With every new month comes a cyclical repetition bringing with it physical discomfort and unbearable pain alongside emotional and mental disturbances that women have to go through. These include pain while menstruating, cramping, bloating, mood swings, and for most women, an intense sense of fatigue. For centuries, options related to menstrual hygiene have only been limited to disposable pads and tampons, both very uncomfortable and unsustainable means to deal with periods. Fortunately, it isn't the case anymore.

As far as menstrual care products go, today's women can make a choice from products customized for various needs, lifestyles, and values, creating room for a more comfortable, more environmentally friendly, and more empowering approach to periods.

As Simran Balar Jain, a sex-ed content creator and founder of UnBound – a women's health and hygiene brand puts it, "We have all grown up limited by options, mostly having used disposable pads and tampons. But with this increase in awareness and innovation, there has been a huge array of unorthodox, effective products that have emerged offering new ways to manage your periods."

There are five truly innovative menstrual products that really redefine period care, such as alternatives, to make things really different.

1. Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups have gained popularity and can be a real game-changer for those looking for ways to make periods less wasteful. Made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are reusable and leak-free for up to 12 hours. Unlike pads and tampons, which absorb menstrual blood, cups collect it, making it much less likely for the vaginal area to suffer from dryness and irritation.

What makes menstrual cups so appealing is their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. One cup can last for several years, significantly reducing monthly spending on period products and cutting down on the waste generated by disposables. Menstrual cups are perfect for active lifestyles, from yoga to swimming, offering freedom and security for people on the go. A menstrual cup is a good option for people who have sensitive skin or are searching for eco-friendly options.

2. Period Underwear

Imagine a pair of underwear which provides the comfort of your favourite pair but has the added facility of absorbing menstrual flow. Period underwear does just that. With materials that hold menstrual flow well, it serves as a good means of alternative protection in light days or as an auxiliary to avoid leakage and inconvenience.

This innovation in menstrual hygiene brings about simplicity and peace of mind because period underwear eliminates the worry of carrying multiple products on light-flow days. The comfort factor is also quite significant, feeling just like any other pair of underwear, giving the wearer that sense of normalcy and convenience they need during their period.

3. Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are excellent for those who have an old-fashioned pad but desire an eco-friendly option. Made of soft, natural material like cotton, the pad does not irritate the skin and is not loaded with chemicals.

Reusable cloth pads come in different sizes and absorbency levels, which can be washed and reused. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative that reduces the negative environmental impact of disposable pads, which are usually plastic and take hundreds of years to decompose. The pads are a great alternative for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint and still feel secure and comfortable.

4. Menstrual Discs

Sounds and even appears like a menstrual cup but is a different kind of experience. Unlike those, these are placed inside higher in the vaginal canal; it is a bit comfortable to those who do not consider cups convenient. Protects for up to 12 hours, menstrual discs are designed for low-maintenance use, making this perfect for those with hectic, busy, and lively schedules.

Amongst its most noticeable attributes is the fact that one can use discs when it is intimacy time, an attribute shared by most other menstrual products. Therefore, they suit anyone seeking discreet, effective, and versatile menstrual management techniques that will not disrupt any intimacy time. Discs provide comfort to anyone looking for a change of traditional approaches and the tryout of a new more flexible menstrual product.

5. Herbal Menstrual Cramp Relief Patches

One of the toughest pains is that of menstruation, which is why so many people take painkillers; however, herbal menstrual cramp relief patches are a wonderful alternative, composed of natural ingredients such as menthol, lavender, and more herbal extracts, thereby applied without side effects.

They apply the patches directly to the skin over the area that cramps the most. These are natural ingredients so help in soothing the muscles and eliminating the pain without medication. The best thing is that there is no intake of medicines, so this method suits those who seek a natural approach to relieve menstrual cramps. Besides helping in relieving pain, the patches give a calm effect, relieving the tension that often occurs during menstruation.

Each of these products challenges the traditional approach to menstrual care by offering options that are not only comfortable but also considerate of the environment and overall well-being. Simran Balar Jain sums it up, "These unorthodox options challenge the norms of menstrual care, offering new ways to manage periods that are both comfortable and sustainable."

