Consequences of our improved health?
The Instapundit cited a suggestion that people are healthier than they used to be. He closed his post with the observation that, "If it seems otherwise, it's probably because people now have more energy to complain . . . . "
This reminded me of something a med school professor pointed out in my hematology class. In the early sixties, hematologists became cognizant of the significance of iron deficiency anemia in premenopausal women. Countless women suffered the fatigue and malaise associated with the low blood count that often arises from their menses.
When this situation became well-recognized by physicians in that era, it was easily rectified by daily iron supplements. This rapidly built up these women's iron stores and "cured" their anemia and its symptoms.
My professor's "moment of clarity" came when he realized that this discovery occurred at the same time as the rise of feminism in America. He postulated that prior to that, the unfair inequality women suffered at the hands of men was upsetting but they were just too tired to do anything about it.
Coincidence?
This reminded me of something a med school professor pointed out in my hematology class. In the early sixties, hematologists became cognizant of the significance of iron deficiency anemia in premenopausal women. Countless women suffered the fatigue and malaise associated with the low blood count that often arises from their menses.
When this situation became well-recognized by physicians in that era, it was easily rectified by daily iron supplements. This rapidly built up these women's iron stores and "cured" their anemia and its symptoms.
My professor's "moment of clarity" came when he realized that this discovery occurred at the same time as the rise of feminism in America. He postulated that prior to that, the unfair inequality women suffered at the hands of men was upsetting but they were just too tired to do anything about it.
Coincidence?
posted by The Medicine Man at 7:05 PM
1 Comments:
That's hilarious!
Could that be filed under "Unfortunate medical advancements?"
Reminds me of when my kids were little and would come down with something which took the fight out of them. I'd invariably give them something to make them feel better ... and then wonder why I never learned to leave well enough alone! >;o)
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