I Switched to These Toxin-Free Period Products, and Right Now They're Up to 25% Off for Prime Day
That's when I switched to Viv, a toxin-free, sustainable menstrual care brand whose products actually work. I've tried all of the brand's products, from the organic cotton pads to the tampons with BPA-free applicators to the surprisingly comfortable menstrual cup.
Right now, Viv is offering 25% off all menstrual cups and 15% off pads and tampons for Prime Day. If you're curious about a cleaner period routine, this is the chance to start or stock up.
Check out our CNET live deals for staff-approved wellness, tech and home picks.
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Why I love Viv
Viv's products have completely changed how I feel about my period. The tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and come in certified compostable corn starch-based wrappers instead of plastic. The pads are made from bamboo, corn fibers, and wood pulp. They are also naturally antibacterial and a lot better for the environment. The disc, which I find doesn't leak like other menstrual cups, is made from medical-grade silicone and is pretty comfortable. The brand has become my go-to for cleaner, lighter menstrual products.
I don't dread buying or using period products anymore. Viv has helped me feel more aligned with how I want to care for my body, with clean and intentional products that are good for me and the planet.
Why this deal matters
Swapping your period products can feel intimidating, and honestly, really expensive -- especially with reusable cups. That's why this up to 25% off deal is great for making the switch. If you want to go toxin-free or reduce your period waste, Viv makes the transition much easier and more affordable.
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Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Here's How Moms Are Making School Exciting Again After Summer School
Summer break is cut short for students who are required to do summer school. Here's how their parents are ramping up for the new school year a bit differently. For many kids, summer is a time to unwind but, for those who've spent it in summer school, the break may have felt more like an extension of the academic grind. As the new school year approaches, these children might feel burnt out, discouraged, or even unmotivated. Parents will play a crucial role in helping shift their mindset from fatigue to anticipation, helping their child rekindle their enthusiasm and build positive momentum for the months ahead. Making the Most of Free Time Vanessa Gordon, mom of two and Hamptons travel and lifestyle expert, explains that her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, and summer school was offered complementarily by the school. Because of her ADHD and since she did not get her IEP until the latter half of the year (late April), her daughter would have struggled or potentially would have had to repeat the grade. Summer school was the most seamless solution. 'We felt it was a wonderful opportunity to help her stay academically inclined and focused during the summer months. It also gives her a chance to build better habits for success in a supportive environment. She genuinely loves learning, so we wanted to continue to foster that enthusiasm,' Gordon says. Although her daughter initially asked why she needed to attend summer school, Gordon says that she has become mature enough to process those feelings and understand that school, even during summer, is an important part of her growth. 'We talk openly about it, and she can see how her efforts pay off through her report cards and reading logs, which we keep to help measure progress and celebrate successes. This helps her feel proud of her hard work and see the value in staying engaged academically.' To help her child get excited for the new school year, Gordon plans to take advantage of the break in between sessions to recharge. 'Summer school hours are very manageable,' she notes. 'It runs only from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, so she still has a nice balance of structured learning and free time. We make sure there are plenty of opportunities for beach days and time outdoors.' After summer school has finished, Gordon also plans to continue to assist with reinforcing a consistent routine and positive learning habits to help her daughter feel confident and prepared. 'Over the summer, we set aside time to review her 5th-grade workbooks together, practice handwriting and cursive (skills that often get overlooked but are so important) and work on art projects both at home and outside at the local park and in other open-air settings.' Gordon says that spending time at the East Hampton Library is also part of their routine. It helps her mentally transition into a focused mindset and reminds her that learning can happen anywhere but still in a structured setting. The library offers plenty of additional structured activities like preteen nights, Saturday crafts, cooking classes, and team-building events – these fun experiences help keep her daughter motivated and looking forward to the school year ahead. 'We also take mini field trips to places like the local clam hatchery, pick-your-own farms, and our historical center, which keep her engaged and curious, especially as she always tells me how her mind is always so active,' Gordon says. 'These are also activities that she genuinely enjoys and they help her reconnect with the joy of learning. This also helps her start the new school year with a positive outlook and without that overwhelming feeling.' Building Excitement About School Nicole Pomije, mom of two and founder of The Cookie Cups, says that her daughter needed to attend summer school because her reading scores were below what they should be. 'I'm not sure what the actual number was but on the 'Fast Bridge Testing' that they do in Minnesota, she came up under the average for reading twice in her 1st grade year. Because of this, she was nominated by her teacher to be a part of 'Summer Explorers'—a 6 week program ending the week of July 25 that takes about 325 students from the district. After this program, Pomije says that her daughter has a week of art camp and some family traveling. 'It will be a good break to get ready for the fall back-to-school season that doesn't start until after Labor Day here. I believe the program not only will show that her test scores have improved, but has also helped her confidence with the skills she will need to succeed in 2nd grade.' Furthermore, she likes to do school supply shopping to get her daughter excited for the new school year. 'She's a 7-year-old girl, so shopping is always on the 'fun' list for her. I like to let her pick out what she wants, from cute headphones to pencil boxes. I have found that if she gets to pick her school supplies, she's excited to use them and show them off in school. It's not about price either – even the dollar tree has super cute items.' Fostering a Joy of Learning Nieka Richard, an assistant principal in California, explains that in her district, which serves approximately 5,600 students, they offer some families the option to enroll their children in a program called Extended School Year, or ESY. Unlike mandatory summer school, ESY is a targeted support and enrichment opportunity offered during the summer months to help reduce the learning loss that often occurs when students are out of school for an extended period. 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'Families can engage in conversations that help students look forward to new beginnings such as new teachers, new friends, and new goals. Shopping for school supplies, updating backpacks and clothing items, or even setting small academic or personal goals together can build anticipation in a positive way.' She also recommends visiting the school campus before the year starts (if possible), attending fun orientations, and talking about favorite school subjects or clubs to help create a sense of connection and curiosity. Even if students have spent the summer in ESY, Richard sees it as a part of her job as an assistant principal to help students connect with the joy of learning. In collaboration with her teachers and staff, they do this by creating welcoming environments that feel safe, inspiring, and student-centered from day one. 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Medscape
7 minutes ago
- Medscape
Investigate Shortness of Breath: Here's How
If a patient calls their primary care provider and complains about shortness of breath, an in-office examination is generally warranted. Your patient may explain how they're out of breath from everyday activities, like using stairs or getting winded from walking the dog, or just not being able to catch their breath. 'All new episodes of shortness of breath should be evaluated in real time by a clinician, ideally in person,' said Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS, pulmonologist and associate professor, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. But if the patient has a diagnosed condition, a phone or virtual discussion could be enough. 'The only time I can see foregoing an immediate clinic visit is if a known cardiopulmonary diagnosis exists,' Galiatsatos said. For example, if you already know the patient has a pulmonary or cardiac condition and their dyspnea (shortness of breath) is similar to prior episodes of breathlessness, then an in-office appointment may not necessarily be needed, he said. Those could be managed by both an action plan that has already been discussed at prior visits. A Red Flag During Office Visits What if a patient is already in the office for another reason and casually mentions episodes of shortness of breath, how should the primary doctor proceed? Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS Even if dyspnea is mentioned casually, it warrants a thorough history and focused physical exam, especially if this is new or worsening. This could be an early sign of a more serious problem, said Lijo Illipparambil, MD, pulmonologist and assistant professor of Clinical Thoracic Medicine and Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. When discussing such symptoms, Illipparambil recommends these questions: When do episodes occur — during exertion vs rest? How long have these symptoms been occurring? Are there other symptoms, like fatigue, chest tightness, wheezing, cough, or swelling? How limiting are the symptoms? Is the patient able to climb stairs, and if so, how many? Is walking across a room or doing daily chores causing them to be dyspneic? How to Be a Frontline Partner? Primary care doctors are essential in identifying early signs of cardiopulmonary disease. 