Marla Ahlgrimm | The People In Your Pharmacy

When you pick up your prescription, you might not always have time to say hello to your pharmacist. Chances are, says Marla Ahlgrimm, that you’ll at least speak to a pharmacy tech before you head home with your medications. Keep reading for a quick dose of insight on what, exactly, a pharmacy tech does, and why they are an important part of your medical team.

Q: What is a pharmacy tech?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A pharmacy technician is an individual that assists a pharmacist in many ways. They might work to dispense medications, receive controlled and non-controlled substances, and, in some cases, manually fill prescriptions. A pharmacy assistant might also take inventory of refrigerated and non-refrigerated items, medical supplies, and nutritional supplements.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Types of Pharmacists

If you have ever wanted a career in pharmaceuticals, you are in luck, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The author, entrepreneur, and retired pharmacist says there are many opportunities to work in medicine, no stethoscope required. But more than just counsel at your local pharmacy, pharmacists today have options.

Clinical pharmacist

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, a clinical pharmacist often works in a hospital setting. They walk side-by-side with their patients’ physicians to come up with the most effective treatment option. They determine which drugs have the most acceptable side effects and what medications won’t have negative interactions with one another. A clinical pharmacist typically has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completes a full two-year residency.

Marla Ahlgrimm | What Is Happiness?

Happiness is generally thought of as feelings of self-contentment. However, it is more complex than that, and happiness does not look the same for everyone. According to women’s health care expert Marla Ahlgrimm, happiness might come in the form of a child’s laughter or a more profound circumstance, such as forming a relationship with a higher power.

The idea of happiness is often molded by society, says Marla Ahlgrimm. In some countries, a woman might feel happy if she survives childbirth – this is simply something we expect in the United States. Other women might believe the source of their happiness is their career or their creativity. The point is that happiness takes many shapes and forms, but there are things that all women can do to enjoy their own version. Here are a few tips:

Marla Ahlgrimm: Women’s Health In The News

Keeping up with the latest news on women’s health takes time, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But, if you have not done your homework, there are many interesting stories you might’ve missed. Keep reading for what you absolutely must know about current issues relating to women’s health.

Our ancestors breast-fed for longer

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, in August, researchers at the University of Bristol found that our ancient ancestors breast-fed for much longer than we do today. The group reconstructed fossilized tooth enamel from early homosapiens. They discovered that humans were breast-fed until about the age of four; australopithecus africanus and other humanoid cousins stopped within the first months. Many experts believe that the extended breast-feeding in early humans contributed to the perseverance of our species.

Marla Ahlgrimm Answers Your Health Questions

Marla Ahlgrimm has dedicated the majority of her life to improving the health of women across the country. Because of her work as a pharmacist and healthcare entrepreneur, she receives questions all the time about how to improve health. Here, Ahlgrimm shares a few of these and her response to each.

Q: I am a vegetarian. Do I really need protein?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely. Protein is one of the basic building blocks of the body. Without it, you risk losing muscle integrity. Protein deficiency can also affect other systems. Thankfully, even if you don’t eat meat, you can still get protein from things like supplement milkshakes, peanut butter, and walnuts.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Depression and Hormones

It does not take a scientist or extensive medical research to determine that women tend to display depression symptoms more often than their male counterparts. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women, on average, are diagnosed with mental health disorders twice as often as their husbands, brothers, and sons.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is partially because women are less afraid to talk about their feelings. But, a large portion of women experience depression as a direct result of an underlying hormone disorder. While all humans have changing hormones throughout their lives, women are more affected.

From about the age of 11 through 50, women experience a monthly fluctuation in their hormones. This begins at puberty, says Marla Ahlgrimm, when a girl’s body begins to develop into that of a woman. Once her menstrual cycle begins, she can experience the effects of changing hormones for approximately one week out of every month. Later, often in her 20s, a woman will start having children.

