Surgeon's Notes
Capt. Steve Oreck, M.D.

This column is to help you campaign safely and help with your impression - so you can be familiar with how Civil War era medicine impacted the common soldier.

Remember that of the 625,000 soldiers who died during the late war of the rebellion, 2/3 died of disease, not battle wounds. Prevention is the key to avoiding disease or injury that will spoil your campaign season and reduce the strength of the Regiment - needed to subdue the rebellion.

Conditioning: The average age of the soldiers of the 2nd Wisconsin at first muster was 24. We are significantly older. In order to tolerate the rigors of a campaign, you need to begin a program of gradual aerobic exercise ... at least 30 minutes, four times a week.

Hygiene: Army regulations specified that a soldier should wash his hands, face and feet daily. At a minimum you should strive to do this. Don't forget to wash after using the sinks (toilet facility). All food scraps should be carefully disposed of in covered containers - don't keep unsealed food in your tent.

Foot Care: Foot problems will ruin your campaign faster than anything else. Properly fitting and well broken in shoes are vital ... keep them in good condition. Use wool socks and keep a spare dry pair. While foot powder is "farb", use it ... powder your feet at least once a day. Carry bandaids to put on blisters as soon as they form, before they burst.

Water: During the Civil War deaths due to dehydration or drinking contaminated water were common. Drink lots of water - don’t wait until you are thirsty. If you’re not urinating once every two to three hours, you’re not drinking enough. Sergeants and Corporals, make sure your men keep hy-drated. Drink water only from approved sources ... that refreshing looking stream nay be seriously contaminated.

Health Info: Every unit member with any sort of health problem needs to make a health info card. This is a 3X5 card, plastic laminated, you carry with you all the time. ..the inside pocket of your sack coat is a good place. Put your name, home phone, doctor’s name and phone, any medications you’re taking (include name and dose), allergies, medical conditions, etc. on it. In an emergency, it could be life saving. Don’t forget to bring a supply of all medications you’ll need for the campaign, however long it is, with you. Remember, prevention is better than treatment - every black hat we lose to disease or injury is one less loyal soldier to put down sedition and treason!