What You Need to Know About Toxic Shock Syndrome So You Don’t Freak Out

Having your period can really suck (believe us, we know). Sometimes it feels like Mother Nature’s way of saying “cool, you get to bleed like the hallway in The Shining, be a raging jerk, and have King Kamehameha level cramps! SO LOVELY TO BE A WOMANNNNNNNN!” Not cool, Mother Nature, not cool.

Recently, another point of period suckage has been making the rounds on the Internet. At this point, we’ve all read (and unconsciously clenched during) the Vice article about model Lauren Wasser who lost her leg due to toxic shock syndrome that was caused by a tampon. Before you vow to only use period panties (like the ones from this Kickstarter) from now on, here are some essential facts to know about toxic shock syndrome.

1. It’s really rare: It’s important to note that toxic shock syndrome is rare (figure only a couple hundred people in the US are affected by it each year), so it’s not like the next time Flo is in town, you’re doomed.

2. It has to do with infections: According to the Mayo Clinic, TSS is a “complication of certain types of bacterial infections” not just caused by tampon usage. As Vice put it: “a person must already have Staphylococcus aureus present in his or her body” to get TSS. This came into play in Wasser’s case because she ended up getting gangrene, which lead to the amputation of her leg.

3. It can be caused by sleeping with a tampon inside you: Most tampons have an advisory on them that say to change them every three hours or so. When you sleep in a tampon the absorbed blood (which is essentially the lining of your uterus and other things) hangs out in your body too long and could become a breeding ground for bacteria that could lead to infection. Unless you want to get up every few hours to swap em out, just use an overnight pad.

4. Organic tampons may help: According to WebMD, the material your tampon is made of may also lead to the growth of bacteria. They suggest that tampons made with rayon and polyester foam make it easier for bacteria to collect on the tampon once it’s inside. You can avoid these materials by using organic tampons and always read the label before you buy.

5. Step away from the Super Plus: The University of Illinois McKinley Health Center recommends using a tampon with the minimum absorbency needed so you’re regularly switching it out and running less of a risk for infection.

6. FYI… tampons expire: Who knew, right?? If you wouldn’t eat a yogurt that was past its date, you shouldn’t stick something past due up your vajazz. The expiration date is usually printed on the bottom of the box so make sure to double check any boxes you have under your sink. (Also, just anecdotally, condoms expire too! Check those bad boys out!)

7. If you feel something, say something: Symptoms of TSS include headaches, fever and vomiting. A lot of us may write symptoms like that off as standard issue period yuckiness but if you feel any of those symptoms more so than usual on your period, you should remove your tampon and go to a doctor immediately. TSS strikes hard and fast so the sooner you get help the better.

What other medical buzz do you want the scoop on? Ask us in the comments!

Olivia Munn bared it all in her latest SKIMS ad, proving you don't have to hide your scars. The actress posed in a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting Susan G. Komen®and highlighting her own journey with the disease. She looked absolutely stunning in every photo, but the most gorgeous moment was the way Munn didn't shy away from showing her mastectomy scars. She spoke to TODAY about her experience during the shoot, and why she ultimately decided to ditch her insecurities. Here's what she had to say!

SKIMS

Munn shared with TODAYthat she didn't initially plan to show her scars on the set. The campaign was focused on her recovery post-breast cancer diagnosis, but the makeup artist had a hard time covering up the scars throughout the shoot. She explained that she took a look in the mirror and thought, "I’m done being insecure about my scars." From there, she took the idea to show them off to the SKIMS team — and the rest is history.

SKIMS

And while she was scared to be so vulnerable on camera, this was ultimately a really empowering move for Munn. She elaborated that there are "so many women that have these same scars" who feel just as insecure as she did about them — and she really hopes those women see this ad. "Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn't have that same connotation," she said. "So I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing it."

SKIMS

The star also took to Instagram to give a behind-the-scenes explanation of her experience. She reiterated that she was "done being insecure" about her scars. "Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought," she wrote. "I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending."

She also shared that SKIMS will donate 10% of their bra sales (except bralettes) to Susan G. Komen® — a charity dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer — from October 23-31 in stores and online. "It’s really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer," she said.

SKIMS

All of this comes on the heels of Munn's announcement earlier this year that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed the diagnosis came after recently tested negatively for well-known breast cancer genes and had normal results from her annual mammogram — but her doctor to check her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The test showed Munn had a 37% risk of breast cancer, so she pushed for more answers that eventually lead to her diagnosis.

Since then, Munn shared with PEOPLE that she had 4 surgeries in 10 months and underwent medically-induced menopause — all the while juggling being a new mom with husband John Mulaney. She shared, "I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day."

