Berridge, Virginia. (2016). Public Health: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford, United Kingdom. Retrieved from Oxford University Press.
Chapter three beings by describing the origins of the public health field, which begin in the18th century. It is believed that the Greek physician, Hippocrates, is where the origin of public health lies, specifically with healing and medicine. However, the main issues that were being faced during this time were sanitary bathroom facilities as well as having access to drinking water. Hippocrates believed in the “balance of the humors” for humans, which consisted of exercise, massage, diet, and humoral therapy. In a way this can be related to homeostasis in current times, which is a complete functioning of all human systems working together in harmony. While the Greeks paved the way to begin the public health field, the Romans followed suit and were the first to adequately provide clean water through their aqueduct system. While these systems evolved over time, as part of public health, many beliefs and evolutions originated from traditions and knowledge of medicines within each culture and society. As time goes on and expands into the Middle Ages, populations grew as well as resources. However, along with this expanse came new diseases and public health issues rose. As trading grew popular among different areas, the spread of diseases and health issues continued to grow as did the concerns with public health. Most diseases ravaged lower class and slum areas because of access to basic health necessities. I believe that this is relatable to current issues in the public health field and how those that are of low socioeconomic status do not have the same access and privileges as those of higher status. Hopefully, I can relate this to my research and explain the differences for those in different socioeconomic statuses even today.
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