Kenya's capital experiments with giving workers menstrual leave

Nairobi County, Kenya has introduced the country's first menstrual leave policy for female government employees, allowing them two days off each month to manage menstrual pain and discomfort. This initiative aims to enhance both health and productivity among the workforce. The policy was initiated after a discussion among officials about the menstrual challenges faced by women at work.

Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasized that supporting women in the workplace can improve overall productivity and morale. He noted that many of the county's roles are filled by more than one person, which mitigates concerns about the impact of employees taking time off for menstrual leave. Compared to policies in other countries, such as Japan and Spain, Nairobi’s approach is seen as a progressive move within Africa, where only Zambia has a similar nationwide policy.

The menstrual leave policy has received positive feedback, with many women reporting that having time off alleviates pain and enhances their work performance. The initiative is designed to be straightforward, with no forms to fill out or questions asked. However, some women have expressed concerns about stigma and potential biases against hiring female employees. Overall, the new policy represents a significant step towards recognizing menstruation as a legitimate health issue in the workplace.

Angry all the time in your 40s? It could be ‘perimenopause rage’

As women enter their 40s, many experience a phenomenon known as "perimenopause rage," characterized by sudden and intense feelings of irritability and anger. This emotional upheaval is tied to hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause. It is estimated that up to 70% of women face mood challenges during this time, which can be exacerbated by factors like poor sleep and increased stress.

Perimenopause typically begins between the ages of 35 and 45, with emotional symptoms often appearing before physical ones, such as hot flashes. The unpredictability of these emotional changes can be frustrating, as women may feel fine one month and overwhelmed the next. Some women are more susceptible to these mood swings, especially those with a history of PMS or other stress-related issues.

The impact of perimenopause rage can be significant, affecting relationships at home and work. Women may feel guilty for snapping at loved ones or struggle with diminished confidence and performance. This emotional turmoil can also lead to anxiety and depression, disrupting intimacy and overall well-being. Recognizing and addressing these changes is crucial for women navigating this challenging phase of life, fostering understanding and support in their relationships.

Premature menopause tied to 40% greater risk of heart attacks

Women who experience menopause before the age of 40 have a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease later in life. A recent study indicates that this risk is about 40% greater, particularly affecting Black women, who are three times more likely to enter premature menopause than white women.

While the exact reasons for this increased risk are unclear, experts suggest that premature menopause should be discussed in relation to heart disease prevention. It is crucial for women to be proactive about their reproductive health and for healthcare providers to ask about menopause and other related factors that could influence long-term heart health.

The study, which included over 10,000 women, revealed that 15.5% of Black women experienced premature menopause compared to 4.8% of white women. The differences may arise from various social and health factors, indicating a need for further research to understand why these disparities exist and how to address them.

Overall, the findings highlight the importance of including menopausal history in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. Recognizing and addressing these risks early could lead to better health outcomes for women at higher risk due to premature menopause.

Delivering in danger: lack of clean water leaves African mothers almost 150 times more likely to die from sepsis, WaterAid research finds

A new report from WaterAid highlights a severe lack of clean water and hygiene facilities in maternity wards across sub-Saharan Africa, leading to a critical health crisis for mothers. Approximately one in nine mothers in this region develops sepsis during or after childbirth, resulting in around 13,000 maternal deaths annually, which translates to 36 mothers lost every day.

The research finds that mothers in sub-Saharan Africa are 144 times more likely to die from sepsis compared to those in Western Europe and North America. This situation underscores the alarming disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in under-resourced areas where hygiene practices during childbirth are inadequate.

Sepsis, a severe infection tied to unsafe childbirth conditions, is a major contributor to maternal mortality, ranking as the third leading cause worldwide. The findings call for urgent action to improve sanitation and water access in maternity wards to protect mothers and reduce preventable deaths.

Meet Hildegard of Bingen, the German Mystic Who Destigmatized Women’s Health

Hildegard of Bingen was a significant figure in the Middle Ages who played a crucial role in changing perspectives on women's health, particularly regarding pregnancy and childbirth. During this time, women sought divine help through prayers and rituals to ensure safe births. They would call upon saints, especially the Virgin Mary, using charms and incantations to invoke protection and support during labor.

