Health, Cancer, Sexual Health, Women's Health
July 1990 was memorable for two reasons. I turned 30 and had my first abnormal smear test. The age didn’t concern me, but learning that I had abnormal cells on my cervix, did. I had two small children and the thought of them losing their mother to cervical cancer was overwhelming.
I underwent a biopsy and cautery of the cervix. I was lucky, the following 6 monthly tests were negative. Until two years later and exactly the same happened. A positive test, followed by a biopsy and cauterisation of the cervix. Then the wait to see if all the abnormal cells had been removed.
As I said, I am lucky. Although I have had more abnormal smears since, I haven’t needed treatment. But what if I didn’t have these regular smears or was aware of how important regular testing is. I might not be here to tell the story.
The Eve Appeal is the leading UK national charity funding research and raising awareness into five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulva and vaginal. They work tirelessly to keep you and I informed of gynaecological cancers and how to prevent them.
The Eve Appeal are saving lives by funding ground-breaking research. They focus on developing effective methods of risk prediction, earlier detection and developing screening for all five gynae cancers.
But all this comes at a cost. To enable The Eve Appeal to continue providing funding for the world-leading research that they do, they need funds. That’s where we come in.
Each year The Eve Appeal launch their Get Lippy campaign at the beginning of May. They are breaking down taboos surrounding gynae health and providing expert advice and information to give people the support they need, exactly when they need it.
The Eve Appeal carried out research with YouGov and found that women, trans men and non-binary people with gynae organs, are less likely to feel not listened to repeatedly when seeking medical help for their reproductive health.
The research found that nearly three quarters of people surveyed, felt that they hadn’t been listened to when discussing their health.
Getty Lippy is exactly that; being outspoken and breaking the culture and taboo surrounding gynae cancers. During the Get Lippy campaign, The Eve Appeal will be sharing accurate health information and advice on their social media channels and their website. You can find out how to get to know your body, look after your health and share this information with friends and family.
To support better conversations between healthcare professionals and patients on gynae issues, the Get Lippy campaign has developed a set of tips to help you feel prepared. Their tips are developed with medical experts and patients and include keeping a symptom diary, bringing information on your periods and medications, knowing the correct language for your anatomy, and doing what you can to feel comfortable.
Follow these tips and get prepared for your next gynae health appointment
During May, some fabulous brands are supporting Get Lippy and donating at least 10% of their sale price to The Eve Appeal. What a wonderful way to support the charity, your own wellbeing and that of others. Buy the products for yourself or friends and family, so everyone benefits.
Here are some of the products I have been reviewing for the campaign.
This is one of my all time favourite lip balms. Think skincare for your lips. A multi-award winning, nourishing, deeply hydrating balm, formulated with a blend of antioxidant fruit and flower oils, and extracts, hydrating oat lipids and soothing licorice root. Balmkind Alpine Rose and Lysine Lip Balm is created without parabens, mineral oil or petrolatum.
There is also a version of Alpine Rose and Lysine Lip Balm with SPF 20, perfect for the summer months.
Balmkind are long-time supporters of the Get Lippy campaign and will be donating 10% (+VAT) from the sale of each of their two lip balms during the campaign.
How we feel is so intrinsically tied up with how look. Centred Tender Love and Hair Supplement has been formulated to give a daily dose of targeted nutrition to promote growth of healthy, shiny and strong hair. More than just a hair growth supplement, Tender Love and Hair Supplement contains a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs that also help to increase energy levels and counteract the effects of stress and support the immune system. These 100% natural supplements have been awarded the Good Housekeeping Tried and Tested stamp of approval.
This vegan tinted lip gloss is enriched with 12 natural plant oils. The Tinted Lip Gloss adds a delicate, soft blush to the lips and deep hydration and gloss, without stickiness. Formulated with squalane, a naturally occurring component of skin sebum, to moisturise and hydrate the lips.
Vitamin E and A, raspberry seed oil, passionflower, jojoba and baobab nourish and restore plumpness to the lips, for a softer, fuller look.
The Tinted Lip Gloss suits all skin tones and is so comfortable to wear. Lips feel soft and smooth with a gorgeous sweep of colour. I’m also enchanted by the sustainable and rather beautiful green glass container.
Votary are donating 10% from sales of the Tinted Lip Gloss throughout May.
Votary Tinted Lip Gloss £40.00
Vaginal dryness and discomfort can often go hand in hand with the menopause, as well as other vaginal conditions. YES VM has been created to offer fast acting vaginal moisturisation that provides instant relief. The silky gel replenishes moisture and helps lubricate intimate tissues for long lasting comfort.
Each application lasts for up to 3 days. The formulation is hypoallergenic and is matched to the typical pH (pH4) environment of the vagina. By matching to the vaginal pH, you may protect against bacterial and yeast infections. Certified organic, and made from ethically sourced plant-base ingredients, without silicone, glycerine, hormones or parabens. The gel odourless, colourless and is not sticky.
YES VM Moisturiser is compatible with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms.
YES VM Moisturiser £9.99
Buy a Get Lippy product – There are some great brands supporting this year’s appeal such as Carmex, Elemis, Votary, YES, Centred, Balmkind, Tatty Devine, Smooch by So, Prai, I-Shimmer, GVG Accessories, Eliza Eliza and Blistex.
Get Lippy Run 16th May 2021 – Run a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon around your local area in support of the Eve Appeal.
Get Lippy Day 21st May 2021 – Send a kiss to three people you love on social media. Take a selfie, boomerang or video of you blowing a kiss. Tag @eveappeal and #GETLIPPY – Text LIPPY to 70490 to donate £5.00 and encourage your friends to do the same and spread the love.
For more information visit The Eve Appeal
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