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Posts Tagged ‘Medicine’

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Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Alternative Treatments for PMS

In Health and Beauty on January 15, 2013 at 7:53 am
Marla Ahlgrimm

Marla Ahlgrimm

Marla Ahlgrimm realizes that many women suffer from premenstrual symptoms every month. Marla Ahlgrimm, a pharmacist based in Madison, Wisconsin, says that many turn to over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms such as anxiety, cravings for sweets, and fluid retention.

A pioneer in the field of PMS, Marla Ahlgrimm has worked to help women cope with the syndrome since the late 1970s, first through Madison Pharmacy Associates and later Women’s Health America, which she founded to focus on women health. Marla Ahlgrimm remembers that in the early days, doctors weren’t sure how to manage these symptoms, since PMS had not yet been defined in America.

Over the years, Marla Ahlgrimm has found that diet and lifestyle modifications can help women regain control of monthly symptoms. Part of treatment, Marla Ahlgrimm tells us, is an understanding what causes these symptoms.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one of the more uncomfortable consequences of PMS is water weight gain. Many women find that their fingers swell and clothing feels tighter. Marla Ahlgrimm says this may be due in part to the rise of estrogen during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

One dietary change Marla Ahlgrimm often recommends is limiting sugar intake during the days leading up to menstruation. While salt often gets the blame, Marla Ahlgrimm believes that cravings for sweets may be the primary culprit. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends cutting back on sugar for a couple of months and noting whether bloating diminishes.

Regular exercise can also make a difference in reducing symptoms due to fluid retention, Marla Ahlgrimm adds. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that even small amounts of exercise like a brisk walk 3 to 4 times a week can have very positive benefits.

Lastly, Marla Ahlgrimm stresses the importance of drinking water. The general recommendation is 48 to 64 ounces of water a day, Marla Ahlgrimm relates, reminding us that water is present in everything we eat, as well.

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Paul Perito MD Says Laser Therapy Is Useful to Treat Superficial Bladder Cancer

In Health and Beauty on February 20, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Paul Perito MD

Paul Perito MD

Bladder cancer is a devastating diagnosis that requires immediate action.  Paul Perito MD explains how medical advancements can help doctors catch it sooner and treat it more effectively.

According to Paul Perito MD, bladder cancer is the formation of malignant cells inside of the bladder, the hollow organ in the abdomen that stores urine. According to Paul Perito MD, there are three different types of cancer that affect the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma begins in the innermost layer of the organ’s tissue and is where most cancer begins. Squamous cell carcinoma usually begins as the result of a long-term infection or chronic irritation. Adenocarcinoma begins in the secretory cells, and may also be the result of bladder irritation or infection, adds Paul Perito MD.

Superficial bladder cancer affects only the lining of the bladder. It is the most easily treatable form of the disease, says Paul Perito MD. One of the most interesting and efficacious procedures available today for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer is laser therapy. According to Paul Perito MD, laser therapy utilizes a narrow beam of light at an ultrahigh intensity. This is beneficial to surgeons because lasers are extremely accurate and can be used in place of a scalpel for precision work.

Lasers are known to destroy cancerous cells and are thus highly effective in the treatment of superficial cancers. Paul Perito MD notes that the use of lasers is not uncommon and that they are regularly used to treat many different variations of early-stage carcinoma, including penile and skin cell. Laser therapy can be used independently but has proven most beneficial when combined with radiation or chemotherapy and/or surgery, says Paul Perito MD. Additionally, lasers have the ability to seal nerve endings and lymph vessels, which may reduce pain and swelling.

Laser therapy is administered through an endoscope fitted with narrow optical fibers. According to Paul Perito MD, as lasers cause less damage to non-infected tissue, patients are more likely to have an easy recovery. The use of a laser minimizes trauma to the organ, reports Paul Perito MD, therefore the risk of infection is lower than with traditional methods that rely on physical contact of a cutting implement (scalpel). Laser therapy is not without its flaws, as it is expensive and may require repeat treatments.

