, women tend to experience a waning sex drive more often than their male partners.

It is perfectly normal to temporarily lose interest in sex after a major life event such as the birth of a child or surgery affecting the reproductive system. Marla Ahlgrimm asserts that many women also lose their desire due to exhaustion and fatigue from caring for young children. Lifestyle habits, such as excessive alcohol intake and smoking, can spoil a sex drive as can certain antidepressants and other prescription medications.

Marla Ahlgrimm Shares Facts About Arthritis

Arthritis, as defined by retired pharmacist and women’s healthcare entrepreneur Marla Ahlgrimm, is inflammation of the joints. There are three main types of the disease: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. It’s estimated that nearly 26% of women suffer from some form of chronic joint inflammation.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there is some debate as to why women are more susceptible to certain autoimmune diseases, but most experts agree that hormones, biology, genetics, and environmental factors all play a role. Lifestyle choices such as smoking also contribute to a woman’s risk of developing arthritis. While thought to be a disease of age, arthritis can actually strike at any time, with lupus – a systemic form of arthritis – often developing during a woman’s childbearing years. Marla Ahlgrimm also says that women who are active in sports may be more prone to arthritis as ACL injuries are common in this demographic.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Health on a Dime

Eating healthy is expensive, right? Not if you follow these tips from women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm.

Swap white pasta for whole grain varieties.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that whole grain pasta delivers a muscle-boosting 7 grams of protein in each two ounce serving. Most stores carry private label whole grain pasta for about $1.50 for a 13-serving box.

Make it a meal.

Pasta isn’t very much fun by itself. Add pasta sauce for less than $2 for a 24-ounce jar and help reach your vitamin C goals. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, a quick meal of whole grain pasta and marinara sauce is sure to appease even the pickiest family member.

Marla Ahlgrimm | UTI Causes and Treatments

Marla Ahlgrimm, retired pharmacist and women’s health expert, says there is nothing pleasant about a urinary tract infection. With a little knowledge, however, most women can prevent UTIs or reduce their duration with treatment. Here, Ahlgrimm offers information and advice regarding UTIs.

Q:   What is a UTI?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra or any combination of these four parts that make up the urinary tract.

Q: How does the urinary tract become infected?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are over half a dozen known causes of UTIs. The most common are improper bathroom habits – wiping the wrong way, sexual intercourse, holding urine for extended periods, full or partial urinary tract blockages, diabetes, catheter usage, and diaphragm birth control. Spermicides have also been linked to UTIs. Any time bacteria is introduced into the vagina, there is the possibility it could develop into an infection. Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk of UTIs as their bodies do not produce enough estrogen, which has a protective effect.

One on One with Marla Ahlgrimm | Women and Acne

Marla Ahlgrimm is a respected women’s health expert and retired pharmacist  who has spent the better part of the last four decades dedicated to treating issues specific to the fairer sex. In today’s question and answer session, Ahlgrimm discusses an embarrassing issue for women of all ages: acne.

Q: What causes acne?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Acne has two main causes, an overproduction of sebum – which is produced by the skin’s oil glands, and a bacteria known as P. acnes. In women, acne tends to follow hormones, with sufferers seeing the most breakouts coinciding with their period or at the dawn of a new developmental stage, such as puberty, pregnancy, or adulthood. Acne may also be triggered by makeup or medications. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by poor or improper hygiene, chocolate, or stress.