♥️ It’s Period Poverty Awareness Week

Whenever your period hits, you open up your purse and push aside the rogue hair ties, missing chapstick, and gum to grab your tampon.

But what if your tampon wasn’t there?

Half the population menstruates. But not everyone has access to period supplies due to lack of income.

We’re giving a Standing Ovulation to the Alliance for Period Supplies that is taking action and you can too:

🩸 Learn more about period legislation and reach out to elected officials: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/period-legislation/

🩸 Download the Student Advocacy Toolkit to get period products in schools: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/period-products-in-schools/

🩸 You can ship period supplies to the Period Pantry Project here: https://www.theperiodpantryproject.org/donate

Everyone deserves to have the menstrual hygiene products they need, period ✌️

👀 HOT FLASH TAKE OF THE WEEK

We don’t do math in public, but this tampon math from @periodsupplies has us 🤯👇

Can you help us spread the word and forward to friends who want to #stayabreast of news about their body?

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📰 TOP NEWS ABOUT YOUR BODY

1. New Research in Kombucha's Potential Role in a Healthier Gut

A recent clinical study has found that daily consumption of black tea kombucha can promote healthier gut bacteria, especially in individuals with obesity. The study observed a reduction in harmful microbes and an increase in beneficial ones, suggesting that kombucha could be a supportive addition to weight management strategies. Read more here.

🧠 Stay Abreast Take:
While kombucha isn't a magic bullet for weight loss, its positive impact on gut health is promising. Incorporating it into a balanced diet could be a tasty way to support your wellness journey.

2. New Treatment Approach Boosts Survival Rates for Aggressive Breast Cancers

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a novel treatment strategy for patients with aggressive, inherited breast cancers. By administering chemotherapy followed by the targeted cancer drug olaparib before surgery, the study achieved a 100% survival rate over a critical three-year period post-surgery. Read more here.

🧠 Stay Abreast Take:
This breakthrough offers renewed hope for individuals with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. It's a significant step forward in personalized cancer treatment.

3. South Carolina Upholds Six-Week Abortion Ban

The South Carolina Supreme Court has upheld the state's six-week abortion ban, ruling that the law's language reflects the legislative intent to prohibit abortions once cardiac activity is detectable. Critics argue that the ban is harmful and complicates medical care. Read more here.

🧠 Stay Abreast Take:
This decision highlights the ongoing challenges to reproductive rights. It's essential to stay informed and advocate for access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

4. 20 States still charge taxes on menstrual products

The sales taxes range from 4% to 7% in Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. 5 U.S. states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon) do not have a statewide sales tax. However, in many states, cities and counties impose an additional local sales tax.

Does your state still tax period products?(Read more here + download their toolkit)

🧠 Stay Abreast Take:
33 states exempt food from being taxed because it’s “essential.” When are they going to realize that period products are just as essential as food?

5. AI Enhances Detection of Hard-to-Spot Breast Cancers

A new study highlights the potential of artificial intelligence in improving breast cancer detection. AI algorithms have shown promise in identifying cancers that are often missed by traditional mammogram screenings, potentially reducing interval cancers by 30%. Read more here.

🧠 Stay Abreast Take:
The integration of AI into diagnostic processes could lead to earlier detection and better outcomes for patients. It's an exciting development in the intersection of technology and healthcare.

💌 That’s a wrap for this week!

When was your first period? Tell us your first period story at @stayabreasthq 

Stay informed, stay empowered, and as always, stay abreast. 💖

— With love and solidarity,
Your Stay Abreast Team 🩷