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.