Busting myths about menstruation

Plus: Why is China getting loans from the World Bank? And what's a 'syndemic'? [NPR] editor's note Photographer/Source Okay, I put on my wool socks, my long underwear, my heaviest sweater, my hooded and insulated jacket … and I could still barely walk down the street without shivering. And that’s in Washington, D.C., where the temperature this morning was 9. In Chicago, where our occasional contributor Esther Ngumbi lives, the forecast was for minus 23. [Ngumbi grew up in Kenya]( where temperatures in the low 60s are about as cold as it typically gets. I was curious how she was faring in Chiberia. [Read the story here.]( Her dad was at a loss for what to advise her: “I can only tell you how to behave when you get extreme heat – to go under tree shade.” But she decided to take the polar plunge so she could tell her family back home what it feels like. Readers, if you grew up in a tropical climate and are now facing the U.S. deep freeze, [reply to this Twitter thread and tell us how you’re feeling and coping](. We may feature some responses on NPR’s website. Marc Silver, Editor, Goats and Soda debrief from davos [Tax The Ultrarich To Solve Poverty? Easier Said Than Done]( Oxfam has issued its annual report on the gap between the wealthy and the poor — and offered a controversial solution. in the news [Why Finland's Beloved Baby Box Got A Harsh Review]( A watchdog agency delved into the origins of the booties and bibs in a free box of goodies that the government sends to new moms. [Flush With Cash, China Continues to Borrow Billions From The World Bank]( From an economic standpoint, China does not need World Bank loans. So why is it still a top borrower? [Duke Professor Is Sorry For Urging Chinese Students Not To Speak Chinese]( A professor sent an email instructing Chinese students at Duke to speak only English in certain campus buildings. An uproar and an apology followed. myth-busting [New Book Busts Myths About Menstruation Spread By Public Health Groups]( Researcher Chris Bobel looks at how advocates seeking to help girls manage their menstrual cycle are responsible for promoting ideas that have no proof. new words [Does The World Need A New Buzzword — 'Syndemic' — To Describe 3 Big Crises?]( A report in 'The Lancet' uses a not-too-familiar term to describe looming global problems that appear to be interconnected. links we like Throughline, [NPR's first history podcast]( tells the story behind the headlines. A web comic tells the story of [a 6-year-old girl from Guatemala]( came to the U.S. with her father -- and was immediately separated from him. Missed our Reddit AMA on plastic waste in the Philippines? [Read it here](. The New York Times Magazine has a powerful photo series on [DIY prosthetic limbs]( in Afghanistan. How is [anger defined]( in the U.S. -- and around the world? The Bigger Picture, [a new blog on extreme poverty from the World Bank]( blog from the World Bank ]( interesting. --------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [goatsandsoda@npr.org](mailto:goatsandsoda@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Health, Daily News, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to our Goats and Soda emails. | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002 [NPR]