June
1999 E-Newsletter
Spring and Summer '99 Edition: Our Twenty Third Year
Featuring:
A FEATHER IN OUR CAP!
Salt Lake City, UT - The Crown Council of Dentistry has granted exclusive
membership to Dr. Steve Markus. The Crown Council is an international
alliance of dedicated, leading edge dental teams who are proving by
their performance, ca commitment to building a practice that provides
a continually rising standard of care and is the recognized leader
in health, wellness and prevention in the community. Requirements
include continuing education, and continuous patient satisfaction
surveys.
PATIENTS IN THE NEWS
Marianne Cuneo, owner of A Little Café in Voorhees (where we have
been sending many of you for dessert after the movies at the Ritz)
graced the cover of Philadelphia Magazine's Best Chef's issue. What
a thrill for us all to see her beautiful smile, and for us to be able
to say that we know a "Cover Girl!"
We read about Maria Ketschek, owner of Sojourn for Nails, in the
Courier Post. She provides free private make-over sessions for victims
of
domestic abuse. The Inquirer told us about how Karen Theisen, a beautician,
travels to the homes of shut-ins. So important for self-esteem ladies,
congratulations. Renee Pinardo was recognized for her work at The
Bridge in Camden for her supporting and enriching adolescents.
Get
well wishes to Don Slipp.
Congratulations to Alana Iantuanno, who is a finalist in the Miss
Rhode Island competition. If she wins, the GTO is guaranteed a spot
in the Miss America Boardwalk Parade in Sept! Good Luck!
To John Truran on the birth of two grandchildren. One was Adam Everett
Hunt, son of Patti and Dave Hunt. Our hygienist, Dodie Newcomb on
her engagement and new smile. To Scott Ramalho on his new house.
To
Greg Markus who won the Camden County High School Golf Championship.
To Michele Theoharis, who was named our 1998 Employee of the Year,
and to Trish DeMoss who received the coveted "Josie" Award, in memory
of Joanne Sosslau. A donation in her memory has been made in Trish's
name to the American Cancer Society. And to Betsy O"Brien, for 20
years of distinguished service here at "The Centre. "
Condolences to Edith Teer Seeligsohn on the loss of her husband,
and our colleague and patient Dr. Gerson Seeligshon. A graduate of
the
Univ. of Pa. , Gerson had a distinguished career in dentistry including
the founding and editing of the Journal of the South African Dental
Association. He was also Chief of Dentistry at Eaglesville Hospital
in Pennsylvania. We will miss his wit and spirit.
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BRAND NEW CONTEST JOIN IN THE FUN, WIN $100 IN COMPACT DISCS
The Name That Tune CD Contest.
Here's
how it works: Simply visit our website and point your browser to
the contest icon. You'll be able to listen to the beginnings
of
5 songs, and try to identify them. There are four separate contests
that Dr. Markus has created: Oldies, Motown, Classic Rock, and for
those of you who think they know-it-all, the "Mother of all Contests".
At the end of November, 1999, we will select two winners, at random,
from all entries received, to go on a $100 music shopping spree at
CD Warehouse in Gloucester Township.
We will enter you whether your answers are right or wrong, however,
anyone getting 5 out of 5 right will have their musical knowledge
published here in our next newsletter. All directions for entry are
at the website. A brand new contest, with all new music, will start
Jan 1, 2000. Enter as many times as you want.
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SMILES FOR LIFE
Staff seeks to raise $20,000
Here's something
to smile about: whiter, brighter teeth for dental patients will
make possible life-saving research for childhood cancer
patients. Dentists across the continent began "Smiles for Life," a
tooth-whitening campaign that will raise funds for St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Participating dentists provide
patients dental whitening services free of charge in exchange for
a charitable contribution to the Smiles for Life Foundation, which
in turn will contribute the money to St. Jude Hospital.
The Crown
Council, a group of more than 700 dental teams from across North
America, created the three-month program last year
as part of
their commitment to improve the health and wellness of their local
communities. In the program's first year, dentists raised $1.5
million
for cancer research and treatment.