'Generally, they are the first physicians who meet the patients and do most of the work-up initially. They coordinate care, especially with specialists, provide lifestyle counseling, and monitor chronic conditions like COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], asthma, and congestive heart failure,' Illipparambil said. Lijo Illipparambil, MD In many ways, they are the real central component for care of patients with dyspnea, he affirmed. 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Most people notice this breathlessness even within a few dozen feet or so of walking on flat surface, he cited. Pulmonary embolism (lung blood clot). This is more acute in occurrence, and patients often describe a heaviness and uncomfortableness in their chest. 'This is often accompanied by something that provoked the blood clot, long hours of sitting say from a long flight, or a trauma to the legs,' Galiatsatos continued. Heart failure. The key symptom here is the inability to lay down flat, he asserted. Patients may note having to sleep with several pillows, prompting their head and upper torso to be more and more vertical or abandoning sleeping in a bed and sleeping in a recliner, he also explained. Lifestyle Strategies The key is to be empathetic, collaborative, and goal oriented. 'This is indeed a delicate yet vital conversation,' Illipparambil said. There are several reasons for shortness of breath and approaching patients this way can help with patient openness and discussion. One thing that helps is the use of motivational interviewing techniques. For instance, he recommends asking permission to discuss weight, tobacco use, or other lifestyle habits that may be affecting shortness of breath can help establish a partnering role in these goals. Another way to approach, he continued, is focusing on functions such as walking without getting winded and changing habits toward a healthy lifestyle rather than just the number on the scale. 'Additionally, offering resources and referrals for nutrition, sleep study, physical therapy, etc., can go a long way. Medications, of course, can help, especially inhalers in COPD and asthma patients. Antihypertensives and other medications that help modify heart disease, and goal-directed medical therapy have been shown to improve symptoms in patients with heart failure,' Illipparambil also said. How Does Obesity Intersect With Shortness of Breath? Obesity is often linked to cardiopulmonary deconditioning, according to Trishul Siddharthan, MD, pulmonologist and associate professor of the Department of Medicine with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the UHealth — University of Miami Health System, both in Miami. 'Extra weight is a significant cause of shortness of breath in the general population and interacts with respiratory diseases like asthma to worsen symptoms,' Siddharthan outlined. Lifestyle changes and other strategies to cope are a shared decision, he said. 'I ensure I address the underlying medical condition while addressing enablers and barriers to weight loss.'
Forbes
8 minutes ago
- Forbes
Beyond The Bedroom: The Truth About Sexual Health, Intimacy, And Aging
conceptual abstract image of the female reproductive system. Female uterus with vagina and ovaries Sex and older adults remain taboo subjects in many societies—often ignored or stigmatized. But growing evidence shows that sexual health is a critical component of well-being, even in later life. A new study published in the Menopause journal this month reinforces this point: for many older women, sexual pleasure and orgasm remain important, and menopause does not always bring negative changes to sexuality, including the ability to orgasm during masturbation. These findings are vital for the lives of older women, whose healthcare needs—and costs—typically increase with age due to longer life expectancy. In the U.S., women live an average of 81 years, about five years longer than men. Challenging Ageist Myths About Intimacy And Sexual Health Intimacy and sexual health are essential components of healthy aging, despite persistent ageist stereotypes. The notion that older adults—especially women—cannot or should not enjoy a satisfying sex life is both misleading and harmful. Research increasingly shows that positive sexual relationships contribute significantly to overall health and quality of life. In contrast, poor sexual health, including dysfunction, can negatively affect both mental well-being and life satisfaction. One key factor is libido, which may decline with age, though it's not a universal experience. Medical conditions, hormonal changes, medications, lifestyle factors, and relationship dynamics all play a role. For example, it's common for women to experience a dip in libido after childbirth due to exhaustion, hormonal shifts, emotional stress, and body image concerns. I had heard about libido changes after childbirth, but I didn't realize how drastically it would shift. The hormonal changes and sleep deprivation really took a toll, said Ava Parker, 36 (name changed). 