Bladder cancer symptoms include bloody urine, frequent or painful urination and lower back pain, says Paul Perito MD. There are a number of test procedures that are beneficial in diagnosing the disease, as the symptoms are not unique to bladder cancer. According to Paul Perito MD, a CT scan, urinalysis, cystoscopy (a procedure that utilizes a thin, lighted tube to view the area), and even x-rays and internal examinations may all be utilized to confirm the existence of malignant cells in the bladder. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy or urine cytology may be performed to check for abnormal cells.

The combination of early intervention and a proactive treatment plan offers the patient the best chance for a positive prognosis, concludes Paul Perito MD.

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Paul Perito MD is a Coral Gables, Florida-based urologist whose practice, Perito Urology, specializes in men’s health issues. Most notably, Dr. Perito has developed and actualized a minimally invasive penile implant procedure that is safe, efficacious, and proven to diminish the risk of infection to the patient. He is Chairman of the Urology Department at Coral Gables Hospital as well as an active member of the American Urological Society. Paul Perito MD has traveled abroad extensively to promote his minimally invasive penile implant technique. Dr. Perito is a 1988 graduate of the University Of Maryland Medical School and also holds a BA in chemistry from Emory University.

The information contained in this article is provided by Paul Perito MD for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.

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Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD Gives an Overview of the Male Urological System

In Health and Beauty on February 9, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD

Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD

Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD has devoted his medical career to helping men (and women) with urologic problems. With a penile implant technique that has revolutionized the field, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD is often asked to train other physicians on implanting devices via a proven method that minimizes pain and recovery time. In order to understand the many disorders that can affect the male urological system, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD often explains to patients the various components that make up this complex system.

The male urinary and reproductive systems are closely correlated, with both removal of waste and sexual activity utilizing the same tracts. The urethra, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD explains, connects the bladder to the penis and is responsible for removing waste from the body. According to Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD, on its way from the bladder to the penis, the urethra runs through the prostate, which produces seminal fluid during sexual activity. Attached to the prostate is the seminal vesicle, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD states, which also works with the prostate to produce seminal fluid, both of which empty out through the urethra during ejaculation.

Sperm comes from the testes, traveling through a tube called the vas deferens. At the appointed time, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD explains, the vas deferens moves sperm through the male body to the seminal vesicle, where it then combines with the milky fluid manufactured by the prostate and seminal vesicle to form sperm-filled semen. Because this system is shared by both waste removal and reproduction, the Bulbourethral or “Cowper’s” Gland works during sexual activity to remove any urine from the urethra by secreting an alkaline fluid.

With so many factors at play, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD points out a variety of things that could malfunction. A urinary tract infection, common among members of both sexes, is caused by bacteria growing in the kidney, the bladder, or the tube that carries urine through the body, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD says. UTIs can be caused by sexual activity, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD explains, but this is more common in women than men. UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics, but mild cases can be counteracted by drinking unsweetened cranberry juice and vast amounts of fluids, especially water.

Kidney stones aren’t uncommon, especially among men, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD notes. Most frequently caused by a lack of enough water in the body, kidney stones can be excruciating for patients and in some men is a recurring problem. According to Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD, incontinence is another urologic problem, generally seen more in men who have had prostate surgery and women with a history of vaginal births. Prostate enlargement can also cause difficulty in urinating for men, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD states.

For men suffering infertility, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD points to veins that drain the testicles as the most common cause. These veins, called varicocele, can either dilate or swell, causing the temperature of the testicles to escalate. Low testosterone and ingestion of alcohol and certain medications can also be blamed, Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD says.

For men suffering erectile dysfunction, sometimes the causes can be psychological. But as Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD points out, smoking and heart disease can create problems with the vascular and arterial systems, resulting in a loss of sexual function.

For more information or to contact Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD, visit Perito Urology online at http://www.peritourology.com

The information contained in this article is provided by Dr. Paul Edward Perito MD for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.

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Dr. Paul E. Perito Answers Frequently Asked Questions about Erectile Dysfunction

In Health and Beauty on January 31, 2012 at 11:06 am
Dr. Paul E. Perito

Dr. Paul E. Perito

Since 2005, Dr. Paul E. Perito has been Coral Gable’s foremost expert on erectile dysfunction, with his minimally invasive penile implant technique revolutionizing the field. Dr. Paul E. Perito is with us today on the Interviewing-Experts Blog to answer questions he frequently sees regarding erectile dysfunction.

