Archives for March 2023

According to retired pharmacist and women’s health advocate Marla Ahlgrimm, dehydration is a condition that happens when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can happen to anyone, but women are particularly vulnerable to dehydration simply due to biology. But what can dehydration do to a woman?

Impact On Skin Health

One of the most visible effects of dehydration is on the skin. When the body is dehydrated, Marla Ahlgrimm says, the skin becomes dry, flaky, and loses its elasticity. This can cause premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles, making women look older than they are, and none of us want that. Dehydration can also make the skin more prone to acne, psoriasis, and other pesky and uncomfortable skin conditions.

Menstrual Problems

Dehydration can also lead to menstrual problems in women. When the body is dehydrated, it can affect the balance of hormones in the body, leading to irregular periods, cramps, and even amenorrhea (Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this means the absence of periods). Women who are dehydrated during their period may also experience more severe cramps, headaches, and bloating that over-the-counter medicines won’t touch.

Urinary Tract Infections

Women are already more prone to UTIs than men, and dehydration can increase the risk of these. When you don’t drink enough water, you produce less urine, which can cause bacteria to accumulate in the bladder and urinary tract. Marla Ahlgrimm warns that this can lead to inflammation, pain, and burning during urination.

Breast Milk Production

Not drinking enough water can also hurt breastfeeding mothers as well. When a woman is dehydrated, it can reduce her breast milk production, making it difficult to provide enough nutrition to the baby. Marla Ahlgrimm laments that this can trigger a host of problems, including malnutrition, stunted growth, and developmental delays. While each of these is a “worst-case scenario” situation, women must understand the significance of drinking enough water.

Cardiovascular Health

Dehydration can have a big impact on heart health, particularly in women. A lack of water can cause the blood to thicken, which understandably makes it harder for the heart to pump throughout the body. Marla Ahlgrimm says that stress on the heart can lead to stroke, heart disease, and other issues.

Cognitive Function

Dehydration can also affect cognitive function in women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. When the body is dehydrated, it can cause fatigue, dizziness, and confusion, as if we don’t already have enough distractions when we are trying to concentrate. Marla Ahlgrimm says this might cause everything from accidents and mistakes to decreased productivity.

Kidney Function

Not drinking enough water also affects the kidneys by making them work harder to remove waste products from the body. Marla Ahlgrimm says that kidney stones are one of the most feared and painful side effects of chronic dehydration.

Preventing Dehydration 

Preventing dehydration in women is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. But Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s not enough to simply drink enough water (although that’s still important). To maintain adequate hydration levels, she suggests:

• Drink enough water. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day can help prevent dehydration and flush out toxins from the body.

• Eat water-rich foods. Women should also eat lots of water-rich foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and strawberries. These foods can help keep the body hydrated and provide essential nutrients. Plus, they go well in salads!

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Coffee and alcohol can rob the body of important water stores. Marla Ahlgrimm says there’s nothing wrong with having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine now and then, but stick to moderate amounts and always drink enough water to offset any losses.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise can help regulate the body’s water balance, so most healthy women should aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Marla Ahlgrimm says it’s best to talk with your primary healthcare physician if you have any concerns.

• Monitor urine color. While nobody wants to stare into the toilet, women who think they are dehydrated should pay attention, as dark yellow or brown urine can indicate dehydration.

The moral of the story here, says Marla Ahlgrimm, is that all women should strive to drink enough water each day, eat the right foods, and avoid bad habits that can cause dehydration. If you don’t like water, you can always flavor it with fruit or zero-cal sweeteners.

Technology has given us many advantages over the last few decades, says Marla Ahlgrimm. For those of us with disabilities or who can’t leave the house because of transportation or other concerns, telemedicine is one that has made the biggest impact. However, it’s not for everyone, and there are plenty of pros and cons to consider before you pick up the phone and hop on a video call.

Pros

Cost Efficiency

Telemedicine is cost-efficient for both healthcare providers and patients. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the average doctor’s visit can actually cost you $40 or more just in lost time. That doesn’t include your actual medical bill. Telehealth requires no wait and no drive time. Your insurance may cover it and, even if you are self-insured, it might be less expensive than going to a brick-and-mortar doctor’s office.

Engagement

One of the best parts about telemedicine is that your doctor is there for you when you need them. This means that you can engage with them on your terms. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that being able to get in touch with your doctor when it’s convenient for you means that you’re likely to be more open about your health problems. Further, you won’t feel as rushed.

Ease Of Access

The greatest benefit of telemedicine is how easy it is to access. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that if you have a mild cold, suffer from issues such as migraines or UTIs, or need help reading lab or x-ray results, you can do so instantaneously.

Cons

Provider Access

While there are many doctors and pharmacists that offer virtual services, yours may not. Marla Ahlgrimm says that you should have a conversation with your healthcare provider to find out if they do offer telemedicine services. This is important if you’re comfortable with your current provider and don’t wish to discuss your problems and rehash your history with someone else.

Regulatory Barriers

Some providers choose to forgo telemedicine because of a lack of regulation in privacy. Another potential barrier or industry guidelines in some states that may preclude practitioners from using telemedicine in all instances.

Limited Exam Capabilities

Marla Ahlgrimm says a telemedicine doctor can help to diagnose many conditions. Unfortunately, if you have something that deviates from outside the norm or needs a hands-on approach, telemedicine may not be a viable option.

Technology

The vast majority of smartphones and computers with a web cam can handle telemedicine phone calls, which are similar to online meetings. But that does not mean that everyone has these capabilities. Marla Ahlgrimm says that many older people do not have or are not comfortable using technology to access their healthcare.

Is VR The Future Of Telemedicine?

Most of us are familiar with the idea of a metaverse. Healthcare may also soon jump onto the virtual reality bandwagon. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are currently many different healthcare companies looking into the viability of virtual reality in a healthcare setting. These visits may include talking to a doctor in a virtual chat room.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, medicine is still personal. And although she believes that nothing can entirely replace an in-person doctor visit, there are times when telemedicine may come in handy. It’s not a perfect system, but it may be a great option for homebound individuals to get treatment of minor issues that don’t require a full physical examination.