Kaitlyn Luckow

Let’s be real, reading the news hasn’t been the most joyful activity for a lot of people recently. Good news stories are hard to come by, especially when they’re stories about women’s rights.

However, there’s always some light in the world, and recently there’s a whole beam of light in regards to news stories about women’s rights around the world. There are some major shifts taking place and new leaders emerging who are determined to make a difference in this world.

 So, let’s take a few minutes to celebrate some historical wins for women that have happened recently.

Kaitlyn Luckow

With a new year comes a storm of people declaring their New Year’s goals on social media and a lot of them were to read more books.

If you’re someone who is looking to read more in 2019, I have some book recommendations for you. These books are perfect if you need a little empowerment in your life--especially if you’re a woman.

These books will make you celebrate your womanhood and make you feel like you can take on the world--because you can.

Kaitlyn Luckow

With the new year came millions of social media posts with people talking all about how they were going to do this and that in the new year. That is all fine and dandy. Having goals is a beautiful thing, but I want to take today to make realistic goals for you to implement throughout the year. All of these goals are about self-love and shifting toxic mindsets that may be bringing you down.

There has been a lot of hope out there for 2019 and I want to make sure that you’re applying that hope to yourself and your mental health as well—because you’re worth it. 

Here are some things that you should think about and remind yourself of as often as possible in the new year:

J.B.

How often have you heard (or said) “they grow up so fast”?  It’s true.  Kids do grow up quickly and, in terms of the onset of menstruation, it’s speeding up.

According to Sandra Steingraber, the average menstruation onset age has been steadily lessening over the last number of decades.  90 years ago, the average age was 14; 50 years ago the average was 13-1/2 years old; these days it’s 12-1/2 years old.  And it is not unheard of for girls as young as 8 or 9 to get their period.  She claims that, furthermore, half of the girls in the United States now show signs of breast budding before their tenth birthday. 

The exact reasons for this have not been established.  It is held by some “experts” that lowered rates of disease and better nutrition are factors.  But others claim that endocrine-disruptive chemicals in food, drinking water and even the air along with hormonally active agents found in a vast array of consumer items such as hair tonics, pesticides, packaging materials and building products are affecting hormonal balance.  Still, others link it to obesity.

Victoria. M

With the year coming to an end, it is a time when everyone reflects on what they have accomplished, what they are working on and what to plan for. Don’t let another year or day go by without making yourself and your health a priority. 
 
With the daily grind always on GO; it is easy to let taking care of yourself fall by the wayside. From stopping at a fast food restaurant for a quick bite, skipping a workout or picking up an item at the store that you would not normally use because you don’t have time to hit your favorite health store. 
 
Take time to slow down and remember that planning and time management go hand in hand. If you can give yourself a few moments to plan your morning, week or even an evening shopping trip it will save you the trouble of backtracking and thinking of how you could have done it better!

Kaitlyn Luckow

While the holidays are known for being a time of joy and cheer, oftentimes we can also feel a strong sense of sadness and loneliness. We can feel it because we miss family members, we can feel it because of the trauma dealing with family causes, or even just because there’s not as much sunlight during the day.

Whatever the reason, seasonal and holiday sadness is a very real thing and shouldn’t be pushed aside. It can be even more hostile towards individuals who already have a mental illness such as depression.

Although it may not be possible to avoid entirely, here are some ways that can help you survive seasonal sadness this holiday season:

Kaitlyn Luckow

Ever since I’ve started writing about menstruation, I’ve had a surprising amount of men reach out to me with questions and thoughts they have about periods and menstruation. I think it’s so important to open up this discussion to all genders, because everyone should be educated on menstruation, not just people who experience it.

This discussion is vital in order to erase misconceptions about menstruation and could help further education throughout the world. This mentality could erase negative mentalities and improve the health for women throughout the world.

I reached out to men throughout the world to see what they think about menstruation, addressed some misconceptions that they hold, and answered questions that were asked.

Victoria M.

Did you know that globally - pads are the most common form of feminine hygiene protection? In some countries, pads are the only form of hygiene products used and many women opt for even more natural options such as reusable cloths or undergarments.

In an effort to not only be more health conscious but eco-friendly- many companies are creating products that are biodegradable, compostable, all natural and made with organic cotton. We applaud all of these innovators (and give ourselves a pat on the back too) as there has not been any true innovation in decades!