The tooth-whitening procedure
involves preparing a mold of the patient's teeth so that a customized
whitening tray can be created
and worn
at home. Discus Dental, manufacturer of Nite WhiteT, is donating its
product to participating dentists for the whitening campaign. "Tooth
whitening is one of the most requested dental procedures in the country,"
said Greg Anderson, director of The Crown Council. "It's simple to
accomplish and the results can be quite dramatic. "
"Because the dentists are donating their service and Discus Dental
is donating the supplies, we're able to give 100 percent of the money
we raise to the hospital," said Anderson. "We hope to double our
first year's total and raise $3 million this year. "
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tenn. , was founded
by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. The hospital is internationally
recognized as the only biomedical research center dedicated exclusively
to finding cures for catastrophic diseases of childhood, including
pediatric cancer and AIDS. The hospital's work is primarily supported
through public contributions raised by ALSAC, its fund-raising arm.
All St. Jude patients are treated regardless of their ability to
pay. ALSAC covers all costs of treatment beyond those reimbursed
by third
party insurers, and total costs for families who have no insurance.
"St. Jude Hospital deeply appreciates The Crown Council's continued
support," said Richard Shadyac, national executive director. "Their
generous efforts help make possible our hospital's life-saving work
- the research that has saved the lives of countless children everywhere. " The
protocols developed at St. Jude Hospital have raised the survival
rates for the most common form of childhood cancer (acute lymphoblastic
leukemia) from 4 percent when it opened in 1962 to 80 percent today.
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
As of May 15, 1999, our office had performed this service for
over one hundred patients, and raised $22500 of the $1.5 million nationwide. (For current stats: www.smiles4life.com)
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My Turn:
by Steve Markus, DMD
The following has been making the rounds on the e-mail circles, and
has, I understand, recently been set to music. It is mistakenly attributed
to Kurt Vonnegurt. I understand that the original author was one
Mary
Schmich, a columnist for a Chicago newspaper. But since Vonnegurt
is one of my favorite authors, I am happy to carry forward the urban
legend. You will note that the eighth item on his list is FLOSS!
There is an essay reprinted from our Winter Newsletter reinforcing
this important daily daily necessity. Did you know, there used to
be a bumper sticker that the state dental association distributed
to dentists which read: "You don't have to floss all your teeth, only
the ones you want to keep"? That thinking has changed remarkably in
the past several months. In a previous newsletter we introduced the
concept that there is a direct relationship between certain health
problems (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, low birth-weight babies) and
periodontal disease. Dodie Newcomb, R.D.H. has expanded on that idea
in an essay with the frightening prospect: "Floss or Die. "
That is not the reason I have re-printed "Wear Sunscreen", but this
is some of the most intelligent advice you will ever get, and I am
glad that I have been harping flossing to my patients, longer than
my wife has implored the children to wear sunscreen.
Wear Sunscreen
This is the Commencement address that Kurt Vonnegurt recently gave
at MIT: Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '98:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would
be it. Scientists have proved the long-term benefits of sunscreen,
whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my
own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy
the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will
not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've
faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of
yourself
and recall in a way you can't grasp now how you really looked.
You
are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry,
but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an
algebra equation by chewing
bubble
gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at
4pm on
some
idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put
up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.
Get plenty of calcium.
Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're
behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed
in doing this, tell me how.
Stretch.
Travel.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your
life. The most interesting people I know didn't know
at 22 what
they
wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting
40-year-olds I know still don't.
Be kind to your knees. You'll
miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll have children, Maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce
at 40, maybe you'll
dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you
do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself
either. Your
choices are half
chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use
it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other
people think of it. It's the greatest
instrument
you'll
ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it
but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't
follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make
you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when
they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're
your best
link
to your
past
and the people most likely to stick with you
in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with
a precious few you should hold on. Work hard
to bridge
the gaps
in geography and
lifestyle,
because the older you get, the more you need
the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York
City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern
California
once, but leave
before
it makes
you soft.
Accept certain inalienable truths.
Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander. You, too, will
get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize
that when
you were
young,
prices
were reasonable,
politicians were noble, and children respected their elders. Respect
your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you
have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either
one might run out.
Don't mess too
much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look
85.
Be careful whose advice you
buy, but be patient with those who supply
it.
Advice
is a form
of nostalgia. Dispensing
it is a
way of fishing
the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly
parts and recycling it for more
than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen ! !
