About Marla AhlgrimmMadison Pharmacy Associates’ Marla Ahlgrimm says that according to the Center for Health Improvement, approximately 50 million women are currently going through the menopausal transition. Marla Ahlgrimm, who was one of the first health professionals in the nation to identify, define and develop treatment options for PMS starting in the late 1970’s, has helped the baby boomer generation manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause using low dose, natural hormone therapy.
The co-founder of Madison Pharmacy Associates, Marla Ahlgrimm pioneered hormone therapy using hormones that are identical to those produced naturally by a women. Marla Ahlgrimm and the staff at Madison Pharmacy Associates focused on the management of PMS, perimenopause, and menopause. In addition to the use of bioidentical, low dose hormone prescriptions, Marla Ahlgrimm and the staff at Madison Pharmacy Associate helped women reduce their PMS symptoms through HT, changes in diet and exercise as well as the daily use of specific nutritional supplements. Ahlgrimm’s books, The HRT Solution-Optimizing Your Hormone Potential, in its second edition, and Self-Help for Premenstrual Syndrome, in its third edition, are currently available in bookstores and online, helping a new generation of women.
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National Falls Prevention Awareness Day is observed each September to encourage safety and security in the home, notes pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. As a women’s health leader, Marla Ahlgrimm has analyzed the subject and learned a great deal about alleviating potential risks. Here, Marla Ahlgrimm shares her knowledge about preventing falls with the ZRYLW readership.
ZRYLW: Hello and welcome! Marla Ahlgrimm: Good morning – how have you been? ZRYLW: Just fine, thank you. It’s wonderful to speak with you about National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. |
Marla Ahlgrimm: It’s an important cause.
ZRYLW: How many people suffer falls each year?
Marla Ahlgrimm: According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, up to 30 percent of people who fall suffer injuries such as head traumas, hip fractures and lacerations.
ZRYLW: That’s troubling.
Marla Ahlgrimm: It’s an issue, too, that we need to examine even for those who are not in the senior demographic.
ZRYLW: In general, what’s the first step in avoiding a fall?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Consulting with a physician is always an intelligent choice. By reviewing medications and nutritional supplements, a physician can help with fall prevention.
ZRYLW: Is there certain information that the physician may require during this appointment?
Marla Ahlgrimm: It can be a great benefit to keep track of instances of falls or near-falls.
ZRYLW: Could your health conditions cause a fall?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Oh, certainly. In fact, some ear and eye disorders increase a person’s risk as a result of compromised balance.
ZRYLW: What specific symptoms should be of concern to the individual?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Some people feel shortness of breath, numbness, joint pain or dizziness when they walk.
ZRYLW: As one method of fall prevention, would it be wise to select a particular brand or type of shoes?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Shoes with slick soles, floppy slippers and high heels can make a person fall, slip or stumble.
ZRYLW: What’s the best choice: Nike, Adidas….?
Marla Ahlgrimm: The brand name does not matter in the long run, but make sure to select a pair of shoes that are comfortable.
ZRYLW: What about socks?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Wear sturdy, properly fitting shoes instead of walking around in socks or slippers.
ZRYLW: What other suggestions might the doctor provide?
Marla Ahlgrimm: With a doctor’s permission, try activities like swimming, tai chi, water aerobics, or walking. Building an exercise routine can improve flexibility, coordination, balance and strength.
ZRYLW: How else can a person improve their health?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Some men and women opt for a physical therapist who can develop an exercise program designed to improve their muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.
ZRYLW: Thanks so much for your insight on this subject!
Marla Ahlgrimm: You’re quite welcome!
Currently residing in Madison, Wisconsin, Marla Ahlgrimm has traveled the country as a guest speaker on women’s health issues. Marla Ahlgrimm is the author of two popular books on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).