A timeline of feminine hygiene products shows that many of the antiquated stances still held true but there are so many boundaries being broken and left behind, which is great!

Here are some eye-opening and interesting facts about menstruation around the world:

J.B.

If you’re like me, you love a good night’s sleep.  It’s refreshing and rejuvenating.  But, for many women, it’s often elusive.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “More than half of American women (60%) say they only get a good night’s sleep a few nights per week or less and 67% say they frequently experience a sleep problem.”

Sleep deprivation is not just a matter of feeling tired.  Sleeplessness can affect your ability to think clearly, it can make you irritable (as if bloating and cramps weren’t enough to make you cranky), and it can affect your health too.  Sufferers of chronic sleep deprivation risk high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Kaitlyn Luckow

Image via Daiga Ellaby

Chances are high that you, or someone you know, is a victim of violence against women. As women, violence has become a part of our lives—whether that’s living in the fear or it, currently experiencing it, or living with the trauma of it.

Due to its frequency, violence against women has become normalized. But violence is not normal. Violence is a crime and it’s about time that it is treated as such.

Violence against women is an endemic in our world today. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 1 in 4 women in the United States have experienced violence from a partner, 2 out of 3 children are exposed to violence, and 1 in 5 women are sexually assaulted in college.

Kaitlyn Luckow

Image source: Nathaniel Kohfield

Whenever I book a vacation, I spend the days leading up to the trip as an anxious mess. I’m not anxious about losing my luggage, or getting lost, or missing my flight. No. I’m anxious about getting my period.  

Every girl probably has a story about a time when they went on a vacation and their period nearly ruined it. Whether it’s because of debilitating cramps, PMS, or just being uncomfortable, your period can change your vacation.  

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that it doesn’t have to ruin it! Here are some tricks I’ve learned along  the way that have helped ease my anxiety of menstruating on vacation and have helped make me not worry (as much) about it:

Kaitlyn Luckow

Image by Tim Marshall

Imagine having to pay for something that was natural and completely out of your control.

Guess what?

We’re doing it.

Over the past few years, news and social media campaigns have brought light to the issue of the “tampon tax”, also known as the “pink tax”  in America as well as the rest of the world. Perhaps like you, I had no idea that this tax even existed until a few years ago. And I was just as taken aback as many people–and remain confused even today.

People are outraged and are demanding change because of this tampon tax, but do we fully understand what the tampon tax is?

J.B

Image via Brook Lark

Do you suffer from the typical menstrual symptoms?  The bloating, the mood swings, the muscle aches, the fatigue, the cramps (and sometimes severe menstrual cramps)?  Are you convinced that whoever wrote the song “I Enjoy Being a Girl” must have been a man?

You’re not alone. 

But there are some natural, non-pharmaceutical things you can do to ease the symptoms and one of these is diet.   Of course, everyone is different, but there are foods that are generally regarded as being helpful in reducing menstrual symptoms and some foods that can make your symptoms worse.

Victoria. M

Do you know why Nannocare was started? It was to help women globally have access to a holistic and all natural solution to discomfort that occurs monthly. We want each and every one of you to know that we share in your quest for something better- and we are working every day to bring it to you directly!

Not only do we take health seriously; we also know everything is about balance. Periods are no fun, but they are necessary and a part of our lives so with that said- we want to make sure you can make the most of every day, period. Menstrual health is a thing, and it is at the forefront of the industry now more than ever.

Nannocare also wants to make period talk the norm! Every young adolescent gets “the talk” but periods are often left out. It is important for both boys and girls to be comfortable with the change in their bodies and not feel awkward about what is happening. Moms, Dads, Sisters, Uncles, Aunts, Grandparents – we want you to know it is ok to tell young girls about how their bodies will change and how menstruation will affect them. We also want you to be knowledgeable about the products out there that are good for them.

Here are some helpful tips for the new and even experienced who want to delve deeper into menstrual health:

Kaitlyn Luckow

Image source: Charles Deluvio

It’s always surprising to think about everything that we don’t know about our own bodies. We literally live in them every single day, but let’s be honest, we don’t know the ins and outs about how they work.

