CODE RED: Are You Prepared For Your Period?

I created quite a buzz amongst Pinterest and my friends when I decided to challenge everything we’ve been taught about periods and introduce using menstrual cups instead. My favorite comment I received from that post was…

“Thanks for not being afraid to speak-up and tell the world about menstrual cups. I can finally sleep at night knowing I’m prepared for my period! – Megan

This truly is a concern that women have! I know I personally would probably rather go without food and water than to not have a way to control my period!

I was thrilled when Tara (owner of Be Prepared Period) contacted me about additional alternatives and the dangers of TSS. She wants women to be prepared just as much as I do and is here to share how to be ready (and safe) for that special time each month ;)

Written By Tara Bruley

Emergencies, they come in all shapes and sizes, and can vary from minor to major. The key to eluding them is preparation. Something you probably already know very well.

There are many events you can prepare for, from small ones to larger ones like earthquakes, floods or disruptions in social order (and I don’t mean the kind a visit from the in-laws creates, however major those can be).

Wanting to be prepared for these events you try to think of everything.

“What if there’s no fresh water?”

“What if we have no power?”

“What if our home is invaded?”

In preparation, you try to gather all the necessary supplies, water filters, generators, items for self-defense…the list seems endless. But as a woman, (or someone who has a female in your family) have you prepared for…Code Red (a.k.a. your period)?

Are You Prepared For Your Period?

Maybe, or maybe not…

If you’re a “maybe not”, don’t feel bad – you’re not alone. Menstrual management can be a difficult thing on a monthly basis, let alone trying to plan long term.

Fortunately, for those that struggle on a monthly basis, there are online stores and subscription services that help put that task on auto-pilot so you can focus on the more important things in life.

But what if the day comes when some disaster (natural or man-made) strikes and all the stores are wiped out of supplies? What will you do?

When our world that is so dependent on disposable items runs out, many will struggle. But those that choose to educate themselves and plan ahead will have an easier time.

So how do you plan ahead for your period without storing a Costco size warehouse full of period products?

That is where a little education comes in handy. You see, today, we women are luckier than ever.

Why? …because we have OPTIONS!

Reusable Options for Your Period:

We have more options than any generation that has come before us. We have the traditional products and brands most of us are already familiar with, but we also have ones that are not as well known, like organic and REUSABLE options! These reusable options make prepping for your period, emergency or not, so much more convenient.

For those new to reusable options there are two types of products that are revolutionizing the way women are managing their periods, cloth pads & menstrual cups.

• Cloth Pads

Cloth isn’t just for diapering your little ones; cloth also makes great menstrual pads. These soft, more breathable pads make for a comfy and gentle option for those sensitive to chemicals found in traditional products.

Going beyond comfort, there are additional benefits.

Cloth pads:

• Reduce your environmental footprint. One cloth pad replaces approx. 120 disposable pads!
• Have a cute factor. Cloth pads come in tons of colors, patterns and styles.
• Save money. You’ll stop throwing away money (and product each month).
• Lessen cramps. Extraordinarily, many women experience lessened pain when they end their use of disposable products (and their exposure to the chemicals found in them).

And if you prefer internally worn products there are…

• Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups make a great tampon alternative! Like tampons, they are worn internally. Unlike tampons, they collect menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it, along with much of your body’s own natural moisture. While there can be a small learning curve, there are many benefits:

• A wear time of up to 12 hours
• They hold more than a super absorbent tampon
• They can be used safely for several years
• One time purchase = cost savings
• Eco-friendly
• Works for all levels of flow (light to heavy)
• PLUS they are a safer option to protect yourself from Toxic Shock Syndrome

Be Prepared: Toxic Shock Syndrome Preparation

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is still a very real danger to girls and women today.

There are many myths about TSS. Some believe it is a thing of the past, some believe it only occurs from wearing tampons too long, some believe it is not a serious concern – all of which is UNTRUE. Taking the time to educate yourself on the dangers could literally save your life or the life of someone you love.

TRUTH: Toxic Shock Syndrome can occur within only a couple hours of wearing a tampon.

TRUTH: Young girls are at a higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

TRUTH: Not all tampons carry equal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. There has never been a case of TSS with the use of 100% organic tampons.

TRUTH: Toxic Shock Syndrome can be mistaken for the flu.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Symptoms can vary and only one or two symptoms may occur. They do not necessarily occur all at once and may not persist.

They include:

• Sore throat
• Aching muscles
• High temperature; over 102 degrees F
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Watery diarrhea
• Red rash
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Very low blood pressure

If you believe you may have TSS you should:

1. Remove the tampon immediately (save it if possible)
2. Go to the doctor right away
3. Inform your doctor that you have been using tampons
4. Bring TSS information with you

It’s important to know the ways to reduce your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Learn the difference between fact and fiction (there are many myths floating around out there) and share this information with your loved ones.

We’d love to hear from you. Have you prepared for your period (short or long term)? Have you taken any precautions to protect yourself from TSS?

Challenging all women to have a healthier, better period Tara is happy to offer a free copy of the Better Your Period Action Guide.

Download it here.