Reality on The Secret Island

[Daisy]

The age of puberty has indeed got earlier in the last 50 years. There was a time when it did not have to be considered in Junior school at all, but now it is quite common for girls to reach that stage before high school.

[Daisy]

By 1947 standards my mom was reckoned to be very early at just 11. because she was early, she was late going through the menopause - started at 56.

Yes, that seems to be how it goes.. doesn't really seem fair somehow!

[Chrissie777]

By 1947 standards my mom was reckoned to be very early at just 11. because she was early, she was late going through the menopause - started at 56.

My menopause started in 2006 when I was 51. I'm glad those 10 worst years of menopause are over!

[Fiona1986]

I think I was around 14, which was pretty average then. Couldn't imagine having to deal with that at 9!

[Chrissie777]

My mom believes it's the better nutrition nowadays that brings it out that early.

[Fiona1986]

I think that's got some truth to it. Certainly girls who are overweight are likely to start earlier, and girls/women who are very underweight often don't menstruate or do so irregularly.

[mynameisdumbnuts]

In Australia it was common for houses in the country and even in the outer suburbs to have only an outdoor toilet at the bottom of the garden, even right into the 1950s. That was just how it was and obviously everyone coped, even women at that time of month. But no-one — not just not Enid Blyton, but no other popular author either — would have written about these things in a children's book back then. It would all have been considered too vulgar.

Oh, I wouldn't expect her to include it, but it's something I think about now I'm an adult. And a big fan of ibuprofen and indoor plumbing.

[Daisy]

I can't think I've ever read about it in an adult book either. One hardly needs to mention items which are not integral to the plot .. and let's face it, a bathroom visit isn't very likely to be either. Now let's see who comes up with an example which does!

[mynameisdumbnuts]

"Bond struggled against his restraints as the deadly laser inched closer. 'I need to get out of here fast,' he thought. 'I really need to spend a penny.'"

Yes, I suppose it is a distraction!

[Courtenay]

"Bond struggled against his restraints as the deadly laser inched closer. 'I need to get out of here fast,' he thought. 'I really need to spend a penny.'"

Yes, I suppose it is a distraction!

[Daisy]

Oh well done!

[Rob Houghton]

Oh, I wouldn't expect her to include it, but it's something I think about now I'm an adult. And a big fan of ibuprofen

Not to get too serious, but I'm definitely NOT a fan of ibuprofen. Its one of the most damaging widely-used drugs on the market - everyone is prescribed it, and its damaging to the heart. Why isn't more made of that fact?

When my elderly friend had a triple by-pass in 1995, he had been on ibuprofen every day for several years due to arthritis - and once the by-pass was done he was told never to take it again - 'as it causes heart problems'. That was in 1995. I frequently see similar reports about ibuprofen these days, but they are quickly squashed and treated as scare-mongering...but I got it from a doctor's lips in 1995.

[Eddie Muir]

I agree with what you say about ibuprofen, Rob.

I made up my mind not to use this drug a few years ago after discussing it with my GP and finding the following information on the internet:

Doctors have actually known for years that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)—including ibuprofen and naproxen—may increase risk of heart attack and stroke. ... But even those who don't have heart disease or issues such as high blood pressure may be at a greater risk as well.

[Wolfgang]

Some painkillers like Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and Aspririn have to come with warnings from now on. The EU passed legislation for it.

[sixret]

Yes, the side effects of ibuprofen are dangerous. It causes damage to heart, kidneys among others in the long run.