Greek Culture

Greek culture is a culture that I know little to nothing about. In the Greek culture, family is very important. In their culture it is very important to have a good, trusting relationship with their doctor. Typically a male would see a male doctor and a woman would see a female doctor. In most cases, Greek families like to know of an illness of someone in the family before the ill family member finds out. The family members would like to decide if the diagnosis is worth telling the sick family member. Greeks are very sensitive on death and dying issues so they prefer not to tell a family member because they feel it would only be a burden. (Mitchell) After a death they light a candle that will burn all night. Once buried bones, after 3 years, are unburied and put into a holy box to be placed in church or reburied in the family grave. Graves are visited daily in this culture as they celebrate a special service on the 40th day after a death. There are specific birth beliefs in the Greek culture as well. To keep away the evil spirits, the mother and new born go to church after 40 days of birth. While in church on the 40th day the baby is blessed and prayers are said to keep away the evil spirits. Charms of white and blue beads are worn on the wrist of the baby to symbolize safety, to protect from the evil eye. An exorcism may be performed if a baby cries excessively. Wrapping a baby in blankets and pinning to sheets is believed to relax an infant. The age two is when children of this culture get baptized. (Mitchell) The Greeks actually had in depth medical knowledge with only the most elementary technology. Today we are so dependent on technology so it is hard to believe the Greeks were so advanced in the medical field. The ancient Greeks had a cure for cholesterol, diabetes, gonorrhea, cholera, leprosy, anemia, allergies, migraines, acne, and plague. The ancient Greek cure for diabetes was to exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet and life style. It