Mineral Baths Research Articles

Efficiency of balneotherapy with highly mineralized sodium chloride water in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

AIM. To study the effectiveness of including baths with natural mineral sodium chloride water in a complex of sanatorium-resort treatment on the dynamics of pain syndrome in people with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS. In the conditions of Sanatorium Chuvashiyakurort, 59 people received sanatorium-resort treatment: 1st (main group, 35 people), in which, in addition to the standard program of sanatorium-resort treatment, they received a course of mineral baths with natural sodium chloride water; in the 2nd group (comparison group, 24 people) they received physical therapy, dry carbon-dioxide baths, enteral oxygentherapy, halotherapy; massage, consultations with a psychologist. The examination included an assessment of pain using validated scales, a visual analogue scale (VAS), an assessment of joint function, the severity of anxiety and depression, and quality of life parameters. RESULTS. Upon admission to the sanatorium, patients complained of pain in the knee joint when moving (average VAS value 61.5±5.6 mm). The average score on the Lequene scale was 6.25±0.8 points. In the dynamics, a decrease in pain during movement was revealed: in patients of group 1 by the 10th day by 39% according to VAS from the initial level (p0.05), by the 21st – by 60% (p0.05), in patients of the control group - by 21% (p0.05) and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSION. The use of mineral baths improved indicators of psycho-emotional state: by the 21st day of treatment in group 1, signs of depression were leveled out in 51% of women and in 69% of men, the level of anxiety normalized in 60% of patients (p0.05). In group 2, anxiety levels decreased in more than half of the patients, and depression levels decreased in 30% of patients. On the scale of physical functioning, an improvement was noted by 40% (p0.05), in general health – by 35% (p0.05). The greatest changes were noted on the scales of emotional-role functioning and mental health.

The colorful facade decorations of the secession style in Sofia. Sofia mineral baths and the recovering of missing elements

The report presents the national specific of the Secession style in the colourful ceramic decoration of some buildings in Sofia. The most representative between them are the church of St ?Nikolay Novi Sofiiski?, buildings of the Synodal Palace, the Central Mineral Baths, and the Higher Theological School at the Holy Synod, built and decorated between 1900 and 1922. They are the works of the architects Friedrich Gr?nanger, Yurdan Milanov and Petko Momchilov. The accent of the research is the ceramic decoration of the facades of the Central Mineral Baths in Sofia, by the project of Haralampi Tachev. The details of the types of ornaments are presented and analysed. The graphic designs for the restoration of the missing elements were considered. The impact of colour in the design of the facades is analysed. The peculiarities in the decoration and the connection of this style with the medieval elements, were examined. The connection of the facade solutions with the Bulgarian historical traditions of the early Middle Ages and Byzantium is explained through examples from Preslav, the capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. This way the coloured ceramic tiles of the facades of the Central Mineral Baths are represented as an expression of the Bulgarian medieval tradition in the Secession style in Sofia. The colour facade interpretations of the buildings in Vienna, Paris and Prague of that period are presented for comparison and demonstration of the national differences, decisions and tasks of the Secession style.

Use of hydrobalneotherapy in ambulatory rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID syndrome

