Periods are a natural and normal part of life for girls and women. However, they can also be unpredictable, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. That's why it's important to be prepared and have a period emergency kit that contains all the essentials that every girl should carry in her period bag. A period emergency kit is a collection of items that can help girls manage their menstrual needs and cope with any challenges that may arise during their period. In this article, we will explore what every girl should carry in her period bag.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
The first step in assembling a period emergency kit is to understand the basics. These are the essential products that every girl should carry in her period bag to absorb the menstrual flow and prevent leaks and stains. The basics include:
- Pads: These are absorbent materials that stick to the underwear and catch the menstrual blood. They come in different sizes, shapes, and absorbencies, depending on the flow and preference of the user. Pads are easy to use and dispose of, but they can also be bulky and uncomfortable for some girls.
- Tampons: These are absorbent materials that are inserted into the vagina and absorb the menstrual blood from inside. They come in different sizes, shapes, and absorbencies, depending on the flow and preference of the user. Tampons are discreet and comfortable for some girls, but they can also cause irritation and infection if not changed regularly.
- Menstrual cups: These are reusable devices that are inserted into the vagina and collect the menstrual blood in a cup-like shape. They are made of silicone, rubber, or plastic, and they can last for several hours before needing to be emptied and rinsed. Menstrual cups are eco-friendly and cost-effective for some girls, but they can also be difficult to insert and remove for others.
2. HYGIENE HEROES
The second step in assembling a period emergency kit is to include the hygiene heroes. These are the essential products that every girl should carry in her period bag to maintain proper hygiene and prevent infections and odors during her period. The hygiene heroes include:
- Wet wipes: These are moistened tissues that can be used to clean the genital area and the hands after changing the period product. They can also be used to wipe any stains or spills that may occur on the clothes or the surroundings. Wet wipes are handy and refreshing for girls, but they should also be biodegradable and fragrance-free to avoid harming the environment and the skin.
- Hand sanitizer: This is a liquid or gel that can be used to disinfect the hands before and after changing the period product. It can also be used to sanitize any surfaces or objects that may come in contact with the menstrual blood. Hand sanitizer is useful and convenient for girls, but it should also be alcohol-based and gentle on the skin to avoid drying and irritation.
- Panty liners: These are thin and light pads that can be used to protect the underwear from any leaks or spotting that may occur before or after the period. They can also be used to keep the underwear fresh and clean during the period. Panty liners are discreet and comfortable for girls, but they should also be changed frequently and disposed of properly to avoid infections and odors.
3. COMFORT IS KEY
The third step in assembling a period emergency kit is to add the comfort-oriented items. These are the essential products that every girl should carry in her period bag to alleviate the physical discomfort and pain that may accompany her period. The comfort-oriented items include:
- Painkillers: These are medications that can be used to relieve the cramps, headaches, and backaches that may occur during the period. They can be over-the-counter or prescription drugs, depending on the severity and frequency of the pain. Painkillers are effective and helpful for girls, but they should also be taken with caution and moderation to avoid side effects and complications.
- Heating pads: These are devices that can be used to apply heat to the lower abdomen or the lower back to soothe the cramps and relax the muscles. They can be electric, microwaveable, or disposable, depending on the availability and preference of the user. Heating pads are soothing and comforting for girls, but they should also be used with care and supervision to avoid burns and injuries.
- Snacks and drinks: These are foods and beverages that can be used to replenish the energy and nutrients that may be lost during the period. They can also be used to satisfy the cravings and boost the mood that may fluctuate during the period. Snacks and drinks are nourishing and enjoyable for girls, but they should also be healthy and balanced to avoid weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
4. PREPAREDNESS ON THE GO
The fourth step in assembling a period emergency kit is to consider the preparedness on the go. These are the essential products that every girl should carry in her period bag to stay prepared and confidently manage her menstrual needs while on the go. The preparedness on the go items include:
- Ziplock bags: These are plastic bags that can be used to store the used period products until they can be disposed of properly. They can also be used to store the clean period products to keep them sanitary and organized. Ziplock bags are practical and hygienic for girls, but they should also be reusable and recyclable to avoid wasting and polluting.
- Spare underwear: This is an extra pair of underwear that can be used to change into in case of any leaks or stains that may occur on the original underwear. It can also be used to feel fresh and comfortable during the period. Spare underwear is essential and reassuring for girls, but it should also be dark-colored and cotton-made to avoid showing and causing any problems.
- Coin purse: This is a small pouch that can be used to store some coins or bills that can be used to buy or access the period products in case of emergencies. It can also be used to store some personal items, such as an ID card or a phone number, in case of any accidents or incidents. Coin purse is handy and useful for girls, but it should also be discreet and secure to avoid attracting attention and losing valuables.