SKIMS

After that March announcement, it's clear Munn is dedicated to raising awareness for women's health — and particularly their options. While chatting about the SKIMS campaign, Munn told TODAY, "You've got to go your doctor and you inundate them with information and you don't stop until they give you the test you need."

If you want to test your own risk for breast cancer, the National Institute of Health has resources here.

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Trader Joe’s carries much more than groceries – from skincare goodies to alcohol, you can find some pretty neat stuff between their aisles. You’re going to want to make a beeline to their home goods section ASAP though, because TJ’s just dropped a delightful $4 tomato-scented candle that’s being compared to bougie brands like Loewe and Maison Margiela!

Scroll on to discover more about Trader Joe’s new Tomato Leaf candle.

@traderjoesobsessed

On shelves now, Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle smells like – you guessed it – fragrant tomato leaves. Some shoppers have said it comes across as “verdant and fresh” while others say it’s “slightly sweeter.” So far, the aroma has been divisive among TJ’s fans, but smelling it myself, I think it smells exactly like tomato leaves with a hint of refreshing sweetness – making it a perfect scent to ease you into springtime!

Julia Nagy / PEXELS

This iteration of the Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is technically a remake of the same scent they released several years ago, but stopped stocking because the glass jars it was cased in posed a safety hazard (ahem, exploding). But fret not – this new container is made of metal, so you shouldn’t expect any glass malfunctions. Plus, it boasts the same precise scent – nothing’s changed in that department!

Reddit

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the new find with their Instagram followers, and plenty of customers sounded off with excitement.

“Omg yes this is the best one!!!!” one person said.

“This is their greatest candle to date imo,” another person wrote.

“I was actually talking about this a couple days ago with my boyfriend and then magically it appeared!!” someone else commented. “Glad it’s in a tin option even though the glass was beautiful!”

Agence Mald / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Reddit page also had some thoughts about the new scent:

“I love this friggin candle,” one person said. “It really took me by surprise.”

“I’m so excited!!” another rejoiced. “This is my all time favorite candle scent of any line ever!”

While some Trader Joe’s shoppers praised it, others had some strong opinions.

“Soapy with a hint of tomato,” someone else noted. “I personally really like it, but I like green, fresher-smelling candles. I hate bakery or sweet candle scents.”

“I love this candle and everyone I know hates it and I’m not allowed to light it when I have my friends over 😆😆,” another said. “It’s SO divisive!!”

Maison Margiela

Across both Instagram and Reddit, several shoppers compared the new Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle to brands that are so bougie. Some comparisons that were made include the Loewe Tomato Leaves candle, Maison Margiela's From The Garden perfume, and the Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle from Flamingo Estate. The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle costs just $4 for 5.3 ounces worth of candle, so you could absolutely get a similar luxe effect for way less.

Flamingo Estate

The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is crafted from a blend of soy wax, coconut oil, and beeswax. It also comes complete with a lead-free cotton wick to ensure a clean burn. Totally fresh and definitely unique, I’d say it’s worth the money – especially for a fresh feel during spring!

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The early 2000s were true teen drama royalty like we'll never see again, and One Tree Hill's Hilarie Burton (who played Peyton Sawyer for the first 6 seasons) loved shows likeGilmore Girls and The OC as much as you did. But as she remembers it, One Tree Hill didn't always feel as beloved as it is now.

"We were the nerds," she jokes. "Like, you would see every other chick get beauty campaigns and things, and we were just kind of the stepchild."

Warner Bros. Television

Despite the fact One Tree Hill might not have been considered the golden child at the time, the series has garnered a cult following since its on-air days, drawing fans to Wilmington, North Carolina for its anniversary celebration, and nearly breaking the internet when news of a sequel series leaked online.

"It's very, very early development," Burton says. "And so what has been really cool for us? And when I say us, I mean the entire cast, like everybody and our old crew, they're all really proud of the work that we did back then too. And so to see the public support this little show we made 20 years later, that's so special and it's so rare. And I love that, even though that news was leaked, Netflix gets to see that public outpouring of support. That's cool. So, fingers crossed we'll make it to the next step."

Warner Bros. Television

Burton was in her twenties for the majority of OTH, and while she (alongside other female cast members of the show) have since vocalized the mistreatment they experienced from showrunner Mark Schwahn, the challenges of her twenties don't overshadow the accomplishments.

"I was not afraid to say difficult things in my twenties," she says. "And what I can tell other people in their twenties is that the long game will pay off. If you say the difficult thing and you say the truth, and you don't mask and you don't make up an alternative narrative, people will eventually realize that you were right."

