Issue #20: GRATITUDE
5 Senses FRIDAY + post-film recap/gratitude
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This week we are keeping it simple. We had such an amazing time on Wednesday and are grateful for everyone who attended and supported the event!
with gratitude,
rebecca + theresa
some of the HIGHLIGHTS from the film + panel
We are so grateful to our amazing panel, WI Representative Robyn Vining, Dr. Emily Lombard (DO, OB/GYN), and Nicole Dachs of Milwaukee Period Parties and Milwaukee Diaper Mission. We had such a great chat about the film, the stigmas, challenges, and power of menstruation and menopause, and the reality of period poverty and the tampon tax.
Menstrual Health + Education
Our menstrual cycle is more than our period. The more we understand our bodies, the better we can advocate for ourselves and our health and empower young women to do the same. Understanding how our hormones fluctuate throughout our cycle, when we are most fertile or not, and identifying possible signs of fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis allow us to connect in a more meaningful way with our body and our care providers.
Tampon Tax
Wisconsin is one of 20 states that still charge tax on menstrual products (but not on Viagra). Menstrual products are a necessity for people who menstruate and essential items should be more affordable. If you live in a state that is still charging tax on these products and want to get involved, reach out to your lawmakers- check out Representative Robyn Vining’s post with her thoughts post-event.
Menopause (+ Perimenopause) Awareness + Support
Menopause is only one day that marks one year without a period, but perimenopause (the period of time leading up to menopause) can last 10+ years with a long list of symptoms that can be associated with the shift in hormones that happens during this transition. Instead of navigating these years with confidence and knowledge, we are often left feeling confused and alone. BUT... what if, armed with information and community, we can re-write the narrative of middle life, take control of the journey, and start an exciting new chapter?
Period Poverty
Period poverty is the inability to afford or access period products (pads, tampons, liners, menstrual cups and other basic hygiene items) in order to manage a period.
• 2 in 5 menstruators have struggled to purchase period products in the past year due to lack of income.
• 1 in 3 low income women have missed school or work because they cannot afford to manage their period.
• There is no federal aid program that can be used to purchase period products
We are grateful for the work that Milwaukee Diaper Mission and Milwaukee Period Parties are doing to support menstruators in our community. If you would like to get involved, consider donating directly to Milwaukee Diaper Mission and their Period Program (your dollars allow them to buy products in bulk at a discounted rate) or shop their End Period Poverty Tshirts + Sweatshirts!
TASTE: Diet Changes that May Help Relieve Chronic Pain from Endometriosis. Living with a chronic condition like endometriosis can be incredibly challenging. The pain, fatigue, and heavy periods can take over your life, making it feel as though you have little control. But there may be dietary strategies to reduce inflammation and excess estrogen that can relieve endometriosis symptoms and calm flare-ups.
SEE: 62 Best Documentaries on Hulu Right Now. Coming off of our film screening this week, we loved this list of documentaries and docuseries to add to the list as the weather begins to cool over the coming months. From the brat pack of Brats to the environmental activism of I am Greta to Planet Sex with Cara Delevigne and the fight to improve healthcare disparities in the Black community with Aftershock, there are so many films that we are interested in learning from.
PS- If you missed the film screening, SEE PERIODICAL at home!
Find it on Peacock + Amazon Prime
SMELL: Herbal Sun Tea for Late Summer. The best time of the year for fresh herbs is summer, and the latter end of summer offers a particularly beautiful selection to choose from. Choosing nourishing herbs that have some sweetness as well as astringency will gently balance the body. Cooling aromatics from the mint family will help soothe and cool, yet also enhance digestion.
HEAR: Stay Juicy Podcast. Interwovxn board member and menopause expert, Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas, MD, FACOG has launched a podcast!!! As a women’s health expert, she is debunking menopause myths and empowering women to “stay juicy” on their midlife journey. We can’t wait to tune in.
TOUCH: How To Learn Self-Compassion As An Adult. When we can’t access compassion for ourselves, we suffer in silence, judging ourselves and feeling isolated and alone, which can lead to anxiety or depression. A recent study even showed that those who were able to show more compassion towards themselves than others were physically healthier. With all of the benefits, why is it so hard to do?
Can we ask a favor? If you enjoy this newsletter every week, please consider sharing it with a friend (or friends)! We could use your help in growing our audience so that we can continue to do this work. Thanks!!
And don’t forget…
If you joined us at the film this week, stop in and take advantage of your 20% discount at Bavette La Boucherie or any of the three locations of Cafe Corazon ( Bay View, Riverwest, or Brown Deer) through tomorrow (Saturday)!
Have a great weekend!