Women can approach menstruation in a more value- and lifestyle-sensitive manner by choosing the appropriate products designed for their needs, thus making periods less disruptive and more manageable. Be it the freedom of menstrual cups, the comfort of period underwear, or the soothing relief of herbal cramp patches, these products have enabled women to redefine how they can experience and manage their menstrual cycles.

With increased awareness and growing markets for menstrual hygiene products, it's a refreshing trend to find products that address the functional aspects of menstruation as well as help toward a healthier, more empowered approach to menstrual care. This Diwali, let us celebrate the light and positivity with products that bring comfort, sustainability, and relief to every woman throughout her cycle.

Bob Harris, the renowned BBC Radio 2 host, has informed his listeners of being hospitalized again for prostate cancer treatment.

Posting on social media platform Instagram, Harris said he is receiving treatment for an issue that has developed over the past few weeks.

“As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments,” he wrote, along with a picture of himself lying in a hospital bed while smiling for the camera.

Harris noted that he’s taking short break away from his programs. However, he confirmed that this week’s Country Show is scheduled as planned, and his Sounds of the 70’s episode on 12th April will feature an 80th birthday celebration special he recorded before attending the C2C Festival with Zoe Ball.

Noting that he can’t state the day of his return as the host, he said: “I know that I will come back… and come back stronger”.

“I hate missing programs and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can”.

Calling himself “blessed” for the support he received from friends and family and listeners of his show, Harris said that during his absence, Darius Rucker will guest on Country, while Shaun Keaveny will cover Sounds of the 70’s for a few weeks.

"I am so blessed to have the love of my family and the support of my friends who have rallied round me at what has proved to be an unexpectedly testing time,” Harris said.

Prostate Cancer: The UK’s Most Common Male Cancer

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the UK, with around 55,000 cases diagnosed every year. Despite this, there is currently no national screening program because of concerns over the accuracy of PSA tests.

In November 2025, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis and also called for a targeted screening.

Also read: Joe Biden Is Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer: All That You Need To Know

In an interview with Times, he said, "You always hope for the best. You have a high PSA score - that is probably nothing. You have an MRI scan with a few black marks on it. You think, ‘Ah, that’s probably OK.’ But when the biopsy comes back, and it says you have got prostate cancer. You always dread hearing those words. And then literally as they’re coming out of the doctor’s mouth you’re thinking, ‘Oh, no, he’s going to say it. He’s going to say it. Oh God, he said it.’"

The former PM, said that he had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for the screening that looks for proteins associated with the form of the disease. His result was high, and a biopsy after that revealed his cancer.

In October 2024, six-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer. His prostate cancer had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, hips, ribs and spine.

A woman’s health check-up is not about being paranoid. It's about refusing to treat your body as an afterthought.

You may not be able to control every diagnosis you ever get. But you can control how late you meet it. That's what preventive care is all about. Early detection through these screenings helps manage hormonal changes, cancer risks, and metabolic health.

From routine blood tests to specialized screenings, Dr. Supriya Bali, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, spoke to HealthandMe on specific tests crucial for women, right from their 20s

In Your 20s: Laying A Strong Foundation

Your 20s are all about establishing healthy habits that will carry you through life. Even if you feel great, this is a crucial time to get in the habit of seeing your doctor regularly.

Recommended screening includes:

• Blood pressure check – Every 1-2 years if normal; more often if elevated
• Pap smear – Start at age 21 (or by age 25 if you’ve never been sexually active); every three years if results are normal
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening – Annually for sexually active women under 25
• HPV vaccine – If not already completed by 26
• Skin check – Monitor moles and sun damage, especially if you tan easily
• Mental health screening – Don’t ignore stress, anxiety, or depression

In Your 30s: Reproductive And Preventive Health In Focus

As the body begins to undergo subtle changes in the 30s, regular screenings, hormonal health checks, and lifestyle adjustments are increasingly important.

Recommended screenings in 30s include:

• Pap + HPV co-test – Every 5 years starting at 30 (or Pap every 3 years)
• STI screening – Based on risk factors and symptoms
• Blood pressure and cholesterol check – Especially if you have a family history
• Blood sugar test – Especially if you’re planning a pregnancy or have had gestational diabetes
• Breast exam – Regular self-monitoring and breast ultrasound if you suspect a lump.
• Mental health and sleep – Ongoing check-ins with your doctor
• Fertility discussions – If you're planning or delaying pregnancy

Also read: 'Husband Stitch': A Medical Necessity Or Just A Tool To Objectify Women's Bodies?

