Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers

Former Miss America swimsuit winner Nancy Amanda Redd has written a book titled "Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers." I love her stand on body image and promoting self-esteem among young girls. I believe that we must encourage confidence, self- love, and self -esteem among our teen girls in order for them to succeed later in life. Click on the link to see an ABC special about her and the book.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4114298&affil=wabc

What Should Aunt Flow Wear?

I often get the question of "Should I encourage my daughter to use reusable pads, biodegradable pads, or the conventional feminine pads?" My answer is always the same: What do you prefer? Now, for those of you that are wondering what is a reusable pad, it is a pad made out of organic and un-dyed cotton. Usually, these pads can be reused up to 3 to 5 years. The downside to this alternative is that you must rinse the pad once you have used it and prior to putting them in the washer. Many women are turned off by this.

Biodegradable pads are usually 90% biodegradable and are free from chlorine bleach, rayon, perfumes, etc. Women that like the biodegradable pads say that they feel softer and more comfortable than a traditional pad. Complaints have included that they are too short for complete coverage, there is no vairety, and are more expensive thant the conventional pads.

Conventional pads are most common among women and are standard in the market today. However, conventional pads have been criticized to being non-ecofriendly. However, these pads have many choices to pick from in terms of size and cost effectiveness.

I personally do not endorse any label or brand of feminine napkins but do think that we are all entitled to choose what we use. If you are cost conscious; use reusable pads. If you are environmentally conscious; use biodegradable. If you are cost conscious and want variety; use conventional pads. Either way I would love to hear what your experiences have been.

My First Period.

I clearly remember when I first started my period. I was 14 and felt like I was the last girl in my circle of friends to start. Although I had two older sisters, this was not a conversation we regularly had with my mom. My first talk about my body and its changes were given to me during 5th grade Health Ed class which seemed like ages before I actually came face to face with this huge change. Because my mom was from a different cultural background, we never talked openly about our periods. My mom did give me a feminine pad and said I would have my period every month and that I should regularly change my pad. That was it! That was my talk. I remember having so many questions and wanted to feel like I had options over the thick Maxi Pads that she had given me. Because of my experience I chose to change the way we think about menstruation. I have vowed to promote awareness and to get rid of the negative stigma associated with young girl's period. I believe every girl deserves a positive experience!
-Sonia