Hey 98.6, where'd you go?

(Photo by Gelegenheitsautor2015)

There’s a song by the Bystanders with this refrain:  “Hey 98.6, it’s good to have you back again…”

But these days, 98.6 is becoming more and more elusive.  Average body temperatures have been dropping since the 19^th century.  They are now about 97º F for men, and about 98.02º F for women.

Why these decreases?  Scientists theorize that they might be due to better health conditions: less infection, less inflammation, more sanitation, better housing, etc.  The human body doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain itself, therefore remaining more calm, cool and collected.

Resources

https://www.newsweek.com/human-body-temperature-fallen-1800s-1481229 

Copyright January 10, 2020 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved