We will begin the the year 1975, though it started eons ago. There were five major tampon manufactures spending millions of dollars on advertising each year. Their key words were comfort and security. Still companies failed to improve on the quality of their product with the old cardboard tampon design, though some offered plastic tube applications as an alternative.

Tampax’s vulnerable point was security. Women could try the utmost care, but there were those humiliating occasions when the old tampon failed to do its job. I have witnessed this event at a clinic when a woman was waiting in line to see a doctor. Blood had seeped through her cotton sweat-pant. A lady mentioned the stain on her garment. The women immediately covered it with her jacket wrapping the sleeves around her waist.

These new products were allowed on the market without any demonstration prior the plastic insert designs or the proof of safe way for either the plastic insert designs or the perfumes.

Let us jump to 1980: The news coverage was horrific, “Teenager dies of tampon use. Details at eleven!” “Toxic Shock Syndrome Survivor tells her story tonight on eyewitness News.” “Centers for disease control warning women to beware of tampons. Stay tune for more!”

Most American women reacted with a sense of helplessness: how could something which had become such an essential part of a women’s life turn out to be potentially deadly. The CDC thought most of the female TSS cases involved super absorbent tampons. By 1994 Toxic Shock Syndrome was an enduring addition to the list of human pathogens, and though it is no longer attracting law suits and front page news, the novel S. Aureus strain was causing nearly as many infections, ailments, and deaths in the 1900s as it had in 1983.

Though tampon boxes were covered with a variety of warnings, menstruating women continued to come down with TSS, practically with those who used super absorbent products. What occurs with the traditional feminine hygiene products?

1) The synthetic materials are known to advance toxic shock Syndrome (TSS) in young femals not having time to develop necessary antibodies.

2) When chlorine is used in the bleaching process it will release dioxin, a carcinogen into a women’s vagina and uterus. These dangers were known years ago. No product since 1980 and before had a standard for absorbency. The TSS symptoms incur a 2-to-3 day period of mild symptoms before the disease develops. These mild symptoms may include low grade fever, chills, muscle aches, rash, redness in the sensitive areas. nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, and low blood pressure just to name a few maladies.

Now men should know why at many times it is difficult to deal with their better significant other. Most TSS cases in the United States are not reported. It could cost the states to report to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention much expense, gathering the data and submitting it to the CDC.

In February, 1999 USA Today article “The CDC estimates that 1300 people get toxic shock syndrome annually. Half are related to tampons; 5% die” This information has been suppressed and not linked directly to their products. Its all about the money. There are only a few independent studies.

One study of two New York University medical center researchers, Dr. Philip Tiemo and Dr.Bruce Hanna, tested tampons. Their 1999 article in E Magazine, “concluded that tampons containing synthetics amplify the production of the TSS — causing toxin by certain strains of bacteria, whereas the all-cotton tampons produced no measurable toxin.” Dr. Tiemo is quoted in the same article saying, “Synthetic tampons absorb more water than [does] cotton, leaving concentrated proteins, that are used by staph bacteria to create the
toxin, creating toxin factories.”

Dangers of Dioxin

Dioxin is a term used to describe a group of hundreds of chemicals that surround our environment like smog. Dioxin forms into unintentional by-product of many industrial processes which contain chlorine such as waste incineration. Yes. dioxin can cause cancer. The EPA report confirmed Dioxin as a cancer hazard to people. The International agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) a part of the world Health Organization published their research on dioxins and reported in February 14,1997 dioxin is considered a Group1 carcinogen a “known carcinogen”.

Now there is a product that saves lives. It is from Winalite. It doses all the needed and necessary job to make a women feel safe and secure in any given situation.

By: C. Manuel Grace

Pilates is the best exercise during pregnancy because it strengthens the most important muscles women will use during pregnancy and labor. Pregnant pilates exercises builds abdominal, back and pelvic muscles that supports more comfortable pregnancies and deliveries. Pilates is famous for helping new moms get their figures back. Pregnant pilates exercises are much preferred because it can be adapted to your body’s abilities.

It is imperative to find specialized pre-natal pilates classes or a qualified instructor licensed for appropriate pregnant pilates exercises. It is best not to do pilates on your own with no knowledge of the fundamentals of pregnant pilates exercises. Pregnant pilates exercises should be beneficial to both mother and child. It is recommended not to overdo pregnant pilates exercises to avoid jeopardizing both your health and your baby’s.

Pregnant pilates exercises are not particularly strenuous but you should pay attention to your body and baby by pacing yourself. Your body’s energy levels will be changing and you don’t want to overdo it. Fitness professionals usually apply the talk test. If you are too breathless to talk in a relaxed tone and tempo, it is time to slow down. Other signs that you need to take a break are lightheadedness, feelings of faintness, queasiness, racing heart, shortness of breath, uterine contractions, bleeding or leaking fluid, and headache.
As the baby grows, your center of gravity will change. You may find out that you need to be a bit more careful when doing pregnant pilates exercises such as getting up and down for mat exercise, using pilates equipment or working out on an exercise ball.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy encourage suppleness in the joints and muscles. Pregnant women experience more strain to the muscles and ligaments because their bodies are making them more “flexible”. Be sure not to exceed your limit. A number of moderate pregnant pilates exercises can be designed for you.

Discussions about the safety of pregnant pilates exercises are aplenty; but on the whole, sensible exercise is appropriate during pregnancy.

The compensations of pilates are evident and a great number of pilates followers have testified that doing regular Pilates classes has resulted in well balanced, toned and stronger bodies. Related benefits to pregnant pilates exercises are weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of wellbeing. Pilates is uncomplicated and very effective, a great complement to any exercise routine.

According to NAVA, “There is a lot of debate on the subject of Pilates and pregnancy, and exercise in general. Generally speaking, moderate exercise is safe throughout a normal, healthy pregnancy and many gentle pilates exercises are appropriate. However, keep the following cautions in mind.

- Do not over-exert the abdominal muscles to avoid diastases recti (separation of the abdominal muscles).

- Take care of you lower back, which can be strained with the weight of the fetus.

- Avoid all Pilates exercises that require you to lie on your back. The American Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology cautions women in the second trimester of pregnancy against doing any exercises that require this position as it can compromise the vascular system of both the mother and fetus.

- Do not over-stretch as relaxants and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy causing the ligaments around the joints to become lax, loose and vulnerable.

- Be aware that your center of gravity and therefore your sense of balance have changed.

- Do not start a brand new exercise regimen in the first trimester (except for prenatal yoga classes or Lamaze classes).” (poweryogapilates.com)

Everything considered, pregnant pilates exercises is more beneficial than detrimental to mother and child. As long as you are guided by an expert who knows how to handle a woman in a delicate condition, any pregnant woman would reap the optimum advantage of this exercise.

By: Matt Murren