Author: John Turley Page 9 of 11

Vaccinate! Vaccinate!

On December 29, 2021

I’m going to climb on my soap box to thank those of you who are either fully vaccinated against COVID or who are in the process of becoming so. The only chance we have of putting this virus behind us is to reduce the population of non-immune, so that the possibility of new variants is limited. Hopefully, we can accomplish this by increasing the immune population through vaccination rather than decreasing the non-immune population through COVID related deaths.

The vaccine is safe. Yes, there have been reports of serious events and even death among people who were vaccinated. However, these events are approximately equal to their occurrence in the general population and with very few exceptions the vaccination could not be attributed to their death. Additionally, risk factors for adverse reactions, which can happen with any medication, have been identified and those people likely to have a reaction are not being vaccinated until further studies can be done.

The number going around on the internet is that 14,000 people died from the COVID vaccination. This is a blatant misstatement of the facts. Fourteen thousand people who had been vaccinated died during the study period. After careful review of each case, it was determined that the vast majority of deaths were attributed to other causes and for many of the others a proximal cause of death could not be identified. This is out of the more than six million who had been vaccinated at the time the number was first reported.

The bottom line is this: there have been over 800,000 COVID deaths in the US and over 5,000,000 deaths worldwide. This disease will continue its rampage until everyone does their part to stop the spread.

I find the argument about personal freedom to be disingenuous. We all give up some degree of personal freedom to live in a civil society. We get a drivers license. We stop at red lights. We don’t steal. We don’t go shopping in our underwear (except possibly at Walmart, but that’s a topic for another day).

I have to ask, “Do you consider your concept of personal freedom so important that you are willing to put the lives of others at risk?” If you do, then this is not about freedom, it’s about selfishness.

This is more important than politics. This is life and death. Please, get vaccinated.

Sayings That Make No Sense

By John Turley

On December 13, 2021

In Commentary

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

-Yogi Berra

One of the things that we’ve all done during COVID is to develop new pastimes that we pursue at home while maintaining social distance. One of the things that I did was to start maintaining bird feeders. At last count I have three seed feeders and two suet feeders. At one time I had two window mounted feeders attached with suction cups. However, squirrels continuously jumped at the window feeders, knocking them off and scratching the windows in the process. They were soon retired.

Of course, it was a short trip from bird feeding to bird watching. I have become quite interested in the different types of birds and often sit on the deck with my binoculars, spotting scope and bird books (and of course a martini or glass of wine). One day while watching the birds swarming the feeders, fighting each other for perch space and eating everything in sight, Margie and I were talking about a friend who just picks at their food. I commented that the person “eats like a bird”. Suddenly, watching how the birds really eat I got to thinking it made no sense to compare a picky eater to a bird, because birds seem to eat continuously and eat everything you put out.

Well, this got me thinking about other such sayings. The first one that came to mind was “work like a dog.” I’ve had a lot of dogs in my lifetime and most of them spent about 18 hours a day asleep, so I don’t know when all this proverbial work was supposed to have taken place. And the animal sayings just get better. How about “happy as a clam”? Are clams really happy? Would we even know? Would it make you happy to be buried in mud in cold water? Consider “fine as frog hair”. I mean really, how does that even begin to make sense? And then there’s “ bee’s knees”. Even if we assume that bees have knees, why would that represent something cool or hip?

And the animal sayings that make no sense go on from there: “wise as an owl”, “sly as a fox”, “memory like an elephant”. I’m sure you have many more of these that you can add as well.

A saying that has always bewildered me is “the exception that proves the rule”. If there’s an exception is there really a rule or is it more likely a suggestion. And, why would an exception actually prove it? It would seem to me it would disprove it.

A friend recently reminded me of another nonsensical saying that has always left me scratching my head. I’m sure you all know: “in a New York minute”. So, is time faster in New York? Are New Yorkers too busy for a 60 second minute and need a shorter one? Just how long is a New York minute anyway? What if we discover a New York minute really is longer?

I’m working on this post on Thanksgiving Day while Margie is making a pumpkin pie. And that of course leads to the inevitable recalling of that great nonsensical saying “easy as pie”. While eating pie might be pretty easy, making pie is not. Particularly, if you’re making a homemade crust. I once tried to make a pie crust. It proved to be far more difficult I had expected. And it certainly was not “easy as pie”.

