Speleotherapy and asthma, allergy and other respiratory diseasesWritten by LTiba
Speleotherapy or underground climatotherapy is an alternative or complementary method of therapy for asthma and other respiratory diseases that is used in Eastern and Central Europe for many, many years. This involve spending 2-4 hours a day underground, in salt caves or mines for over 2-3 months period, but results are impressive. The salt micro particles, salt dust, reach lung alveoli, bronchi, bronchioles and clear all airway passages, in upper and lower respiratory tract. Due to fact that inhaled saline has mucokinetic, bactericide, hydrophilic and anti inflammatory properties, will help to reduce inflammation leading to widening of airway passages, kill bacteria and restore normal transport of mucus and unclog blockages. Although not known in North America, salt therapy is an old and very popular method of therapy in Balkans, Europe. There are many salt sanatoriums in heart of salt mountain and doctors are involved in clinical researches, in some countries treatment being covered by health minister. An old study describes a speleotherapy course which was 4 hours a day for 6-8 weeks, with 100 COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma patients and reported improvement which lasted 6 months to 7 years (Skulimowski, 1965). Similar studies are published in Pub Med (MEDLINE) from Poland,Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Russia. Recent clinical study at Pulmonary Clinic, Ambulatory Section, Timisoara, Romania, on a lot of 30 patients (19 Asthma, 11 Chronic Bronchitis) revealed that use of a speleotherapy device (also called Halotherapy device) for a time period of one year significantly reduced sore throat, nasal obstruction, snoring, cough, sputum secretion, associated rhinitis, annual hospitalization and symptomatic medication intake. Also have shown significant improvement of sputum elimination, olfactory sense recovery (smell, taste), sleep at night, morning condition and clinical state.
| | Americans Share Their Lives Through Organ DonationWritten by Melody Schubert
Each year Americans who live with a terminal illness receive a precious gift, a second chance at life they would not have otherwise. This gift comes from those who have made a critical decision, to donate their organs to save another life.Potential organ donors can be of any age or race. They may be people we know like our loved ones and friends. Sharing this important decision to donate their organs or tissue with family members insures that arrangements can be made if needed. Be assured that medical community is committed to saving lives of their patients admitted to hospital in an emergency. The Indiana Donor Choice Law allows a medical professional to carry out your wishes without family consent. Every attempt is made before hand to inform your family of your decision upon your death. Donating organs or tissue will not affect funeral arrangements either. Your appearance will remain intake for traditional services. Those under 18 who want to become donors will need their parent or guardians consent first. Donor cards are available at your local license branch. These cards are signed by you and two other witnesses, and indicate whether you want to make an organ donation. Specific organs may be chosen like Kidney, liver, lungs, pancreas, heart, or intestines. In addition to tissue such as eyes, heart valves, tendons, bone, skin, or veins. These gifts can help save another Americans life. Each day hundreds of Americans across nation are added to list transplant waiting list, including children. Recipients of a donation are treated equally regardless of financial status. Before medical staff make a decision, severity of a patient's illness and other medical issues are considered carefully for each potential recipient of an organ or tissue donation. Some of those on list unfortunately will not receive an organ gift in time.
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