We last heard from Becky when she reported on how Moon Cups were changing the lives of Ethiopian women. Here is her latest update from the Trampled Rose.

Hello!

The best part of being at the Trampled Rose is seeing the transformation of the women in our program. They arrive almost unable to hold their heads up and then they graduate full of confidence, hope, and new direction for their future. The part I like the least is writing reports and project proposals.

Unfortunately for me, I have spent the last few weeks writing reports about our past activities and proposals for the future. There are so many good things coming and I promise to keep you informed as more details are worked out. For now, it’s been almost six years since we first opened our gate to do our best to help. Thank you for all your encouragement and help over these years. Can you believe that we’ve helped over 1500 women?

I thought you might like to read the story of Maeza I just wrote for one of those reports I was complaining about. I attached her photo. You can see her when she arrived.

Love,

Becky Kiser
Trampled Rose, Inc.
www.trampledrose.org

These are the grateful words of Maeza herself : “This is the best time in my life! I started to be human again. I know how to write and calculate money. I am happy. I never imagined getting such a chance in my life.” Her husband said “I am so happy and thankful! The trampled Rose helped us financially because my wife knows how to get additional income to change our life. Thank you!”

But Maesa’s life has not always been so happy. When Maeza Miskir arrived at the Trampled Rose her life had already been a hard one. She was born twenty eight years before in the Amhara region in the northern part of Ethiopia to a sustenance farming family. She has four other sisters and two brothers. When she was young there was no school in her area and her parents didn’t consider education important for a girl. They wanted her to get married and be safe instead.

Although Maeza was only seven years old and had no desire to get married she was given to her husband to begin the duties of a wife. This was a terrifying experience for her so as soon as she had the chance she ran away from the man she hardly knew. Because of her illiteracy life was difficult and she married again.

In her second marriage she became pregnant with her first child. In the area where she lived there were very scarce medical services available so most of the women give birth in their own homes or the home of their in laws with a traditional birth attendant. These birth attendants have limited knowledge about difficult child birth deliveries. Maeza was in labor for five full days. At the end of her labor the baby was stillborn.

The pressure on her birth canal had caused a lack of blood flow to her bladder and she developed a vescovaginal fistula. She began to leak urine uncontrollably.. Her husband was offended by her condition and especially her smell. He asked her to leave so he could marry another woman who could have children and he wanted to be free of Maeza.

Maeza’s second husband returned her to her family home. She lived with them for two years when she heard about surgery at a Fistula Hospital near her region. But her depression and bad luck increased when she underwent her surgery only to discover that she seemed to be incurable. The leaking continued. She lived for one more year in hopelessness until she met a new educated man. He loved her and told her that he was willing to marry her because you never know what can happen in the future.

By this time Maeza had been leaking urine down her legs for more than seven years.

One day she was approached by the Amhara development association who was contacting women in their area with fistula on behalf of the Trampled Rose, Inc. Maeza and her husband jumped at the chance for Maeza to learn to read and write and begin a business of her own. Because the problem of fistula is so prevalent in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, Maeza’s sister in law also suffered from fistula. They decided to travel together with the transportation service provided by the Trampled Rose to the city of Addis Ababa.

Maeza was frightened, hungry, tried and dirty when she arrived at the gates of the Trampled Rose. During her orientation she was taught about the causes and cures for fistula. She was especially relieved to learn that fistula is not a curse from God but only a medical condition caused by her prolonged labor. As part of her orientation she was taken to a hospital to be checked for other diseases that could make her studies difficult. She was also examined by an expert fistula surgeon to make sure that her fistula was indeed curable. Her pleasure was immeasurable when she discovered that she did indeed have a chance to be cured by surgery.

Maeza began her literacy class during her first week. She was taught the alphabet by using small stones and sticks to make letters. She could read 180 words in her first week. This quick process gave her courage to try more. In fact, Maeza was the outstanding student in her graduation from the Trampled Rose. She also enjoyed the social atmosphere of being with twenty seven other women with her same problems.

After Maeza could read and write she began her business training of Sambusa making, ironing, traditional bread baking , and jewelry making. She also learned how to manage money and how to make a business plan. She even enjoyed a field trip to a bank to learn how to open her own account. She was surprised because she thought that banks were only for rich people.