Marla Ahlgrimm: HIV and Hormones

HIV is a virus spread through sexual contact. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that it is a serious condition that affects the entire body, hormones included. Women are especially affected by hormone problems related to HIV.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, hormones are best considered chemical messengers. They are responsible for bouncing signals between organs, and they affect everything from metabolism to sex drive. When a woman contracts HIV, this can have a negative effect on hormone balance. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA production are all affected by HIV and its more aggressive transformation AIDS.

Marla Ahlgrimm | It’s Flu Shot Season

Fall is gearing up and that means flu is on the way, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The retired pharmacist explains that now is the time to start thinking about getting your flu shot.

Q: What is the flu shot?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The flu shot is one of the most common vaccines in the United States. It is essentially an inactive form of the flu virus. Once injected into the body, your immune system reacts by producing antibodies that provide a significant amount of protection from influenza.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Is Netflix Bad For Your Health?

With the invention of streaming television, more and more Americans have a new pastime: binge-watching. Marla Ahlgrimm explains, however, that hours in front of the screen can leave you at risk of many health problems. Keep reading as Ahlgrimm explains more on how never-ending Netflix sessions are not what the doctor ordered.

Q: What are the dangers associated with binge-watching television?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The most concerning thing about it is that you are sitting stagnant for hours on end. While this is not a problem occasionally -- we all like to catch up on our shows -- hours without meaningful movement several times each week can quickly lead to weight gain and the issues that come along with it.

Marla Ahlgrimm Suggest Caution When Wearing High Heels

Women often go to great lengths to look their best. For many, this means throwing comfort to the curb. Unfortunately, according to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, the negative consequences of certain fashion trends far outweigh the positives. Case in point: High heels.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that high heels can hurt a woman’s feet in many ways. First and most obvious is that the foot is angled unnaturally. This means that weight is distributed unevenly. As a result, the toes can actually deform, leaving a regular wearer with a condition known as hammertoe. Bunions are also common in women who wear high-heeled shoes.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Acne Vulgaris Not As Bad As It Sounds

Women’s health expert and author Marla Ahlgrimm understands all too well how acne can affect a person’s self-esteem. However, teenage girls may be especially affected by acne, and it all has to do with hormones. Acne vulgaris -- the clinical term for blemishes -- sounds scary but, fortunately, the condition is common and normal.

Q: What is acne?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Acne is simply the result of the body overproducing a natural oil, sebum, which prevents the skin from drying out. When there is too much, it causes dead skin to clump together, which can turn into a clogged pore. Another name for these facial blemishes is acne lesion. There are different types of acne lesions including cysts, nodules, papules, and pustules.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Pharmacy Blogs

If you have ever wanted to keep up with pharmaceutical news, you are in luck. You live in the digital age, which means you have access to knowledge any time, anywhere. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are dozens of blogs online that focus specifically on advances in modern medicine, and specifically medicinal treatments. Here are just a few:

The Honest Apothecary

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the Honest Apothecary blog offers pharmacists and others a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a retail pharmacy. It covers much more than drugs, however, and dives into faith-based leadership, daily operations, and discussions with pharmacists and other pharmacy workers across the country.

The Blonde Pharmacist

Written by Beth Lofgren, Pharm.D., The Blonde Pharmacist is one of the more active blogs in medicine. Lofgren offers insight for professionals looking to take the BCPS exam. But more than that, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this female pharmacist/entrepreneur offers down to earth advice on everything from career advancement to safety in the pharmacy.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Hormone Depletion and You

If you’re creeping up on the age of menopause, Marla Ahlgrimm says that you should understand how hormone changes are likely to affect you. Keep reading for more information on how your ever-changing chemical messengers can affect everything from your brain to your reproductive system.

Heart health

Your hormones, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, play a significant role in your overall cardiovascular health. However, as estrogen begins to slow, your doctor might discuss with you an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, diet, lifestyle, age, family history, and other factors play a role in heart health, so listen to your doctor in regards to changes you might make that will help you even out the odds.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Eliminate Itch with Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a popular anti-itch remedy in the summer, and Marla Ahlgrimm notes that this pink liquid may be useful in treating poison oak and other skin irritations.

