In 1907 the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years old. Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over
the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists
said, ‘Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,
regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.’
In 1907 Aetna began offering automobile insurance. Blue Cross & Blue Shield, United HealthCare, and Cigna did not exist.
Prior to 1907 most surgeries were performed in people’s own homes, so hospital bills were rare.
Sickness funds, an early form of health insurance were set up by banks that would pay cash to members for their medical care.
In 1907 my grandmother Christina Lange, a Danish immigrant, was 31.
