Paralysed

The other day I recieved a terrifying notification via email, advising me to be alert for evidence of polio in returned travellers.  This is due to upheaval in Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan and a growing global antivaccination sentiment.  A crying shame as only a few short years ago we were incredibly close to declaring this planet polio free, an incredible legacy to pass onto our children.

In her day job your author does her best to see as many children as possible immunised against deadly diseases just like this one.  Now she will use this little hobby of hers to remind whatever audience she has exactly why vaccinations are so important.

Round the Bend

This last week juggling work and a little baby I have found myself frequently thinking that I am going round the bend.

Which of course then leads me to wondering where that phrase may have originated. As your author tends to do.

Clearly the expression has something to do with mental health.  There is a school of thought that suggests it may have to do with the fact that many mental asylums were at the end of windy roads.

However I once heard a much more interesting theory, which also happens to be local, that I'd like to share with you today.

How a spirochete secured the English succession

The year was 1565 and Mary, Queen of Scots was on the hunt for a husband.

 (Mary - Public domain image sourced from Wikipedia)

Bad Bad Brandy

The Kingdom of Navarre was located in Spain and from 1349-1387 was ruled by Charles the Second.

He is now known as Charles the Bad.

Given that this was the 14th century and brutality was almost expected of Kings, Charles had to have been particularly, well, bad.

Shameless Vote Grubbing

It's that time of year again. I would greatly appreciate your vote in the Best Australian Blog People's Choice Competition. Just look for Medical History - under M. Internet Karma awaits :).