Presentation Solutions: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Paul E. Perito. How does a patient know if he’s suffering from erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Paul E. Perito: Thank you for having me. If a man is having difficulty developing and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse, it may be time to seek treatment.

Presentation Solutions: But there are varying degrees of erectile dysfunction, right, Dr. Paul E. Perito?

Dr. Paul E. Perito: In mild cases, a patient is able to attain an erection most of the time, say seven or eight times for every ten attempts. These cases may be treatable through medication or injections. A moderate case would be a patient who is successful about half the time, with a severe case being a patient who can achieve erection less than four attempts out of ten. Some severe patients are never able to achieve erection.

Presentation Solutions: How common is sexual dysfunction?

Dr. Paul E. Perito: It’s more common than most people realize. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 30 million men in this country suffer from the condition, with it growing more likely with age. Almost half of all men older than 75 suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Presentation Solutions: Those are some pretty grim statistics, Dr. Paul E. Perito.

Dr. Paul E. Perito: Yes, but it’s important to note that no matter what a man’s age, erectile dysfunction can be treated.

Presentation Solutions: Dr. Paul E. Perito, are these statistics increasing as baby boomers age?

Dr. Paul E. Perito: Actually, yes. The number of patients seeking treatment is said to be double what it was ten years ago. As the demand increases, we’re trying to find new, less painful ways to treat patients, with shorter recovery time.

Presentation Solutions: What causes erectile dysfunction, Dr. Paul E. Perito?

Dr. Paul E. Perito:: Patients with diabetes often develop erectile dysfunction—in fact, statistically about half of all diabetes patients will suffer from erectile dysfunction within ten years of diagnosis. Smoking also seems to be connected to the problem, with the problem more prevalent among men who smoke more than a pack a day. And, of course, the likelihood of erectile dysfunction increases with age.

Presentation Solutions: Dr. Paul E. Perito, can certain medications cause erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Paul E. Perito:: Erectile dysfunction is a side effect of some IMISFC blood pressure medicine and some sedatives. Narcotics and alcohol can also be contributing factors. In these cases, we may recommend the patient discuss adjusting medications with his patient or refrain from drinking for a while to see if the problem clears up.

The information contained in this article is provided by Dr. Paul E. Perito for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.

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Marla Ahlgrimm: Exercising for Life

In Health and Beauty on January 9, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Marla Ahlgrimm

Marla Ahlgrimm

In her three decades of working with women, Marla Ahlgrimm, founder of Women’s Health America, has found that exercise makes a big difference in a woman’s health. But for many women, “exercise” is a bad word. How can women find an exercise program that they’ll want to stick with for life?

To begin, Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. stresses the importance of asking oneself why you are interested in beginning a new exercise program. If you are hoping to stay healthy, you will likely have more success than if your only goal is to lose weight. Likewise, if your goal is to do something you enjoy doing, and exercise is one of those things, you’re more likely to stick with it for many years, Marla Ahlgrimm says.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, co-founder of Madison Pharmacy Associates, the key is to focus on physical activities you enjoy doing. Many women give up when an exercise program doesn’t yield results immediately, Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. points out. By choosing physical activities you enjoy doing, you’ll stick with it long enough to begin seeing and feeling overall improvements.

Marla Ahlgrimm advises several small changes you can make that will improve your overall health. For good health, Marla Ahlgrimm, co-founder of Madison Pharmacy Associates, states that you should incorporate 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at your target heart rate at least three days a week. By spreading these activities over the day, Marla Ahlgrimm suggests, you can work in thirty minutes of moderate exercise without having to set thirty minutes aside to do a formal workout. This can be done by using stairs instead of elevators, as well as parking far away and walking to your destination at a brisk pace. You can also spread your thirty minutes out throughout the day by dancing, riding an exercise bike, or playing actively with your children for a few minutes throughout the day.

To be most effective, your exercise routine should utilize the large muscles of your lower body, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, founder of Women’s Health America. Activities that fit in that category include walking, jogging, cycling, cross-country skiing, stationary cycling, and aerobic dance classes, Marla Ahlgrimm states.

