It’s been more than four years since the world was unexpectedly thrust into the deepest, darkest depths of the first major pandemic in most of our lifetimes. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the pandemic’s effects continue to ripple through society, and women have borne the brunt of the burden.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there have been many lingering effects of the pandemic on the fairer sex. These range from job losses to a staggering mental health toll to a sad increase in domestic violence.

Economic Impact

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the pandemic disproportionately affected women. In terms of job loss, the hospitality and service industries, which are heavily dominated by women, were the ones affected first and most by lockdowns. Today, although most businesses are back to “normal,” many have found that they can operate with fewer in-person employees, meaning there continue to be fewer jobs available.

Another way that the pandemic continues to hurt women is in lingering childcare challenges. During the height of the pandemic, school and childcare facility closures forced many women out of the workforce. These women, in turn, took on more household responsibilities. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, many have found it difficult to find childcare amid a surge of women attempting to return to the workforce.

Work/Life Balance And Mental Health

If there’s one thing many women agree on, the pandemic significantly blurred the lines between work and home. Although many women already worked remotely, many knowledge-based jobs were suddenly remote. Women had to learn how to juggle even more during this time as schools and childcare centers were closed. Marla Ahlgrimm says that added burdens continue to weigh many moms down today.

Marla Ahlgrimm also notes that economic insecurity and significantly increased caregiving responsibilities (many women also found themselves taking care of aging parents during the pandemic) had a major impact on women’s mental health. The rates of anxiety and depression continue to rise even as the CDC’s COVID-19 exposure map continues to show a steady decline in the disease nationwide.

Healthcare Disruptions

Disruptions in healthcare services during the pandemic led to a backlog of delays in women’s health. Many women were forced to put aside preventative screenings, reproductive health visits, and routine checkups for a year or more. Marla Ahlgrimm says that many women continue to find it more difficult to schedule an appointment with their healthcare providers.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is nothing new, but Marla Ahlgrimm says that the pandemic heightened it throughout the world. Lockdowns and social isolation made bad situations worse. Further, women had very limited access to support services for themselves, and their children were often in greater danger in the “safety” of their own homes.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that we are past the worst of the global healthcare crisis. And we have learned a lot about handling ourselves when our lives are on the line. However, she says that women continue to experience the effects of what we all had once hoped was just a temporary inconvenience.

As women, we tend to use antiperspirant and deodorant daily. But how much do you know about the chemicals you’re applying to your body to stop sweat and body odor? Today, women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm offers some insights into this everyday action.

Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Deodorant primarily masks body odor, while antiperspirant reduces sweat production. Deodorant typically contains antibacterial agents and fragrances, while the main ingredient in most antiperspirants is aluminum salt.

Aluminum in Antiperspirants

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, most deodorant and antiperspirant products are safe for women of childbearing age and older. However, some things women should be aware of and discuss with their doctor if concerned. The most specific concern is the aluminum in antiperspirants. While no definitive research links aluminum to breast cancer, some women with a history of the disease may be concerned about absorbing aluminum salts.

Marla Ahlgrimm further explains that aluminum may also cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin.

Natural Alternatives

Many women understandably want to reduce sweat and odor without resorting to chemicals like aluminum. Thankfully, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are many alternatives for those seeking a more natural approach:

• Baking Soda: Long used as a natural deodorizer, baking soda can help reduce sweat when applied directly to the armpits, according to Marla Ahlgrimm. Similarly, cornstarch can be used alone or mixed with baking soda. Cornstarch is also useful between the thighs to prevent chafing during warm weather.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: While known for weight loss claims, apple cider vinegar is also a powerful antimicrobial agent that can reduce odor-causing bacteria. However, Marla Ahlgrimm cautions that it may irritate sensitive skin.

• Witch Hazel: Often used on the face to tighten pores and reduce oil, witch hazel can be similarly used under the arms or other skin folds to tighten pores and potentially lower sweat output.

• Mandelic Acid: Made from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is a popular addition to many women’s skincare regimen. But it also has the odor-fighting powers of being a natural antibacterial agent. 

Choosing the Right Product

Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that women have control over their bodies, including sweat and odor management. Product choice is personal. She advocates for using the gentlest solutions possible, but acknowledges that some natural products may not be as effective as aluminum-based antiperspirants. Marla Ahlgrimm encourages women to choose what works best for them and their situation.