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID syndrome ostcoid syndrome is a consequence of the multimodal systemic effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the human body, and leads to a variety of clinical symptoms that require correction. In particular, there is an increase in the level of allostatic load and the risk of maladaptation. One of the means of effective non-drug effects on the separated consequences of COVID-19 is the use of hydrobalneotherapy methods as part of a rehabilitation course.
 AIM: To study the influence of various hydrobalneotherapy methods as part of comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on the clinical-functional and psychoemotional status of patients with post-COVID syndrome.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: 160 patients undergoing outpatient rehabilitation for manifestations of post-COVID syndrome, 74 men and 86 women, with a median age of 50 [43; 55.1] years, were comprehensively examined. Patients were randomized to 4 groups of 40, depending on the non-drug exposure method in the rehabilitation program: 1st group ― with the inclusion in the individual rehabilitation program of a course of chloride-sodium mineral baths in the amount of 10 procedures, 2nd group ― patients who were assigned a 10-day course of hot tubs, 3rd group ― 40 patients, along with exercise therapy, who underwent a 10-day course of general baths "Biolong", and 4th, control group of patients who did not undergo outpatient rehabilitation.
 RESULTS: The most frequent complaints were increased fatigue ― 88.8% of subjects, memory loss ― 46.9%, headache and dizziness ― 38.8%, dyspnea during physical activity ― 35.6%. The most frequent electrocardiogram parameters were sinus tachycardia (4.4%) and sinus bradycardia (8.1%). The mean allostatic load index of all patients was 3 [2; 3], which corresponds to the average allostatic overload. Against the background of rehabilitation measures with the inclusion of preformed physical factors, regression of the main complaints (weakness was detected in 24.2% of cases, memory decline ― in 20%, headache, dizziness ― in 17.5%, dyspnea ― in 15%, sleep disturbance ― in 10%, tachycardia and discomfort in the heart area ― in 7.5%) and improvement of electrocardiogram parameters were noted: sinus tachycardia and ventricular extrasystole were not noted, bradycardia was recorded in 2.5% of cases instead of 8.1%, repolarization process disorders ― in 2.5% instead of 8.1% before rehabilitation. In the group of patients who received whirlpool baths, improvement of external respiratory function parameters was noted: forced vital capacity of lungs increased by 12.1% (p 0.01), forced expiratory volume in the 1st second ― by 9.6% (р 0.05), the distance traveled according to the results of the test with 6-minute walking increased by 2.2% (р 0.05). In the group of those who received general baths with the preparation "Biolong", there was registered an increase in forced expiratory volume in the 1st second by 9.4% (р 0.05), an increase in the distance traveled during the 6-minute walk test by 8, 3% (р 0.05), decrease in norepinephrine level by 17.4% (р 0.05), adrenaline level by 13% (р 0.05) and cortisol level by 26.2% (р 0.01), glutathione peroxidase activity level by 13.6% (р 0.05). In the group of patients who received sodium chloride baths, there was a tendency to improvement of central hemodynamic parameters, reduction of adrenaline and noradrenaline parameters by 14.5% and 19.7% respectively (р 0.05). All rehabilitation groups showed a decrease in the Beck depression scale and Spielberger anxiety scale, K. Maslach questionnaire (emotional exhaustion and reduction of personal achievements), Bass–Perry aggression level questionnaire and Schulte table (mental stability), as well as a decrease in the level of allostatic load. In the control group, no dynamics of complaints and indicators was noted.
 CONCLUSION: In patients with post-COVID syndrome, a variety of complaints and a number of electrocardiogram disorders, clinical and functional parameters were identified. The study revealed positive dynamics against the background of the rehabilitation course with the inclusion of hydrobalneotherapy methods in the form of significant regression of complaints, clinical and functional disorders and changes in psychoemotional background and cognitive status. A decrease in allostatic load was noted after a course of non-drug rehabilitation.

CURRENT ISSUES OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOURISM BASED ON POPULATION HEALTH PRESERVATION IN EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

Research is aimed at elucidating the salient challenges impeding the maturation of the health and wellness tourism cluster within the Eastern Kazakhstan region. The inquiry encompasses findings from a customer survey conducted within the Eastern Kazakhstan Region's sanatorium resort visitors in Katon-Karagay District in 2022-2023. Significant attention is devoted to the natural-ecological, economic-infrastructure, and socio-cultural components constituting the tourist cluster are expounded upon. Quantitative analysis revealed therapeutic mineral baths for targeted activities and massage for complementary activities to be the most fitting activities in the region’s sanatoriums. Satisfaction rates detected 98% for the quality of medical services, 95% for the professionalism of medical personnel, 90% for medical procedures, 88.9% for entertainment programs, and 68.9% for children's activities. Critical challenges in medical and wellness tourism include insufficient accommodations for SPA and wellness, VIP segment tourists, and health-oriented tourist activities, including catering to children. The nation witnesses a promising landscape for the "Katon-Karagay" sanatorium-resort cluster, underscoring the imperative of establishing a public-private partnership and highlighting the need for a public-private partnership.

