What the Germ Theory suggests is that "certain diseases are caused by the invasion of the body by microorganisms, organisms too small to be seen except through a microscope." We now define this not as merely a theory but as common sense. But at the time when the French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur, the English surgeon Joseph Lister, and the German physician Robert Koch came up with the theory, this was not the case. Humans still believed that every bad smell necessarily held threatening health risks.
Source
Such was the case in the months of August and September of 1880 in Paris. The city was taken hostage by a stench, and the horrible smell caused a scare in the city, as it was taken as a signifier of sickness. The origins of the bad smell were the sewers. The city was flooded with filth. As the journal Le Figaro put it, "It stank to high heaven."
The scare quickly birthed rumors of sickness. These rumors spread so quickly and to such a great extent that citizens began to protest, and a government commission was set up to deal with the issue, announcing that the foul smell could harm public health. As time passed, the stench went away with it, and the people of Paris saw that they were, in fact, left unharmed, so they started to embrace the Germ Theory. When 15 years later, the city was once again suffocated by the stench, the media coverage was almost humorous about it - it wasn't a cause for a health panic anymore. It was nothing more than a mere inconvenience.
Pasteur, Lister, and Koch worked hard between 1850 and 1920, conducting various experiments with clear conclusions to persuade the public to believe in the Germ Theory and adopt good hygiene habits. Still, it took many more years until the public and medical practitioners adopted good sanitation habits.
Operating surgeons weren't disposing of hazardous waste properly, and they wore unsanitized and sometimes stained garments during surgeries. Both in the workforce and at home, hand washing was not a common custom. Sewage systems weren't separating waste from drinking water properly. But all of this wasn't because people weren't concerned with hygiene. They were simply not aware that these actions posed health risks. This is hard to imagine in an age where every toddler knows to wash their hands before their meal.
H/T: Britannica
Warning: The Places Bacteria Hides...
The truth about hand washing and the spread of bacteria. This could keep you healthy longer!
Thrones of Sanitation: Lavatories Throughout History
Today we're taking a deep dive into the past, where we will inspect the toilets that made history.
13 Mistakes You’re Making in the Shower!
Do you take a shower every day? If so, you're already making one of the 13 shower mistakes most people aren't aware of. Discover them all in the next article.
COVID-19: Does Shampoo Protect You?
We know about the importance of hand washing and disinfecting, but what about hair hygiene? Is shampoo enough to protect us from pathogens?
Decipher Beauty Product Labels in a Jiffy
We'll teach you how to decipher the ingredients list on the back of your toiletry products, so you don't fall for false marketing.
Keep Skipping Showers? Here's What Will Happen to You!
What to know what happens to your body when you repeatedly skip showers? Read this article and find out.
Ear Check: How Old is Your Hearing?
Try this handy and quick hearing test to see if your hearing is impaired, old for your age or younger than you!
STOP Calf Pain - The Best Stretches for Your Sore Calves
Get rid of your calf pain for good with these simple exercises.
9 Ways You Can Treat Fungal Infections at Home
If you suffer from some of these symptoms, there are a number of home remedies that can easily treat fungal infections.
Massage These 3 Points if You Have High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure is caused by a variety of things, its most common cause is hypertension. Reduce your high blood pressure by using the ancient technique of acupressure.
9 Misleading Myths About High Blood Pressure
In this article, we dispel 9 misleading hypertension myths, so that we’re able to understand it more and take better care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Study Shows: Microplastics Found in Scary Places...
A subsequent study in Hawai'i, analyzing donated placentas from 2006 to 2021, underscored a significant rise in plastic contamination over time.
Want to Keep Your Arteries Clean? Give This Drink a Try
Keep your heart healthy with this amazing little drink.
IBS vs. IBD: Which Bowel Disease Is It?
Understanding the distinctions between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is crucial.
Here’s How You Can Lose the Fat UNDERNEATH Your Belly
Visceral fat is found inside your abdominal cavity. Getting rid of it can be a challenge, but not if you follow these simple tips.
This Video Will Teach You About the Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn is a problem for many of us, but what actually causes it, and how can it be treated? Find out in this informative video.
De-Stress Your Brain in 30 Seconds With These Simple Tips
A doctor shows a useful and simple technique with the help of which you can achieve instant relaxation. Find out more...
Relieve Pain in the Feet and Heels in Just a Few Minutes!
