Thursday September 9, 2010

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

St Luke’s Boise
Anderson Center

This is a free community event for cancer patients, caregivers, staff and of course cancer survivors.

St. Luke’s MSTI is proud to offer this exciting event again this year. Please join us for the newest information about healthy survivorship.

Speakers and Topics
• Rhone Levin R.D. ….Nutrition and physical activity.
• Jerrimi Helmick FNP & Caryn Thompson …Sexual Health
• Multidisciplinary Panel Discussion
Summary

St. Luke’s MSTI is proud to offer this exciting event again this year. Please join us for the newest information about healthy survivorship. Rhone Levin R.D. will offer a presentation about the integration of good nutrition and physical activity. Jerrimi Helmick, radiation nurse practitioner and Caryn Thompson from Boise’s O! Zone will present on sexual health in survivor-ship. Participants will have an opportunity to talk with local organizations that provide services to survivors and a multidisciplinary panel discussion will take place following the presentations. Panelist will include medical oncologist Dr. Dan Zuckerman MD, oncology social worker Delisa Rapp LMSW, integrative medicine professional and holistic nurse Kamron Keep, oncology dietician Rhone Levin, and Caryn Thompson, owner of the O! Zone.

A light dinner will be provided courtesy of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

Advance registration is requested. Visit www.stlukesonline.org and click on classes and events or contact Call St. Luke’s at 381-9000.

The United States Vegan Action Foundation (www.vegan.org): certifies that no animal products of any kind were used in the manufacturing of RFSU condoms, nor were any animals used in product testing. Only the highest quality of ingredients are used in the manufacturing of RFSU condoms from Sweden. Unlike other condom brands; RFSU does not use casein (a milk protein and dairy byproduct, which is a less expensive elasticity ingredient) during any of their condom manufacturing processes. RFSU condoms are made purely with latex and not with any other additives; creating the highest quality fit, feel and function. Latex is the product of living rubber trees, which are tapped like maple trees for their sap. Thus, nothing dies to produce the rubber/latex.

Why vegan condoms?
Vegan-ism, the natural extension of vegetarianism, is an integral component of a cruelty-free lifestyle. Living vegan provides numerous benefits to animals’ lives, to the environment, and to our own health through a healthy diet and lifestyle. ‘Vegan’ condoms offer consumers an alternative to traditional safer-sex products that fit into their lifestyle choice.

Vegan Certified in the US of A

Fact– condoms are inanimate objects; they do not purchase themselves, they do not open themselves and they do not put themselves on… enter humans.

Humans choose and BUY the condom(s) they use; then humans OPEN the condom wrapper and humans PUT the condom on in some fashion. Human interaction contributes to common, condom problems: Condom is not a good fit, not enough lubricant the entire length of the condom or not enough room has been left at the tip for the ejaculate.
For those using and enjoying condoms, thank you for making a choice to protect your sexual health. For those who’ve had poor experiences with condom use, the information to follow may be very helpful.

My company O!ZoneWholesale, is also the American importer of RFSU vegan condoms from Sweden. Last year I traveled to the manufacturing plant in Hennen, Sweden; I personally wanted to witness their manufacturing and testing processes. RFSU also owns and operates an accredited testing lab for testing all RFSU condoms, not a common practice in this industry.

Fact– RFSU established the testing process used by the FDA today. It is called the Triple Test:
1. Condoms are filled with a measured amount of air; they must hold a set pressure limit prior to bursting.
2. The condom latex is stretched over a machine that measures the elasticity limit necessary for regulations, prior to breaking.

3. Finally, the condoms are lowered into a vat of water and a measured, electrical current is passed through the water. This test will identify any condom that has a hole.

RFSU takes it two steps further; a lab technician will fill the condom with water and push the water towards the reservoir tip, revealing any leaks.
Once the condom is in the wrapper, another electronic test is preformed to identify any minute holes that may be in the wrapper.