Maeza’s surgery was indeed successful and she returned to her happy husband to open her own small shop selling Sambusa, traditional beer, tea, and taking in ironing with the startup capital she received from the Trampled Rose.

Got a pain in your neck? No worries — Imbue is here to naturally heal what hurts, so you can get back to doing what you love! The Imbue Pain Relief Patch is a special blend of herbs developed by acupuncturist and expert in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Peter Borten. Stick the fabric patch where it hurts, and feel your pain melt away!

The Imbue Pain Relief Patch is one of the newest items available at GladRags.com. We’re proud to be one of the first to carry this awesome all-natural patch, and want to share it with you! That’s why the Imbue Patch is on sale for the month of November, and we’re giving away a 4-pack of patches to one lucky winner!

Required entry:

• Leave a comment on this post telling us where you’d put your Imbue Pain Relief Patch!

Optional entries (comment once for each optional entry):

• Like GladRags on Facebook and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so
• Like Imbue Body on Facebook and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so
• Follow GladRags on Twitter and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so
• Follow Imbue Body on Twitter and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so

The winner will be picked by a random number generator on Friday, November 11th, so get your entries in by then!

Name: Kathryn Dusseau Kloos
Age: 34
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Current Location: Portland, OR
Occupation: Naturopathic Physician and mother

Interests: natural medicine, plant spirit medicine, women’s health, playing the guitar, being out in nature, travel to warm tropical places.
Dreams: Before I attended Naturopathic college I spent time studying healing arts with traditional people in the Brazilian Amazon. At that time I was in a deep contemplation if I should stay in Brazil and continue my studies with the plants or go to naturopathic school.  One of my friends there was a beautiful nineteen year old daughter of a shaman.  She knew the medicinal uses of every plant in the the forest and the unique songs that went with each one.  When I asked her what she wished she could do in her life, she told me all she wanted to go was go to medical school.  She said this with sadness in her heart knowing that there was little chance she could ever attend a university due to a lack of opportunity for the people of that region.  It was in that moment when I realized I should go to medical school. If she couldn’t go, I should at least take the opportunity to pursue a higher education that so many people globally don’t have access to.  My vision then and my vision now is to create a knowledge exchange between indigenous and contemporary healers.  One day I would like to take a group down to the Amazon to distribute much needed medical supplies as well as aid in the preservation of their herbal and healing traditions.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products: 14 years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: They are are more comfortable than disposable menstrual products and better for the environment.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: I think that we are in a time now when women are being asked to do a lot in the world.  Its really important that we take time to replenish ourselves by resting, spending time in nature and doing whatever brings us joy.  As women we need to remember to honor the rhythms of our moon cycle and not push ourselves too much, especially during the time of menstruation.  Traditionally women used to bleed during the new moon which is a time for quiet reflection and planting seeds of new dreams.  Ovulation would traditionally happen on the full moon which is a time of outward creativity and expression.  My hope is that we can collectively remember to honor our moon time as a time for rest and reflection as well as value the importance of ‘being’ as much as we value ‘doing’.

Earlier this week, Dr. Bonville explained how essential fatty acids work and why they’re so good for your body. Now, she describes how to add these important EFAs to your diet!

Good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are cod liver oil, salmon, shrimp, cod, walnuts, flax seeds, and kelp. Adding these foods to your diet will improve your overall health and boost the levels of omega-3 fats. However, additional supplementation is often needed to treat certain symptoms and illnesses. Fish oil supplements have flooded the market and have become quite popular for all the reasons listed in part one of this series. Before purchasing a bottle of fish oil, there are a few things a savvy consumer should know.

Are all fish oil supplements created equal? The answer is NO! The buyer must beware when purchasing the omega-3 fatty acids due to the potential toxin content and rancidity of the oils. Since these fats are unsaturated, they are very delicate and can become oxidized or rancid quite easily. Oxidized oils promote ageing and inflammation and they should be avoided. To ensure your fish oil is fresh and pure, follow the guidelines below:

• Look for “molecular distillation” and “good manufacturing certification” on the label. These practices ensure freshness of the product.
• Oil should not smell or taste “fishy.” This smell indicates the oil has gone rancid.
• Buy only pharmecutical grade fish oil: these oils have been purified and are free from heavy metlas, PCB’s and other toxins present in fish.
• Choose products with natural preservatives such as vitamin E or rosemary oil.

