Tag: Roman Empire

Combat Chronic Respiratory Problems With Increased Indoor Air Quality

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Indoor Air Quality is an issue that is of high importance to the medical community for many reasons. With advances in construction techniques and materials, homes and buildings are being built tighter and more energy efficient than in times past. In the old days, houses and buildings were drafty and the air inside actually exchanged with the air outside on a regular basis. Despite the fact that this was a source of lost energy, it did, in fact have an advantage in that the air on average was cleaner and more fresh than it is in homes today.

Without fresh air entering a home or building on a consistent basis, many infectious and polluting agents can build up to greater than naturally occurring levels. When this happens both your immune system and your liver have to begin working overtime to keep up with remediation efforts.

There are many sources for infectious agents to enter or develop in your home. For example, a sneeze is a great way to spread most strains of viruses through out the entire house. One sneeze uncovered can enter the ductwork of your house and literally be pumped into every room in a matter of minutes. Additionally, potentially toxic substances such as mold spores can grow and be released into the air if left unchecked. All of these things are removed if the air in the home or building are replaced with fresh air.

Pollutants from construction materials should also be considered. Due to international commerce, many construction materials are now being shipped in from overseas. One such example of this is from formaldehyde, an extremely toxic substance found in drywall recently imported. Other materials such as shower caulk may contain chemicals such as acetaldehyde and others that claim to be non-toxic may contain mineral spirits which still contain toxic aromatics such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene and others. All of these are toxic and are released into the air as they dry.

Chemicals like this are no longer removed by the natural draft as houses and buildings have been tightened, and this can lead to chronic respiratory problems. Now, the only way to remove them is to remove them with an air purifier. An air purifier that is capable of reducing infectious and polluting agents such as these would require several stages such as a charcoal and HEPA filter as well as UV treatment in some cases.

Incredible Facts About Medicine Of The Ancient Romes

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In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans were brothers. There was the obvious close proximity of the two countries. However, their relationship was deeper than that. In fact, their cultures were so closely linked that the Greeks and Romans shared gods with different names, but similar backgrounds! However, both groups maintained a unique history and culture. For instances, here are some of the highlights about ancient Roman medicine:

1. Doctors were vital to the Roman Empire

The Roman’s Empire’s public health system was actually quite broad. While doctors in ancient Rome could receive formal training, here are some other interesting facts about them:

Anyone in ancient Rome could refer to himself or herself as a “doctor.”
Doctors would often serve as surgeons in the Roman Empire’s army.
Several female doctors existed.
Women typically served the healthcare needs of other women.
Doctors provided free healthcare services, to those living in impoverished towns.

2. Much of Roman medicine was Greek medicine

The Roman defeated the Greeks, in the former’s formation of the Roman Empire. Afterwards, Roman doctors then accepted many of the ideas that the Greeks had, concerning medicine. In fact, most of the doctors who were practicing in the Roman Empire–were Greek! Furthermore, the works of Hippocrates, the Greek “Father of Medicine,” served as the basis for numerous Roman doctors’ training.

3. The Romans focused on public health

Obviously, the Romans were unaware of bacteria, and the use of cheap urbane scrubs to reduce their transmission. However, the Romans placed an emphasis on public health. Improvement in personal hygiene would ultimately improve public health and reduce diseases’ occurrence.

4. Rome further developed the Greek’s theories about medicines

The Romans adhered to many of the beliefs of the Greeks, about maintaining the health of humans. For instance, they focused on the importance of cleanliness and exercise. This was due to the Romans’ borrowing theories from the Greek, Hippocrates. A second century AD Greek doctor, Galen, was instrumental in developing these theories. Galen further developed Hippocrates’ notion that human bodies contained four “humours.”

5. Galen influenced both Roman and European medicine

In addition to affecting Roman medicine, Galen also influenced European medicine for more than 15 centuries! His theories and practices focused on obtaining a balance of the four humours, which he believed were inside human bodies.

The Romans would obtain advice from their doctors, while also presenting offers to various Roman gods, such as the Roman goddess of safety–Salus. Interestingly, during the 3rd century BC, this god became linked to Hygieia–the Greek goddess related to healing. Furthermore, the Romans also used Temples of Asclepius, which had originated from the Greeks.

While the Romans were not as innovative as the Greeks were, in the study of medicine, the former certainly contributed to the development of Greek concepts related to medicine. Ultimately, the Romans improved humans’ overall understanding of hygiene and health, which is noteworthy. After conquering the Greeks, the Romans would contribute to humans’ epic war on bacteria!