The Monthly Period-ical July 2021 Issue
In this issue, we feature:
Renewing Dignity partners with UN Health
What is “regular” when it comes to a period?
Donor Profile, Tammy Anderson
Winner of the “Why do you #love renewing dignity” contest”, Ariana Johnson
Volunteer Spotlight, Reggie Alguto
AKA President Vernice Whitfield and Vice President Toni Sweeting with Jan Healy, Renewing Dignity Founder and President.
Renewing Dignity Partners with UF Health
Renewing Dignity is partnering with UF Health Jacksonville's Urban Health Alliance who celebrated their grand opening in June. Renewing Dignity launched the partnership by donating 12,600 menstrual pads. The Urban Health Alliance is a comprehensive resource and community health innovation hub that brings together organizations and individuals to help improve the health of Jacksonville residents using community-initiated, self-sustainable strategies and solutions. This ongoing partnership increases Renewing Dignity's reach and ability to support the menstrual needs of women and girls in Jacksonville.
Contest Winner: Ariana Johnson
Renewing Dignity volunteer Ariana Johnson was the winner of the Why Do You #Love Renewing Dignity contest! She received a swag bag full of fun Natural Life products, generously donated by Patti Hughes, founder/owner of Natural Life. She loves Renewing Dignity because “the organization recognizes the need and goes above and beyond to bridge the gap.” Congrats Ariana!
Were you surprised to hear that period poverty existed among women and girls? Yes – especially here in the United States. While we have seen this same need first hand in our work in Kenya, a Third World country, we had no idea that it was also a problem in the states. With the launch of Renewing Dignity, I have become more aware of the cost of these items. Just recently, I went to the store to purchase sanitary products for my daughter and was blown away by the cost! I have taken my financial situation for granted and can’t imagine struggling to purchase these items for myself or my two daughters.
What excites you the most about Renewing Dignity's accomplishments? This non-profit has not only opened the eyes of individuals and organizations in the community in which it serves, it has prompted direct action to ease the silent suffering of so many women and girls.
How did you first hear about Renewing Dignity? I learned about Renewing Dignity from my good friend Jan Healy. What I love about Jan is when she sees a need, she doesn’t just talk about it, she does something about it. She has used her time, talents and connections in Florida to not only raise awareness of the problem, but she is restoring dignity to so many women whose basic needs are not being met. What prompted you to become a Monthly Cycle donor? I not only wanted to support Jan in her efforts, but I too wanted to do my small part in investing in the dignity of others.
What do you enjoy about being an Renewing Dignity volunteer? Meeting new people while tabling, whether they be volunteers or those drawn to the Renewing Dignity table. What has been your coolest experience as a volunteer? I was walking around the Riverside Arts Market last month passing out sample bags (with products and our info) and stopped to chat with a vendor. Low and behold, she’s a professor from Jacksonville University’s Clinical Health Department. She was so pumped to hear about RD and talk to her students about it. I love it when people get excited and want to get involved!
How long have you lived in Jacksonville? Where else have you lived? I consider myself a Jacksonvillian! My family moved here from Philly when I was 10. I currently live in my ideal Jax neighborhood, Riverside, and enjoy getting around on bike or foot.
What do you do to de-stress or relax? Breathing. I de-stress by being intentional about my time and energy. Some of the activities I enjoy: lay around at parks to disconnect from social media, go through my long stack of “to-read” books and sit in my patio with a cup of tea or water.
Tell us a few of your favorite things: Band: The Beatles Ice cream flavor: Icebox Lemon from May Day Season: Fall/Winter
What is ‘Regular’ When it Comes to a Period?
When doctors ask if your periods are “regular,” they’re referring to the predictability of the timing of periods. The first day of a period is the first day of red bleeding. A “regular” period is a period that comes 21 to 35 days after the last first day of bleeding. Most menstruators can understand if their periods are “regular” or not by tracking their cycle either with a calendar or on a period tracking app. Let’s say you predictably get your period 28 days after the last one, this would mean that your period is “regular.” But if the time between the first days of your period bounces around between intervals of 15 days, 40 days, 30 days, or in a way that is difficult to predict, that would mean you have irregular periods. Irregular periods are common at the beginning of menstruation during puberty and often end around peri-menopause. If your periods are irregular, you should see a gynaecologist who can look into the underlying cause.
Make a Donation
Renewing Dignity has distributed 1.2M tampons and pads to women in girls in need. With a donation, you can join the movement to end period poverty because all people deserve the dignity of having essential period products. Please consider making a donation today.
Purchase Your Personal Period Pouch!
These Period Pouches are perfect! You will want to be the first of your friends to purchase this pretty and inspiring bag to carry all your "personals." A myth buster educational card by Dr. Marta Perez is included with each pouch. You will be doing your part to support other women and girls because the amazing people at Natural Life are donating a percentage of the revenues to Renewing Dignity! At only $15, purchasing a period pouch is a win-win for all!