To ensure proper dosing of your fish oil, contact your health care provider. There are some precautions when taking an onega-3 fatty acid supplement, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medication or are pregnant.

Dr. Bonville is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who practices primary and family medicine. She has a passion for naturopathic medicine and its capacity to optimize your health.  Dr. Bonville believes that naturopathic medicine can help you feel great, look wonderful, and have the energy you need to enjoy life.

While she enjoys all aspects of family healthcare, Dr. Bonville hold special interest in women’s health issues, hormone imbalances, and holistic cancer care.  She specializes in general gynecology, menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility and pre-pregnancy counseling.  She offers a full scope of women’s health care needs including annual exams, breast exams, hormone testing, and nutritional screening. She is committed to providing an integrative experience, combining traditional medicine with naturopathic philosophy.

Follow Dr. Bonville on Twitter for health tips and inspiring suggestions, and visit the Grain Integrative Health website for more information on her practice.

No doubt you have heard that omega 3 fatty acids are good for your body. Fish oil, a good source of fatty acids, has been a hot topic in the news lately, advertized to cure everything from arthritis to heart disease. But why are omega 3 fatty acids so good for your body and how do they work?

Omega 3 fatty acids are part of a group of fats that are called essential fatty acids (EFAs). While your body is able to produce some fats, these fats are essential nutrients and must be obtained from your diet.  Crucial to many of the physiologic processes in the body, omega fatty acids are the building blocks to our hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammation mediators.  They feed the nervous system and keep the skin and joint lubricated.  Cultures that have a high intake of  EFAs have lower rates of heart disease, healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and lower blood pressure.

There are two nutritionally important omega 3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Each fatty acid is used in the body in different ways and can be use therapeutically as shown below.

EPA	DHA
Strong anti-inflammatory Protective for the heart and circulatory system Improves joint flexibility Best for the brain and nervous system in people over the age of five Promotes healthy mood and emotional wellness	Protective for the eyes and vision Fetal brain structure is dependant on DHA and many women are deficient Best for brain development from pregnancy to age 5 Treats memory and nervous system conditions

The modern diet does is not rich in EFAs. Processed foods, poor quality meat and poultry, and saturated fats from dairy products do not supply omega-3 fatty acids. A deficiency in EFAs can cause dry skin, joint problems, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, memory problems, and low libido. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can balance mood, slow the aging process, improve memory, and decrease allergies.

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which Dr. Bonville will explain how to add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet!

Dr. Bonville is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who practices primary and family medicine. She has a passion for naturopathic medicine and its capacity to optimize your health.  Dr. Bonville believes that naturopathic medicine can help you feel great, look wonderful, and have the energy you need to enjoy life.

While she enjoys all aspects of family healthcare, Dr. Bonville hold special interest in women’s health issues, hormone imbalances, and holistic cancer care.  She specializes in general gynecology, menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility and pre-pregnancy counseling.  She offers a full scope of women’s health care needs including annual exams, breast exams, hormone testing, and nutritional screening. She is committed to providing an integrative experience, combining traditional medicine with naturopathic philosophy.

Follow Dr. Bonville on Twitter for health tips and inspiring suggestions, and visit the Grain Integrative Health website for more information on her practice.

Ladies, are you up to date? Know your health status with an annual checkup!

Most women know that visiting your doctor yearly is crucial for early detection of female-related illnesses. The annual exam can help identify cancerous changes on the cervix, breast, uterus and ovaries, and typically includes a PAP smear, breast exam, and pelvic exam. In addition, the doctor will also assess your heart, blood pressure, and general health.

The PAP smear, a sample of cells taken from a woman’s cervix, is the standard method for detecting changes to the cervix associated with cervical disease and cancer. Often the PAP test is coupled with a DNA test for the Human Papilloma virus which is known to cause cervical cancer. Both tests together are the best way to detect cervical disease and are 99% sure to detect changes in cervical health.

Human Papilloma virus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted virus that can infect the cells of the cervix, leading to cellular changes that predispose a woman to cervical cancer. There are different types of the virus, some more harmful than others. In most women, a healthy and strong immune system can overcome the virus with no future cancer development. 90% of all HPV infections resolve on their own within 2 years, especially with naturopathic treatment. Cancerous changes, or dysplasia, are more likely in women who cannot effectively fight a more harmful strain of the virus. Immune support, a healthy diet and lifestyle, and healthy sexual habits help support cervical health. Ask your naturopathic doctor for details.

