Join the Docs - Lead-ing Ladies - The Price of Pale Skin

Lead-ing Ladies - The Price of Pale Skin

Explicit content warning

10/08/24 • 8 min

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Join the Docs

Why did Queen Elizabeth I look like she was auditioning for a role in a ghost story? In this episode of Join the Docs, our dynamic duo, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Dr. Nigel Guest, take a spook-tacular yet enlightening plunge into the world of historical beauty practices. They shine a spotlight on the iconic Queen Elizabeth I, whose beauty regimen had her looking as white as a sheet twith an approach as dangerous as a game of dodgeball with porcupines. The societal preference for pale skin back then was no joke, but the makeup they used certainly was—Venetian ceruse, a concoction so toxic it would make a chemistry teacher cry. This lead-laden face paint was the Elizabethan equivalent of playing Russian roulette with your health.

Ever wondered what happens when you mix pore judgement with a dash of danger? Well, Professor Sackier and Doctor Guest are here to spill the creams—or rather, the ceruse. They dive into the health risks associated with these historical beauty practices, painting a vivid picture of lead poisoning that’s more terrifying than a haunted house. While the ghostly pallor was deemed attractive to our ancestors, we wonder if the lead-induced cognitive impairment was valued, making it clear that looking like a porcelain doll came at a steep price. And let's not forget the long-term effects, like infertility, which was nature's way of saying, "Maybe don't put poison on your face."

How did people back then not realise they were essentially turning themselves into walking, talking toxic waste dumps? The Docs, with their signature blend of humour and expertise, unravel this mystery while keeping you in stitches (metaphorically). They highlight the absurdity of historical beauty standards, making you grateful for modern skincare routines that don’t involve hazardous materials.

By the end of the episode, you'll be convinced that no amount of societal pressure is worth risking your health. So, next time you reach for that new beauty product, remember the powderful lessons of yesteryear and choose health over hazardous habits—or you might just makeup your mind the hard way!

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.

To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Previous Episode

Side Effects May Include Laughter – A Dose of Drug Discovery

In this episode of Join the Docs, our ever-curious hosts, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest, take a deep dive into the labyrinthine world of medical research. With their signature blend of wit and wisdom, they aim to demystify the intricate processes behind drug discovery and clinical trials, making it as clear as a well-written prescription minus the totally illegible doctor’s handwriting of course!

How does Professor Sackier set the tone for the discussion? He compares drug discovery to dating. You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince—or in this case, your blockbuster drug! Dr. Guest, not to be outdone, quips back, "And just like dating, it can cost you an arm and a leg, but hopefully not your liver!"

The Docs delve into the various types of research, from basic science to clinical studies with a nod to the ridiculous.

Ethical considerations are next on the menu, and Dr. Guest serves up a hearty helping of humour. The Docs discuss the importance of informed consent, patient safety, and the moral dilemmas that can arise, all while keeping the tone light and engaging. However, sometimes people go astray and medics are not immune; The Docs explore cases where some very naughty people did rather terrible things with publications - you won’t want to miss these stories!

The episode emphasises the role of curiosity and the unwavering commitment to improving patient care as the key motivators for doctors. Curiosity didn't just kill the cat, says Sackier, it also cured it! Well, metaphorically speaking, of course. They share heartwarming and hilarious anecdotes about their own experiences in the field, making the complex topic relatable and entertaining.

With their infectious humour and deep knowledge, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest make this episode of Join the Docs a must-listen for anyone curious about the world of medical research. So grab your lab coat and stethoscope, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the fascinating, funny, and sometimes downright bizarre world of drug discovery and clinical trials!

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Next Episode

When Athletes Stumble - A Sporting Chance of Disaster

In this rib-tickling episode of Join the Docs, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest take listeners on a wild ride through the zany world of sports mishaps, where the unexpected meets the utterly ridiculous. As always, their sharp wit and infectious banter set the tone, making even the most jaw-dropping, or finger-ripping injuries feel like punchlines in an elaborate comedy routine.

How can athletes go from hero to zero in seconds? The show kicks off with a lineup of pre-game blunders and over-the-top celebrations that went hilariously wrong, proving that even the most serious athletes aren’t immune to the occasional silly accident. From tripping over shoelaces during a grand entrance to attempting a victory dance that ends with a tumble, this episode is a reminder that in sports, things can go from perfect to perfectly disastrous in the blink of an eye.

How does one mistake an iron for a phone? One of the standout tales in this episode involves a baseball player who somehow managed to do just that. Yes, you heard that right—a moment of distraction turned into a face-burning catastrophe that would go down in sports history as one of the most bizarre injuries imaginable.As painful as this, and others sound, it is baffling how people do such things t, you’ll find it hard not to laugh out loud!.

How far is too far when celebrating? There’s the unforgettable story of a soccer player who, in the heat of celebrating a goal, lost more than just his composure—he lost a finger! It’s a tale so ridiculous, you’d think it was fiction, but the beauty of this episode is that all these mishaps are gloriously true. Sackier and Guest are baffled by the circumstances and you will be too.

Why do these stories matter? As the episode progresses, The Docs take a step back from the silliness to reflect on the importance of safety in sports. While the stories may seem light-hearted, these mishaps serve as a reminder that sports, while thrilling, can also be fraught with unexpected dangers. From minor injuries to more serious accidents, the hosts highlight the need for precautions—albeit with a comedic twist. They point out that athletes, in their quest for glory, can sometimes overlook basic safety measures, leading to moments that are more farcical than triumphant.

What’s the lesson here? This episode reminds us that no matter how skilled or experienced you are, sports will always have the potential for unpredictable mishaps. And sometimes, those mishaps are exactly what we need to keep things in perspective.

Whether you’re an athlete with your own catalogue of embarrassing injuries, or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh at the expense of others (in the nicest possible way, of course), this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Sackier and Guest bring their A-game, delivering both hilarity and insights in equal measure. So, tune in for a whirlwind of absurdity, and remember: always play it safe, or you might just end up as the next punchline.

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com