Description
Book Synopsis: The fight against child mortality that transformed parenting, doctoring, and the way we live.Only one hundred years ago, in even the world's wealthiest nations, children died in great numbers—of diarrhea, diphtheria, and measles, of scarlet fever and tuberculosis. Throughout history, culture has been shaped by these deaths; diaries and letters recorded them, and writers such as Louisa May Alcott, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Eugene O'Neill wrote about and mourned them. Not even the powerful and the wealthy could escape: of Abraham and Mary Lincoln's four children, only one survived to adulthood, and the first billionaire in history, John D. Rockefeller, lost his beloved grandson to scarlet fever. For children of the poor, immigrants, enslaved people and their descendants, the chances of dying were far worse.
The steady beating back of infant and child mortality is one of our greatest human achievements. Interweaving her own experiences as a medical student and doctor, Perri Klass pays tribute to groundbreaking women doctors like Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Mary Putnam Jacobi, and Josephine Baker, and to the nurses, public health advocates, and scientists who brought new approaches and scientific ideas about sanitation and vaccination to families. These scientists, healers, reformers, and parents rewrote the human experience so that—for the first time in human memory—early death is now the exception rather than the rule, bringing about a fundamental transformation in society, culture, and family life.
Details
Discover the captivating story of how science and public health revolutionized the way we care for our children in "A Good Time to Be Born." Uncover the remarkable journey that transformed the tragic reality of child mortality into a hopeful future for generations to come. Delve into the pages of this book to explore the groundbreaking discoveries and tireless efforts that have shaped modern parenting and healthcare practices.
Step back in time to a century ago when children in even the wealthiest nations faced devastating illnesses like diarrhea, measles, and tuberculosis. Explore the profound impact of these losses on society and culture, as narrated through the poignant writings of historical figures such as Louisa May Alcott and W. E. B. Du Bois. Witness the resilience and determination of families, doctors, and advocates who relentlessly fought against the odds to save young lives.
Join author Perri Klass on a journey through history as she weaves personal anecdotes with the remarkable achievements of pioneering women doctors and healthcare advocates. Celebrate the triumphs of scientists and reformers who revolutionized sanitation practices and vaccination efforts, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for our children. "A Good Time to Be Born" is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the transformative power of innovation in shaping our world.
Experience the profound narrative of resilience, hope, and progress in "A Good Time to Be Born." Embrace the legacy of those who dedicated their lives to eradicating childhood diseases and championing public health initiatives. Let this inspiring book guide you through a journey of discovery and enlightenment, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing and safeguarding the well-being of our future generations.
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