Women over 21 or those who are sexually active should begin receiving annual exams, with a PAP done every 1-3 years depending on sexual history and health history. Women over the age of 30 require both the PAP and DNA test for the best screening measures.
By detecting changes in your cervix caused by Human Papilloma virus, these tests are the key for early detection of cancers. A breast and pelvic exam complete the preventative screening for cancer.

Dr. Bonville is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who practices primary and family medicine. She has a passion for naturopathic medicine and its capacity to optimize your health.  Dr. Bonville believes that naturopathic medicine can help you feel great, look wonderful, and have the energy you need to enjoy life.

While she enjoys all aspects of family healthcare, Dr. Bonville hold special interest in women’s health issues, hormone imbalances, and holistic cancer care.  She specializes in general gynecology, menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility and pre-pregnancy counseling.  She offers a full scope of women’s health care needs including annual exams, breast exams, hormone testing, and nutritional screening. She is committed to providing an integrative experience, combining traditional medicine with naturopathic philosophy.

Follow Dr. Bonville on Twitter for health tips and inspiring suggestions, and visit the Grain Integrative Health website for more information on her practice.

Name: Steph Tubman
Age: 25
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Current Location: Southern Highlands (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala
Occupation: Peace Corps Volunteer and Graduate Student

Interests: Writing, Environmental ethics, Foreign languages, Hiking, Whole foods
Dreams: For the moment, leave my community at least a little better off than how I found it! Eventually, finish my Masters’ degree, have a family, and keep learning, teaching, and growing.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products: Two and a half years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: After college I visited an intentional community, which inspired me to try to go zero waste. Getting a menstrual cup was an obvious first step, but I still used disposable pads when my flow was heavy. When I moved to a Guatemalan town with no adequate waste management, the challenge of zero waste became quite practical rather than simply philosophical. I bought a set of GladRags and never looked back!

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: If we’re really going to improve human development world-wide, I think we’ve got to embrace technologies that not only enhance quality of life but also reduce consumer dependency and impact on our ecosystems. I’m of the opinion that reusable menstrual pads are one such awesome technology, which hopefully in the next decade will be promoted – whether purchased or homemade – to more women world-wide (including here in in Guatemala).

October is National Breast Health Awareness Month, and in preparation we bring you this guest post by Maria Davis. What actions will you take to help end breast cancer?

Photo by Courtney Robinson

Would you walk 60 miles to cure breast cancer? Millions of people do just that every year as part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure. The walk covers approximately 60 miles over a period of three days, and is held in numerous cities across the United States, and in many countries around the world. In 2010, the 3-Day was held in 15 U.S. cities, and raised over $87 million.

The 3-Day walk is being held in 14 cities across the United States in 2011. Events began in July, and are running through mid-November, so you still have several opportunities to join in. Participating is easy if a 3-Day is held in or near your city. But how can you get there if the city where you want to walk is far away? If you need to travel to get there, here’s how you can save some money while you’re raising it for a good cause.

Recruit a Sponsor

It can sometimes be difficult to ask people for money, and you must meet a minimum fundraising amount of $2,300 in order to participate in the 3-Day walk. But rather than asking friends, family, and coworkers to contribute extra to get you there, try to find a sponsor. Talk to local businesses you frequent, and ask if they’re willing to donate money toward your travel expenses. Offer them something in return, such as wearing a T-shirt with their business name on it at the event. You can also talk to local radio and TV stations about interviewing you, and mention your sponsor business on the air.

Look For Travel Deals

Most of the online travel sites usually offer deals on airfare for holidays and other events throughout the year. But if the 3-Day walk you want to participate in is taking place outside those time frames, it can be difficult to find affordable fares. The best solution in this case is to find an online discount code. For example, a Travelocity promo code or Orbitz promo codes can save you specific dollar amounts or percentages off your airfare to the walk location. Be sure to do a little searching before you give up on attending because of budget constraints.

Photo by Leah Jones

Save Up

Walking 60 miles over three days is quite a challenge for anyone, even those in the best of shape. You need time to train before taking on the 3-Day, so if you’re not quite ready either financially or physically, start planning for 2012 now.

