Recipes for Disaster: an anarchist cookbook

Self-exams can enable you to identify infections and STDs before you even feel them. Consult friends or a book to help you identify any problems. There are several books and 'zines that are good resources for identifying infections and treating yourself in safe and effective ways. Some of the infections you may be able to spot include: an infection (swelling) of the vulvovaginal glands; yeast infections, which will result in heavy, clumpy discharge; trichomonas, indicated by yellow or greenish secretion, foul odor, and heavy discharge on cervix; non-specific vaginitis, which causes heavy or nmny yellow or greenish discharge from an overgrowth of bacteria, usually with a strong odor; active herpes sores; an infection of the cervical canal (bacteria from gonorrhea or another bacterial infection can enter the cervical canal and cause the cervix to become red and tender and produce a very heavy discharge); and cysts on the cervix, which can grow and shrink throughout the cycle, but generally do not hurt or cause problems.

Doing a self-exam with a group of friends can be a great way to learn more about your bodies, share information, and be supported. You can observe and compare your own and your friends' vaginas, clitorises, and cervices. You can learn first hand about the incredible variations between people's bodies and the variations during the monthly cycle and different stages of sexual arousal. In comparing your bodies to illustrations in anatomy textbooks, you may notice that you and your friends have parts that are not in the books. This does not mean that anything is wrong with you: it just attests to the fact that the medical industry often tries to simplify our bodies, which are in fact very diverse and complex.

A self-exam is a simple but empowering act?don't keep this information to yourself! Do a workshop on giving self-exams; create a space for doing a group self-exam or for people who have done self-exams on their own to discuss what they saw; show your cervix to your sexual partners (whether or not they have cervices themselves) or friends; take pictures of it; talk about your body; write a 'zine about it.. . For too long, our bodies have been represented and misrepresented by the medical industry. We have been made to feel disconnected from our bodies and to be passive about our health. For our liberation and our survival, we must take back this knowledge and releam ourselves.

You can eat fresh ginger to ease indigestion. Sucking on ginger root can also help your vocal cords heal, if they're damaged?as can inhaling steam, and, of course, being silent for a while.

Some communities include street medics, who provide health care and first aid to protesters; at demonstrations, such medics can often be identified by red crosses or other such insignias. If there are no such medics in your region and an action is coming up, it's important that some people take classes and be prepared to handle any emergencies that might arise. An affinity group undertaking a dangerous project should consider having a medic of its own, as well.

The most fundamental rule for anybody considering medicine and health is do no harm. This, of course, is a pretty fundamental rule in all aspects of life. In terms of medi-

Health Care and Resistance

Health Care

cal care, doing no harm means never trying anything you're not certain of, never being ashamed to admit that you can't help a person, and never hesitating to ask for help. Get as much training in as many aspects of medical care and general health as you can and alw^ays stay on top of your knowledge. It's pretty easy to forget a specific treatment, so revievt^ and practice. Always have your own health and the health of those around you foremost in your mind.

Put together a first aid kit, equipped according to the materials you know how to use and the injuries that are likely in a given area or situation, and keep it with you, or in your vehicle, home, or communal space. Make sure to restock items you use and replace items when they become too old.

Preparingfor Chemical Weapons Attacks

Health Care 282

If you expect to be attacked with chemical weapons, wear a waterproof outer layer with tight cuffs and collar, and synthetic fibers under it. Cotton, wool, fleece, and just about anything else fuzzy soak up chemicals. Cover as much skin as possible. Before the action, wash yourself and all your clothes in fragrance-free, non-oil-based soaps. This gets rid of dead skin and the oils on you and your clothing, and will help prevent chemical weapons from sticking and causing more pain. Don't use any oils on your skin: that includes perfumes, lotions, deodorants, and most sunscreens. These don't provide barriers; in fact, they'll make tear gas stick to you like glue.