LIFE ON THE GOLDFIELDS
Health
The Apothecary at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.
Because of the little medical help on the goldfields, most diggers had to care for their own health.
Most of the health problems were related to the environment. The damp and cold conditions created constant medical issues for the diggers. Diggers were also unable to bathe or shower often and personal hygiene on the goldfields was very poor.
Fresh fruit and veggies were very rare and only vital food supplies were found on the goldfields such as meat, flour, eggs etc.
The biggest killer on the goldfields was the rapid spread of diseases. Because of the large number of people on the goldfields, the chances of getting a disease were high. Many of the immigrants also carried over new and unintroduced diseases to the Australian environment. Some of the diseases included the whooping cough, scarlet fever and the measles.
Apothecary's containing vital medical supplies were found inside the towns. Some diggers would travel to the towns on the weekends and stock up with medical supplies for the week or sell them on the goldfields for double the price.
Most of the health problems were related to the environment. The damp and cold conditions created constant medical issues for the diggers. Diggers were also unable to bathe or shower often and personal hygiene on the goldfields was very poor.
Fresh fruit and veggies were very rare and only vital food supplies were found on the goldfields such as meat, flour, eggs etc.
The biggest killer on the goldfields was the rapid spread of diseases. Because of the large number of people on the goldfields, the chances of getting a disease were high. Many of the immigrants also carried over new and unintroduced diseases to the Australian environment. Some of the diseases included the whooping cough, scarlet fever and the measles.
Apothecary's containing vital medical supplies were found inside the towns. Some diggers would travel to the towns on the weekends and stock up with medical supplies for the week or sell them on the goldfields for double the price.