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Y2K Tip
If your VCR or other home appliance balks after 1/1/2000,
try telling it that it is 1/1/72 - the days and dates of both
leap years
are identical!
Earn Frequent Flyer Miles at "The Centre"
Here's a way many of
our patients benefit from their dental benefits. If you have
a credit card that bonuses miles for every dollar you
spend, when you come in for treatment, put the full amount of
the
visit on the credit card and we tell the insurance company to send
the check to you. We submit all claims electronically, and most
companies
pay in 14 days. By the time you are ready to pay your credit card
bill, the check from the insurance company should already be
in your
hands. Most check-up visits are paid at 100%, so you just deposit
the insurance check to your checking account, and write a check
to
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You gain miles,
and it doesn't cost you a penny!
New Technology:
Thanks to your support, we are able to keep our
practice on the cutting edge of technology. In the past several
months we have
continued to
add new devices to our practice to enhance your treatment here.
We have placed vibrating cushions on many of our dental chairs
which
give a back and shoulder massage while you are sitting in the dental
chair. Patients have been raving about the idea. Our music system
has been improved with a new 100 disc CD player. We can now give
you
a list of what we have to listen to and you can play DJ with the
staff deciding what you like. If you have recently sat in the patient
lounge,
you will have noticed the television and DVD player mounted to
the ceiling. That is only a small portion of the "Casey" System
which we purchased last June.
Our Patients Continue to Invite Their Friends and Family to Join
our Practice
In January thru March, our phone was ringing off the hook.
For
the month of January we would like to thank the following patients
for their referrals. Allison and Mike Zizzamia referred Rocco.
Romaine
Jones referred Alanna. Patty Hunt referred Dillon. Jean Ramalho referred
Keith. Maureen Wade referred Kyle.
For February we would like
to thank the following patients for their referrals. Barb McKeever
referred Shawn. Dawn Hillman referred
Andrew
and Amanda. Jen Au referred Zoe. Sue Keleher referred Lauren.
Steve Prouty referred Cindy. Theresa Girini referred Catherine.
Patty
Hunt
referred David. Linda Beal referred Brittany Ellison. Mary Silva
referred Ryan. Steve Gunning referred his son, Steve. Cornelia
Edwards referred
Leslie. Dawn Larsen referred Daniel. Marianne Cuneo referred
Caroloyn, Melissa and Stephen Ali. Cindy Lucey referred Luis Irizarry.
Jane
Starr referred Marde McConaghy. Lori Griffith referred Cindy
Holt. Betty Angelo referred Helen Engel. Julie Casolaro referred
Patricia
Jenei.
For the month of March we would like to thank the following
patients for their referrals. Rose Alemi referred her son,
John Jr. Geoff
Mc
Clain referred his wife, Schuyler. Dan Mc Hugh referred his
wife, Lucy. Lillian D'Aulerio referred her daughter, Natalie. John
Mico-Monaco referred his wife, Pina. Jeanette Anderson referred
her daughter,
Courtney. Steve Gunning referred his wife, Christine. Mark
Zehfuss
referred his wife Carrie. Lynne Breslin referred Lisa Bieri.
Jolanda Lewandoski referred Peter Mattson. Kelly Barranger
referred Eileen
Mitchell. Dennis Richardson referred Jeanine Hyndman.
That is one heck of a lot of new patients, I want to take this
opportunity to thank everyone for the confidence you have shown in
my philosophy of dental practice. I am so fulfilled in knowing that
you all think so highly of us. It is a wonderful feeling to continue
seeing patients who started coming here over 20 years ago. In fact,
of the 5 patients I saw the first week my little office opened, February
22, 1976, four are still patients, and the fifth moved out of the
area! Thanks again.
Everyone's a Winner
Beginning in 1999, everyone who refers a new patient to our practice
receives a prize. We are currently giving out passes to the new Ritz
12 Theater Complex in Voorhees and gift certificates for CD Warehouse
in Gloucester Township. If you would like to enhance your business
by offering prizes to our referrers, contact either Dr. Markus or
Lori.
