Medical lessons from the space program

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From my 1989 book review in the British Medical Journal "Spock the Difference"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1837902/pdf/bmj00255-0061b.pdf

re: Survival in Space: Medical Problems of Manned Spaceflight. R. Harding. (Pp xix+227; figs; £14.95.) London: Routledge, 1989.ISBN 0-415-00253-2

 

Astronauts choice of the most useful drugs in space:

 

1. Painkillers

2. Sedatives

3. Anti-diarrhoea drugs (I can see why they might be useful in a space suit...)

4. Nasal decongestants (but maybe not used when the anti-diarrhoea pills have run-out)

 

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Major irritations of space travel:

 

1. Cannot wash properly - never feel clean

2. Sense of isolation

3. Lack of movement

4. Boredom

 

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Physiological effects of prolonged space flight include:

 

1. Exaggerated tendon reflexes

2. Poor balance

3. Excessive drop of blood pressure on standing

4. Loss of bone calcium

 

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Abilities gained from a 3-day crash course in medicine and dentistry include:

 

1. Ophthalmoscopy (this took me 3 years)

2. Bladder catheterization (who volunteered to be practised on?)

3. Extracting teeth (!)

4. Inserting temporary fillings (!!)

 

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