In Your 40s: Monitoring Long-Term Risk Factors

This is a time when early signs of chronic conditions may start to show up, especially if there’s a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.

You should get these screenings at certain times:

• Mammography screening: Begin at 40 years of age (earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer).
• Pap smear & HPV test: Pap and HPV every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years.
• Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Testing: Every 1-2 years.
• Blood glucose test (diabetes screening): especially if you're overweight or at risk for diabetes.
• Thyroid function testing is optional—especially if you feel tired, cold, or have been losing weight or have changes in your bowel habits.
• Weight discussions regarding healthy nutrition and active lifestyle—assist with maintaining a healthy weight.
• Perimenopause begins in your 40's; if you experience mood swings or changes in sleep, hot flashes, or irregular cycles, please speak with your doctor.

Also read: What Your Mammogram Says About Your Heart?

In Your 50’s: Maintain Strength, Stay Ahead of Aging

Maintaining your strength, the ability to prevent illness/disease from affecting you, and remaining proactive against the challenges that arise due to aging will be your focus at this stage.

Every individual will have their own unique series of recommended screenings; however, everyone will benefit from some type of recommended screening.

Some commonly recommended screenings include:

• Mammogram screening program; every 1-2 years.
• Colorectal cancer screening, beginning at age 45 through age 75.
• Bone density scan-if at high risk.
• Hearing/Vision checks annually or as required (on an as-needed basis).
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening every year.
• Lung cancer screening among those with a history of smoking.
• Vaccines--including shingles, pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19 booster.
• Cognitive screening - to discover memory concerns, changes in mental sharpness, or cognitive function.

Vapes were marketed as a safer option than cigarettes, but research now shows they carry serious health risks -- from lung damage to meningitis to cancer.

Vaping has been a serious concern in the United States, with New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2025 filing a lawsuit against e-cigarette manufacturers and distributors.

The lawsuit accused the companies of fueling a youth vaping crisis, alleging that these companies that manufacture vapes, especially with flavors, have misled consumers about the safety of their products while deliberately targeting young people through deceptive marketing.

Now, a new study, published in JAMA Network Open, has for the first time assessed trends in young children's nicotine exposures across all types of products.

Shockingly, electronic cigarette-related incidents increased 243 percent over the past eight years in young children, especially among those under five years of age, said researchers from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

In contrast, tobacco exposures from conventional products such as cigarettes decreased by 43 percent.

Unlike cigarettes, these devices are often ready to use, brightly colored, require little effort to activate, and appear more like toys than a harmful product.

"This significant spike in children breathing in these substances tells us the risk has changed: It's no longer just about a toddler swallowing something they found on the floor," said lead author Perry Rosen, who conducted the research at the New Jersey Poison Control Center.

"Many recent cases involve children actively using e-cigarette devices after gaining access to them," Rosen added.

Key Findings

The findings were based on an analysis of more than 92,000 reported nicotine exposures in children ages 5 and younger between 2016 and 2023.

The researchers noted that vaping risks often involved children who inhaled the vapors directly from the devices. They also found that children exposed to e-cigarettes were more likely to require a visit to a health care facility compared with those exposed to cigarettes.

According to researchers, young children naturally mimic the behaviors they see around them. So, parents and caregivers must keep vaping devices away from the reach of young children.

Previous research has shown that even moderate ongoing nicotine exposure can lead to lasting health effects on developing lungs, including increased risk of bronchitis and worsening asthma.

"When children see caregivers or older family members vaping, they may copy that behavior—bringing the device to their mouth and inhaling—without any understanding they are exposing themselves to a harmful substance," said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center.

Vaping: A Concern

Vaping has become a more common form of tobacco use among American middle and high school students.

As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.6 million students used e-cigarettes in 2024, with 87.6 percent of them opting for a flavored product.

It is the flavor that makes it even more addictive, and people want to keep smoking it, resulting in it being emptied and refilled way more quickly.

This means those who smoke flavored cigarettes consume more tobacco than those who smoke unflavored ones.