Current Events in September 2024

Target hosted its annual Circle Week savings event earlier this year, and now, like many of the big-name retailers, it has plans for another week-long sales event. 

Target Circle Week is set to run from October 6-12, and the company is doubling down on all things holidays. 

“Consumers are getting ready for one of the most exciting times of the year, which is why we’re leaning into the magic of Tarzhay like never before – with an assortment, value, and experience only Target can deliver,” said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Target. 

“From only-at-Target exclusives to the return of Target Circle Week and great deals every day, our plans are unmistakably Target and will add extra sparkle and delight to the holidays.” 

What can consumers expect? 

This upcoming Circle Week will help shoppers save on all holiday-related goods – indoor and outdoor decorations, gifts for kids and adults of all ages, clothes, treats, and more. 

For Circle Week and beyond, Target will be offering shoppers significant discounts on toys, with thousands of options under $20. On top of that, consumers can find popular stocking stuffers for under $5. 

New this year, Target is making gift-giving easier – and cheaper – than ever before. Stores across the country will feature specialty Bullseye sections that will highlight discounted holiday-themed gifts, with many running shoppers under $25. 

Target is also offering shoppers 80% of its Wondershop holiday items at $10 or less, as well as holiday food and beverage items under Target-owned brands for $5 or less. 

Everything’s on sale for Circle Week

In addition to getting in the holiday spirit, shoppers can save on just about every category during the upcoming Circle Week sale. Whether consumers need last-minute school supplies, fall decor, home essentials, or more, Target will be rolling out big deals during the week-long sales event. 

The retailer will also be bringing back its Deal of the Day, highlighting day-specific deals on certain products for each day of the sale. This promotion is set to run through November 1, as consumers continue to prepare for the holidays, and more often as the holiday season gets closer. 

More fall sales 

Amazon announced recently that it would be bringing back Prime Day in October, and the company has officially announced the dates for the popular sale: October 8 and 9. 

Some of the big sales Amazon is advertising ahead of the sale include: family Halloween costumes starting at $5, 40% off winter apparel, up to 55% off select Amazon devices, and more. 

Amazon also said that it will be dropping new sales every five minutes during the upcoming Prime Day sale, and shoppers can start shopping a wide assortment of early Prime Day deals today.

Earlier this year, a study highlighted the potential health risks women are exposed to due to the alarming number of metals found in tampons. 

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working on a new study to get to the bottom of this issue and better understand how these metals are affecting women’s health. 

The decision comes after a group of senators, led by Patty Murphy (D-Wash.), put pressure on the FDA to take this issue seriously. Murphy wrote a letter to the FDA in July, emphasizing the importance of further testing to better understand the effects that this metal exposure can have on women’s health. 

“Women use about 7,400 tampons over the course of their reproductive years, so the presence of potentially harmful metals and chemicals in these products is incredibly concerning,” the members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wrote. 

“Exposure to heavy metals can cause severe negative health effects, including damage to the cardiovascular system and liver, and an increased risk of cancer, among many other complications. The FDA must review and improve the current safety standards for tampons. We urge the FDA to take swift action to ensure that women are safe from harmful and toxic substances in tampons.” 

What are the next steps?

The FDA has outlined its next steps to ensuring women’s health and safety. 

The first step is a deep dive of currently existing literature to see what previous studies have found regarding metal exposure from tampon use. The agency has hired an independent contractor to take on this job, with the primary goal of tackling three major questions: 

• What does the literature describe regarding prevalence, levels, and types of biomarkers (indicators of disease) found in individuals using tampons, and how does that differ from normal/expected values? 

• What health outcomes are described in the literature associated with tampon use (not including toxic shock syndrome), and how is the frequency of these health outcomes different from those not using tampons? 

• What does the literature describe in terms of laboratory measures from testing tampons? 

In addition to the literature review, the FDA will be conducting its own, more in-depth study on the risks women face from metal exposure in tampons. 

The initial study tested 30 types of tampons from over a dozen different brands, testing the levels of 16 metals. The results were unanimous: all of the metals were detected in the tampons, and each type of tampon contained some concentration of metal. 

With the results from this new study, the agency will be better able to guide consumers on the potential health risks associated with tampon use. 