As long as we’re talking about cooking, “a watched pot never boils”. Of course, it’s going to boil. It just seems like it won’t if you’ve got nothing better to do than sit and stare at it.

And “pardon my French”. Why did French become a euphemism for profanity? Why not German or Italian or maybe “pardon my Norwegian“?

Now on the surface it would seem that “ugly as sin” makes sense. But with further thought, it’s the result of sin that is ugly. Sin itself has to be pretty attractive for us to be so drawn to it.

“Cold as hell”. No further discussion needed.

I’m sure everyone has their own favorite nonsensical saying. Please share them with us.

And, if you can explain why a mess has to be hot, I will be very grateful.

Finally, why do people say grumpy like it’s a bad thing? That’s the ultimate nonsense.

A Deadly Blood Clot: AKA The DVT

By John Turley

On November 22, 2021

In Medicine

Blood clots, mainly in the legs, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are a major health risk for older Americans. They can lead to serious health complications and potentially even death. Learning to recognize risk factors for DVT as well as the warning signs that you may have developed one is vitally important. Equally as important is understanding the things you can do to minimize your risk.

Risk factors include prolonged periods of immobility such as hospitalization or broken bones, as well as a long-distance travel, particularly air travel. Prevention of DVTs is the reasons many hospitalized patients are put on anticoagulants (blood thinners) either by mouth or by shots in their abdomen. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, orthopedic surgery, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, cancer, heart failure and age greater than 65.

DVTs form in the deep veins of the legs. These are the large veins that communicate directly with the lungs. When small pieces of blood clot break off, they can travel to the lungs and cause what is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). This can be a major threat to life and may require long term treatment with anticoagulation medicines. While not every DVT leads to a PE, It is important to recognize the warning signs that you may have a DVT and even more important to understand how to go about preventing them.

First, we should recognize the difference between DVTs and their unattractive cousins, varicose veins. We’ve all seen varicose veins and many of us have them. They are unsightly and sometimes can even be painful. However, they do not present the same risk to health and life as DVTs. Varicose veins are superficial veins and even if clots are formed in them, they cannot make it to your lungs.

There are several things to look for that may indicate you have a DVT. The most common is unilateral calf swelling where one leg is about two inches larger than the other measured at a point about four inches below the knee. Since most of us don’t carry a tape measure, be concerned if one leg looks larger than the other. Swelling may also consist of an entire leg. Occasionally both legs may be swollen but that is unusual. The swelling is often what is called pitting edema. In pitting edema, you can press your finger into the swollen area and remove it and a dent remains. Calf tenderness in the swollen leg may also be indicative of a DVT. If the swelling is significant, numbness may also be present. Pain with walking is also common and, in some cases, the swollen leg feels warm to the touch. Some of the same symptoms can be found in complications of varicose veins known superficial thrombophlebitis, a painful but not usually life-threatening condition. If you have any of the above symptoms you should immediately visit your family physician or other medical provider to ensure that a DVT is not missed.

And now, the most important part, what can you do to keep from getting a DVT? The easy things first. Wear loose clothes, drink plenty of water, and avoid anything with alcohol or caffeine. The best way to prevent a DVT is to get up and walk every couple of hours. Of course, this is easier said than done on a transcontinental or international flight. So, let’s look at a few things that can be done in your airline seat, or even in your car, to reduce your risk.

You want to exercise your legs while you’re seated. First you can raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes on the floor. You can also raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor. You can tighten and release your calf muscles. A little more advanced exercise is to lift your feet off the floor and twirl them around as if you’re trying to draw circles with your toes. If you have sufficient room in your airline seat you can try extending your knees or doing knee lifts. For most of us though there just isn’t enough room in an airline seat for doing these last two. You should do these exercises for about 30 to 40 seconds each and they should be repeated about every 30 to 40 minutes. This may not eliminate your risk of developing a blood clot but will certainly reduce it. Additionally, while there is some evidence to suggest that aspirin may reduce the risk of developing a blood clot, there are currently no specific guidelines for its use in prevention of DVTs and aspirin therapy does have some associated risk of bleeding. Be sure and contact your family doctor before starting aspirin therapy to prevent DVTs.