Therapeutic Methods Used by the Ancient Population of North Africa

This article discusses the healing practices that the ancient inhabitants of North Africa used. Those practices developed from many attempts and experiments going back to the prehistoric period that were derived from the natural environment in which people lived, where they had accumulated knowledge. Plants and herbs constituted the main source of medicine, which included wild plants such as silphium and cultivated plants such as vegetables and fruits, along with magical practices and rituals such as carrying amulets and talismans, reciting incantations, cauterizing, and using blessed soil and blood. The ancient population of North Africa attributed the cause of some diseases to the wrath of the gods and spirits. Patients were obliged to gain their sympathy and receive their blessing in order to regain their health, through some offerings and supplications. They form the basis of therapeutic prescriptions, promoted by the god of healing Eshmoun, who was brought by the Phoenicians to the ancient Maghreb, and parallels the Roman god Aesculapius, along with the goddess Hygia and the local Libyan god Macurgum. Mineral baths also played an important role in healing. Although the oldest evidence for the use of its hot mineral baths dates to the Roman period, that does not negate its use by the local population earlier. Stones and minerals, such as salt, vermilion stone, and hematite, along with sea sponges were also used to relieve health problems.

Phytoadaptogen reverses the adverse effects of Naftussya bioactive water on dynamic muscle performance in healthy rats

Background.. Muscular performance is considered one of the attributes of health and non-specific resistance. Phytoadaptogens occupy an important place in the arsenal of means of increasing non-specific resistance and stress resistance. Many years of research of the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology have demonstrated the adaptogenic properties of the main therapeutic factor of the resort, Naftussya bioactive water, as well as ozokerite and mineral baths. However, in contrast to the beneficial effect of the latter on stress resistance and the neuro-endocrine-immune complex, the effect on the physical performance is ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to test the ability of phytocomposition to prevent the adverse actotropic effect of Naftussya bioactive water at rats. Material and methods. The experimentt have been carried out at 42 female rats. Rats of the control group for 7 days loaded through a tube with tap daily water (2 mL once), while the animals of the other groups received according to a similar scheme daily water with the addition of 0,1 mL of Balm; bioactive Naftussya water per se or with the addition of 0,1 mL of Balm. The day after completion the course of water loads in the animal determined the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids, assessed the mineralocorticoid activity (MCA) by the urine K/Na ratio as well as the state of neutrophil phagocytosis by the number of absorbed latex particles. Results. It was found that the weekly use of Naftyssya bioactive water reduces the duration of swimming of rats to exhaustion by 30% compared to the daily water control. Addition of phytoadaptogen to Naftyssya softens its negative actotropic effect by up to -9%, and adding Balsam to daily water prolongs the maximum duration of swimming compared to the control by 11%. A positive correlation of the swimming test with 17-KS excretion and water diuresis was revealed, but a negative correlation with MCA, spontaneous diuresis and neutrophils phagocytosis. Conclusion. Phytoadaptogen reverses the adverse effects of Naftussya bioactive water on dynamic muscle performance in healthy rats by mitigating the decrease in the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and increased mineralocorticoid activity.

Phytoadaptogen reverses the adverse effects of Naftussya bioactive water on dynamic muscle performance in healthy rats

Background.. Muscular performance is considered one of the attributes of health and non-specific resistance. Phytoadaptogens occupy an important place in the arsenal of means of increasing non-specific resistance and stress resistance. Many years of research of the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology have demonstrated the adaptogenic properties of the main therapeutic factor of the resort, Naftussya bioactive water, as well as ozokerite and mineral baths. However, in contrast to the beneficial effect of the latter on stress resistance and the neuro-endocrine-immune complex, the effect on the physical performance is ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to test the ability of phytocomposition to prevent the adverse actotropic effect of Naftussya bioactive water at rats. Material and methods. The experimentt have been carried out at 42 female rats. Rats of the control group for 7 days loaded through a tube with tap daily water (2 mL once), while the animals of the other groups received according to a similar scheme daily water with the addition of 0,1 mL of Balm; bioactive Naftussya water per se or with the addition of 0,1 mL of Balm. The day after completion the course of water loads in the animal determined the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids, assessed the mineralocorticoid activity (MCA) by the urine K/Na ratio as well as the state of neutrophil phagocytosis by the number of absorbed latex particles. Results. It was found that the weekly use of Naftyssya bioactive water reduces the duration of swimming of rats to exhaustion by 30% compared to the daily water control. Addition of phytoadaptogen to Naftyssya softens its negative actotropic effect by up to -9%, and adding Balsam to daily water prolongs the maximum duration of swimming compared to the control by 11%. A positive correlation of the swimming test with 17-KS excretion and water diuresis was revealed, but a negative correlation with MCA, spontaneous diuresis and neutrophils phagocytosis. Conclusion. Phytoadaptogen reverses the adverse effects of Naftussya bioactive water on dynamic muscle performance in healthy rats by mitigating the decrease in the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and increased mineralocorticoid activity.

