Health and Disease in Prehistoric Society, Essay Example

It is important to go all the way back into prehistoric society to obtain information pertaining to health and disease. Besides, it is not a waste of time because many of the diseases, which are prevalent today, have always been in existence and ancient man had adopted measures to cure or live with them until death. More importantly, medical anthropology explores human health and disease, health care systems, and biocultural adaptation (Brown, Barrett, Padilla, Finley, 2009) in creating meaning as well as understanding to the evolution and treatment of human conditions known as disease.

Therefore, if the practice of anthropology embodies evaluation of health care systems, biocultural adaptations as it relates to human disease the only way these can be assessed in depth is by going as far back as possible. History always provides guidance for the future. This could mean going way beyond to prehistoric times in uncovering mysteries of today. According to Brown (2009) in recent times biological anthropology has gained momentum as a relatively new field of “evolutionary medicine” emerges (Brown et.al 2009).

Precisely, the modern world view embraces human health from the perspective of considering how survival pressures over time may have influenced facets of human biology. These health researchers tend to incorporate an appreciation for continuous effects of natural selection as it impacts the physiology of organisms and people by employing more contemporary approaches to research techniques. One of these strategies is delving way back into history for answers to today’s health dilemma. In concluding it must be reiterated that anthropology in itself is a science which seeks to go in-depth. Inevitably in-depth could very well mean as far back as possible.

References

Brown J. Peter, Barrett L. Ronald, Padilla B. Mark, Finley P Erin. Understanding and applying Medical Anthropology. New York Pearson 2009. Print