Honestly, when I was researching about ovaries for this post, I was so embarrassed about what I didn’t know. I had gone through the entirety of my life not knowing what was going on inside of my own body. And I know I’m not the only one.

I wanted to make sure that you weren’t left in the dark like I was for so long simply because I didn’t seek out the facts.

Here are some things that you may or may not have known about ovaries:

Kaitlyn Luckow

Image by Toa Heftiba

Today is the International Day of The Girl Child, which is a day founded by the United Nations back in 2012.

According to the U.N., “Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women.”

During this day, there is a Day of the Girl Summit at the United Nations headquarters in order to bring together organizations to focus on advancements for the opportunities for girls.

Each year, the UN dedicates this day to focus on a specific theme for girls around the world. This year, the UN dedicated October 11 to the theme of “With Her: A Skilled GirlForce”.

Today is all about providing girls around the world with the opportunity and the tools to transition into the workforce and gain the skills for their desired career.

Xiaolin L.

Many brands talk about how organic pads/tampons are great with no toxins and chlorine bleach, but they barely talk about how it actually feels to use the organic pads/tampons compared to the non-organic ones.

First of all, it is true that our vagina is good at absorbing anything we put in there, which is why some medications are delivered vaginally. So being concerned about what might be absorbed by the body by using tampons made with synthetic fibers is reasonable. However, when it comes to how it feels to use an organic product compared to using a non-organic tampon, there isn’t much difference. Neither is the chance of getting TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).

Regarding the feeling of using pads made with organic cotton or synthetic fiber, the difference is way more noticeable.

Kaitlyn Luckow

Image @rawpixel

You walk into your gynecologist appointment and they ask you how you’ve been feeling and immediately you say, “fine.”

However, in your head, you might be thinking, “What about telling them about how debilitating your cramps have been?; What about that weird discharge you’ve been having?; What about talking about how painful sex has been for you?”

But how many of us actually talk about these things?

Today is National Women’s Health Day and it’s the perfect time to remind you to take care of yourself. Honest care of yourself. So many of us go to the gynecologist and don’t actually share what we’re experiencing on a daily basis. Or even worse, some of us don’t schedule an appointment at all because we get too anxious even thinking about it.

Not only do we not get the help we need because of that, but we also could be putting ourselves in danger.

Your reproductive health should be your priority and you should not let embarrassment get in the way. Here are some ways that you can prepare to speak up during your next trip to the gynecologist:

Victoria M.

Image source: David Hoffman

What does it mean to minimize discomfort and maximize life? Well, here at Nannocare – it means a vast array of things. Life encompasses happiness, love, family, friends, success, education and runs the whole gamut of what we all truly value. While it is different for everyone – the underlying component that always remains the same is the need and want to maximize it. We all have our own version of it and that changes daily, hourly and sometimes within seconds.

Kaitlyn Luckow

Photo by Matteo Grassi

Just like most things, different cultures and different countries view certain aspects of life in unique manners.

The same can be said for how menstruation and periods are viewed throughout the world. In some cultures, menstruation has long been celebrated, whereas in others even talking about periods is still seen as taboo.

I wanted to take a look at how different countries and cultures view menstruation in today’s world and to take a look at how these mentalities are affecting individuals who menstruate.

Kaitlyn Luckow

So many of us have grown ashamed and embarrassed about our vaginas, which may cause us to fear it and maybe even hate it. But it is so important to love your vagina each and every day. Self-care is about more than taking a bath and doing face masks, it’s about truly loving and appreciating every single part of you—including your vagina.

Here are things that you can do to make sure that your vagina is happy, healthy, and loved:

Don’t Skip That Gynecologist Appointment

I know that going to the gynecologist isn’t always the most pleasant experience and for individuals with trauma related to sexual violence, it is a dreaded and sometime horrifying experience.

The first thing you should do in regards to your gynecologist is find one that you’re comfortable with and that you trust. If you’re uncomfortable with anything that they’re doing, tell them. If you’ve experienced sexual violence in the past, tell them.

Also, make sure that you schedule and go to your gynecologist every year for a check up. Although you only need to get a Pap test every 1-3 years (depending on your health), you should still go every year to talk about your overall health.