TREATMENT OF CERTAIN DISEASES OF NEURAL SYSTEM WITH TSKHALTUBO MINERAL BATHS

Among diseases in the treatment of which balneofactors are widely used, numerous diseases of the nervous system occupy a significant place. At the resort of Tskhaltubo according to long-term observations, this contingent is 28-30%. The main therapeutic factor at the resort of Tskhaltubo is its isothermal nitrogen-radon water, used in the form of baths. The observed therapeutic effect of the Tskhaltubo mineral baths in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system allows the resort of Tskhaltubo to be ranked among the neurological resorts.

Similarity effects of two types of adaptogens (transcutaneous electrical stimulation with the device “VEB” ® and using of bioactive Naftussya water) on the human body

Background. The studies of the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology have shown that both the Naftussya bioactive water and the standard balneotherapy complex (Naftussya drink, ozokerite applications, mineral baths) exhibit the properties of adaptogens, similar to such ginseng and phytocompositions. At the same time, in the process of researching the influence of devices for transcutaneous electrical stimulation on the human body, we found that changes in the parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex and metabolism also have an adaptogenic character. The purpose of this study is to find effects common to adaptogens of chemical and physical nature. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 29 women 30-76 (50±13) y and 28 men 25-69 (48±13) y without a clinical diagnosis, but with the deviations from the norm in a number of parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex as a manifestation of dysadaptation. Parameters of biophotonics, acupuncture points, EEG, HRV, immunity, metabolism, blood pressure and hormones levels before and after a four-day transcutaneous electrical stimulation session or one-week course of drinking of Naftussya water registered. Results. Screening revealed that 43 variables respond to the action of adaptogens according to the law of the initial level, at the same time, 4 initially elevated and 9 normal variables show further growth. Caused by adaptogens changes in 7 EEG and 7 HRV parameters determine favorable changes in 2 endocrine, 10 immune, 3 metabolic, 2 hemodynamic and 3 biophotonics parameters by 83,5%. Conclusion. The adaptogens both of chemical and physical nature, activating the receptors of the gut mucosa or the skin, respectively, have similar favorable effects on the parameters of the neuroendocrine-immune complex, metabolism, hemodynamics and biophotonics.

MINERAL BATHS AS A TRIBUTARY OF MEDICAL TOURISM ‎ IN ALGERIA –HAMMAM MELOUANE AS A MODEL

Algeria has a scenic landscape and is replete with dozens of mineral baths, which ‎are unique to record temperatures of up to 96 ° throughout the country. The role of these mineral baths has been associated with medication from ‎diseases such as the colorful bath in eastern Blida state.‎ The bathroom is considered nationally popular, as it is found in a scenic area ‎with natural water emitted from the subsoil.‎

Нейроендокринно-імунний супровід діуретичного ефекту бальнеотерапії на курорті Трускавець

