Since 2012, the Affordable Care Act has expanded access to preventive care for women. Through this legislation, women have been provided wellness checks and preventive screenings at no out-of-pocket cost, reports women’s health expert and pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm.  Women no longer have to forego possible early detection of problems such as cervical cysts or cervical cancer because of high co-payments.

Preventive screenings include pap smears, mammograms, and contraceptives. All of the FDA-approved methods of contraception are paid for and included in a health plan. Coverage also includes screenings for sexually transmitted diseases. Identifying HPV – the most common sexually transmitted infection – early on not only decreases a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer but also reduces the cost of medical treatment significantly later on.

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There’s no question that exercise is good for our physical and mental health, says pharmacist and women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm. Experts also tell us that exercise is good for treating many conditions, such as obesity and arthritis, to name a few. Now we can add breast cancer to the list.  Scientists have discovered that exercise alters the way estrogen is metabolized. Because estrogen drives most breast cancers, research suggests that routine physical activity may lower the risk of breast cancer.

Here’s how it works. During exercise, more blood gets pumped to the liver where your body detoxifies many things, including excess estrogen. This is an important step because too much estrogen tends to cause breast cells to divide too quickly, says Marla Ahlgrimm. When breast cells are dividing too fast, they make more genetic mistakes which can lead to cancer.

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For many women, a gynecologist is one of their most important personal health connections, says women’s health expert, Marla Ahlgrimm. An annual exam that may include counseling, evaluation, breast exam and cancer screenings is highly recommended for women of all ages.

There are numerous life events that can cause a woman to seek out a new gynecologist. Doctors retire. Insurance carriers change benefits. New jobs present different coverage. Whatever the reason, this research process can be awkward and tricky. How does a woman start the process of finding the right physician?

Most women value the bedside manner of their GYN above all else, shares  pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. While all doctors should be compassionate and respectful, those important qualities are particularly crucial for professionals working in such a sensitive specialty. Expect a gynecologist to consider your concerns and questions, listen well, explain actions and offer advice clearly and calmly.

Credentials

Finding the right GYN begins with an extensive research process.  The chosen physician must possess strong listening skills while treating patients with the ultimate respect and compassion. Before embarking on this extensive search, Marla Ahlgrimm recommends that women pay close attention to the expertise, experience and education of the doctor.

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Heart disease is generally not attributed to one single cause, says pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Several conditions and factors typically act in unison to diminish heart function. The issues may start in either the left or right ventricle. Either way, the heart is unable to do the necessary work of supplying blood to each major region of the body.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, heart failure often affects women differently than men. The Framingham Heart Study studied the nature of heart failure in three separate generations of women and men and then noted the risk factors associated with this disease. The study’s researchers discovered that a number of conditions could be responsible for the onset of heart failure. Below, Marla Ahlgrimm discusses the most likely factors of heart failure in today’s women.

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Spending a few hours each week caring for grandchildren may give women elders an extra boost both mentally and emotionally, reports pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Here, the women’s health professional shares recent findings and explains why such quality family time may increase mental acuity among this population.

Q: What particular activities did the study entail and who were the subjects?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In total, 186 Australian women in their mid-50s to late-60s were studied. Each of the subjects took three tests that helped to determine their mental acuity.

Q: Were the final results a surprise to the researchers?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In many ways, yes. The women who spent one day each week taking care of their grandchildren scored the highest marks on two of the study’s three tests. It’s important to note that spending additional days with grandchildren would not necessarily improve mental acuity. In fact, women who spent at least five days each week with grandchildren found their mental processing speed and evaluated memory had diminished. This may be the result of greater demands and higher stress levels.

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As an experienced professional in her industry, pharmacist and women’s health advisor Marla Ahlgrimm has learned a few time-tested strategies for managing pain during menstruation. Here, she shares her invaluable knowledge about this delicate and often painful condition.

Q: What’s the most effective way for a woman to alleviate these symptoms?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Following a proper diet is one of the best possible ways. Women should cut back on caffeine, alcohol, sugar and salt while incorporating a number of complex carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

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