In Sickness

In this two-part episode, we begin our discussion of hysteria in history and the modern day by talking about physical health, and how it was (or wasn't) diagnosed. We now know that hysteria is more of a "category" than an actual disease, but one that was primarily used as a gendered tool for oppression based on sexual and reproductive organs. 

Reproductive health services and women's health in the modern day are still negatively affected by this outlook on sex and gender, and you better bet we get all riled up about it. 

We look forward to talking more about sex, gender, and hysteria in our next episode, where we will talk about mental health! 

This week on In Sickness we are discussing Hansen's Disease, or what is commonly known as Leprosy. We talk about who the heck Hansen was, the medieval leper trope and Leper colonies in Hawai'i. Warning- may include light "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" spoilers at the end ;). 

Up Next: A 2 part series on women's health! 

This week we'll be dipping our toes into typhoid. Sensationalized and memeified as it was a few hundred years ago, we argue that this disease is perhaps a bit neglected in the modern day. Learn more about Mary Mallon (usually referred to as Typhoid Mary), and a brief foray into health economics- even more interesting than it sounds.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @InSickness2020 where we'll be posting the gross, the historical, and more.

Next time: Leprosy! 

Today's episode touches on a lot of topics (well, if we're honest, they all do...we just have a lot to say about a lot of things!). As with most of our discussions of epidemic disease, racism, inequality, and bias, play a big role in who is getting sick and how they are treated. We discuss this in todays episode, before going more specifically into TB and its storied past. 

We have also put together an ever growing reading list on racism and health that can be found in the show notes! We would love to hear from you- book clubs, reading suggestions, or anything else. 

This week we'll be talking all things anthrax. Apart from the infamous terrorist attacks in 2001, this disease isn't talked about all that much (or at least, not to us!). We were excited to learn and explore the history, weird conspiracies, and spy thriller story behind this bacteria. 

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @InSickness2020 where we post fun/gross historical content, if that tickles your fancy.

Next time: Tuberculosis! 

The disease of the week is cholera! Cholera is notorious for following lines of inequality- but it wasn't always so discriminating. This week, we talk John Snow (who some call the father of modern public health), Hippocrates, and Haiti.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @InSickness2020 where we post fun historical content. Want to know what famous people died of this disease? Find it there. 

Next time: Anthrax!

Maya and Angeliki discuss syphilis, and the complex global history the disease carries with it. From (contested) origins in the new world, through Europe, and back to Alabama, this impossible to pronounce bacteria has made its mark in history. A hidden modern epidemic, there is a lot to learn about how we treat vulnerable communities as a whole. 

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @InSickness2020

Next time: Cholera :) 

In our first episode we discuss two of the worlds most devastating pandemics, and how we have (or have not) learned from the past. Also, fermentation. 

Tune in next time for Syphilis, then and now!