A Final Note

Sweating and body odor are completely natural, reminds Marla Ahlgrimm. While excessive sweating might be embarrassing, it often has nothing to do with room temperature. She hopes women won’t let a little moisture hinder their accomplishments.

We’ve all been guilty of scrolling on our phones until well past bedtime, says Marla Ahlgrimm. There are many downsides of having unlimited access to the outside world. However, with balance, access to news outlets, social media, and other online portals can be a good thing for women.

The Downside

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, time on our phones comes with many things that fit squarely into the con category. These include:

• Added stress. As women, we wear many hats and can struggle with time management. Between juggling our family, work, and personal needs, we’re already stressed out. Add our desire to scroll through the night, and lack of sleep can stress us out even more. Marla Ahlgrimm says that pressure to live up to social media standards can also add to our overall stress levels.

• Reduced physical activity. It’s much harder to exercise with the phone in your hand. Marla Ahlgrimm says that overreliance on social media/screen time can lead to reduced physical activity.

• Societal pressures. We’ve already mentioned living up to social media standards, but it’s worth its own bullet point. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that constantly scrolling social media can leave women feeling less than adequate, despite the universal knowledge that not everything we see on our screens is a direct reflection of reality.

• Harassment. It’s a sad fact, but women are much more often than men targets of online bullying, sexual harassment, and other digital disturbances. Marla Ahlgrimm says that being the butt of a cruel joke online can leave women feeling inadequate, lonely, and unsure of themselves.

• Social media addiction. Social media addiction may be difficult to spot. Women may find that they simply “can’t” put down their phones and engage in real life. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends limiting screen time to no more than two hours each day and insists that it is best to put your phone down at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

On The Bright Side

Although social media has many negatives, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are some positives to Facebook, Instagram, and other social media portals. These include:

• Social connections. Social media can help women feel more connected to one another. This may be especially important to seniors who can’t always leave their homes for social hour.

• Online support groups. There are many online communities that offer support for everything from starting your own business to mourning the loss of a child. Marla Ahlgrimm says these online support groups can be a huge benefit to women needing a community of like-minded individuals.

Finding Balance

The key to enjoying social media without succumbing to its dark side is to find balance. Marla Ahlgrimm says there are many ways that this can be achieved, including setting time limits, curating your newsfeed to only include uplifting sites/posters, and prioritizing real connections.

Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that social media does have its place in today’s ever-connected world. But she cautions that women must find balance and avoid comparing themselves to others. Remember, social media does not always reflect reality, and too much time focusing on the outside world can leave you with less time to focus on yours.

Long nights, cold days, and inclement weather can all take a toll on our mental health. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this begins at the chemical level with our hormones.

If you’re feeling a little rundown during the coldest part of the year, you’re not alone. Our hormones are linked to the weather, and specifically the cycle of the sun. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these tiny little chemical messengers make or break our mood. 

Sunlight’s Impact

Circadian rhythm is how the body flows with the ebbs and tides of the season. And according to Marla Ahlgrimm, less sunlight means our bodies produce more melatonin. As the sleep hormone, Marla Ahlgrimm says that melatonin makes us feel lethargic, sluggish, and ready to curl up for bed before dinner time. 

The sun is also responsible for helping our bodies make vitamin D. When the days are shorter, we have less vitamin D flowing through our veins, which can affect our energy levels, immune system, and even our mood. And your body may even release lower doses of serotonin, which is known as the feel-good chemical, during the winter.

SAD

Speaking of serotonin, Marla Ahlgrimm says that low levels of this hormone can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This type of depression is common, especially in women, during the winter months. It’s believed that the ever-fluctuating levels of progesterone and estrogen play a part in the length and severity of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Think Thyroid

Your thyroid is also affected during the cold weather, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Your body naturally produces more thyroid stimulating hormone when the temperatures drop and daylight no longer lingers. People who already have hypothyroidism or who have an underactive thyroid may find that they experience more thyroid-related issues during the winter.

Even for people who do not have a family history of thyroid issues, thyroid function tests are beneficial when winter brings fatigue, constipation, weight gain, stiffness and swelling of the joints, dry skin, or weak muscles.