Wear Cotton or Nothing At All

Cotton is the best fabric to wear when it comes to underwear for a variety of reasons. It’s soft on your skin, it absorbs perspiration, and it’s breathable, which can help stop the growth of bacteria. This breathability can help with preventing Urinary Tract Infections from occurring.

Victoria M.

We all know the feeling, a great trip coming up! We have been anticipating it for some time…be it a business trip with a huge client or a much needed vacation. You have your outfits packed, all of your essentials – creams, pastes, gels, liners, mascara, the whole bit. You are ready to take on the world and you are so anxious to get it going.

But then…it happens! Your period comes. Out of all the toiletries and perfumes and extra hair ties you packed, there is only ONE pantyliner in the bottom of your favorite travel bag. What do you do? Most of the time, when I travel and stop in the airport shops – feminine hygiene items are neither here nor there. Even the bathrooms are a space of despair. What do you do? You resort to asking someone, oh so politely, in the bathroom while standing at the sink. Ahhhhhh!

Kaitlyn Luckow

(Photo from Unsplash)

Today is Women’s Equality Day, which is so wonderful, but in reality, we shouldn’t just be practicing and celebrating equality for women one day out of the year. This should be a daily, hourly, minute…ly practice.

Sometimes Women’s Equality Day gets questioned, much like feminism does, by people who don’t understand why there isn’t a Men’s Equality Day. Before we get started on how to empower each other every day, it’s important to understand why Women’s Equality Day exists in the first place.

Equality is about providing equal rights to everyone, regardless of gender. That’s what Feminism is as well. The reason why the feminist movement focuses on empowering women specifically is because historically (and still today) women were/are seen as less than men. Due to this historically ingrained practice, women are not given equal opportunities or even rights as their male counterparts. And this doesn’t even begin to touch on individuals who identify as something other than male or female. Their opportunities are even less.

By Kaitlyn Luckow

You might remember that day in school where the boys and the girls were separated and your recess time was infringed upon because you needed to have “that talk”. I’m going to go out on a limb here and probably guess that you don’t have fond memories about that day.

I would be surprised if you did. If you were in the girl group, you were told that you were going to bleed out every month forever and that you would have to do all of these things to keep yourself clean and you were probably going to be in pain. Joy.

And if you were a boy, well…chances are you didn’t hear about menstruation at all. Just whispers on the playground about something horrifying that women do every month.

This lack of education, almost solely relied on by rumors, has led to a detrimental misguidance when it comes to menstruation. There are many myths revolving around menstruation and these myths are exactly that—they’re not true.

Regardless, many people go into adolescence holding these myths as true, and many of these myths are held well-on into adulthood.

I talked to many individuals of all genders and asked them about period myths that they have believed in the past. Here are the most common answers and why these myths are in fact just that:

From Sherry Thomas, M.D. 

The traditional way of dealing with menstrual cramps — the good ol’ heating pad — is so yesterday. And in the summertime, who wants to be hugging the equivalent of a toaster oven? The latest research suggests there are much better options for fighting off menstrual distress. Here are my top five recommendations:

1. Stay away from foods that can cause bloating. Some foods that are nutrition super-heroes the rest of the month may provoke bloating right before and during your period. That includes legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils) and cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and kale). Likewise, dairy products and whole grains can be bad factors during this time. Be extra careful to stay away from anything with lots of sodium, which is well-known for causing bloat.  But… this is a good time to be reaching for ginger. It has long been a traditional medicine for fighting inflammatory disease, and recent research says it can help tame cramps. It’s available as a supplement on the vitamin aisle.

Kaitlyn Luckow

Feminine hygiene products are necessary items that most women take for granted every day. In fact, we sometimes loathe the day we have to throw in some pads into our grocery cart because menstruation is still seen by many as taboo.

However, we forget how privileged we are to have access to these products to begin with. For many homeless and low-income individuals, feminine hygiene products become a luxury.

Feminine hygiene products are desperately needed in homeless shelters across the country because no one seems to think about this obvious need. 

Not only do feminine hygiene products provide items for individuals who need them most, but they also provide a sense of dignity that is usually forgotten. Hundreds and thousands of homeless and low-income individuals are forced to make the choice between a meal and buying feminine hygiene products every day, forcing them to lose a sense of dignity as they are forced to use whatever is free and available to them: usually an old piece of cloth or wadded up toilet paper.