As I explain the testing needed for condoms to meet FDA requirements, this question pops up- “Do they test every single condom?” The answer is no. Once a batch (sometimes referred to as LOT) has been produced, a predetermined, mathematical ratio of condoms from that batch is tested. If the selected condoms pass the tests listed above, the batch is deemed ready for market. RFSU is one of a few manufacturers that also stamp the LOT (batch) number on EACH condom.
When I import RFSU condoms into America, the FDA Compliance Officer requires my brokering agent to send in a condom mix (they randomly remove condoms from every case) for testing. Once the condoms pass FDA testing, the shipment is released for use. If for some reason the condoms do not met the FDA criteria, the shipment would be destroyed.

RFSU condoms meet or exceed the standards set by the European Council (CE) and the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Fact—any condom sold in the USA that can protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD’s/STI’s), must meet the standards set by the FDA.
Fact–Condoms that meet the requirements of the FDA will have a manufacturer’s lot number and an expiration date marked on the condom wrapper. RFSU also applies the lot number to EACH condom, again not a common practice among manufacturers.
If you do not see an expiration date, consider the condom to be a novelty that will NOT protect against disease or pregnancy. These condoms should be marked as ‘Novelty ’.
Fact- The lubricants used on condoms by the manufacturer, are not regulated by the FDA

All condom manufacturers add the lube to the condom, after it has been rolled. When the condom is unrolled; the lube will have only made it half way down, leaving the bottom half dry. Dry latex and dry skin contribute to breakage and irritation. Latex is very drying to women, so make condom compatible lubes your friend. Lube is your friend!

If you want the condom for protection, you must protect the condom.
**Men, DO NOT carry condoms in your wallet; body heat and pressure from sitting- have an adverse effect on the latex.
**Women, DO NOT carry loose condoms in your purse or backpacks; the condoms will be susceptible to punctures and compromised.
**Store condoms at room temperature, NOT in your car or the freezer.
**Lubricate the condom all the way to the base with a condom compatible lube. No petroleum based lubes please.
**Pinch an inch at the top to leave room for the ejaculate.
** Make sure the condom is a good fit; if the condom takes your attention away from the event, it is not a good fit. There are many, many condom choices on the market.

FACT–
THE BEST CONDOM, IS THE CONDOM THAT FITS AND FEELS THE BEST BETWEEN THE TWO PEOPLE USING IT-

Condoms ARE like tennis shoes, but that title warrants a blog of its own…

Caryn Thompson
O!ZoneWholesale.com

Lubrication during intercourse is a very misunderstood piece of the pleasure pie. As women, so many of life’s challenges impact our ability to produce enough lubrication during vaginal intercourse… and I haven’t met a women yet- who has control over her hormones.

The lubrication women produce vaginally is water based, and easily evaporates with the heat and friction during vaginal play. Stress, age, lack of sleep or medicinal drugs, are a few of the potential culprits that may impact our ability to produce enough vaginal lubrication for intercourse. Your partner may think you are not excited or into the moment because you are SO dry, and dry vaginal play is NOT pleasant. This is when the excuses and lack of desire begin to impact your willingness to engage in intimate play. Pain is a sexual turn off for most women, unless you are into alternative pleasures.

Condoms also contribute to vaginal dryness because all condom manufacturers lubricate their condoms AFTER they have been rolled and just before the wrapper is sealed. This process leaves all condoms dry along the bottom half of the latex. Dry latex and dry skin are a match made for breakage and discomfort. As dry latex rubs against dry skin, an irritation can occur from the heat and friction during insertion; resulting in an irritation that many people blame on the latex. Alleviate this discomfort by adding additional, condom compatible lube. The entire length of the condom, from head to base, needs to have that blanket of lubrication to allow the female tissue to slide along the condom. Silicone is the lube of choice for condom manufacturers’ as it allows for a longer shelf life; it doesn’t break down like a water based lubricant. If you don’t use condoms and experience dry, painful intercourse, simply add a great lube for comfort.

