Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine

What was some of the outdated (though subtly subversive) medical advice given to cisgendered women of the 1930s? Dr. Sydnee and Justin aim to answer that with The Intimate Side of a Woman’s Life by Leona W. Chalmers, with all sorts of tips about douching, period cramps, and sex energy. Thanks to Olivia for sending in the book! Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Often cure-alls cure nothing (and do nothing), but other times they may actually hurt. Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about the Essiac tea formula, which claims to cure cancer while preventing people from seeking actual helpful medical care. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

There is a claim on the internet that when you eat pineapple, it eats you back. This is actually true! Or more accurately, pineapple contains an enzyme that breaks down tissue. Dr. Sydnee and Justin dive into exactly how this works, as well as the fundamental question: what is an enzyme? Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

It’s time for us to answer some more listener medical questions, if “us” means “Dr. Sydnee McElroy.” Questions like: can you cook dirt enough to make it clean? What is Gaze-Evoked Tinnitus? Why do we rub our eyes when we’re tired? And can I taste . . .with my eyes? Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Justin returns to quiz Dr. Sydnee for the third and final analysis of the official Marvel Anatomy book. All will be revealed! Where does Colossus get his steel skin? How does Mystique turn into other people? And why are the Inhumans so disappointing? Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Sometimes respiratory and GI distress can be treated with antibiotics; other times it turns out there’s a live carpet python parasite in the brain. Dr. Sydnee discuss this rare case from a few years ago, the history of discovering parasitic roundworms in humans, and best practices in avoiding them. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

That thing where you get bitten by ticks and can't eat meat, is that real? Yes, it's real, and it's called Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Dr. Sydnee dives into the fascinating story of how we found out that sometimes, if you get bitten by a certain tick, you become allergic to red meat. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

If you’ve ever been pregnant or pregnant-adjacent, you may have heard of the blood glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. Many pregnant people find the process unpleasant and gross — which has prompted some pseudo-experts to speak out against it. Dr. Sydnee discusses the new discourse surrounding the test, how it works, and why, if your doctor recommends it, you should honestly just get it done. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

One of the national drinks of the Dominican Republic, Mamajuana has a long history as an enjoyed alcoholic beverage . . . and a medicine. Dr. Sydnee and Justin go over the backstories of this beverage and the various medicinal properties it has reportedly held. For more about the history of Mamajuana and how to use it in cocktails, check out Neat: The Boozecast: https://on.soundcloud.com/71Rxg Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Florida has a sudden uptick in cases of leprosy – but isn’t that just a weird Biblical disease? It’s real, it’s just fairly rare. Justin and Dr. Sydnee bring the history of leprosy from a 2014 episode, in addition to updated research and treatments, as well as what exactly is going on in Florida. Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/