If you have any concern at all, seek medical assistance. It is better to be safe than to miss a DVT. Finally, safe travels.

What Happened to Bipartisanship?

By John Turley

On October 20, 2021

In Commentary

There was a time when people were able to disagree without being disagreeable. There were no “lines in the sand”. People were able to reach accommodation and agreement for the common good. Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill were two vastly different politicians who were usually on opposite sides of issues. Somehow, they always found a way to work together for the benefit of the country. As Reagan famously said, “We’re always friends after six o’clock.” What happened to that ability to cooperate?

Just think about traditional marriage. It’s become set in stone that marriage between a man and a woman is the foundation of American society while divorce rates continue to skyrocket. So, what is important, a traditional marriage or a stable relationship? Any relationship that provides people with a loving and supportive home life should be recognized as valuable. Your choice of relationship does not affect me and should not be my business or the business of law.

There are no longer any gray areas. Let’s look at abortion. In the political realm you are either for abortion on demand or you’re opposed to a woman’s right to choose. Most people are not that dogmatic in their personal lives, yet our political parties have staked out the extreme positions.

Why can’t we have a middle ground in politics? Why can’t people believe that abortion in the case of incest or rape is appropriate but that abortion as a birth control choice is not. But more importantly, why do these issues of personal belief have to be enforced by law?

I should be able to hold personal beliefs that don’t infringe on other people and at the same time they should recognize my right to those beliefs. Religious or moral beliefs are difficult to quantify and vary greatly among different groups. They are a poor basis for governing a diverse society.

One thing that has been of long-term concern to me is gun control. Most of you who know me, know I was a Marine. I have no problem with gun ownership. I am a gun owner. If gun owners are responsible citizens, their rights should be respected. Having said that, I believe that the unstable or the criminal have no right to own weapons. I also believe hunters or people concerned with home protection have no need for automatic weapons or high-capacity magazines. These are weapons of war and have no place in a civil society.

The argument about the second amendment and the right to bear arms was appropriate in the 18^th century when there was a well-regulated militia. In today’s world no one brings their own weapon when they join the military. But this is an issue where little accommodation is made. The diehard supporters of the Second Amendment believe they should have the right to any type of weapon they so choose. At the same time, the opponents of guns not only wish to control ownership, but to confiscate all weapons as well. To fail to recognize the middle ground is to fail as a society.

If we’re going to ever move forward on these or many other issues, we need to find a middle ground that will benefit society while causing the least impact on those involved. We need to do away with the mindset that if you are for it, I must be against it. No single issue is all good or all bad yet that has become our way of addressing any controversial problem. The question we must ask ourselves is this: “Why do I feel the need to control your behavior?” Until we can answer this question in a reasoned and dispassionate manner, we are doomed to failure.

I’m sure I’ve made nobody happy, left or right. That, to me, means I’m probably in the right spot. And that is my grumpy opinion.

Old Charleston

By John Turley

On July 27, 2021

In Appalachia, Commentary

One of the problems of getting older is that we frequently descend into bouts of nostalgia. I’ve recently been thinking about “Old Charleston”. For me, that means Charleston of the 1950s and early 1960s. A time before I entered my cynical teenage years.

There were a lot of really nice things about growing up in Charleston. It was a small town and a very safe place to live. In the summer, our mothers just turned us loose to “go outside and play”. As long as we were back by lunch they really didn’t care where we were or what we were doing because they knew we would be safe.

One of my favorite memories is the old Virginian Theater. It was a very ornately designed movie house with painted walls and ceilings and plush velvet covered seats. It was one of the first places in town that was air conditioned. There were signs on their marquee that said “It’s Cool Inside” with icicles dripping from the letters. In the middle of summer who wouldn’t want to go there? I can still remember standing in line for what seemed to be hours to see Old Yeller, a Disney movie about a stray dog. We sat in the balcony, ate popcorn and raisinets and loved every minute of it.

I also spent a lot of Saturday mornings at Skateland, a large roller-skating rink on Charleston’s west side. We would spend hours skating around and around. Often, we would slingshot each other so we could build up speed; this usually occured right before we crashed into a wall or went sprawling down the floor. I can remember when we younger kids were forced to leave the rink so that the older kids could do a couples skate. At the time I couldn’t imagine anything more disgusting. I also remember the great fun we had doing the hokey pokey on roller skates.

