Who was the first female doctor in the Western World?

Until the early 1800's, you had to be a man to enter medical school. In 1809 James Miranda Barry had to disguise herself as a man in order to enter medical school. Evidence indicates that she was born Margaret Ann Buckley, in 1792. After garduating in 1812, she joined the British Army as a surgeon and over the years was stationed all over the world. In 1857, she was sent to Canada as an inspector general of military hospitals. In this top-ranking position she advocated and fought for improved sanitary conditions and better food in hospitals. She was highly regarded as a surgeon, although she was considered an "eccentric" and sometimes difficult to deal with, and during the Crimean War it is reported that she got into an argument with Florence Nightingale. Dr. Barry continued to hide her identity her entire life and it was only upon her death that her true gender was discovered (although some claimed that they had "known all along").

Thanks to brave and courageous women like Dr. James Miranda Barry who paved the way for others, many women have been able to advance and choose professions that at one time were only availble to men.

Women's History Month ...cont'd

Founder of the American Cross: Clara Barton

Clara Barton began her lifelong work of helping others in the battlefields of the American Civil War and was dubbed "The Angel of the Battlefield". After the war, she led efforts to locate missing soldiers and gave speeches on her war experiences. When the International Red Cross was established in 1864, she began lobbying for an American branch. In 1881, the Amercan Red Cross was established and Baron served as president for over 20 years.

Celebrating Women's History Month (March)

Not so long ago, women were barred and discouraged from pursuing careers in medicine. In honor of Women's History Month, I'd like to spotlight some true pioneers.These women faced social barriers, discrimination and other hardships, yet they persevered to make great strides in medicine and healthcare. Not only did they change their world, but they also created a new world of possibilities for future generations of women.

The first woman who comes to mind is Florence Nightingale. She was born in 1820 and died in 1910. She became a nurse and was a great reformer in the field of nursing. Her parents considered that as being an "un-lady-like" profession, but despite their opinions she persevered. When the Crimean war broke out in 1854 she volunteered her services at the frontlines. Through her efforts, sanitary conditions at the hospitals improved greatly and casualties decreased. When she returned to England she established a school for nursing and made nursing a respectable profession. In 1860 she wrote a book "Notes on Nursing" which is still in print today. Florence was also very good in mathematics and is credited for inventing the pie chart, and other statistical tools which she used to collect and systematize record keeping practices, which were useful in improving the conditions in city and military hospitals.

GETTING OLDER.....IN DOG YEARS

As with people, dogs slow down with age. Although the appearance of aging may vary by breed, in general, a medium dog is considered 'elderly' if he is over 8 years old and a larger one around 5 years old.



You can do many things with and for your dogs to ensure that they live happy and healthy senior years:

• Take short walks to increase circulation, strengthen muscles, improve heart function, lung function and trim fat.


• Use a ramp to get into the car or on furniture if your dog is loosing mobility.


• If they suffer from arthritis provide them with a soft, comfortable place to sleep which will help to ease stiffness and discomfort.


• You may need to change their diet or add vitamins to their food, check with your vet.


• Make sure you take them for an annual check-up to the vet.


• If you notice a worrisome physical or behavioral change contact your vet, since certain symptoms can signal a serious health problem.


• Last but not least, make sure you return the unconditional love you have enjoyed for so many years from your dog....Older dogs need as much attention and affection as when they were puppies.

Continued good health for your dog, means more years of happy companionship for you.

"Do the right thing and you will never go wrong"....

Here is a review that I wrote on a book I just finished reading: 7 Times Down, 8 Times Up, by Alan Gettis, Phd.

His dad always told him : "do the right thing and you will never go wrong". What a great advice!

Dr.Gettis shares from his heart his lifelong experiences, so that others can learn and apply simple steps towards making positive changes in their lives. He will inspire you, as well as help you become the person you always wanted to be .

7 Times Down 8 Times Up has tremendous insight into common sense tips and universal principles, which provide a road map to a happier and more fulfilling life. This book is like a treasure of hope. A collection of short stories, easy to understand and relate to, and very entertaining. He always has a point at the end of every chapter which empowers the reader with wisdom and practical applications.

One of my favorite chapters is called "A Work in Progress". It talks about re-writing the book of your life..Despite the content of any previous chapters in your life's book, the final lines will always be written by you-the Primary Author. What a wonderful thought that we have the choice to re-make our life as we move forward!

The book can be purchased thru Amazon.com or by visiting www.Drgettis.com