'And because I chose to breastfeed for a while, the experience lasted longer than I expected.' Parker represents the many women who come to realize that major life changes can impact their libido. Ultimately, libido fluctuations—whether postpartum or in later life—should not be ignored. Consulting a healthcare provider can help individuals better understand their sexual health and explore appropriate treatments. Rethinking Intimacy And Sexual Health In Midlife And Beyond As health strongly influences older adults' sexual activity, it's important to examine how intimacy evolves with age. The Menopause study looked at masturbation habits, orgasm experiences, and sex toy use among a nationally representative sample of 1,500 U.S. women aged 40 to 65 (median age: 52.5 years). Of the participants, 55.8% were postmenopausal, 22.7% perimenopausal, and 21.5% premenopausal. Key findings include: These data were part of a broader study on masturbation and menopausal symptoms in midlife and older women. The study aimed to explore whether women's reasons for masturbation differ by age and menopausal status, and whether these differences offer new insights into sexuality, menopause, and sexual satisfaction. One key finding suggested that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with lower sexual desire may masturbate less frequently. Ultimately, to generate more robust findings, future prospective studies should follow women through the various stages of menopause and include participants from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds. Looking Ahead: Sexual Health, Aging, And Menopause In addition to shedding light on the menopause transition, this study highlights the need for open conversations and holistic approaches to sexual wellness. 'The two trends we're seeing are the integration of sexual and intimate wellness into broader definitions of health, and the normalization of supporting women at every age,' said Laura Beres, vice president and head of wellness at Ulta Beauty, during the Bare It All event on women's wellness. This October, leading researchers and experts will gather for another major event focused on sexual wellness. The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University will host its 2025 Sex and Aging Symposium, spotlighting the evolving landscape of sexuality in older adulthood. The symposium will cover topics including sex over 60, menopause and sex drive, racial disparities in menopause care, and sexual health across the lifespan. It will also address the needs of LGBTQ communities, vulvovaginal health, and the psychology of sex. These discussions are essential in reshaping public understanding of aging and sexuality, and in promoting the well-being of older adults through inclusive and evidence-based narratives. Sexual Health And A Lifelong Desire For Connection Older Adults Kissing in Garden. As people age, their need for connection remains strong. Many older adults still desire and engage in fulfilling sexual relationships. While some may face physical or health-related challenges, others continue—or even rediscover—intimacy and pleasure. Providers play a crucial role in this conversation. 'This survey shows that self-pleasure can be an effective, accessible tool for relieving menopausal symptoms—one that should be integrated into existing care strategies,' said Dr. Cynthia Graham, senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute and co-leader of the Menopause study. Still, there's a need for a broader conversation about how chronic health conditions—such as pain—and reduced sexual desire linked to emotional or physical health issues can impact sexual well-being. Healthcare professionals recognize that sexual dysfunction is not only detrimental to relationships and mental health but can also signal underlying physical conditions like heart disease. Preventive health screenings are essential for older adults to help reduce sexual health issues. Moreover, older women can enhance the quality of their sexual experiences by proactively managing their health conditions. It's also important to note that aging does not shield anyone from the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), older adults remain at risk for STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. Reports also highlight a rise in HIV/AIDS cases among older adults—a trend that warrants greater attention from both researchers and society. Practicing safe sex and making informed choices are essential to protecting personal health and preventing the spread of infections. Conclusion: Shifting The Narrative On Sexual Health Everyone, regardless of age, has a fundamental need for love, intimacy, and emotional connection. Prioritizing the sexual health of older adults—and dismantling the myths that surround it—is long overdue. It's time we embrace the full spectrum of aging and sexuality, recognizing that a satisfying sex life can and should be part of healthy aging.