Next year, the walk will again be held in 14 U.S. cities starting in July, from Boston to San Francisco, Chicago to Dallas/Fort Worth. Choose the city where you want to participate now, and start saving money to cover your travel expenses. This will also give you plenty of time to work up to being able to walk 20 miles a day, not to mention more time to raise money for the event, and get well beyond the minimum required. Saving and waiting can be challenging themselves, but you’ll gain a much greater sense of satisfaction if you’re able to finish the event without injury, and if you’re able to raise more money for such an important cause.

Everyone’s lives are touched by cancer at some point. It may be a family member, a close friend, a coworker, or a friend of a friend. It may even be you. Consider doing something to support finding a cure, whether it’s the 3-Day walk, or any local event near you.

Rebekah K., founder of The Trampled Rose recently contacted us about the struggles of women in Ethiopia suffering from obstetric fistula. We are so moved by how something as simple as a menstrual cup could completely change a woman’s life that we had to share the story with everyone. Read her story below.

I am the founder of the Trampled Rose, Inc.  We work in Ethiopia helping those women who have suffered from Obstetric Fistula learn to read and write, find a way to earn money to make them valued members of their societies, and give them hope for the future.

Obstetric Fistula most often occurs in  women who were married as young as five years old.  They then become pregnant in their early cycles.  Because of their small physical structure and the lack of medical assistance they often are in prolonged labor for many days.  Their baby dies and as the fetus presses on the bladder and/or rectum it causes a hole.  the women then leak urine and/or feces for the rest of their lives.  Some are curable with surgery but many are not.

Their societies most often reject them and believe that their condition is caused by a curse from God.  We began using your Moon Cups with our incurable women a few months ago.  It stopped the leaking!!

One woman in particular began sobbing as she rode on a public bus for the first time in ten years.  She told us that she was never allowed to ride after her Fistula because the urine leaked uncontrollably and the other passengers threw her off.

I know it is difficult for us to imagine such a thing but women all over the world are suffering.  Our dream is to take back many of the cups and bring at least some relief to the women that need our help.

Thank you for your part.

Rebekah Kiser
Founder
Trampled Rose, Inc.
www.trampledrose.org

SheBop is a local, woman-owned adult boutique here in Portland that focuses on educating and creating a safe, fun environment for people of all genders and orientations. We love them for their unwavering dedication to healthy & safe sexuality and women’s rights, and their exceptional knowledge. Read on to discover why the PC muscles are important and how to strengthen them!

Of all the muscles that comprise the pelvic floor, the pubococcygeus muscles are probably the most famous. The pubococcygeus muscles (more well-known as the PC muscles) run from the pubic bone to the tailbone, and form a sort of figure eight around the genitals. All people have PC muscles, and these muscles are instrumental in sexual response — in fact, they involuntarily contract during orgasm, and help to propel ejaculate.

In the forties, a gynecologist named Dr. Arnold Kegel developed the idea of exercising the PC muscles, and the concept of kegel exercises was born. Although Kegel was primarily focused on treating urinary incontinence, one of his papers did mention off-handedly that “sexual appreciation can be increased by restoring function of the pubococcygeus.” Indeed, kegel exercises are now largely associated with sexuality, and for good reason — doing them regularly has many sexual benefits.

Kegel exercise generally consists of voluntarily and repetitively contracting and relaxing the PC muscles. Many associate kegel exercise with a tighter vagina, but that is just one perk of toned PC muscles. Regular kegel exercise can have a variety of pleasurable effects, such as heightened sexual sensitivity, stronger orgasms, and greater response to G-spot stimulation. The more the PC muscles are toned, the more they can relax, so kegels are great for those wanting to have anal sex, or for anyone experiencing difficulty with penetration. With kegel practice and repetition, some female-bodied people can even learn to ejaculate/squirt.

For male-bodied people, toned PC muscles can result in improved ejaculatory control, somewhat firmer erections, and a shorter refractory period (the span of time between ejaculations).

Kegel excercises can be extremely helpful during pregnancy and after birth as well. Kegels are well-known for facilitating excellent bladder control, so they can ease problems with urinary incontinence. Strengthened PC muscles can also prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth, and may help prevent tearing and episiotomy. After birth, regular exercise of the PC muscles can accelerate postpartum healing, restoring tightness and muscle tone in the vagina.

Read the rest of this entry and learn more about toning your kegel muscles on the SheBop blog!