RETURN TO CONTENTS
Our Featured Article:
FLOSS OR DIE
by Dodie Newcomb, RDH
is a phrase coined by Dr. Raul Garcia, a research periodontist from
Boston, at a recent dental research conference. The phrase was picked
up by the Associated Press and received extensive news coverage this
past summer. Since the original AP news release, a large number of
newspapers and magazines have run related stories on the possible
association of periodontal disease with a series of potentially life-threatening
disorders. Credible scientific evidence now exists that strongly suggests
causal associations between poor periodontal health and certain systemic
illnesses. This evidence includes:
* Heart Disease. Oral bacteria may compromise cardiovascular
health by promoting the formation of blood clots and fatty deposits. Periodontitis has been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular
disease, comparable in importance to elevated cholesterol.
* Birthweight. Wdn with periodontitis are eight times more
likely to give birth to premature low-birthweight babies. The inflammatory
process associated with gum diseases appears to promote pre-term delivery.
* Diabetes. Periodontal diseases may make it more difficult
for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. In addition,
diabetics with periodontitis are more likely to have heart attacks
than those with healthy gums.
* Respiratory Disease. Oral infections, including periodontitis,
are associated with increased risk of respiratory infection and
endocarditis,
especially in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Researchers
are only beginning to sort out the causal relationships involved
between periodontal disease and other serious health problems. There
is one underlying fact, however, that forms the basis of all
clinical findings: Periodontal disease is a bacterial plaque induced
infection.
Suppressing plaque formation is critical in lowering
the risk of periodontal disease-related illnesses that may be
fatal. A regular
re-care schedule
and root planing where indicated are essential in the prevention
and treatment of periodontal disease. Of even more importance,
however, is effective plaque removal on a daily basis.
Daily brushing with
a manual toothbrush has been shown to have limited effectiveness
in the interproximal (between the teeth) areas. Typically,
the onset of periodontal disease begins in these interproximal areas,
so it is imperative that these areas be cleansed of plaque on a daily
basis. Unquestionably, floss is designed to effectively clean these
areas and does work. Unfortunately, fewer that ten percent of the
population ever flosses regularly or effectively. Perhaps, the correlation
between lack of flossing (periodontal disease) and life-threatening
illnesses will provide new incentive for people to use it. Now, more
than ever, the statement by Dr. Mayo, of the famed Mayo Clinic, takes
on appropriate significance: "Daily plaque control can add ten years
to your life.
Bottom Line:
Keep your smile bright and your gums free of infection. Live a Long
Healthy Life!
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Cavity Free Club:
In June '98 we introduced a new segment to our
practice that has a triple bonus: 1. When you're a kid with no cavities,
you get your
name mentioned in our newsletter, and that means you're doing a great
job cleaning your teeth!
2. When you're a kid with no cavities, you only have to come in
for cleanings..no fillings!
3. When you're a kid with no cavities you have a chance to win great
prizes. Whether you win a prize, or not, your picture will be on our
patient lounge bulletin board for an entire year!
The following are the latest members of The Centre For Dentistry Cavity
Free Club:
Dakota Katz, Gabriel and Bridget Schrier, Kristap Dale, Veronica
Lance*, Zach & Dylan Iannetelli, Brandon Landgraf, Isaah Oswald,
Taylor Vandell, Allison Scott, Lou Monte*, Katie Ellershaw, Keenan
and Darius Jones,
Brigid Barry*, Zachary and Jennifer Koss, Eamon Sullivan *=random
drawing winners of movie.
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We will be installing a new computer system at the beginning of
June, and would like to be able to remind you of appointments and
send
you
important information via the Internet. To register, please
e-mail us at: drmarkus@cent4dent.com.
Instant Orthodontics
Our hygienist, Dodie, to celebrate her forthcoming marriage,
decided to improve her smile. As you can see, in the "before picture" above,
her upper central incisors had not erupted properly, and were located
behind the lateral incisors, which were crowded forward, and rotated.
Her lower incisor was chipped.
Our protocol for this, as well as all cosmetic cases is to first
have our laboratory technician, Elie, provide a wax mock-up of the
esthetic
changes we envision together with the patient. Once the patient has
approved the "new look", Elie provides us with temporary veneers
to match the waxed design. The teeth are minimally prepared and an
impression
is taken. Then Rich Ploski, Dr. Markus' CDA/RDA fabricates the temporary
veneers. The patient lives with these, and can dictate any changes
wanted, such as lengthening, shortening, shade changes, etc. Two
weeks
later, the completed veneers are ready to be bonded to the teeth.