Although the people pleaser in all of us might not want to rock the boat, she praises young people who refuse to accept toxicity: "We definitely have a feistier generation coming up than what I grew up in."

Getty Images for Netflix

With her fiery attitude and sharp sense of humor, I have no problem believing Burton was one of the feistiest women of her generation, and she now finds herself advocating for a new phase in her own life: perimenopause. The actress is currently partnering with OLLY for their new Mellow Menopause supplements, bringing awareness to a conversation that should have been happening all along.

Burton never really had a menstrual cycle until she started birth control, which messed with her hormones and led to a Xanax prescription she never needed. And as she aged, she moved from having pain during her period to having it during ovulation. "I felt like there was something really wrong with me because no one had explained that could happen," she says. "So the more we can throw out what the symptoms are, I think the calmer people will be in their exploration of their own bodies."

Knowledge and education are power, and Burton firmly believes the more you understand your body, your hormones, and your emotions, the safer you'll feel. But that's only one silver lining she's found.

Hilarie Burton/Instagram

"I've talked about the feminine rage that I feel like I've earned," she says. "That Kesha song 'Joyride' came out this summer. She says, 'I've earned the right to be like this.' And I was like, 'Yeah, of course.' I think we spend our twenties experimenting. We spend our thirties kind of, like, establishing our careers and what our goals are. And then our forties are about knowing who we are and owning it. And if biology wants to come out swinging, I think we're in a place where we can control that and we can handle it."

That isn't to say perimenopause hasn't come without its unexpected moments, like having to convince others she really was experiencing perimenopause, despite being "too young." "The more research I did, and then in talking to my doctor, my instinct was right," she reveals. "I was beginning the [menopause] journey, and rather than try to hide it or treat it like a deficit, I get to own it. Now I get to treat it and I get to help other women navigate it. And that feels so much better when you're going through a bad thing, but you know that you're helping someone else through it. It doesn't feel as scary."

Mat Hayward/Getty Images for Ketel One

But while it's important to be vocal about our experiences, I also can't help but point out how it feels like men never have to talk about aging — they just get to do it and no one bats an eye. "Yeah, I think it's important to act like a man," Burton jokes. She remembers when her husband (actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan) embraced his natural gray hair, no one in the industry considered him too old for Hollywood.

"In fact, people thought he was hotter," she says. "So I wanted to act like a man in that journey [and embrace my own gray hair]. And so the different reaction I had was a little bit startling, but also made me laugh...I want to treat this chapter of my life as my expertise chapter. I know what I'm doing. I've been training for 20 years, 25, it's been a lot and I wanted to acknowledge that I know what I'm doing and when I talk about my body, I want to know exactly what I'm talking about."

And part of that expertise is knowing herself inside and out. On the days Burton doesn't feel like herself, whether because of hormones or mental health, she emphasizes how important it is to actually communicate those feelings. "It has been vital for me to communicate, not just with my husband, but with my teenage son," she says. "I want him to grow up to be the kind of man that's supportive of the women in his workplace and the women in his life. You know, we all talk about how we need to educate our daughters, but we also need to educate our sons."

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

And looking back on her own teenage years, Burton reveals her experience with perimenopause has actually reinforced the values she identified during that period in her life. "I think being a teenager and seeing these people who were gods [in the industry], seeing how insecure and unhappy some of them were really tipped me off right away," she says. "Success is being okay in your little bubble, being okay in your bedroom at night when you're alone by yourself. And so my goals have always kind of centered on, 'Do I feel okay when I'm all by myself?' and menopause is one of those things that can rattle that safety for people."

"It's about knowing who you are so much that no one else can take it away from you," she continues. "And whether it's your work or a sh—ty boyfriend or whatever, you have to know yourself so well that no one can take it away, and menopause can mess with that sometimes. And I'm gonna fight like hell to keep who I am."

Loveall things OTH? Check out This One Moment Proves Brooke Davis Is The Best Character On One Tree Hill.

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Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner keep making headlines — and apparently Jen's boyfriend, John Miller, may not be too happy about it. A source spoke to Page Sixabout John's reaction to everything, and all signs point to potential trouble in paradise. After giving her an ultimatum, could this be the end of our recent Jen and Ben sightings? Here's what we know.

Scroll to find out what's going on with Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and John Miller...

A source recent spoke to Page Six, giving everyone a behind-the-scenes look at on what's really going on between Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and John Miller right now. While this trio isn't exactly in a love triangle, there are some complicated emotions flying at the moment.