5. SUSTAINABLE CHOICES
The fifth step in assembling a period emergency kit is to explore the sustainable choices. These are the eco-friendly options for period products that not only benefit the environment but also provide girls with choices aligned with their values. The sustainable choices include:
- Reusable pads: These are pads that can be washed and reused multiple times. They are made of natural or organic materials, such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp, and they come in different sizes, shapes, and absorbencies. Reusable pads are environmentally friendly and cost-effective for girls, but they also require proper care and maintenance to avoid infections and odors.
- Organic tampons: These are tampons that are made of organic cotton, which is grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or bleaches. They are biodegradable and compostable, and they come in different sizes, shapes, and absorbencies. Organic tampons are safer and healthier for girls and the planet, but they also have a higher price and a lower availability than conventional tampons.
- Period underwear: These are underwear that have a built-in absorbent layer that can hold the menstrual flow. They are made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics, and they come in different styles, colors, and sizes. Period underwear are convenient and comfortable for girls, but they also need to be washed and dried properly to avoid bacteria and mold growth.
6. BEYOND THE ESSENTIALS
The sixth step in assembling a period emergency kit is to include the beyond the essentials items. These are the additional items that can enhance the overall experience of managing menstruation, from mood-boosting essentials to practical tools. The beyond the essentials items include:
- Chocolate: This is a sweet treat that can be used to indulge the cravings and improve the mood that may vary during the period. It can also provide some antioxidants and minerals that can benefit the health and well-being. Chocolate is delicious and satisfying for girls, but it should also be consumed in moderation and preferably dark to avoid calories and sugar.
- Calendar: This is a tool that can be used to track the menstrual cycle and predict the start and end dates of the period. It can also be used to monitor the symptoms and patterns that may occur during the period. Calendar is informative and helpful for girls, but it should also be updated and checked regularly to avoid surprises and errors.
- Book: This is a source of entertainment and education that can be used to pass the time and distract the mind from the discomfort and boredom that may accompany the period. It can also be used to learn more about the menstrual cycle, the female body, and the health and wellness tips. Book is enjoyable and informative for girls, but it should also be relevant and reliable to avoid misinformation and myths.
7. ADDRESSING CHALLENGES
The seventh and final step in assembling a period emergency kit is to address the challenges. These are the strategies and items that every girl should carry in her period bag to cope with the unexpected challenges that may arise during her period. The challenges include:
- Irregular periods: These are periods that are unpredictable, inconsistent, or abnormal in terms of timing, duration, or flow. They can be caused by various factors, such as stress, diet, exercise, medication, or health conditions. Irregular periods are frustrating and stressful for girls, but they can also be managed and treated with the help of a doctor and some lifestyle changes.
- Heavy periods: These are periods that have a high volume of blood loss, usually more than 80 ml per cycle, or that last longer than seven days. They can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalance, fibroids, polyps, or bleeding disorders. Heavy periods are exhausting and inconvenient for girls, but they can also be controlled and reduced with the help of a doctor and some medication or surgery.
- Period leaks: These are accidents that occur when the menstrual blood escapes the period product and stains the clothes or the surroundings. They can be caused by various factors, such as improper use, incorrect size, insufficient absorbency, or overflow of the period product. Period leaks are embarrassing and uncomfortable for girls, but they can also be prevented and handled with the help of some tips and tricks.
Some of the strategies and items that girls can use to address these challenges are:
- Calendar app: This is a tool that can be used to track the menstrual cycle and predict the start and end dates of the period. It can also be used to monitor the symptoms and patterns that may occur during the period. Calendar app is informative and helpful for girls with irregular periods, but it should also be updated and checked regularly to avoid surprises and errors.
- Extra period products: These are additional period products that can be used to change or replace the original period product in case of heavy periods or period leaks. They can be pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear, depending on the preference and availability of the user. Extra period products are essential and reassuring for girls with heavy periods or period leaks, but they should also be stored and disposed of properly to avoid infections and odors.
- Stain remover: This is a product that can be used to remove or reduce the stains or spills that may occur on the clothes or the surroundings due to period leaks. It can be a spray, a pen, or a wipe, depending on the convenience and effectiveness of the user. Stain remover is handy and useful for girls with period leaks, but it should also be tested and applied carefully to avoid damaging the fabric or the color.
CONCLUSION
Period is a natural and normal part of life for girls and women, but it can sometimes be unpredictable, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. That's why it's important to be prepared and have a menstrual emergency kit. The emergency kit can help manage our menstrual needs and deal with any challenges that may arise during the period. By having a menstrual emergency kit, girls can feel confident and comfortable during their period, and enjoy their lives without any worries or interruptions.