We all want to be at our healthiest. For some, this means taking a vitamin each morning. Marla Ahlgrimm says, however, that, with few exceptions, these supplements don’t do much to boost our overall wellness. Keep reading as the retired pharmacist opens up about OTC vitamins.

Q: How many people take vitamins?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Some studies estimate that more than half of Americans take a daily vitamin. Vitamins and other over-the-counter health supplements are a $31 billion business, and it is growing every day. As people look to extend their healthy years, the shelves become crowded with new products that claim to do just that.

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As colleges across the country open their doors for the first semester of the new year, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts that young women should pay careful attention to their safety. Although it does not seem fair, teenage girls in their first or second year of college are often targeted for violent or sexual crimes.

Marla Ahlgrimm stresses that assault of any kind is not the victim’s fault, and her actions did not instigate the attack. Unfortunately, because sexual assault remains a reality at campuses across the country, it is important for young women to take extra steps to keep themselves safe.

The first thing women should do is listen to their gut. If something feels wrong, there is a high probability that it is. For example, if you are at a party and are approached by anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave as soon as possible and head toward a crowd. Never accept rides home from people that you do not know well. Lyft, Uber, or other ridesharing services are an alternative available in virtually all areas, Marla Ahlgrimm notes. With GPS tracking and other security features in place, this is a much safer option than getting into a car with a mere acquaintance.

Using common sense is another important step toward keeping yourself safe. Many of the same rules apply in college as at home. These, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts, include things like locking your door, walking with a partner at night or in isolated areas, and never accepting drinks from strangers. Watch your surroundings and be aware of the people you are with.

Marla Ahlgrimm closes by reminding college students to report any suspicious activity to their campus or local police. Doing so may prevent you or someone else from suffering an unnecessary act of violence.

It is no secret that women have different health needs than men. Unfortunately, points out Marla Ahlgrimm, the medical field continues to be dominated by the latter. This might, in part, contribute to rampant misdiagnosis of the following condition in women. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a health condition exclusive to women. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that it is typified by extreme pain and heavy bleeding. Women with endometriosis often experience persistent fatigue, pain during sex, and nausea and vomiting while on their period. Unfortunately, two-thirds of women with the condition notice symptoms during early puberty, but it often takes a decade or longer to correctly diagnose the problem.

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Recently, Ohio reported its first case the measles in more than two years. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is telling of the recent measles outbreak and is something to keep an eye on. Here, the women’s health author answers your most pressing question about the measles.

Q: What is the measles?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Measles is a viral infection. For healthy adults, it poses very few long-term issues. However, children and the elderly can get very sick or even die if they contract the measles. This condition usually shows up in the form of a highly noticeable rash coupled with painful muscles, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, and cold-like symptoms.

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An upset stomach can be caused by many different things. Marla Ahlgrimm lists pregnancy, a stomach bug, and food poisoning as three of the most common. The retired pharmacist explains that some people may find relief through non-pharmaceutical remedies.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one of the quickest ways to settle and unsettled abdomen is to sip a glass of cold water. Ginger ale is another liquid that many physicians recommend, and especially for pregnant women or those who have an aversion to Pepto-Bismol. Ginger ale works because of compounds known as gingerols. Gingerols can relieve inflammation and help quell pain caused by gas. Further, ginger is soothing to the lining of the stomach.

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Honey has been used as a medicinal supplement for thousands of years. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are more than 300 different types of honey. Here, the retired pharmacist shares information on this sweet treat that can treat everything from cough to gastrointestinal disturbances.

Q: What is honey?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Honey is a byproduct of pollination, usually associated with honeybees. It is mostly natural sugar but also contains antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and iron.

Q: How is honey used?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Many people use honey as a sweetener for teas and confections. However, ancient healers used honey to treat cardiovascular disease, cough, and burns. There is an astounding amount of evidence in modern medical text that suggests that honey is effective for these and other conditions. It is important to note that since honey is a natural product, and there are no manufacturing processes that can replicate it accurately, that honey from one location may prove more effective than honey from another.

Q: Does honey treat coughs?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Citrus honey and eucalyptus honey are fairly reliable cough suppressants. Warm tea with honey and lemon can ease the discomfort of upper respiratory issues.

Q: What are some other medicinal applications for honey?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ancient healers believed that honey could treat diseases of the heart. Modern science seems to support this theory. Honey, which contains antioxidants, may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who are at high risk of heart attack. Further, many studies suggest that honey has an antidepressant effect, and may lower anxiety in people with neurological dysfunction. It may also be used to heal burns and other skin wounds. A spoonful of honey can also quell stomach upset in many cases.