Calamine is an anti-itch medicine that also has a drying effect on eczema; poison oak, ivy, and sumac; and insect bites. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it creates a slight cooling sensation as it dries. Calamine is usually administered via a non-prescription topical ointment, which is suspended in oils. This “lotion” must be shaken well before being applied to the skin.

Allergies

Most people can safely use calamine lotion. However, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some allergies might preclude certain individuals. If you have ever had an adverse reaction to calamine or to the dyes used in the lotion, then consult with your healthcare provider before use. She also advises speaking with your child’s pediatrician if they have never used calamine before. Check the label for potential allergens, and talk to your pharmacist if you are unfamiliar with the ingredients.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it literally means porous bone. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become so weak and brittle that a fracture can occur with little to no impact. The condition is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease” because there are typically no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss.

While osteoporosis affects men and women of all races, Marla Ahlgrimm points out that Caucasian and Asian women are at the highest risk. Body size, age, and family history are also factors that determine a woman’s risk. Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoporosi, although it might be preventable for some women. Through a diet and exercise program that replenishes the body’s natural calcium stores, many women can reduce the effects of bone loss throughout their lives.

A lifetime of bone health

Calcium needs change during one’s lifetime. Naturally, the body’s need for calcium is greater during childhood and adolescence, while the skeleton is growing rapidly, and also during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During these times, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that a woman will need between 1000 and 1300 milligrams per day. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 require 1000 milligrams of calcium per day, while women over the age of 70 require 1200 milligrams per day.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Heat Stroke And How to Avoid It

Heat stroke occurs when a person’s body gets too hot, becomes dehydrated, and is unable to cool itself by sweating. When this happens, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that body temperature can rise high enough to make the person sick.

Early symptoms occur when the body temperature rises above average. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and fatigue. In the early stages, this is called heat exhaustion.

If steps are not taken to reduce the body’s temperature, heat exhaustion can lead to a serious, potentially life-threatening form of heat illness known as heat stroke. Once the body’s temperature rises above 105 degrees, neurological changes, such as mental confusion or unconsciousness, may develop. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that the baseline is 98; anything higher than 100 indicates a potential problem. Extreme heat can affect internal organs, causing a breakdown of heart muscle cells and blood vessels, damage to internal organs, and death.

There are two classifications of heat stroke. These are exertional heat stroke and nonexertional heat stroke. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that exertional heat stroke typically strikes young, otherwise healthy people as they are more likely to be less concerned about the effects of heat on their health. Nonexertional heat stroke tends to occur in people who have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature. Older people, young children, and those with chronic illnesses are most at risk.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Your Teen is Changing, too

Women who are coming up on menopause often have children who are getting ready to enter puberty, says Marla Ahlgrimm. With all the hormones flying around, it’s important to understand not only what you’re going through, but what your teenager is experiencing as well. And although we’ve all gone through puberty, it’s easy to forget how the emergence of hormones can make you feel.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, boys and girls alike have hormones that start to kick into high gear as they enter the early teen years. If you have a child anywhere between ages 11 and 14, you may begin to notice physical and emotional changes. Girls, for example, may develop breasts while boys can and will grow seemingly overnight. The growth that takes place during puberty signals both physical maturity and also the last time the body will grow before adulthood. It is not uncommon for children to experience growth spurts of more than 4 inches in a single year.

Marla Ahlgrimm on Mood Swings and PMS

PMS is a familiar acquaintance to the majority of women of childbearing age, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The retired hormone specialist explains that PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is not one specific symptom but a collection of physical and emotional changes in the days leading up to the period. Here are a few common questions and answers about PMS.

Q: What causes PMS?

