Real risk for toxic shock from tampons

Using tampons can trigger a rare, life-threatening complication from a bacterial infection: toxic shock syndrome. And the risk goes up ifyouusetamponsincorrectly. Unfortunately, there’s debate about the best way!

A new French study says that modern tampons and menstrual cups do a good job of controlling the growth of S. aureus, the bacteria that causes toxic shock syndrome. But with stats showing the incidence of TSS on the rise, the study authors say women should practice “short tampon use and frequent changing.”

There’s a catch: Researchers previously discovered that every time you change a tampon, you introduce more oxygen into the area, and that helps S. aureus proliferate. That led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its guidelines in the early 1980s from changing a tampon every two hours to every four to six.

We recommend you don’t change them too frequently, use low-absorbency ones (perhaps with small pads) and never use more than one at a time.

Helping someone dial down anxiety

If someone you know has an anxiety disorder — where minor stresses cause major life disruptions or trigger phobias such as a fear of heights, crowds, closed spaces or doctor’s offices — you know it’s no laughing matter.

Fortunately, we’ve gained insight into how to dial back those apprehensive feelings, so a person with anxiety can enjoy life and escape the health issues (headache, heart woes, digestive upset, depression) they can trigger.

If you have a loved one with anxiety issues, here are smart steps to improve both your lives:

1. Discuss anxious feelings — gently (don’t say, “Calm down!”). Stress that there’s no shame in needing help with something that is so difficult to control.

2. Be aware of and kind about your partner’s issues, but don’t distort the environment to accommodate his or her symptoms. In other words, don’t alter your life to placate people with anxiety. Instead, support them when they don’t give in to their symptoms.

3. Encourage the person to seek treatment.

4. Talk about the benefits of combining talk therapy with medications.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.