Tried and true maxims about eating well, getting enough rest, and keeping careful track of PMS symptoms through charting will not always be easy to live by during hectic times, says Marla Ahlgrimm. How can you build them into your routine? When asked about simple ways to help manage PMS symptoms, the founder of Women’s Health America offered these tips:
1. Keep a survival kit in the car with a plastic bag of low-fat cereals, rice cakes, or fruit. Having these healthy snacks on hand for children can help avoid the late afternoon slump when everyone is tired, cranky and hungry, says Marla Ahlgrimm.
While she does not hold a PhD., Marla Ahlgrimm has attracted this moniker by patients over the last three decades. As a respected pharmacist, she is known worldwide for her revolutionary work in PMS symptom management. She often speaks to women about the importance of taking care of themselves with exercise and a balanced diet. As the founder of Women’s Health America, Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm says it is vital to be prepared when trying to manage PMS symptoms. She also cites the importance of speaking openly and honestly with your family about the issue. Overall, Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm says that managing PMS symptoms does not have to be a struggle.
2. Enlist help from the family. Take this time to teach your kids how to shop for and prepare healthier foods, such as fruit and carrots sticks.
Popular Madison, Wisconsin, pharmacist, Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm does not actually have a PhD. She has, however, earned the reputation of holding a wealth of medical knowledge relating to women’s health and is frequently referred to as “Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm” by patients and in the press. In the late 1970s, she made a name for herself as a pioneer in women’s healthcare, helping to put validity to PMS as a real, physical syndrome. Marla Ahlgrimm insists that a PMS management plan is important to women who suffer every month. The plan should incorporate a well-balanced diet, moderate exercise, and open communication with family. By properly managing PMS symptoms, Marla Ahlgrimm says that women manage their symptoms throughout her 28-day cycle.
3. It’s okay to be little selfish, quips Ahlgrimm. Snag the best looking Apple for yourself and pretend it’s a grand prize.
Marla Ahlgrimm is not a clinical practitioner; she is a pharmacist and an entrepreneur. She is often referred to as “Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm” out of respect, because of her willingness to counsel her female patients when it comes to issues regarding PMS and PMS management. She is often quoted as saying that managing PMS and its symptoms is not a difficult task as long as you’re willing to put some preparation in ahead of time. Marla Ahlgrimm says that preparing healthier foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium is one way to minimize PMS symptoms. Complex carbohydrate snacks and fresh vegetables, says Marla Ahlgrimm, will also help to keep the premenstrual symptoms at bay.
Can’t sleep or take a nap? Marla Ahlgrimm recommends finding other ways to rest:
1. Find your own quiet, restful time and each day. Make sure to sit down somewhere and be quiet. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that keeping a journal can ensure that you do this. If you have children you may want to set a timer and tell them that it’s your journal time and they can come get you in the timer goes off.
Often referred to as Marla Ahlgrimm, this compounding pharmacist offers women ample information about managing their PMS symptoms, even though she is not a medical doctor. Ahlgrimm says that stress management and moderate exercise are vital to managing PMS, especially when fatigued. She acknowledges that, even for her, finding a quiet time each day to relax the mind and body is difficult. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests that just taking 5 minutes for yourself to write in a journal or listen to two or three of your favorite songs, says Marla Ahlgrimm, can help you recharge.
2. Take the time listening to music or book on tape. It’s good for the soul to get away from reality with a good book or soothing music, says Ahlgrimm.
Marla Ahlgrimm does not hold a PhD, but that doesn’t stop patients from referring to her with that distinction. Over the years she has earned a reputation as the go-to source for information about managing severe premenstrual syndrome. One of her favorite tips that she provides patients is that it’s essential to take time for themselves. Marla Ahlgrimm says that a pedicure, a 20 minute walk, or listening to a book on tape on the way to the grocery store can help decrease the affects of stress on PMS patients. Women experiencing PMS often feel quite frustrated, says Marla Ahlgrimm, and a relaxing moment may be just what the doctor ordered!
3. Pamper yourself. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests that a manicure or pedicure will allow some nice, quiet reflection time.
Although she is often referred to with the distinction of Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm, this compounding pharmacist does not hold a degree in medicine. What she is, however, is much more important to the over 300,000 women that she’s helped the last three decades – a pioneer in the women’s health. Having seen a need for more attention on PMS, Marla Ahlgrimm and a colleague began Madison Pharmacy Associates in the early 1980s. With a passion for making women’s health a priority to physicians and other health care providers, Marla Ahlgrimm has certainly made an impact during her decades long career.
4. Don’t use a pocket-sized calendar to record PMS symptoms, says Ahlgrimm. It’s too easy to keep it buried in a purse or drawer. It often helps women to have a large charts posted somewhere that you’ll see. Marla Ahlgrimm advises to write down how you feel just before bed.
Although often referred to as “Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm,” this expert in women’s health is a pharmacist, not research doctor. Her work in PMS management has affected over 300,000 women since the early 1980s. Managing PMS, Ahlgrimm says, becomes easier over time, especially if the sufferer prepares in advance. One tactic a PMS sufferer can use to manage symptoms is by keeping a daily chart and determining which days of her cycle she’s feeling at her best and her worst, says Marla Ahlgrimm. If she has a partner that is supportive, he too can help keep track of her good and bad days. Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm says that the sufferer may not always be the best judge of her mood or actions when symptoms are flaring.
5. Keep things simple. Invest in some smiley face stickers and sad face stickers and use them when you just don’t feel like writing. Ahlgrimm points out that you can always add more detail later if you need to.
Marla Ahlgrimm does not hold a PhD; instead, she’s often referred to as “Dr. Marla Ahlgrimm” out of respect by the many patients that she’s helped over the years. Her work in determining proper amounts of medication to aid sufferers of PMS regain control of their lives has been recognized worldwide. She is a true women’s health advocate. Often highlighted by Marla Ahlgrimm as one of the most important aspects of PMS management, open communication is the key to having others understand that it’s a real syndrome. It’s important for the family to know that some days will be better than others, says Marla Ahlgrimm, and proper management of symptoms will allow for more good days.
6. If your husband is really supportive, ask him to keep a chart too. Sometimes, when another individual helps keep track of a woman’s symptoms, they are easier to chart, as the sufferer may not even realize they act a certain way when it is “that time of the month,” reports Marla Ahlgrimm.
It’s important to take care of you, and doing so sets a healthy example for the entire family. Marla Ahlgrimm also notes that allowing your family to help you manage your PMS symptoms gives everyone a positive role in making family happier.