My grandmother used to take me to the lunch counter at the Diamond Department Store. It was a grown-up experience for me because even though it was called a lunch counter, women still dressed up in those days. I got my very own hamburger and a large Coca Cola, something that I didn’t frequently get at home. And it was just fun going shopping with grandmother.

A lot of summer days were spent at Rock Lake pool. I still think it may be one of the largest swimming pools I have ever seen. It’s possible though that it may have grown in my memory. It had large slides that must have been at least two stories tall. It had trapezes that allowed you to swing out over the water at least 15 feet in the air before letting loose and landing with a large splash. It was great to go home smelling of chlorine, worn out and sunburned.

There is one thing though that I don’t remember in any of those places in “Old Charleston”. And that’s African Americans. Charleston at that time was still partially segregated. Kanawha County schools were only integrated in 1956 and a lot of other things were still far behind. You would not think this would be the case in a state that was born of the Civil War.

The Virginian Theater and the Diamond lunch counter didn’t integrate until late 1950s or early 1960s. Skateland and Rock Lake pool both chose to close rather than to integrate. It amazes me now as I look back how naïve I was to not even recognize that this type of discrimination was occurring. While we have made progress, we still need to recognize that there is so much more that must be done. The “New Charleston” should be a place where everyone is welcome and feels at home.

Fake News

By John Turley

On July 24, 2021

In Commentary

Fake News

Recently I started reading a series of articles from The Associated Press entitled Not Real News: A Look At What Didn’t Happen This Week. There was a time when purveyors of “creative news” were never taken seriously. Tabloids such as The National Enquirer were read for humor and entertainment not for serious news. I fondly remember the “Bat Boy Found In West Virginia Cave” published with genuine drawings (who can dispute that?).

With the advent of the Internet all of that has changed. We no longer seem to be able to differentiate between real news, satire, humor, and just plain bull shit. It has become necessary for reputable news organizations to attempt to debunk the more outrageous claims that circulate under the guise of news.

Everyone is familiar with the now common place phrase “fake news”. It is generally used in an attempt to discredit a news story. But do we ask ourselves, is the story is factually incorrect or is it just something with which we disagree?

Rather than causing a reflex response, either in agreement or disagreement, the label should get us thinking. What makes it fake? What are the facts behind the story? Do we trust the reporting, or the person making the claim and how have we arrived at that conclusion? We should use this as an opportunity to think critically about the news and the people involved.

Numerous studies have shown the Internet to be a vast reservoir of misinformation, incomplete data, and downright fabrication. This would not be a problem if the same studies did not also show the more outrageous or unlikely the claims on the Internet, the more likely they are to be shared.

Why is this? Studies have been done about how and why people share Internet data. The most common reason is that they think that their friends would find them to be interesting, fun or just plain crazy. One problem with this is people are more likely to give credence to information on websites shared by friends.

So, what this means is: I read something on a website that I think is just outrageous and I sent it to you because I think you will get a laugh. Because you think that I’m a reasonable person and respect my opinion, you believe that I accept it as true. Therefore, you are more likely to accept it as true. This leads to a cascade a false information entering common perception.

A large part of this is due to the breakdown of critical thinking in our society as a whole. So just what is critical thinking? According to a commonly accepted definition:

“Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”

OK, this is a long-winded way of saying think for yourself. Before you forward any outrageous, funny or just plain crazy website or email to friends be sure and let them know your opinion about it. If you’re forwarding it just because you think it’s crazy, tell them that. They’ll be less likely to accept it as your opinion and less likely to adopt it as their own. We all need to be responsible for what we do or don’t accept. Unfortunately, we also must accept responsibility for passing on false information to friends who may accept it based on what they think is our recommendation.

Is it true or is it false? You need to decide that for yourself. But don’t fall into the trap of just accepting everything that shows up in your inbox as being truthful. Make the effort and take the time to look for the truth behind the headline. And that includes this post as well.

The most reliable method is to evaluate the source. Is it an acknowledged expert or organization? If it relates to scientific information, does it contain verifiable data or reference to published, peer reviewed studies? If it is opinion, is it clearly labeled as such?

