Acceptable addictions

This month, Pink looks into what makes women addicted to eBay in its LifeStyle section, as well as what happens when a woman, whose life has been traumatic, gets addicted to God and is finally flooded in light and hope.

These harmless addictions are acceptable... including being hooked on fashion, which is showcased in the magazine's photo shoot, with a focus on bold, block colours.

From various addictions to other little known conditions, the health aspect of Pink has not been neglected. Toxic Shock Syndrome may be a question mark to many, so the magazine raises awareness about it and lists it symptoms. Had 15-year-old Alice Kilvert and her family known of them, she may still be alive today. Pink carries the story of her sudden illness and death in an interview with her father.

The incidence of TSS may be in the region of five per 100,000 women of reproductive age, and has decreased rapidly since manufacturers have changed the absorbency and composition of vaginal tampons, but it is still always good to know.

Ectopic pregnancy is another vague subject that not everyone may be clear on. Thanks to Francesca Rizzo's first-hand account of her excruciating experience and the doctor's explanation in InThePink, there should be more awareness about this possible pregnancy complication - even though the incidence is about one to two per cent in most of the Western world, and it is believed to be even lower in Malta although on the rise.

If you have had one ectopic pregnancy, you are more likely to suffer another, the recurrence rate being approximately 15 per cent.

Without wanting to promote hypochondria, or paranoia, the fact is that being aware and taking immediate and correct action could prevent problems from escalating and, sometimes, even mark the difference between life and death.

Distributed with The Times tomorrow, the 21st edition of Pink allows you to test yourself to see if you're in the throes of an online affair without even knowing it; to travel with your mind to the northern regions of Thailand; to understand the enigma of fantasies of relationship; to compile a list of adequate books for the beach; and to foretell your future in an issue that should see you through the lazy summer weeks ahead.

A monthly magazine, Pink's executive editors are Fiona Galea Debono and Ariadne Massa. It is published by Allied Newspapers Ltd, produced by MediaMaker and designed by Helen Cassar Torreggiani and Joseph Schembri.