Do you experience frequent pain at the bottom of the feet? If so, check out these simple exercises for instant relief!
This Tasty Drink Will Help You Shed Those Extra Pounds
If you struggle to lose weight, this healthy and tasty drink could be the answer to your prayers!
WATCH: What Causes Floaters in Your Eyes?
We can often see things floating around our field of vision, but what are they? This science video explains all.
The MOST EFFECTIVE Tip for Amazing Hair, Nails, & Skin!
This is the most important skin advice you need to hear.
These Exercises Bring Relief to Sciatica and Nerve Pain
A pinched nerve in the back can be a bothersome chronic condition with frequent flareups. Here's how to bring instant relief to this type of back and leg pain.
How to Increase the Amount of Oxygen in Your Blood
How can we make sure we're getting enough oxygen in our breathing? This video will make sure you know how.
Discover What Happens In Your Body When You Have a Fever
Have you ever wondered exactly why does our body produce a fever? Find out more in this video.
Unusual Signs of Vitamin B3 Deficiency You Mustn't Ignore
You may not realize you have Vitamin B3 deficiency!
Are You at Risk for "Building Sickness"?
Have you heard of "building sickness"? Because you may have had it.
The Secret to Flexible Muscles: How Stretching Works
Discover the actual effects of stretching on your muscles and learn ways to enhance your flexibility.
Did This Technique Just Kill 99% of Cancer Cells?
This revolutionary method, employing the power of vibrating molecules, heralds a new dawn in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a more efficient and less invasive approach to treatment.
Breakthrough: Lion's Mane Mushrooms Boost Memory & Nerves!
Researchers have recently uncovered the mushroom's potent compounds, particularly hericene A, that could help nerve cells grow and better interact with each other.
You Are What You Eat: How Foods You Eat Affect Your Mood
In recent years we discovered how incredibly important a good diet is in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Here's how it works.
The Amazing Anti-Diabetic Tea You Never Knew About
Looking for a natural way to lower your blood sugar levels? Try this wonderful tea recipe.
Difficulty Sleeping? Try This Healthy Drink Before Bed
Struggling with sleep? This natural drink can help.
Is This New Drug a Revolution in Slowing Down Alzheimer's?
n the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease, a new development presents a beacon of hope.
Sciatica Back and Leg Pain - 5 Pain Relieving Exercises
Flareups are common for sciatica, but they can be managed and reduced with the help of specific exercises and stretches.
8 Persistent Skincare Myths That Can Ruin Your Skin
This article is about harmful skincare myths that are way more common than they should be and how to replace them with a healthy skin habit
The Perfect Seated Core Workout for Seniors and Beginners
In this video, two physical therapy experts will guide you through a short seated core strengthening workout suitable for seniors and beginners.
Start Using Yoga For Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief
If you are suffering from a lot of knots and tightness in your neck and shoulder muscles, then give these yoga stretches a try.
How to Treat an Obstruction in Your Stomach
Did you know that you can naturally treat gastric obstructions by adding to organic ingredients to your diet?
Let's Talk About the Anti-Cancer Benefit of Sweet Potatoes
Lets Talk About the Anti-Cancer Potential of Sweet Potatoes
I Never Knew That Cassia Cinnamon Is Poisonous!
Not all cinnamon is good for you. Shockingly, most of the cheap cinnamon, cassia, can cause liver damage. Here's how to avoid it.
4 Simple Exercises to Reduce Vertigo and Dizziness
If you are suffering from vertigo or unexplained dizziness, try these simple exercises to relieve the annoying and unbearable spinning sensation.
Knowing these Blood Clot Symptoms Could Save Your Life!
Blood clots can cause serious consequences if they're not treated quickly. Here are 10 warning signs that you certainly should not ignore!
Melt Away Neck Pain and Tension Headaches With These Tips!
Tension at the base of the neck is a common cause of tension headaches, neck pain, and many other issues. Let these 3 exercises help you in just a few minutes!
What Happens When You Quit Sugar? You'll Be Surprised!
What happens to your body when you quit sugar? Find out!
Constantly Clearing Your Throat? Try These Remedies
Frustrated with constant throat clearing? Try these remedies.
The Truth Behind the Most Popular Types of Diets
There are a lot of popular diets out there. But which one works the best?
9 Foods That Will Protect Your Skin From the Sun
These 9 foods each contributes something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun.