Touched by the Lord’s hand: The history of Multiple Sclerosis
Although the signs of MS have been observed for more than 175 years, it is still quite misunderstood. How did we first learn of the existence of MS, and how much have we learned in all these years about this disease chronic and debilitating illness and its treatment?
Voluntary Veil: The Canadian Voluntary Aid Detachment in the First World War
Before the mid 19th century, women had a discreet but ever-present role on the battlefield, mostly as camp followers. When women such as Florence Nightingale started to demonstrate the value of military nurses, armies began to slowly, but surely assign them to their medical services.
A Hair-Razing History of the Beard: Facial Hair and Men’s Health from the Crimean War to the First World War
The period following the Crimean War and until the end of the First World War marks an interesting time for men’s fashion and health. During the Victorian period, beards and other facial hair styles enjoyed resurgence in popularity which had not been seen since the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.[1] While the facial hair trend waned by the end of the nineteenth century,[2] enthusiasm for debating the cleanliness and overall health of bearded and non-bearded men remained strong. With increased attention to the face, and more specifically the hair on it, doctors, nurses, soldiers and the general public engaged in spirited discussions of men’s health.
Vaccines and Immunization: Epidemics, Prevention, and Canadian Innovation
There is significant public debate over the merits and risk of vaccinations, much of which is fueled by inflammatory rhetoric rather than facts and science. This debate has raged ever since the first vaccine for smallpox was proposed by Dr. Edward Jenner in the 1790s and, doubtless, it will continue as new vaccines are developed.
The APPle of our Eye: 80 Years of Hospital History in the Palm of your Hand!
In 2011, the Museum received the fantastic news that it had been awarded a grant for $52,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This funding enabled the Museum to leap with both feet into an exciting two-year project to develop not one, but two new apps that will allow users to explore local medical and nursing history on their phones and mobile devices.
Medicine in the Mushkegowuk: A Connection Between North and South
Residents of Kingston will be aware of the positive impact that the local hospitals have on our city’s overall health, but what many of us might not know is that they have a much wider reach than just Kingston and its neighbouring communities; in fact, Kingston General Hospital, Hotel Dieu and Providence Care have been intimately linked with a hospital in a remote area of northern Ontario for the past fifty years.
The Humble Toothbrush’s Extravagant Past
Oral hygiene and beauty have been interlinked throughout history. Since ancient times, people have attempted to clean their teeth to reduce or eliminate the pain and embarrassment of tooth decay while also working towards a perfect smile.
A Tribute to Canada’s Nurses: Celebrating Nursing Week 2013
In Canada, the hard work and dedication of nurses is formally recognized during National Nursing Week, the second week of May. International Nurses Day, designated by the International Council of Nurses in 1974, is celebrated on May 12th. This day was chosen as significant because it is Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
National Stress Awareness Day, 16 April: Managing Stress Then and Now
April 16th marks National Stress Awareness Day. Stress often accompanies difficult situations or circumstances that a person undergoes. Psychological, emotional and mental stress can lead to negative consequences on one’s physiological stability. As a student at Queen’s University, stress is not a foreign concept to me.
World Health Day 2013 – A Short History of Sphygmomanometers and Blood Pressure Measurement
April 7th marks World Health Day, a day that celebrates the birthday of the World Health Organization (WHO) by drawing attention to a significant health problem affecting the world today. The focus in 2013 is high blood pressure.