One final piece of advice for evaluating Internet information; be very suspicious of anything from an anonymous source or from a site attributed to a group with a vague name such as The Institute for the Advancement of My Opinion. It is likely that the institute is located in his parents’ basement. Finally, always be suspicious about anything that begins: “The Truth About….”. You’re unlikely to find much truth there.

So, to end this post, The Grumpy Doc says think for yourself, know what you believe, and you won’t go wrong. (Unless, of course, you disagree with The Grumpy Doc.)

That’s Not Fair

By John Turley

On July 2, 2021

In Commentary

Balance Scale Clip Art N47 free image download

We have become a society consumed by the concept of fairness. Things of which we disapprove or perceive to be to our disadvantage are unfair. Things we perceive as being to our advantage or of which we approve are fair. What is fair to me may be unfair to you and vice versa. I’ve given a lot of thought to this whole concept of fairness and in many ways have struggled with an answer that satisfies me.

The first time I really started thinking about it was when my children were young. They frequently declared that things were unfair. Of course, these were generally things they didn’t like, such as dad telling them they couldn’t go certain places or do certain things. They could never explain what they meant by not fair other than they didn’t like it. But in their defense no one else seems to be able to adequately describe it either.

Denouncing something as unfair has become a socially acceptable way of saying “I don’t like it.” It seems to say that fairness has some intrinsic value like good or evil. These are two other concepts which also are difficult to explain but have a more intuitive meaning than fairness. Is it fair that one person works harder than another and so makes more money? Is it fair that one person was born with musical ability? Is it fair that another person is born with natural athletic talents? (If it were up to me, I’d say it is unfair since I have neither musical nor athletic ability.)

For many, the natural inequities of life create a perceived issue of fairness or unfairness. The beneficiaries of natural gifts will of course consider it fair that they are able to benefit from those gifts. Those who perceive themselves without such gifts will deem it unfair and ask for special considerations to allow them to be equal with those they consider more advantaged.

So, what is The Grumpy Doc’s opinion about fairness. Well, I’ll tell you what I told my kids. There is no absolute fairness. You cannot define fairness to the satisfaction of all people. Things are the way they are. If you don’t like them, work hard to change them. If you do like things, work hard to keep them the same.

If there is any fairness, it is that we should all have an equal opportunity to work for the things that we want. That doesn’t mean we all start from the same place and those who have been disadvantaged by society in the past must be give equal opportunity with consideration of past inequalities. To those who say they have never benefitted from special consideration: “What’s your golf handicap?”

Do I know how to achieve these things? Sadly, no. That is for people smarter than me. Do I consider it unfair that there are people smarter than me? No, I’m glad. If The Grumpy Doc were the smartest guy around, we would all be in trouble.

50 Years And Counting

By John Turley

On June 29, 2021

In Uncategorized

Margie and I have just returned from a trip to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most important day in my life. The day we were married.

I give thanks every day that I found Margie and she agreed to be my wife. Everything that I am or ever will be or could ever want to be is thanks to her.

She is the guiding light of my life and fills it with joy. I give thanks to God for the 50 wonderful years that we have had together and for every day that continues.

Our 50th anniversary is not just a day. For us, it’s a year-long celebration of our love. Every day we are thankful for our family and our friends who have made it all so special to us. You’ll never know how much you mean to us.

May God bless you all.

John

Medicine During the American Revolution

By John Turley

On June 17, 2021

In History, Medicine

We all have an idea of what life was like for our 18^th century ancestors: no electricity, no running water or indoor plumbing, no central heat, no telephone or computers, no rapid transportation. But try to imagine what medicine was like under these conditions. Most things that we take for granted as a routine part of our medical care did not yet exist. There were no X-rays, no lab tests, no EKGs, no antibiotics and no concept of sterile procedure or anesthesia. Surgery was a painful and often fatal process.

In many ways, medicine was more of a trade than a profession. There were only two medical schools in 18^th century America. The Philadelphia Medical College was founded in 1765 and Kings College Medical College in New York two years later. Most physician and surgeons (chirurgiens as it was spelled at the time) who had formal training received it in Europe. By far, most physicians received their training by a one-to-three-year apprenticeship in the office of an established physician. Others, particularly on the frontier, simply declared themselves physicians and set up practice. In some remote areas, surgery was performed by the local barber or butcher because they had the tools.

