Marla Ahlgrim: Tips For Choosing A Primary Care Doctor

When you’re looking for a new doctor, the choices can be overwhelming. But they do not have to be. Keep reading as self-help author and healthcare professional Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few questions about how to choose a primary care physician for you.

Q: What’s the first step when looking for a new healthcare provider for me or my family?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ask your friends and family. Talk to your neighbors. Ask your son’s teacher. Referrals are one of the best ways to get an idea of who to consider and also who to avoid. Keep in mind, however, that, because no two people are alike, it’s best to get opinions from several different individuals.

Q: Do all doctors accept all insurance plans?

Marla Ahlgrimm: No, and they do not have to. Most insurance plans run off what’s called a network. This is a stream of physicians that have chosen to offer services to the insurance provider’s clients. Once you decide on a healthcare provider, contact their billing office to determine if they accept your plan.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Women And Emotional Labor

There are obvious differences between men and women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Some, such as breasts and facial hair, you can see. Others, including a nurturing nature in different hormones, are not as apparent from the outside. All of these differences contribute to gender stereotypes and the current roles we serve, even in an enlightened society.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one place where a gender disparity remains is in the weight of emotional labor in relationships. She explains that emotional labor is the mental burden that one person takes over another or within a family/friendship. It might be anything from reminding a spouse or partner about doctors appointments to managing all of the household chores and paying all of the bills.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Women And Smoking

50 years ago, men and women had very different risk levels when it came to smoking, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, today, a man and a woman share the same risk as many women have begun smoking.

Q: Which demographic of women consumes the most tobacco products?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Unfortunately, low income, those with mental health disorders, and women of color tend to be the most active smokers. These are also those at a higher risk of other issues, such as obesity and heart disease. They are also the group least likely to understand the full scope of health effects associated with tobacco, and especially that of cigarettes.

Historical Pandemics and Epidemics | Marla Ahlgrimm

In light of our recent health crisis, it is easy to forget that many of us have actually lived through other pandemics and epidemics. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, some of these have had an even greater death toll than COVID-19. Here, the retired women’s healthcare expert shares insight on a few from recent history.

Asian Flu – 1957

In 1957, the world fell into chaos when more than 1.1 million people grew ill with what became known as the Asian Flu. Like the coronavirus, Marla Ahlgrimm reports that the Asian Flu came from China, and it was an unexpected blend of avian flu strains. 116,000 people died in the United States. The primary difference was that, because it was a combination of known strains, it was easier to develop a vaccine.

AIDS – 1981

With an estimated 35 million deaths since 1981, AIDS continues to be an ongoing pandemic. Caused by the HIV virus, AIDS transferred from primates to humans sometime in the 1920s. Today, there are 40 million people in the world living with AIDS. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, science has made it possible to live a long and healthy life after an AIDS diagnosis, whereas it was formerly a death sentence. Emerging medicine has actually cured two patients of the disease as of 2020.

Marla Ahlgrimm On COVID-19 And Masks

The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control tend not to agree on whether or not masks should be worn as a matter of routine, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, there are certain populations that may benefit from both wearing a mask and from others doing the same. But which type of mask is best, and do they really work?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are a few different mask options when it comes to coronavirus protection. These are respirator, surgical, and cloth.

A respirator mask is one that is fitted to an individual. They are proven to form a seal and are highly effective at filtering out viruses, dust, bacteria, and other pathogens. Respirators meet NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) standards.

Marla Ahlgrimm: Blood Type And Health

Everybody has it, but few people fully understand it. We're talking about blood. And according to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, the type you have plays a significant role in your overall health.

Type O and My Heart!

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that people with blood type O, for unexplainable reasons, have a lower risk of coronary heart disease. It’s theorized that something about type O blood reduces cholesterol and lessens the amount of blood-clotting proteins in the body. Something else people with both O+ and O- blood have in common is they have a lower risk of stomach cancer. Specifically, their risk is considerably lower than people with blood types A, B, and AB.

Marla Ahlgrimm | Tylenol And Its Effect On Hormones

Women take Tylenol every day. We use it for aches, pains, and general discomfort. And, until recently, Tylenol was considered safe for use by pregnant women. According to retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, researchers are beginning to see a link between acetaminophen, the drug name for Tylenol, and negative effects on birth and hormones.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a recent study involving more than 100,000 females found that those who used Tylenol for extended periods, 28 days or more, while they were pregnant, had a significantly increased risk of their children being born with ADHD or autism.