Text Credits: Raveena Nair

Menstruation is still a topic that many hesitate to talk about, with taboos and myths still associated to it . Keeping menstrual bleeding under the blanket has only increased issues related to personal hygiene and polluting the environment. And that is exactly why we should talk about this phenomena that generally women through every month. May 28 is marked as the World Menstrual Hygiene Day and this year we are celebrating the fifth edition of this day which was started by a NGO, WASH United.

Talking about menstrual hygiene, the right way to dispose a pad has always been a question for many women. The common advertisements on these napkins show the high tech innovations incorporated to make it leak proof. There is dry sheet on top to keep the dry feeling throughout the day infused with floral scent. Below this will be super absorbent cotton layer followed by the gel technology that prevents leakage and the bottom plastic layer.

But are we aware of what we are using? These disposable sanitary pads are really unhealthy and the soul reason for many health issues such as rashes and yeast infections. Theses pads contains harmful chemicals such as the bleaching agents which are used to bleach the cotton pure white along with the pesticides that remain despite treating the cotton.

Also have you ever thought of the pile of waste we are generating by opting these disposable pads which do not decompose in future and spread bacteria having a adverse effect on general health. On doing a little math I just realized that in my entire life if I keep using disposable pads, I will be contributing more than 8,000 pads to the landfills!

There are eco-friendly options available and it is high time that we ditch these disposable pads and opt for other options that are both good for us and the environment.

Here is a list of eco-friendly options available from which you can choose from after understanding what it is made up of. Take a look at some of them:

Saathi Eco-friendly pads

Saathi eco-friendly pads promises a ‘no plastic periods’. These sanitary pads are made up of plant based materials such as banana fiber taken from the stem of banana plants. They are very good absorbents by nature and degrades within six months.

Source: saathipads.com

Natracare

Natracare pads are plastic and chlorine free and are devoid of chemical substances, dyes, latex or fragrance. These pads are made of organic cotton and plant based materials and thus are completely biodegradable. Natracare pads are also available in various sizes to chose from. 

Source: natracare.com

Anandi

Anandi pads are completely biodegradable as they are made up of natural fibers from agriwaste. These pads are available at a price of 30 Rs, for a pack of eight pads. The aim is to be accessible and affordable to every women.

Source: aakarinnovations.com

Masmi

Masmi organic pads consists of chlorine free organic cotton. It is also hypoallergenic to reduce irritation and allergies. It has separate designs for day and night use.

Source: nykaa.com

Most of the organic pads are available online. Though majority of them come at a rate slightly higher than the regular disposable pads, in a longer run it adds benefits for both you and the environment. The other eco-friendly options include eco-friendly tampons, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads. It is very much required to spread awareness about the healthier and less polluting alternatives that are easily available nowadays.

The post Menstrual Hygiene Day: A Look At Healthy And Organic Sanitary Products appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Words: Devika V Menon   Images: Various Sources

Menstrual hygiene day is meant to serve as a platform to bring together individuals, organisations, social businesses and the media to create a united and strong voice for women and girls around the world, helping to break the silence about menstrual hygiene management.

The objectives of MHD include:

• To address the challenges and hardships many women and girls face during their menstruation.
• To highlight the positive and innovative solutions being taken to address these challenges.
• To catalyse a growing, global movement that recognizes and supports girl’s and women’s rights and build partnerships among those partners on national and local level.
• To engage in policy dialogue and actively advocate for the integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into global, national and local policies, programmes and projects.
• It creates an occasion for media work, including social media.

Menstrual Hygiene Day makes audible and visible a growing transnational movement that promotes body literacy and autonomy, as well as gender equality.
So, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s bust some myths tied to Menstruation!

Myth 1: Bed rest is a must during your period

How I wish this one were actually true! I’d rather chill in bed than drag myself to work and experience those horrible cramps. But unfortunately, this isn’t true. Plenty of exercise will also make you feel better.

Myth 2: You shouldn’t wash your hair during your period

There is no reason why you shouldn’t have a nice long bath during your period. In fact, a bath can actually make you feel clean and elevate your mood.

Myth 3: You can’t swim while on your period

This myth started before menstrual hygiene was popular. Before tampons and pads were in use. Now that there are several products, swimming is not an issue. How else do you think professional swimmers compete?

Myth 4: Tampons are not a good idea

Please get it into your heads that tampons and your virginity have no connection whatsoever. Personally, I believe that tampons are much better than your regular sanitary napkins.

Myth 5: Menstrual blood is different from regular blood

Come on! Like really? How many types of blood do you think your body has? Your blood and menstrual blood is the same.

The post Break myths about menstruation this ‘Menstrual Hygiene Day’! appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.