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Homeopathy Returns to Northern Idaho

October 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

History is an interesting subject, one that is full of twists and turns, breathless moments of excitement, heroes and heroines. It has been said that “history repeats itself,” but in reality it instead bares, in some future time, shadowy remembrances of itself. Sometimes the memories of a local hero get lost over time, only to resurface by surprise. The story of Dr. Susan E. Bruce of Lewiston, Idaho is just such a story.

I happened upon buried treasure several weeks ago when I was searching online for a local society of homeopaths. While my search didn’t locate any current association in the Gem State, it didn’t come up empty handed either. Instead it led me to a small book entitled Historic Firsts of Lewiston, Idaho: Unintended Greatness by Steven D. Branting and to page 119, to be exact. On this page Branting briefly touches on the professional life of one Dr. Susan E. Bruce, a local physician who began practicing in the Lewiston area in 1906. Bruce graduated in 1880 from  Hahnemann Medical College, a “regular” medical college that in addition trained would-be doctors in classical homeopathy. The college became coeducational in 1871, welcoming women students into the ranks of the medical profession (here is a slightly more in-depth account of the history of this Chicago college). On a trip West in 1905, Dr. Bruce discovered she liked the Lewiston area so much that she moved her homeopathic practice there in 1906.

At this point is where history takes a winding road, weaving between the ordinary and the extraordinary in its tale of a woman doctor. In 1907, Dr. Bruce was appointed one of the first three physicians to serve on the Idaho Board of Health (now called the Idaho Board of Health and Welfare). She also claimed first place in the state board examinations. Consider for a moment what achievements these were–first for her to practice in a then traditionally male-dominated profession, to achieve the highest mark on her examinations, and to be appointed to a state medical board by the governor! These would be considered remarkable achievements even in the modern age. Dr. Bruce then became, in 1909, the first vice president of the newly formed Idaho Homeopathic Society (it was by searching for this phrase that I discovered her). Two years later in 1911, she was elected Lewiston’s health officer, a role of service she filled for seventeen years. Branting notes it was as health officer that Dr. Bruce became “by many estimates the most important physician to serve the city.” (p 120)

Dr. Bruce was a trained homeopath, practicing and serving a northern Idaho community nearly 100 years ago. She was instrumental in containing local smallpox outbreaks in 1913 and 1927. By her presence of mind many were spared from the devastating impact of the Spanish Influenza outbreak in 1918-20. In fact, the citizens credited Dr. Bruce for the comparably low death toll in the area–only 53 residents died in the pandemic. Dr. Bruce’s skills in homeopathy were so noteworthy, that the nursing staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital requested she teach homeopathic materia medica.

In 1930, after a long season practicing homeopathy, Dr. Susan E. Bruce passed away at the age of 82, shortly after her retirement. Homeopathy was relegated to near obscurity with the advent of penicillin in 1928, and the citizens of Lewiston all but forgot the story of this heroic female physician. Now, after nearly 100 years, the story of Dr. Bruce is coming to light and classical homeopathy is being revived in northern Idaho. Though not a trained medical doctor, I hope to once again provide this wonderful alternative to conventional allopathic medicine for those seeking a gentler healing approach. If you are fascinated with homeopathic history in the United States, I suggest you begin here. If you are new to homeopathy,  read this free book online–it will give you a concise history, the principles, and applications of this time-tested alternative medicine.

I am always delighted and amazed at what ripples a passion for history can ignite–I never imagined a woman like Dr. Bruce could practice homeopathy a century ago just 30 odd miles from my home. In the spirit of Dr. Susan E. Bruce, I will strive through A Joyful Heart Health to educate people about homeopathy and to serve those both locally and abroad. I look forward to reviving health naturally on the Palouse. Please contact me if you are interested in a homeopathic consultation or to request more information.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: General, Homeopathy, My Heart for Health Tagged With: classical homeopathy, encouragement, history, Samuel Hahnemann, skeptics

Family Health Handbook V 2.0 Summer Sale!

July 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment

We’ve made some changes to our popular Family Health Handbook to make it even EASIER to keep track of your family’s health and are celebrating with a SUMMER SALE!

Get your copy HERE for only $10–$4 off the regular price–and use your lazy summer days to compile the ultimate in home health records for every member of your clan.

Not sure if the Family Health Handbook is for you? Simply fill out the form below to get your free sample today!

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Filed Under: General, Health, Products, Something New! Tagged With: ebook, Family Health Handbook, history, home care, organization record keeping

Family Health Handbook Sale & Giveaway!

November 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

 

As a young mother with lots of littles, I was frazzled when illness beset our household. You know what happens–long hours taking care of those poor sick ones, nights with terrible, interrupted sleep–it’s a wonder I ever kept the medicines, let alone my children straight! I learned from my mother, a nurse, just how important it was to keep track of the ailments of childhood and establish a health history for the future, but struggled to find the time and the sense to write things down. How valuable a gift was that tattered spiral notebook from my childhood when my mom passed it on to me, but such an enigma. How did my mom do it?

Of course, I knew there had to be a better, more efficient way of keeping track of the information. I could just see myself getting lost in notebook after notebook with my own family. I devised a system of keeping records, but was frustrated still. Now, after years of work, revisions, and adjustments, I am pleased to share this lifesaver with you! We are excited to offer our Family Health Handbook as an easy, downloadable PDF!

We are thrilled to bring you a truly helpful product, one that will assist you in organizing all the health-related information for each and every member of your household. Family Health Handbook: Equipping Dr. Mom with the Tools to Create a Heritage of Health and Family History is the medical secretary the Dr. Mom in your household has been waiting for. This ebook contains detailed instructions on how to build and maintain your family’s records, keep track of medications, illnesses, allergies, visits to the dentist, and more! Loads of fully reproducible forms make starting and growing your handbook a cinch–simply add the pages you need as you go, or build an all-in-one book right from the beginning. Prefer to use herbal remedies or some other form of alternative medicine for your family? No problem! Family Health Handbook allows you to record the information you choose, no matter what form of medicine you use.

And…for a limited time the book is only $12! This offer will expire 12/1/13, so be sure to get your copy now to save 15%. Simply click here to get your copy!

We’re also giving away a copy of this wonderful ebook! Click on this link: a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Family Health Handbook

 

 

 

Filed Under: General, Health, Products, Something New! Tagged With: ebook, encouragement, Family Health Handbook, home care, organization record keeping

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