“Millions of American consumers use tampons,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-N.Y.). “They should be able to trust that the products they see on store shelves are properly regulated and will not negatively affect their health and wellbeing. 

Other health risks associated with tampons

While tampons are generally considered safe and effective for menstrual management, there are a few potential health risks associated with their use:

1. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS):

This is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can be associated with tampon use.  Symptoms include high fever, rash, low blood pressure, and organ failure.

Risk factors include using high-absorbency tampons, leaving them in for too long, and having cuts or abrasions in the vagina. To reduce risk, change tampons every 4-8 hours, avoid super-absorbent tampons, and consider alternative menstrual products like pads or menstrual cups.  

2. Irritation and Allergic Reactions:

Some people may experience vaginal irritation or allergic reactions to the materials in tampons, such as fragrances or dyes. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, and swelling.  

If you experience these symptoms, switch to unscented tampons or try a different brand.

3. Exposure to Chemicals:

Concerns have been raised about potential exposure to trace amounts of chemicals in tampons, such as dioxins and pesticides. The long-term effects of this exposure are not fully understood, but research is ongoing.

Choosing organic or unbleached cotton tampons may reduce exposure to certain chemicals.

4. Forgotten Tampons:

Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Symptoms may include foul odor, vaginal discharge, and discomfort.  

If you suspect you have a forgotten tampon, seek medical attention promptly.

It's important to note that most people who use tampons do so without experiencing any health problems. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimize them. If you have any concerns about using tampons, consult with your healthcare provider.

Alternatives to tampons

There are several alternatives to tampons that offer a range of benefits and drawbacks depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle:

1. Menstrual Cups:

• Pros: Reusable, eco-friendly, can be worn for up to 12 hours, no risk of TSS.

• Cons: Requires initial learning curve for insertion and removal, can be messy to empty, may not be suitable for everyone.

2. Menstrual Discs:

• Pros: Disposable, similar to cups in terms of wear time and comfort, can be worn during sex.

• Cons: Less eco-friendly than cups, can be tricky to insert and remove.

3. Period Underwear:

• Pros: Reusable, comfortable, can be worn alone or as backup protection.  

• Cons: Can be expensive initially, requires regular washing, may not be suitable for heavy flow.

4. Reusable Cloth Pads:

• Pros: Eco-friendly, customizable absorbency, soft and comfortable.  

• Cons: Requires regular washing and drying, may not be as convenient as disposables.

5. Sea Sponges:

• Pros: Natural and reusable, can be worn during sex, gentle on the body.

• Cons: Not regulated by the FDA, can be difficult to clean and maintain, potential for bacterial growth if not properly cared for.

6. Menstrual Pads:

• Pros: Widely available, easy to use, variety of sizes and absorbencies.  

• Cons: Disposable, can be bulky and uncomfortable, may contribute to environmental waste.  

Ultimately, the best alternative to tampons depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as comfort, convenience, sustainability, and cost when choosing the right option for you. Don't hesitate to try different products until you find the perfect fit.

Remember: It's always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about menstrual hygiene products.

Melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- isn't an equal opportunity cancer. A new study points up some important differences, finding that melanoma rates vary significantly between men and women, with differences in age of onset and the location of the melanomas on the body.

The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, analyzed over 40 years of melanoma data and found these differences across different populations.

“Invasive melanomas are potentially lethal cancers that are increasing rapidly in incidence. We need to understand how these cancers arise, and what drives their development, if we are to find better ways to prevent them," said David C. Whiteman of the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

"Studies like this one suggest that we may need to target our prevention efforts differently for men and women if we are to be effective in our attempts to control this cancer,” Whiteman said.

Key Findings

• Age and Sex: Women are more likely to develop melanoma earlier in life (up to around 45 years old), while men have higher rates later in life (from 65 years and older).

• Body Site: In women, melanomas occur most often on the limbs. In men, the trunk and head/neck are the most common locations.

• Trends Over Time: Melanoma rates have increased in both sexes, but faster in women. Melanomas on the head and neck have steadily increased with age in both sexes.

Implications:

• The study highlights the need to tailor melanoma prevention strategies differently for men and women.

• Understanding the biological differences in how melanomas develop in different body sites could provide important clues about the causes of this cancer.

Most serious skin cancer