Marla Ahlgrimm: A naturally occurring shift in hormones is the most logical cause. Specifically, fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen are likely responsible for the mood-related changes many women experience during PMS. Both of these hormones also influence the body’s output of serotonin, a hormone that, when deficient, can lead to irritability, insomnia, and food cravings.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Folate Important for All Women

Marla Ahlgrimm says that folate is something many women only pay attention to when they are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. However, this B vitamin does more than protect the unborn from birth defects.

Folate is essential in the natural process of red blood cell formation. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, these red blood cells are what carry oxygen throughout the entire body. When the body doesn’t get enough oxygen to its systems, the result can be a condition called anemia. Specifically, in this case, folic acid anemia.

Women need folate at every stage. However, it’s most important to the system during the childbearing years. Folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects during fetal development. It’s suspected that receiving enough of this nutrient may also play a role in fetal viability. In other words, intaking enough folate may help prevent early miscarriage.

Marla Ahlgrimm Encourages Women to Break Barriers

Marla Ahlgrimm started her career as a pharmacist back in the 1970s. Then, it was definitely a male-dominated industry. It took years of hard work and unwavering persistence, but Ahlgrimm fought her way through each barrier with grace and poise. Despite a closing gap, there is still a great deal of gender inequality in the workplace, especially in STEM fields, including medicine and technology. The now-retired women’s health expert continues to encourage women to break barriers, but says there are many challenges that face the fairer sex.

Q: Why other fewer women than men in the tech industry?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are potentially many reasons for this. I suspect that one is that it takes an advanced degree and lots of experience to be successful in things like computer programming and hardware design. Since women often choose to start a family and take time out of school or work to do so, they may feel as though they cannot dedicate the resource of time to pursuing a profession in IT.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Follicle Stimulating Hormone

The follicle stimulating hormone is one that doesn’t get a lot of attention, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But despite its relative obscurity, it’s an important hormone to be familiar with.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the follicle stimulating hormone is essential to the healthy growth and development of males and females during puberty. It triggers the growth of follicles in the ovarian tubes in women and is part of the process that allows young men to begin producing sperm.

Follicle stimulating hormone is made and released by the pituitary gland and is part of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis. Follicle stimulating hormone is distributed throughout the body via the blood. In addition to controlling some aspects of puberty, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this hormone has ebbs and tides throughout a woman’s reproductive cycle. As levels fall to the end of the menstrual cycle, the follicle stimulating hormone and others trigger additional production in the pituitary gland.

Marla Ahlgrimm on Medicare Part D

Seniors age 65 and older typically rely on Medicare for their health needs. However, while Medicare is a valuable asset, it’s not a comprehensive solution, and there are gaps. One area Medicare lacks significantly is in drug coverage. Part A and B, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, don’t provide any financial assistance with prescription medications. Most seniors choose to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan or enroll in Medicare Advantage, which often includes prescription coverage.

Q: What is Medicare part D?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage and is separate from hospital and doctor insurance. Those enrolled Original Medicare may purchase a prescription plan at an added cost. For 2019, Medicare Part D premiums tend to average around $30 per month.

Q: Does Part D cover all prescriptions?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Not necessarily, and seniors are often responsible for a copayment even when drugs are covered. The vast majority of seniors wishing for prescription drug coverage choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, which is also a form of private insurance.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Advancements in DNA Sequencing and Health

Genetic testing has become available to the masses thanks the companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com. Marla Ahlgrimm says this has given individuals more power to take control of their health since many of the tests are FDA-Approved to screen for genetic markers associated with health conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. In 2018, Michigan State University researchers took things one step further.

Q: What can DNA predict?

Marla Ahlgrimm: People inherit DNA from both of the parents, who, in turn, inherited DNA from their parents and so on. It’s widely accepted that children inherit approximately 50% of their genes from their mother and 50% from their father. These genes share markers with certain populations that can help predict things such as eye color, skin tone, and an individual’s region of genetic origin. But they can also offer insight into more important subjects, such as medical risk.