Combating The Cold

Until our bodies evolve to keep up with our modern-day access to heat, light, and food, we must take extra measures to improve how we look and feel throughout a circadian conundrum. Marla Ahlgrimm’s tips include:

• Establishing a routine bedtime. Get the same amount of sleep each night (ideally, eight hours), even when it’s dark at 4 PM.

• Spend time in the sunshine. When possible, go outside for at least 20 minutes every day. Morning sunlight is best, says Marla Ahlgrimm, but any daylight is better than none. Bonus tip – continue to wear sunscreen in the winter.

• Maintain an exercise regimen. Get your body moving throughout the winter. Even if you can’t go outside, Marla Ahlgrimm says you can hula hoop, jog in place, or run up and down the stairs to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping.

• Cut off the coffee in the afternoons. While a caffeine injection might seem the most logical course of action at 5 PM, avoid coffee in the afternoon hours. Caffeine can keep you alert and awake for many hours, but it can also interfere with your ability to wind down in the evening.

• Talk to your doctor about vitamin D supplements or light therapy. Vitamin D supplements and or light therapy can be a huge boon to your overall mental and physical health when the sun says sayonara early in the day.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, winter is a beautiful season full of joy. However, it can also usher in hormone fluctuations that bring more woe than wonder. Thankfully, the season doesn’t last forever, and the summer sun will soon be shining.

As a pharmacist, one question that Marla Ahlgrimm was asked throughout her career that she could never quite answer was, “who was the first pharmacist in history?” Unfortunately, she still doesn’t have an answer, but says that somewhere along the line, herbal practitioners and healers began to blur the line to become the modern pharmacists of today.

Ancient Mesopotamia

Around 2100 BCE, some individuals created medicinal concoctions used to treat a host of concerns. We know this because of clay tablets left behind, says Marla Ahlgrimm. This is typically considered the first evidence of people specializing in what we now know as pharmaceuticals.

Ancient Egypt

Moving ahead more than 500 years, ancient Egyptians also had detailed medical knowledge, especially on how to use plant-based remedies to help common ailments. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that ancient Egyptian royalty likely kept these dedicated practitioners close at hand.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common in women of reproductive age. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, symptoms of PCOS can include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and the development of multiple cysts on the ovaries. It is a complex condition with no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Thankfully, there are many things that women can do to manage the symptoms and improve their overall health.

Understanding PCOS

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that polycystic ovary syndrome is believed to be caused by an imbalance of hormones throughout the body. Women with the condition have high levels of male hormones known as androgens. This type of hormone imbalance can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, excess facial hair growth, acne, abdominal weight gain, thinning hair, and infertility.

Managing PCOS

Although there is no cure for PCOS, Marla Ahlgrimm says there are things that women can do to keep their symptoms and check in with their best and healthiest lives. These include:

Lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, routine exercise, and keeping a healthy weight are crucial in managing PCOS symptoms.

Medication. A doctor may prescribe medications that may be used to treat irregular periods, excess hair growth, and other specific symptoms of PCOS. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that these are not meant to be a cure but are instead intended to relieve what causes the most discomfort.

Mental health. PCOS is both physically and mentally challenging to live with, and Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that it’s crucial that women take care of their mental health. They might, for example, visit a therapist, join a support group, or learn relaxation techniques that help them fiddle with their mind and body.

Living with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a challenging condition, but women can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes, medication, and making positive decisions for their mental health. Marla Ahlgrimm also says that women with PCOS may find relief by:

Tracking their menstrual cycle. Women who are experiencing infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome may wish to track their menstrual cycle to identify their unique ovulation pattern. This can be highly useful when trying to conceive.

Getting screened for other health conditions. Type II diabetes, endometrial cancer, heart disease, and other conditions commonly co-occur with polycystic ovary syndrome. Marla Ahlgrimm encourages women to speak to their primary health care physician or OB/GYN to be screened for these or other potential health concerns.

Getting the right amount of sleep. Marla Ahlgrimm says that sleep is essential for women dealing with any type of health concern, especially PCOS. The retired women’s healthcare specialist said that sleep deprivation can worsen the symptoms. Further, getting enough sleep can help relieve stress, which can also have a negative impact on a woman’s overall well-being.

Marla Ahlgrimm encourages women to discuss their health concerns with their primary healthcare provider or OB/GYN. She says with the right knowledge and support, women can manage their PCOS symptoms and live a happy and healthy life.