Мета: виявити супутні зміни параметрів нейроендокринно-імунного комплексу і мікробіоценозу товстого кишечника, що супроводжують діуретичний ефект бальнеотерапії на курорті Трускавець. Результати. У спостереженні за 22 чоловіками, хворими на хронічний пієлонефрит в поєднанні з холециститом, виявлено, що 10–12-денний курс бальнеотерапії (пиття біоактивної води «Нафтуся», аплікації озокериту, мінеральні ванни) збільшує добовий діурез на 28 % (p < 0,001). Це поєднується із збільшенням екскреції фосфатів на 103 % (p < 0,001), кальцію — на 76 % (p < 0,01), креатиніну — на 32 % (p < 0,02), сечової кислоти — на 29 % (p < 0,001), сечовини — на 21 % (p < 0,01), магнію — на 19 % (p = 0,05) при відсутності суттєвих змін екскреції хлориду, калію і натрію. При цьому знижується рівень у плазмі креатиніну на 14 % (p < 0,001) і сечовини на 11 % (p < 0,01). Лейкоцитурія зменшується на 16 % (p < 0,02). Екскреторно-депураційний і протизапальний ефекти бальнеотерапії супроводжуються відчутною модуляцією параметрів нейроендокринно-імунного комплексу. Зокрема, зменшується як абсолютна, так і відносна щільність спектральної потужності (PSD) δ- і α-ритмів (p < 0,05–0,01), і підвищується відносна PSD β-ритму (p < 0,05–0,02) базальної електроенцефалограми. Разом з тим знижуються індекси варіабельності ритму серця: (VLF + LF)/HF — на 34 % (p < 0,05) і LF/HF — на 32 % (p > 0,05) за рахунок підвищення PSD HF більшою мірою, ніж LF. Базальний рівень у плазмі кортизолу знижується на 20 % (p < 0,01), тестостерону — на 15 % (p = 0,01), натомість підвищується рівень трийодтироніну — на 4 % (p < 0,05) і особливо кальцитонінової активності — на 92 % (p < 0,001), розрахованої за екскрецією з сечею фосфатів і кальцію. Лейкоцитарний індекс адаптації Поповича зростає на 46 % (p < 0,02). Стосовно параметрів фагоцитарної функції нейтрофілів констатовано підвищення зниженого індексу кілінгу ними Staphylococcus aureus на 19 % (p < 0,001) і Escherichia coli на 18 % (p < 0,01) за відсутності змін початково нормальних фагоцитарних індексів. Мікробне число стосовно Staphylococcus aureus залишається нормальним, а початково підвищена на 15 % інтенсивність фагоцитозу Escherichia coli знижується на 8 % (p < 0,05). Стосовно параметрів імунітету виявлено значуще підвищення рівня в крові лише CD16+ лімфоцитів (+17 %, p < 0,01) при відсутності змін рівнів CD3+CD4+ і CD3+CD8+ Т-лімфоцитів і CD19+ В-лімфоцитів. Не змінюються суттєво ні рівні в сироватці Ig G, M, A, ні циркулюючих імунних комплексів. Імунотропний ефект супроводжується редукцією проявів дисбактеріозу: вміст Bifidumbacter зростає на 19 % (p < 0,02), Lactobacter — на 20 % (p < 0,05), а Escherichia coli — на 48 % (p < 0,01), при цьому доля штамів з ослабленими ферментативними властивостями зменшується на 47 % (p < 0,001), з гемолітичними властивостями — на 77 % (p < 0,01). Висновок. Бальнеотерапія на курорті Трускавець чинить відчутний діуретичний ефект, що поєднується з активацією екскреторної і депураційної функцій нирок та бактерицидної функції нейтрофілів, редукцією дисбактеріозу товстого кишечника, лейкоцитурії і нейроендокринних проявів стресу.

Development of Health Tourism Route Model base on Local Wisdom and Culture, Ranong Province, Thailand

