Describe the traditional definitions of HEALTH and ILLNESS of the White non-Hispanic populations.
HEALTH and ILLNESS
Among the Germans, health is described as more than not being ill but as a state of well-being—physically and emotionally—the ability to do your duty, positive energy to do things, and the ability to do, think, and act the way you would like, to go and congregate, to enjoy life. Illness may be described as the absence of well-being: pain, malfunction of body organs, not being able to do what you want, a blessing from God to suffer, and a disorder of body, imbalance.
Causes of ILLNESS
Most German Americans believe in the germ theory of infection and in stress-related theories. Other causes of illness are identified, however, such as drafts, environmental changes, and belief in the evil eye and punishment from God.
The methods of maintaining health include the requirement of dressing properly for the season, proper nutrition, and the wearing of shawls to protect oneself from drafts—also, the taking of cod-liver oil, exercise, and hard work. Methods for preventing illness include wearing an asafetida bag around the neck in the winter to prevent colds, scapulars, religious practices, sleeping with the windows open, and cleanliness.
The use of home remedies to treat illness continues to be practiced. Table 13–3 gives examples of commonly used home remedies. Figure 13–5, is a remedy that may be purchased in Germany and is used to treat colds.
Current Health Problems
There do not appear to be any unusual health problems particular to German Americans.
HEALTH and ILLNESS in the White Populations ■ 329
Table 13–3 ILLNESS Symptoms and Remedies Among German Americans
Gastrointestinal Problems
Symptom Remedy
Constipation Castor oil Black draught
Diarrhea or vomiting Do not eat for 24 hours Chicken soup
Stomachache Peppermint tea Tea and toast Berries, elderberries
Respiratory Problems
Symptom Remedy
Cold Wet compress around throat—cover with wool Lemon juice and whiskey Chopped onions in a sack applied to the soles of the feet Olbas (made in Germany)
Cough Goose fat—rub on chest Honey and milk Tausend Gülden Krout (thousand golden cabbage)—rum
Earache Warm oil in ear Warm towels Bitter geranium leaves
Sore throat Camphor on a wet rag—wrap around the throat Gargle with salt water Onion compress Chicken soup Liniments
Physical Injuries
Symptom Remedy
Bumps Hard knife (cold metal), place on bump Cuts Iodine—clean well Puncture wounds (nail) Soak in kerosene Wounds Clean well with water—apply iodine
Miscellaneous Problems
Symptom Remedy
Aches and pains Kytle’s liniment Olbas Volcanic oil Salves and liniments
Arthritis Warm-water soaks Honey, vinegar, and water soaks
Boils “Capital water”—sulfur water—drink this (this is available at the Texas capital)
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330 ■ Chapter 13
Clean body after winter Kur (similar to hot springs) drink Fever Cold compress on head—fluids Headache Iced cloth on head Menstrual cramps Cardui Rheumatism Aloe vera—rub on sore area
Cod-liver oil—massage Apply fig juice
Ringworm Chamomile tea compress Stye One half of hard-boiled egg—apply warm white on eye Toothache Cloves
Salbec tea Olbas
Warts Apply fig juice and fig leaf milk