| "In God We Trust"
Hi there,
As usual, last summer I have continued my traditional activities
and took part in the 25th. European CF Conference in Genoa, Italy. I participated
in lectures and round tables etc.
I learnt a great deal in these lectures,
like how much the sun is so important
for CF patients.
For the past 30 years, from the very beginning of the Medical
Tourism Activities at the Dead Sea, this region was known as the best place on
earth for those who suffer from all kinds of skin problems, Psoriasis, Arthritis
etc. The most important treatments for these problems based mainly on the sun
that is not harmful, but on the contrary.
Surly as you remember, the Dead
Sea region is the lowest point on earth, located 400 meters below sea level. Due
to this fact, by the time the sunrays reach the earth, the harmful UVB rays are
filtered out, which makes it the best recovery for the patients.
The
main climatic features and factors at the Dead Sea are: - Year
round sunny skies
- Dry non-polluted air
- Less than 50 mm annual
rainfall
- Winter average temperatures 20c-23c max. and 11c -14c min
- Weakened
UV radiation, particularly the UVB (erythrogenic rays).
- High oxygen partial
pressure due to the low altitude.
The suns ultraviolet rays
The composition, intensity and stability of solar radiation at the Dead Sea combine
to create ideal conditions for heliotherapy. Low relative
humidity, high temperatures and low rainfall
The low relative humidity,
high air temperatures and low rainfall are important biometrological factors.
The climate of the Dead Sea is dry and hot during the summer months. In the winter
months, maximum air temperatures reach 20c-32c and minimum temperatures do not
usually drop below 10c. Average annual rainfall is about 50 mm, with clear, sunny
skies for about 330 days a year.
Instead of receiving treatment at a conventional
clinic during the cold months of European winter, patients can benefit from treatment
at the Dead Sea a warm sun in a carefree environment. The
Dead Sea - Climatic Factors (measured at Sodom)
During the recent CF Conference, in Genoa, Dr. SP Wolfe et al from The Regional
Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK, held
a lecture and presented a poster under the subject:
SEASONAL VARIATION
IN VITAMIN D LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
"Sunlight exposure, determined Dr. Wolf, is the most important
determinant of vitamin D levels in patients with CF in the UK. A significant percentage
of our children have vitamin D levels below the optimal value throughout the year
and the majority have low levels in the winter months. The patient with the highest
25(OH)D level (56ng/ml) had recently returned from a two week holiday in Minorca".
In her conclusion, Dr. Wolf is writing:
"A high percentage
of patients with CF have sub optimal 25(OH)D levels throughout the year, the majority
are low in winter, despite vitamin D supplementation.
There is no relationship
between 25(OH)D and the other fat-soluble vitamins, suggesting that adherence
to treatment and fat malabsorption are not the most important factors in determining
vitamin D status.
Lack of sunlight
exposure appears to be the most important single factor contributing to low levels
of 25(OH)D.
More work is needed to investigate effective methods of attaining
optimal vitamin D levels throughout the year.
It may be necessary to use vitamin
D alone, especially in the winter months.
It is important to investigate the
effect of low seasonal vitamin D levels on bone metabolism, to determine if this
is a factor in the aetiology of osteoporosis". It seems that we
have another factor that never had mentioned before regarding Cystic Fibrosis
Dead Sea, in which happen to be another great advantage among others. It
was nice to meet old friends and colleagues along my European trip and to make
new acquaintances with which we were able to discuss new discoveries, ideas and
problems. Next season is around the corner and patients from Europe, America
and many Israelis, are preparing to come to us to the CF Center at the Dead Sea
at the Hod Hotel, which a few weeks ago reopened with a brand new renovated Lobby
and most beautiful Dining Room.
 |
As I have informed you in previous Newsletters, I am still pleased to reassure
you that this particular region is unaffected and far removed from any disturbances, A
true Peace Region! Like thousands of Christians
from all over the world, who came to Israel on the 21st. of September to The 23rd
Annual Feast of Tabernacles, organized by the International Christian Embassy
in Jerusalem. | Come
to the Dead Sea, Come to the Sea of life!
Come to Israel!
Come to the
sun!
For your convenience, the following are the periods
and dates for the coming season:
| No
Pseudomonas | 29.10.2002 - 19.11.þ2002 |
| Pseudomonas | 19.11.2002
- 10.12.2002
10.12.2002
- 31.12.2002
31.12.2002 - 21.01.2003
21.01.2003 - 11.02.2003
11.02.2003
- 04.03.2003 | | Cepacia | 04.03.2003
- 25.03.2003 | For
Registration Click Here The Medical staff headed by Prof.
A. Tal, the Physiotherapists Bat-Sheva and Yardenna, Oleg the sport trainer and
I are looking forward to your arrival.
| | Yours sincerely
Benjamin Pinkas | |
October 2002
