Troubling Tampons
Consider Why do they call it ‘Alternative Medicine’ when it is the original medicine that humans have been using for thousands of years? Chemical medications were discovered about 100 years ago! Rawforbeauty.com After Midnight’s Taylor Thompson Discusses Toxic Tampons Thompson’s Opening Monologue aired two months ago. [Unfortunately, no longer available] Each month, from puberty through menopause, female bodies prepare for pregnancy. The uterus’ lining thickens. An egg grows and leaves one ovary. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, estrogen and progesterone levels fall so low, that lining and two to three tablespoons of blood, leave via the vagina. To absorb the flow, ancient Egyptian women inserted soft, papyrus. Greek women once wrapped lint around pieces of wood. In ancient Japan, women created paper tampons. Hawaiian women used ferns. Indonesians used vegetable fibers and Africans inserted rolls of grass. In 1931, Dr. Earle Cleveland Haas patented an item he called a “catamenial device,” from the Greek word for monthly. He sold his rights to the “tampon” + “vaginal pack” to Gertrude Tendrich. That businesswoman started the company called Tampax. Forty years later, research linking tampons to toxic shock syndrome began. The Mayo Clinic explains that “Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria cause toxic shock syndrome,” which can come from: Cuts or burns Recent surgery Contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, superabsorbent tampons and menstrual cups Viral infections like flu or chickenpox Whether in males or females, toxic shock syndrome can cause shock, renal failure and death. Prevention reported, “many tampon applicators contain phthalates, a group of hormone-disrupting chemicals that have been linked to everything from early-onset menopause to diabetes, and the cotton used to make tampons and pads is typically bleached.” And, “Many feminine hygiene products also contain rayon and polyester. After being in contact with body fluids, these materials can release chemicals akin to BPA [bisephenol A, a chemical used to make plastics] and other phthalates.” NPR reported, “Some states are passing their own laws in the absence of federal requirements.” The article stated, “In 2022, Reps. Debbie Lesko, R.-Ariz., and Meng — one of the letter’s signatories — introduced the “Menstrual Products Right to Know Act,” which would have required the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to “treat menstrual products as misbranded if their labeling does not list each component of the product.” While waiting for congress to act, here are alternatives: Six Feminine Hygiene Products Free of Scary Toxins 14 Best Non Toxic Tampons and Period Products COMMENT Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Videos Click here to view. Period Products, 5 Natural and Non Toxic Alternatives. 7 Minutes Click here to view A Gynecologist Explains Safe Alternatives and One Not to Use 10 Minutes Shop Succeed & Soar Shower Curtains Details: Made of 100% polyester fabric Includes 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $68 to $78 NOTE: Each item has a tool to adjust size and placement of art as well as over 60 background colors. View All Shower Curtains
Hibiscus Tea
Consider Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. — Hippocrates Welcome to Thrive!, a new addition to Succeed and Soar‘s theme rotation. The goal: Offer ways of understanding how foods can both nurture and nourish. This first post examines hibiscus tea. Beyond hibiscus tea’s fragrance and flavor, the flower has been found to lower blood pressure. The article Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea reported a 2004 study where, 70 people with hypertension were given either 16 ounces of hibiscus tea before breakfast, or 25mg of captopril (a prescription anti-hypertension medication) twice per day. After 30 days, those who received the tea showed that their diastolic blood pressure had dropped at least 10 points, the same amount as the group who received the prescription captopril. Everything ingested affects us. As Hippocrates said, foods can be medicine. The popular Red Zinger tea is hibiscus. Yeah! Here’s more information: Best Medicinal Teas Risks of Hibiscus Tea Hibiscus Uses, Benefits and Side Effects Here’s a recipe for refreshing Hibiscus Tea. Length: 8 minutes View here NOTE: Hibiscus can have emmenagogue effects. These herbs [like Angelica, Lemon Balm, Rue and others] can stimulate menstrual flow. August Feature Sandra’s Art on Beach Sheets and Towels Descriptions Luxuriously soft Brushed microfiber 100% cotton back for extra absorption Art printed on front. Back is white cotton. Beach towel is 32” x 64”. Cost $35. Beach sheet is a 37” x 74” towel. Cost $45. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Sandra’s Beach Towels and Sheets HERE. Keep in Mind All information offered here is meant to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. With a Masters Degree in Fine Arts, Sandra Gould Ford is an artist, author, educator and former steelworker who intends to lift hearts and spirits, our awareness and humanity. Know that information explored here may be time sensitive and could have been updated. This material prescribes neither drugs nor therapies. Further, this brief post cannot cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic responses, adverse effects or appropriateness for any individual. This presenter uses her best discretion in sharing resources. She recommends readers do the same, including consulting appropriate professionals [including doctors, nurses and/or pharmacists] to make sure this information fits personal circumstances. Blessings and Good Health.