Depending on your needs, there are some fabulous water and silicone based lubes on the market. Ask your friends, ask your doctor, ask at your local adult boutique for lube options. There is nothing wrong with you that a silky lube can’t assist with. Most importantly, speak up and ask questions! Your sexual health and pleasure depends on YOU-
Additional lube can be your very, very best friend!
Ever tried sliding across a rubber mat on your knees? My point exactly…

Lube On…
Caryn Thompson- owner
O!ZoneWholesale

HOORAY I say! First, the sexual health dialogue opens up; second, customers are realizing intimate personal products do have an impact on their bodies and the earth. I would like to think we are emerging from the haze of ignorance regarding our personal, sexual health. Sex is a biological function to be responsibly enjoyed; why do we cover our ears and sing lalalalalala when the topic comes up in conversation. Why are we embarrassed to ask questions about our sexual selves? When we go shopping for a washing machine, we ask all sorts of questions and spend plenty of time making that purchase.

Why aren’t we comfortable asking questions about our bodies in regards to sexual health, sexual pleasure, sexual discomfort, and sexual dysfunction or any other sexual question in the Tote of Love? You know, that suitcase we all lug around chucked full of our sexual baggage? It is time to unpack all the misinformation from our early years and replace it with correct answers to our sexual questions today!
Ignorance is not a strategy for Sexual Well Being…..
Condom On…

Caryn Thompson -owner
O!ZoneWholesale

New and Improved!
We did it! We took the leap into the world of social media and marketing- Thank you Karl Meinhardt and Mike Riddlemoser for creating the new look-
O!ZoneWholesale is pleased to announce and share our new look:
www.ozonewholesale.com
You will find:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 Blog
 Printable product information cards
 Product support and education
 High resolution images for download

We are using our new look to share information only, so please share the link with anyone looking for product information and support. As you know, we received vegan certification early in 2009 and with your efforts and support, RFSU vegan condoms are covering America!
I would personally like to say “THANK YOU” from the bottom of my condom heart!

Thank you for being in the forefront by getting the word out about RFSU condoms! Sales are increasing and RFSU vegan condoms are offering a fresh presence in the condom market Nationally.
Our Sales manager Jennifer Zwak
( jennifer@ozonewholesale.com ) and I, are very grateful for your continued efforts and support of RFSU vegan condoms.

Condom On…

Cool Products for Hot People!
Have Fun…Be Safe…Make Love!

Caryn Thompson- owner

I had the pleasure of traveling to Stockholm, Sweden to visit the RFSU offices and also take a side trip up to the manufacturing plant in Hennen, Sweden.

RFSU AB has their own manufacturing plant and accredited testing lab on site in Hennen. We traveled via train through a scenic landscape to the what seemed like a mountain retreat. The manufacturing plant is nestled in the pine trees, tall grasses and flowers and blue skies.. in the summer that is.

Quality  Manger Siw and Production Manager Christer, kindly showed us around  the plant and RFUS’s accredited testing lab.Just getting started in the Blog world and for those listening, more to come. I will try to contribute useful information for those interested.

Caryn- O!Z

All condoms are lubricated after they are rolled; usually leaving the bottom half of the condom dry, massage lube down or add more. Un-lubricated latex is drying to women; dry skin against dry latex contributes to tearing.

• Condom image is on the front of each envelope.

• RFSU are some of the best selling condoms innine European countries.

• Sleek, Classy, Sensual, Unique, Inviting and Delightful can be used to describetheir packaging.

• RFSU condoms are a luxury product for the Prophylactic Connoisseur.

Step out of the Ordinary…Experience the Difference!

All condoms are lubricated after they are rolled; usually leaving the bottom half of the condom dry, massage lube down or add more. Un-lubricated latex is drying to women; dry skin against dry latex contributes to tearing.

• Condom image is on the front of each envelope.

• RFSU are some of the best selling condoms innine European countries.

• Sleek, Classy, Sensual, Unique, Inviting and Delightful can be used to describetheir packaging.

• RFSU condoms are a luxury product for the Prophylactic Connoisseur.

Step out of the Ordinary…Experience the Difference!

All condoms are lubricated after they are rolled; usually leaving the bottom half of the condom dry, massage lube down or add more. Un-lubricated latex is drying to women; dry skin against dry latex contributes to tearing.

• Condom image is on the front of each envelope.

• RFSU are some of the best selling condoms innine European countries.

• Sleek, Classy, Sensual, Unique, Inviting and Delightful can be used to describetheir packaging.

• RFSU condoms are a luxury product for the Prophylactic Connoisseur.

Step out of the Ordinary…Experience the Difference!