Scientists have been working diligently since the start of the pandemic to identify high-risk groups. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, people with mental illnesses fall in this category. However, some people that take antipsychotic drugs may actually enjoy some protection against the virus.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that people with mental illnesses, and specifically those in an institutionalized setting, such as a mental hospital or prison, are at a higher risk of contracting and dying from the COVID-19 virus. Many of these individuals also suffer with conditions that cause hallucinations; because of this, healthcare workers might think the person with COVID is imagining symptoms and will not test for the virus. Further, they are often unaware of risk factors and how to avoid exposure.

People with schizophrenia are often socially disadvantaged, in poor health, and, sadly, ignored by their healthcare providers when they mention a recurrent symptom. Marla Ahlgrimm says this makes these individuals a prime target for the virus.

A research study published in 2020 in Schizophrenia Research, a peer-reviewed medical journal, found that people that took certain antipsychotic drugs actually seem to have some level of protection against serious illness caused by COVID-19. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that antipsychotic drugs have been studied before as a treatment for other respiratory syndromes.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some antipsychotic drugs inhibit activation of some of the genes that are responsible for systemic inflammation. Inflammation aggravates virtually all illnesses.

Symptoms of the coronavirus often include a persistent, dry cough along with fatigue, congestion, and chills. The majority of individuals diagnosed with the condition recover within two weeks. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that, in the general population, about 2% of people experience extreme symptoms and a small group of these resulted in death. Among those taking antipsychotic drugs, there is a much lower positivity rate. The study found that approximately 4.1% of the general population tested positive for the virus – those taking a long acting injectable antipsychotic treatment tested positive just 1.3% of the time.

Our hormones play a crucial role in every aspect of our being. According to hormone specialist Marla Ahlgrimm, the endocrine system has its proverbial hand in every part of our physical and emotional health. Our skin is no different.

Q: Do hormones affect our skin appearance?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely. Most often, estrogen is the hormone you would think of when you think of skin health. While estrogen is typically thought of as a sex hormone, it also affects the hair and skin. As women age, their estrogen levels drop, which can make their skin look less plump and more wrinkled. During high-estrogen stages, such as pregnancy, a woman’s skin, specifically on her forehead, cheeks, and nose, may become darker than normal. This is a phenomenon known as melasma.

Q: What causes excess oil production?

Marla Ahlgrimm: While not always, excessively oily skin is often linked to an overabundance of testosterone. It is a common misconception that only men produce testosterone. Women’s bodies also produce testosterone, albeit in much smaller amounts. During menopause, the testosterone and androgen levels are thrown off balance, which may result in adult acne or skin oiliness.

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Many people look at hobbies as simply a way to pass a lazy afternoon. But, according to women’s health entrepreneur Ahlgrimm, hobbies are so much more. Having the right hobby can improve your overall health and happiness. Not sure what piques your interest? Here are some suggestions:

Reading

Marla Ahlgrimm says that few things are more comforting than a good book, a cozy blanket, and a night on the couch. But, books also help keep your brain in top shape while you learn or escape into a fantasy world. If socialization is what you’re looking for, having a book club is an excellent way to get together with your gal pals.

Art

Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body, drawing, painting, and crafting are all excellent hobbies. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that having a creative outlet can help you get better in touch with your feelings while expressing your individual style. Plus, there’s something rather satisfying about watching a blank canvas or a lump of clay turn into something made by your own two hands.

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