Mercury, the gleaming liquid metal once hailed as a miracle cure, has woven a complex thread through the tapestry of medical history. Known as "quicksilver" for its fluidity and allure, it earned infamy as the root of the term "quack," tied to dubious practitioners peddling mercury-laden salves. From ancient elixirs to syphilis treatments and modern dental fillings, mercury’s role in healing has been both celebrated and condemned. Its shimmering promise masked a toxic legacy, one that modern science continues to unravel as we grapple with its health risks and environmental toll. This exploration delves into mercury’s medicinal past, its dental legacy, and the evolving push for safer practices in a world increasingly wary of its dangers.
Read MoreI was on a digital detox this week and therefore did not look at any research or explore new topics in health. I was incidentally celebrating my sixtieth birthday at the same time. During the week, I saw some old college friends, one of whom I had not seen since 1985. I was feeling a bit nostalgic, so I went on social media after my detox was over to look at pictures from the past. I found this one of me in a striped shirt from 1985 that my dad took by our pool. My wife always tells me that she thinks I look just as good as the younger me, so I got the crazy idea to try and strike the same pose and see how I really stack up to a younger man. We had a good laugh trying. She claims to like the silver fox with the fancy watch better! Unfortunately, many of the years in between the photos were spent with avoidable health problems. This post will cover what happened and how I was able to get healthy and strong again.
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