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SHTF Survival: Women’s Health

 Typically, in a post SHTF situation, sanitation conditions [1] are going to be at a minimum (at the very least).  Therefore, a woman’s personal hygiene is essential to her health and should be considered a priority.   When sanitary conditions are not up to par, there is an increase of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diphtheria.  Typically, women and children are the most affected by poor sanitation conditions.  Taking proper precautions and stocking up on sanitary items will help eliminate most issues regarding poor sanitation.

Tampons to the Rescue!

Did you know that tampons and sanitary napkins can be used for medical care?  Due to their high absorbent nature, both items make good wound care dressings.  In fact, the U.S. Army Medics have been using both items in combat situations. Luckily, since pads and tampons are considered a paper item, they have an indefinite shelf life, thus making them a good prepping investment.  Remember to store sanitary items in a dry spot away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.

Getting caught without a pad or tampon while on your period is not way to survive (or even get by) in an emergency situation.  A great way to be prepared for a disaster is to make a personalized woman’s sanitation kit that will fit your monthly needs.  Some items you can include are:

Personal Hygiene Makes a Difference

 A basic understanding of proper sanitation for women are necessary to ensure that diseases and illness do not occur.  Taking time to clean yourself daily will help reduce the growth of bacteria, infections and diseases.

Disposal of Feminine Sanitation Items

It is important to properly dispose of sanitary napkins, as they contain bodily fluids that could pose a health hazard to others. Methods of disposal may differ according to where you are are and what you have available.  However, tampons and feminine napkins do not decompose quickly.  Therefore, the best way to dispose of used feminine napkins tampons is to burn them.  The fire must be very hot in order to thoroughly destroy the used items.  Incinerate any pads or tampons, as well as any paper items used to clean your self with (disposable towelettes, toilet paper, etc).

As many of us are already aware, feminine napkins and tampons are quite costly, and take up a lot of space in the storage closet.  However, as convenient as they are to have around, there are some alternative and less costly ways to deal with our visitor. 

Alternatives to Disposable Sanitary Items

If you choose to use any of the alternative methods, remember to thoroughly clean them for future use.

Sanitation is an often overlooked area of preparedness, and very well could be one of the most important components to survival.  Maintaining proper sanitation during an emergency situation will ensure that you, as well as those around you will stay healthy.