One notable ritual from this period was the "Delayed Birth," a sequence of incantations and gestures designed for women to empower themselves through their own capabilities rather than relying solely on external divine forces. This practice highlighted women's intrinsic strength and ability to create life, emphasizing that their maternal bodies were nurturing rather than corrupting.

The "Delayed Birth" ritual recognized that motherhood transcends just giving birth to living children; it also honors the experiences of women who faced infertility or loss. In a society that often viewed these struggles as personal failings, this ritual provided a transformative and supportive framework that acknowledged and validated women's experiences. Through such practices, women were able to reclaim their voices and agency in matters of motherhood and fertility.

Contraceptives Drugs Market Size to Reach USD 46.24 Billion by 2035; Rising Awareness of Family Planning Driving Market Growth – SNS Insider

The contraceptives drugs market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated size of USD 21.14 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 46.24 billion by 2035. This growth, at a CAGR of 8.14% from 2026 to 2035, is largely driven by increased awareness of family planning, a rise in unwanted births, and the demand for effective reproductive health solutions.

The United States is leading the market, anticipated to grow from USD 6.72 billion in 2025 to USD 14.58 billion by 2035, due to its strong healthcare system and high awareness of reproductive health. Globally, rising family planning initiatives and the need to reduce unwanted pregnancies are fueling market expansion as governments and organizations promote contraceptive use.

Oral contraceptive pills currently dominate the market, making up about 54.83% of revenue in 2025. Injectable contraceptives are projected to grow the fastest due to a preference for long-acting methods. The largest consumer group is women aged 25-34, while young people aged 15-24 are expected to see the fastest growth in usage, benefiting from targeted awareness campaigns.

Regionally, North America holds the largest market share, while the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience rapid growth, spurred by government initiatives and rising awareness in countries like China and India. The market participants include major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Bayer, and Merck among others, highlighting a competitive industry focused on innovation and accessibility.

Major funding boost to divert women from a life of crime

Vitamin D may help keep long COVID at bay, study suggests

Recent research suggests that vitamin D may help reduce the risk of developing long COVID, although it does not prevent COVID-19 itself or lessen the severity of its symptoms. Long COVID is a condition affecting about 6% of those who have had COVID-19, leading to persistent symptoms like fatigue, respiratory issues, brain fog, and joint pain.

The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, involved over 1,700 adults who had recently tested positive for COVID-19. Participants received either vitamin D3 supplements or a placebo for four weeks. Results indicated that those taking vitamin D experienced a lower risk of long COVID symptoms after eight weeks compared to the placebo group.

Researchers highlighted the need for more comprehensive studies to confirm these findings, noting that vitamin D may support immune health and reduce inflammation, which can be factors in long COVID. Further research is necessary to solidify these results and explore the potential benefits of vitamin D for long COVID prevention.

AI is nearly exclusively designed by men – here's how to fix it

AI technology is primarily being designed by men, leading to significant gender bias and exclusion of women's perspectives. At a recent conference focused on women in science, speakers highlighted the challenges and setbacks, particularly in light of political actions that undermine diversity in the tech sector.

The conference emphasized that the male dominance in AI design results in a lack of representation, which impacts how technologies are developed and implemented. For instance, only 25% of computer science students in the UK are women, which mirrors the broader trend of diminishing support for women in technology. This absence can lead to tools and applications that do not adequately address women's needs, risking their safety and wellbeing.

Initiatives to combat this issue must focus on creating alternatives that prioritize inclusivity and cater to the entire population, not just a privileged few. Industry experts suggest that to truly improve AI technology, we need to rethink its development structure and incentivize diverse contributions, fostering a more equitable technological landscape for future generations.

Here’s what to eat every day to sleep a little better

To improve sleep, it's important to focus on consistent eating patterns rather than specific foods or snacks. Research suggests that diets rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy can enhance sleep quality over time.

Sleep improvement is a gradual process, as the body needs time to utilize the nutrients from food effectively. Therefore, viewing dietary changes as a long-term commitment rather than seeking immediate solutions is recommended for better sleep outcomes.