The first medical society was formed in Boston in 1735. By the mid-1700s most colonies required a medical license of some form. In many colonies the medical license was little more than a business tax with few, if any, enforceable professional standards. The first hospital in the colonies was founded in Philadelphia in 1751 by a group that included Benjamin Franklin.

In 1775 there were an estimated 3000 physicians practicing in the colonies. Fewer than 300 had a medical degree or a certificate from a formal apprenticeship. Early attempts at licensing were resisted as an attempt to place a monopoly on medicine. Massachusetts was the first colony to attempt regulation by issuing a certificate of proficiency for completion of an approved apprenticeship. But even in Massachusetts, as notable a physician as Benjamin Rush reported that the only prerequisite for “…. a doctor’s boy (apprentice) is the ability to stand the sight of blood”.

While modern concepts of disease and sanitation were beginning to evolve in the late 18^th century, many practitioners still ascribed to the almost 1000-year-old ideas of the Greek physician Galan. He believed that the body had four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Good health required a balance of the humors and illness resulted from their imbalance. Attempts to restore balance included bleeding, purging, diuretics and laxatives, and placing heated cups on the back to form blisters and draw out the humors. It was this belief that led to the bleeding that hastened George Washington’s death. Quite literally, the cure was worse than the disease.

The physicians of the time had few effective medicines and often acted as their own apothecary, compounding medications of spices, herbs, flowers, bark, mercury, alcohol, or tar. Opium elixir was marketed to help babies sleep through the night. Mercury was used to treat everything from syphilis to scabies. Voltaire summed up the state of pharmacology when he said “…. a physician is one who pours drugs of which he knows little into a body of which he knows less.”

Disease and hardship were a fact of life in the colonies. One in eight women died in childbirth or from complications of pregnancy. One in ten children died before the age of five. Diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, typhus and measles ravaged many communities. They were especially deadly for American Indians.

Smallpox was perhaps the deadliest disease of the colonial period. Entire American Indian tribes were annihilated. Epidemics repeatedly swept through the colonies in the 1700s killing thousands. George III became King of England in part because of smallpox. The last Stewart claimant to the throne died of the disease and England looked to the House of Hanover for the German born King George I.

Inoculations against smallpox had been widespread in Africa and in Arab countries for many years. In the American colonies inoculation was denounced as barbarian and some clergy preached that it was thwarting God’s will. Despite the support of such notables as Cotton Mather and Benjamin Franklin, inoculation against the disease was not widespread until George Washington, seeing the debilitating effect of smallpox on the Continental Army, ordered massive inoculation of all troops.

Disease and poor hygiene were the greatest foes faced by the army. John Adams reported that for every soldier killed in battle, ten died from disease. On July 25, 1775, the Continental Army Medical Corps was formed. Initially, each regiment was required to provide its own surgeon and there were no established qualifications. Only Massachusetts required examination of regimental surgeons and many colonies did not provide the surgeons with a military rank. To make matters worse, the first director general of the army medical corps, Dr. Benjamin Church, was a British spy.

Modern ideas of sanitation were unknown to most colonists. Few people bathed because they believed it removed the body’s protective coating. Most soldiers had only a single set of clothes in which they also slept and almost never washed. Army camps were hot beds of flux (dysentery) and camp fever (typhoid and typhus, the distinction between them was unknown). Camp fever took a huge toll on the army because it left the survivors so debilitated that they required almost constant care and seldom returned to duty.

Sanitation consumed a large part of General Washington’s time at Valley Forge. Latrines, garbage disposal and animal manure were constant problems. Attempts to prevent and treat the itch (scabies) were relentless. At times, several hundred soldiers would be unfit for duty due to infestation. What little clothing and blankets they did have often had to be burned to prevent the spread of the parasite.

Conditions in army hospitals were not much better and could be far worse. Camp fever spread rapidly through the close confines, often killing entire wards, including the staff. Death rates could run as high as 25% in hospitals and many soldiers preferred to remain in camp where they felt they had a better chance of survival. Dr Benjamin Rush stated “Hospitals are the sinks of human life. They robbed the United States of more citizens than the sword.”

The French, as with many things during the revolution, aided the patriots with their health problems. Dr. Jean Francois Coste, chief medical officer of the French Expeditionary Force, was one of the first to introduce strict regulations concerning sanitation and hygiene in army camps. The Americans, noting the significantly better health of their allies, were quick to follow suit.