The source explained that John "has always been supportive of Ben and Jen’s co-parenting relationship, but feels Ben crossed the line." This comes after the recent — and very cozy — paintball pictures of the ex-spouses.

“John knows there’s nothing going on between Jen and Ben," the source continued. "But he doesn’t think those photos are a good look and feels it’s disrespectful to their relationship.”

Apparently, John “gave Jen an ultimatum” recently, explaining that “he doesn’t want to see anything like that again or he has no choice but to walk away.” Yikes!

According to PEOPLE, Jennifer Garner and John Miller have been linked together since 2018 — with a brief break apart around 2021. However, a source told PEOPLE that Jen was "very happy" with John back in December, and that she "sees him almost every day," intimating that things were just fine between the couple.

Do you think these two will make it? Or will Ben actually find his way back in (another) Jen's good graces? Only time will tell I guess!

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Target’s dress selection is already full of stylish gems, but a 25% off sale makes ‘em even better. Right now, Target’s running a deal where you can take 25% off dresses, denim, and shorts with Target Circle! Whether you’re looking for a breezy sundress for spring or a chic pick to wear to work, now’s the perfect time to grab a Target dress (or a few). With deals this good, these Target finds won’t stay in stock for long.

Scroll on for our 15 favorite Target dresses on sale right now!

Target

A New Day Tank Mini Shift Dress

This serene green dress is cut from a breezy cotton-blend canvas fabric that'll keep you feelin' and lookin' cool all season long.

Target

Universal Thread Midi A-Line Dress

Don't be afraid to embrace all things colorful this spring – this bright blue midi is just adorable! The smocked bodice enhances its flattering fit, plus, it comes with pockets on the side.

Target

Universal Thread Flutter Short Sleeve Mini Skater Dress

This fluttery mini is oh-so feminine and even boasts a lovely floral pattern to match all of your outdoor outings! It's fairly casual, so you could easily pair it with heels and sneakers alike.

Target

Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Sundress

Butter yellow is one of the most perfect colors for springtime, and this $23 (was $30) Target dress makes rocking the shade easier than ever. The drop waist silhouette makes it even trendier!

Target

Wild Fable Lace Ruffle Maxi Bodycon Dress

Hello, ruffles! This dreamy maxi dress would make a prime pick for springtime date nights or happy hours.

Target

Universal Thread Bell Elbow Sleeve Mini A-Line Dress

This comfy dress is still undeniably flattering, even though it has a loose fit. The v-neckline and elbow-length sleeves are super elegant and add flair to each and every look you want to pull this spring! We'd style this number with some Mary Janes or ballet flats to complete the 'fit.

Target

Wild Fable Maxi Bodycon Dress

We can't resist a denim dress! This $27 (was $36) body-hugging moment would look so cute with platform sandals or even cowgirl boots, like pictured above. The structured design throughout helps shape your figure for such a flattering effect.

Target

Universal Thread Smocked Knit Maxi A-Line Dress

This easy-wearing knit dress features a soft and stretchy jersey fabric that'll feel like heaven once you put it on. The smocked bodice design helps break up your look and hugs your waist in all the right places.

Target

Wild Fable Mini Skater Dress

The backless halter moment on this mini lets you show some skin this spring – all while still feeling secure and looking flattering as can be. The mid-weight cotton material it's made of is blended with spandex to ensure wearing it all day long is comfortable.

Target

Universal Thread Western Shirtdress

With plenty of Western details within the buttons and front pockets, this stunning shirtdress will amp up your country-esque outfits with ease.

Target

A New Day Knit Mini Ballet Dress

Drawing inspiration from effortless ballerina fashion, this $11 (was $15) mini dress boasts a flattering squared neckline, all in a soft and stretchy jersey fabric that makes dressing up so delightful.

Target

A New Day Corset Midi A-Line Dress

Gingham is spring's BFF! Flaunt the trendy pattern this season with this adorable midi dress. The vertical seaming gives it a corset effect that's not restricting one bit – just shaping!

Target

Wild Fable Ruffle Sleeve Eyelet Mini A-Line Dress

This yellow mini with a sweetheart neckline with lace and adorable eyelet and bow accents is beautifully femme, gently accentuating your collarbone and waistline for a fit you'll instantly fall in love with.

Target

Universal Thread Corset Midi A-Line Dress

We adore the floral pattern on this blue baby. The dainty spaghetti straps feel so fit for spring, too!

Target

Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Tennis Dress

Drop waist dresses are everything because they can help elongate your silhouette and flatter your waistline. This all-white number is cut from a lightweight fabric mixed with spandex, so it comes ready with a lil' bit of stretch for added comfort!

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