Additionally, Marla Ahlgrimm recommends weight-bearing exercises. This includes jogging and dancing, Marla Ahlgrimm points out, but not swimming. And pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm advises against working one part of the body in the hopes of losing inches there. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that by focusing on making all of your body’s muscles stronger, you’ll slightly increase your metabolism to maintain weight, decrease fluid retention and improve your lean muscle mass. Your body will become more efficient, Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. says, and you’ll increase the strength of your body’s joints and bones and improve balance which is much more important as you get older.

You should begin any exercise program gradually, Marla Ahlgrimm advises, to avoid injury. While your cardiovascular system may be able to adapt, your body’s musculoskeletal systems may break down if pushed too hard, Marla Ahlgrimm, pharmacist, warns.

The benefits of an exercise program go well beyond stronger muscles and joints, Marla Ahlgrimm states. Both women and men report regular exercise helps them sleep better at night and gives them a greater feeling of energy throughout the day. Exercise also helps them better cope with stress, Marla Ahlgrimm adds, providing an outlet for that ‘fight or flight’ physical response brought on by stress.

Lastly, if your exercise program makes you feel overly tired, Marla Ahlgrimm suggests pulling back a little. Decrease the intensity or choose different exercises until your body adjusts.

For more information, visit Marla Ahlgrimm online at http://www.marlaahlgrimm.com

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What Makes Madison Pharmacy Associates Unique

In Health and Beauty on January 9, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Madison Pharmacy Associates

Madison Pharmacy Associates

Madison Pharmacy Associates’ Marla Ahlgrimm remembers life before premenstrual syndrome was a household term. In the late 70s, Marla Ahlgrimm and her associates were working at a pharmacy when they encountered a patient suffering from PMS. Along with her associates, Madison Pharmacy Associates’ Ahlgrimm began treating the patient and soon were working to help others with premenstrual symptoms.

After encountering resistance from pharmacy management, Marla Ahlgrimm and a colleague founded Madison Pharmacy Associates, a pharmacy with an emphasis on women’s health. In the early days, Madison Pharmacy Associates pioneered the field of PMS treatment, compounding specialized prescriptions and consulting with doctors and patients throughout the country. Since Marla Ahlgrimm founded Madison Pharmacy Associates in the early 1980s, she estimates it has helped more than 300,000 women and 7,000 physicians understand, diagnose, and treat PMS symptoms.

With a focus on quality, service, and innovation, Madison Pharmacy Associates believes in involving its full staff in every aspect of daily operations. “We encourage ideas, creativity, and change,” Madison Pharmacy Associates’ Marla Ahlgrimm explains. “In a small company, we have the luxury to dispense with formal meetings—we all discuss ideas and quickly implement them to simply see what the results are.”

Madison Pharmacy Associates was among the first group of medical professionals to sit in on the FDA advisory board which met to discuss the relevancy and magnitude of PMS in America. Since Madison Pharmacy Associates was at the forefront of PMS research and treatment, many of the educational materials the practice used had to be developed from scratch. Madison Pharmacy Associates has always placed importance in providing one-on-one consultation to patients and their physicians, helping both to understand PMS in order to more quickly come to a treatment plan.

“Too often, management makes the mistake or is forced to separate themselves from the day to day operations of their business under the guise of tending to more important things,” Madison Pharmacy Associates’ Ahlgrimm believes. “That connection is the whole point of being in business and successfully staying in business.”

One of the things that has helped Madison Pharmacy Associates succeed is Marla Ahlgrimm’s devotion to her patients. Madison Pharmacy Associates’ Ahlgrimm grew up in a family that owned a small business. This helped her understand the importance of thinking outside the box, focusing on Madison Pharmacy Associates’ mission, rather than trying to outdo the competition.

“You can’t quantify the degree to which your business reflects your passion, vision, trust, and optimism,” Madison Pharmacy Associates’ Marla Ahlgrimm says. “Yet these values reveal themselves in each transaction you and your employees are involved in.”

The information in this article has been previously published and is provided as a reference resource by Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. Madison Pharmacy Associates was sold in 2011. Marla Ahlgrimm is also the co-founder and President of Cyclin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The company sells proprietary products for the women’s health market as well as ProCycle PMS and ProCycle Gold products. For more information, go online to http://www.cyclinpharma.com