The revolution was always close to failure. It was made even closer by widespread disease. But as with everything, our patriot ancestors persisted and triumphed.

This post was adapted from my article published in The SAR Magazine, Fall 2020, Sons of the American Revolution.

Sources:

Colonial Society of Massachusetts. Medicine In Colonial Massachusetts 1620-1820. Boston, MA, 1980

Miller, Christine. A Guide to 18^th Century Military Medicine in Colonial America, Self-Published,Lexington, KY, 2016.

Reiss, Oscar, MD. Medicine and the American Revolution; How Diseases and their Treatments Affected the Colonial Army. McFarland & Co, Jefferson, NC, 1998.

Shryock, Richard. Medicine and Society in America 1660 – 1860. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY, 1960.

Terkel, Susan. Colonial American Medicine. Franklin Watts, NY, 1993.

Wilber, C. Keith, MD. Revolutionary Medicine 1700 -1800. The Globe Pequot Press, Guilford CN, 1980.

Brown Beans and Cornbread

By John Turley

On June 8, 2021

In Appalachia, Commentary

Best Beans & Cornbread in Weest Virginia Winners (2019) | USA TODAY 10Best

I find it interesting that things take on more importance in retrospect than they had at the time. I grew up in West Virginia and I left the state when I was 19 and spent the next 21 years living in other parts of the country.

We moved back to West Virginia when I was accepted in medical school at Marshall. I found it interesting to discover that things I really didn’t remember as being part of the culture had somehow become iconic.

What most surprised me was brown beans and cornbread. Schools and churches had brown beans and cornbread suppers to raise funds. This was supposedly a West Virginia tradition. Unfortunately for me I really don’t remember it.

I know we had cornbread and probably had brown beans. I don’t remember them being linked together as the “classic” Appalachian dinner. Although I must say it has become one of my favorite meals and I regret all those years I missed out on enjoying it.

This got me to thinking how many things that we consider traditional or “American” have only become so from the vantage point of looking backward. Nostalgia minimizes faults and amplifies virtues.

Many things that were not so important at the time have become set in stone as an important part of our heritage. For example, collectors now pay a fortune for old toys that are considered to somehow represent a special bygone era. However, at the time, they were just toys. They were played with and discarded when the kids lost interest in them. Who has not said at one time or another, “I wish I still had my”, you fill in the blank here, be it the original Barbie doll, baseball cards or Star Trek toys.

Speaking of Star Trek, let’s look at the series. I’m sure this is where The Grumpy Doc may upset some people.

When you consider the entertainment dynasty that arose from the original Star Trek series it is hard to believe that it only lasted three seasons. It was initially cancelled after the second season and brought back for an additional season only after an aggressive letter writing campaign by fans.

If you look at the old shows, the stories were simplistic, the special effects were rudimentary, and the acting was over the top. Especially Captain Kirk, who could always find it within himself to over act in any scene. Yet somehow, after many movies and numerous spinoff series, we have come to regard this initial run as classic television. I will admit they made moral points on many episodes, but these were often heavy handed and in-your-face moralizing.

When we think of Great American literature one of the books we think of is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. At the time of its initial release, it sold poorly. When Fitzgerald died, he considered himself to be a failure as a writer. It wasn’t until World War II when The Great Gatsby was one of the books printed and distributed to the troops, that it became popular. He is now considered an American icon and rightly so.

The same thing happens to politicians. These are people that we know and revere as great Americans and who have been subjected to near deification. These are people literally carved in stone, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. From the perspective of many years, we have come to believe that these men were universally loved, admired, and respected. However, during their lifetime they had many political and personal enemies who criticized them at great length and all three suffered through periods of declining popularity.

In future posts I’m going to discuss each of them in turn and look at how they were perceived during their lifetime as compared to how we perceive them now. Each deserves separate attention. Despite their flaws, each was vitally important to the America that we now know.

Equally as interesting are things that were once popular or considered important and are now almost completely unknown. I will be addressing those in a future post as well.

One thing I will warn you about now, I have a great interest in historical trivia. The Grumpy Doc is really trying to understand how perceptions of previous generations have shaped current opinions about many aspects of society. I will be sharing many of my thoughts on these issues.