A Brief History On April 12, 1955, the Polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk was declared safe and effective for use in the United States, ending the epidemic that killed or crippled mass numbers of children in the 19th and 20th Centuries. An earlier Polio vaccine in 1950 was not approved in the US, and in 1961, an oral vaccine became available. Digging Deeper Many diseases have been tamed or eliminated by vaccines, and today we ask, which vaccine is the greatest? Here are some contenders: The smallpox vaccine, saving millions of lives, goes back to as long ago…
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A Brief History On April 3, 2024, Americans celebrate National Walking Day, a day celebrated only since 2007 in spite of being an activity people have been doing since proto-humans came down from the trees. Digging Deeper People seem to walk as little as possible to travel from point A to point B, and yet all sorts of walking machines, treadmills, and elliptical machines, are sold every year. In honor of those blessed with the ability to perambulate, stroll, trudge, hike, amble, plod, march, tramp, stride, and tread, here are a few facts about walking. You burn about 5 calories…
A Brief History On April 2, 2021, a 25 year old African American “Black Nationalist,” Noah Green, murdered a US Capitol police officer and injured another when Green drove his car into the officer and a vehicle barricade at the US Capitol. Digging Deeper Green then attacked the police with a knife before being fatally shot by the police. This murderer’s aggression toward law enforcement officers was and is in no way unusual, as the police face such violence every day. In fact, there are many more ways police face danger than from violent attackers. In 2023, 123 US police…
A Brief History On March 27, 1998, the FDA approved Viagra, a medication to treat erectile dysfunction. Along with a host of possible negative side effects, Viagra is now often used recreationally to enhance sexual performance by men and women, by athletes who believe the drug enhances athletic performance, and by illegal drug dealers that adulterate other drugs with Viagra. Digging Deeper Endorsement ads by former Senator and Republican Presidential nominee Bob Dole and soccer legend Pele helped launch the product, and today counterfeit Viagra is readily available, although often with dangerous ingredients such as rat poison! Some other controversial…
A Brief History On March 22, 2024, the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton Windsor, the wife of the future King of the UK, William, Prince of Wales, announced that she is being treated for an unspecified cancer discovered during her recent abdominal surgery. Digging Deeper Princess Kate, as she is usually known as, is a beautiful and popular addition to the Royal Family and has borne Prince William a pair of sons and a daughter. The future Queen of the UK, Kate has campaigned for mental health awareness and has earned the respect of her country and the world. We…
