Old Man Winter

...and all that he brings. Be warned, this blog will change the way you think about modern medicine and the ways of the world. You heard it first here. You may have to disregard the fact, or remember and be even more humored as you read, that I was a nurse in America before coming to my present home.
Have you ever wondered the reasons behind what ails you? Maybe you have and maybe you've actually visited the doctor and you know the answer. Modern medicine and science do still leave some to the imagination because of the incredible greatness of our Creator, but usually, you are ill...you may go to the doctor and take a test...and receive medicine for the illness. But, do they always tell you what the cause of the thus aforementioned illness is? Or are you ever unsatisfied with the answer you get?
The other day we were visiting our neighbors and somehow it came up in conversation that one morning I had woken up very early because I was ill. Stomach illness, if you must know. Naturally, their first question was: What did you wear to bed? Do you sleep with a heavy blanket or a thin blanket? Did you have your radiator on? Whatever does this have to do with me waking up unsettled and needing to use the toilet at 5a.m., you are asking? Everything. Everything can be attributed to coldness, if you ask my fine friends and neighbors. A couple days later, again I was unsettled--remember where I live, there are amoebas and other friendly things floating around...you pick stuff up, you learn to use Imodium, Pepto, and Tums...alot more than you did in America--and my neighbors response was...it's the weather. Of course, why didn't I think of that. (I must note that I love these people, I am not making fun--well, am I?--I am just amused). Winter is here, so of course there is going to be more nausea, more stomach cramping, and lest I say it here on blogging, sorry, but we're all adults, there will be more diarrhea. Because old man winter is come and the Turkish culture is convinced that he brings with him cold weather and yes, stomach ailments.
Let me share some more with you, so you can see if there may be simpler solutions to what ails you and save you a trip to the doctor or two or three! These are all statements we have heard while living here... Have a backache? Did you sleep under a fan or breeze? Having trouble sleeping? Do you have plants in your bedroom? It's harmful to your health, they release carbon dioxide that is poisonous to you during the night. ??? Are you coming down with a cold? Did you drive with the windows rolled down in your car this summer? Do you drink ice in your soft drinks? Be warned, you heard it here first!