My research question is what effect does blacksmithing have on one's health. This question applies to both the short and long term effects, and to each of the 3 main points of health (spiritual, physical, and mental). I chose this question because I am a blacksmith, and I would like to see the effects it has had on others who practice the trade. This question is not particularly timely, it doesn't really fir with any particular time. The only people that really need to pay attention to this are those that blacksmith, and we are few and far between. I did not expect to find much research in this area, but when I just scratched the surface of it today, I was quite surprised at the amount that is out there. The majority of the research I turned up focused on the long term effects of blacksmithing, namely repetitive stress injuries, back injuries, lung damage, eye damage, and hearing damage. I would like to address the positive and short term effects of blacksmithing as well.