The chipped lower tooth was repaired with bonded composite resin.
These photographs do not do justice for the beautiful result we have
achieved for Dodie. Next time you are at the office, look for the
beautiful blue-eyed hygienist who for some reason is always smiling!
For further information contact our office or our
Web site.
We have albums full of cosmetic cases we've treated at the office,
in addition to files of them on our cosmetic imaging computer,
and scores of before and after results on our Casey System. If someone
you know always covers their mouth when they laugh, that's a good
sign they could use our services. We will be happy to send them information
(anonymously if you wish) to help brighten their smile, and improve
their self-confidence.
RETURN TO CONTENTS
We are concerned.
About Your Health...
Sign the President's petition to get Congress to pass the Patient's
Bill of Rights.
Visit the Web site at: http://www.familiesusa.org
and sign the petition which states the following:
We, the Signers of this Petition, Support the Enactment of a Real
Patient's Bill of Rights Which Includes:
þ Protection for All Patients with Private Insurance
þ HMOs Can't Arbitrarily Interfere with Medical Decisions
þ Effective Independent External Appeals
þ Ability to Hold Plans Accountable
þ Real Emergency Room Access
þ Prohibition on Gag Rules and Improper Financial Incentives
þ Guaranteed Access to Specialists
þ Access to Out-of-Network Providers
þ Guarantee Network Meets Needs
Specialist Can Coordinate Care for Chronically Ill Patients
þ Standing Referrals to Specialists
þ Access to Ob/Gyn Services
þ Ability to Keep Your Doctor or Health Care Professional
þ Access to Needed Prescription Drugs
þ Access to Clinical Trials
þ Information on Plan Quality, Exclusions, and Charges
þ Protection For Providers who Advocate for Patients
þ Protection Against Providers/Patient Discrimination
We encourage you to take control of the future of your family's health.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Teeth:
As if you need
more reasons, a recent article on the Journal of the American Dental
Association found that people who maintained
their
teeth live much longer than those who lose their teeth and don't
have them replaced. People who lose their teeth develop many nutrition
related chronic diseases, specifically heart disease and cancer.
This was attributed to the fact that these people could not eat
healthy
foods (raw vegetables and fruit) and that their diets tended to be
higher in fat.
Helpful Hint:
For those of you who can't seem to find time
to floss daily, put a floss dispenser in the shower. Most people
find this
a much easier
way to work flossing into their routine. Remember: You only
have to floss the teeth you are planning to keep!
Tobacco
and your teeth:
Did you know that cigarette smokers have a higher
incidence of periodontal disease, and that smoking will effect
the success of periodontal
and
implant therapy? Smoking has been shown to decrease immune response
(decreased IgG2 and altered PMN functions). The literature shows
that
smoking has effects on the vasculature, connective tissue and immune
cells. These effects influence wound healing, immune and inflammatory
responses.
UPDATE: Recent research from Columbia University - patients
with periodontal disease have a high incidence of stroke. See: http://www.intelihealth.com
University
of Buffalo Oral Biologists Find Link Between Gum Disease and Passive
Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
Passive smoking was based on exposure in the home only. Analysis
of the data showed that persons exposed to passive smoking were
at significantly
increased risk of having more severe periodontal disease than those
who were not exposed. Also from the researchers at Dr. Phillips'
alma
mater:
Evidence Found of Link Between Gum Disease and High Alcohol
Consumption, Low Dietary Antioxidants
As alcohol consumption increased from five drinks per week to 10,
15 and 20, the risk of periodontal disease rose from 10 percent to
20, 30 and then 40 percent.
In the antioxidant study, results showed that selenium has the strongest
association with gum disease, with low levels increasing the risk
by 13 fold. Low levels of vitamins A and C, à-carotene and á-crytoxanthin
also increased the risk of gum disease significantly. Clearly, low
levels of most antioxidants are risk factors for periodontal disease
and infection. Free radicals are released as a result of bacteria
clearance and killing. Periodontal tissue depends on natural antioxidants
to overcome this oxidative stress and maintain homeostasis. When
antioxidants
are depleted, the ability of gum tissue to overcome oxidative stress,
maintain normal tone and control the bacterial damage appears to
be
compromised.
For further information: www.buffalo.edu/news/Latest.html
The Hayflick Theory
The Hayflick theory is that humans have the capacity to regenerate
enough generations of human cells to live to an age of 120 years.
Wouldn't you like to enjoy all of them?
Excessive cellular damage and advanced reproduction of cells is the
reason humans rarely live to that age. In the polluted confines of
this earth, we are bombarded with free radical pollutants that advance
our death. The individual cell life is cut short and calls for us
to reproduce another to take its place. The Hayflick principle says
we are only entitled to so many generations of these human cells.
The bottom line is that we should protect the cells we have as well
as we can! Antioxidant protection is needed each day to fight off
the onslaught of free radicals that kill a little part of you each
day.
We are concerned.
About your finances.
Therefore we offer several different payment options, and financing
through Healthcare Creditline. We have also recently aligned ourselves
with Personal Financial Solutions of New Bedford, MA, and USMED
of
Tallahassee FL. They offer lower rate financing to patients with
good credit. We also work hard to maximize your insurance benefits
for
you.
We are concerned.
About the environment...
Dr. Gerald Vermette, of Skowhegan, Ga received the Governor's Award
for Environmental Excellence in Pollution Prevention. This dentist
is one of 16 individuals, companies, and organizations to be recognized
for "significant contributions to environmental protection. " What
did he do to deserve this? He installed the same mercury filtration
system in his office that we did in our new building. Anybody have
a contact with Christie Whitman?
There are currently only 500 dentists in the U.S. using such a
system, whereas it is mandatory in Europe. On average, about a
pound of mercury
a year per dentist is recovered from these particle traps and separators
which otherwise would be discharged into the environment. That's
a
lot of mercury.
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Life in the 1500's
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly
bath in May and were still smelling pretty good by June. However,
they
were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to
hide their odor. Baths equaled a big tub filled with hot water.
The
man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then
all the other sons and men, then the omen and finally the children.
Last
of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually
lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out
with the bath water. "
Houses had thatched roofs. Thick straw, piled high, with no wood
underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all
the pets. . .dogs, cats and other small animals, mice, rats, bugs
lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes
the animals
would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying, "It's raining
cats and dogs. "
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This
posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings
could really mess up your nice clean bed. So, they found if they made
beds with big posts and hung a sheet over the top, it addressed that
problem. Hence those beautiful big 4 poster beds with canopies.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt,
hence the saying "dirt poor". The wealthy had slate floors which
would get slippery in the winter when wet. So they spread thresh
on the
floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on they kept
adding more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start
slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed at the entry way, hence
a "thresh hold".
They cooked in the kitchen in a big kettle that
always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added
things to the pot.
They
mostly ate vegetables and didn't get much meat. They would eat the
stew for dinner leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight
and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in
it
that had been in there for a month. Hence the rhyme: peas porridge
hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. "
Sometimes they could obtain pork and would feel really special when
that happened. When company came over, they would bring out some
bacon
and hang it to show it off. It was a sign of wealth and that a man "could really bring home the bacon. " They would cut off a little
to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat. "
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with a high acid
content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food. This happened
most often with tomatoes, so they stopped eating tomatoes. . . for
400 years. Most people didn't have pewter plates, but had trenchers
- a piece of wood with the middle scooped out like a bowl. Trenchers
were never washed and a lot of times worms got into the wood. After
eating off wormy trenchers, they would get "trench mouth. "
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom
of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or
the "upper crust".
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The
combination would sometimes knock them out for a couple of days.
Someone walking along
the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They
were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family
would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would
wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake".
England is old and
small and they started running out of places to bury people. So,
they would dig up coffins and would take their bones
to a house and re-use the grave. In reopening these coffins, one
out
of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and
they realized they had been burying people alive. So they thought
they
would tie a string on their wrist and lead it through the coffin
and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have
to
sit out in the graveyard all night to listen for the bell. Hence
on the "graveyard shift" they would now that someone was "saved by
the bell" or he was a "dead ringer".
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