This study aims to 1) Examine health tourism route in Ranong Province, 2) Examine local wisdom and culture in Ranong Province for modeling the health tourism route, 3) Develop a health tourism route model based on local wisdom and culture in Rayong Province. This study is qualitative research on Hat Som Pan to turn the community into a health tourist attraction, in connection with other health tourist attractions in Ranong Province. Data is collected through in-depth interview and group talk with the persons involved in health and cultural tourism, or stakeholders in the studied area. The sampled persons were divided into four groups (1) Public and private organization staff members involved with tourism promotion, (2) experts, (3) Thai and foreign tourists, and (4) local leaders and wise people, for the total of six. Content analysis was performed, and triangulation was done for result verification to keep the data reliable and factual. The study revealed that Ban Hat Som Pan Community had several natural attractions and local wisdom and culture that could be used to promote health tourism. The Community had potential for networking with the outside service business, so it was able to handle the diversity entailing the tourism route based on health tourism, and local wisdom and culture. The effort was made on three traditional pillars upheld by the community “Mold, Sift and Soak Ores”. There were three main activities, the first being Do – Eat as Medication, which was a food-related local wisdom activity where food was provided, and cooking was demonstrated to tourists. The second was Do-Beauty which was the use of local herbs in therapeutic spa to promote both appearance and health. The third one was Do-Body, which focused on therapeutic and relaxing body massage and mineral bath. The massage was done using local-made massage oil to promote holistic health. The three activities were holistic health promotion through eating, care of internal health through local-made product, and mineral bath and massage to promote health. In this model route, the tourists would have time to travel and engage in activities with the locals for relaxation and health promotion in accordance with the guideline of health tourism.  

The effect of sulphate-sulphide mineral baths on blood glucose level in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background/Aim: Type 2 diabetes is a common comorbidity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Bearing in mind that obesity and insulin resistance are risk factors for the development of knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy and balneotherapy containing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has a positive effect on the functional and metabolic status of these patients. This work was aimed to investigate the effect of sulphate-sulphide-rich mineral baths containing H2S on the level of serum glucose in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: An open prospective randomised clinical trial included patients suffering from stage I and II of the knee osteoarthritis. Patients were divided into two groups of 40 subjects each: control group and experimental group. All subjects underwent inpatient physical treatment consisting of kinesitherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 6 days a week. Patients from experimental group, in addition to all the mentioned treatments, also took sulphate-sulphide mineral water baths once a day for 30 minutes for 7 days, unlike the patients from control group who took tap water baths, according to the same schedule. The level of serum glucose was monitored in all patients on admission, after discharge and 6 months after the treatment. The Student t-test was used for statistical data processing and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Study included 80 patients of both sexes, with an average age of 67.00 ± 5.75 years. All patients had elevated serum glucose values on admission. The initial levels of glycaemia in the control and experimental groups were not significantly different (6.99 ± 1.95 and 7.88 ± 1.90 mmol/L, respectively). At discharge, patients who performed balneotherapy had a statistically significant decrease in serum glucose values compared to patients from the control group (by 1.84 vs 0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.001). This effect did not persist six months after the end of the treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The application of balneotherapy with sulphate-sulphide mineral baths containing H2S as a potent gas transmitter significantly reduces serum glucose levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Yuri Gagarin public astronomical observatory – the first in Bulgaria: 60 years later

The report presents an analysis of the history of the Public Astronomical Observatory (NAO) "Yuri Gagarin", the city of Stara Zagora, which was officially opened on February 26, 1961. The initiative to open it belongs to a group of enthusiasts, among which the figure of Boncho Bonev is of particular importance. With financial and material assistance from the municipality of Stara Zagora, the first premises were equipped and the first astronomical instruments and equipment were purchased. The observatory bears the name of the world's first pilot - cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The natural evolution of the development of the Observatory is presented, as well as the need of creation an observational base outside the city, in the area of the Ayazmo Park (opened in 1968). The supply with amateur telescopes is shown, as well as of a large optical instrument for professional astronomical work – a refractor (200/3000 mm), the Kude system, the production of the Carl Zeiss, Jena (former East Germany). The acquired ZKP-2 planetarium at the Carl Zeiss factory in Jena expands the NAO's capabilities in the education and promotion of astronomy and space science.The evolution of extracurricular astronomy training and the mass popularization of the achievements of astronomy, aeronautics, physics and human technology in PAOP are analyzed, as well as scientific observations of artificial Earth satellites. In this connection, in 1979 a specialized out-of-town observation base was built in the area of the Stara Zagora Mineral Baths, equipped with one of the most modern devices of its time – the AFU-75 satellite camera. An attempt was made to periodize the history of PAOP «Yu. Gagarin», the main stages being arranged in time according to significant historical, technological, organizational or other events.

Resort factors and system magnetic therapy at ischemic heart disease associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The purpose of the research is to develop a new method of medical rehabilitation of patients suffering from ischemic heart disease (IHD) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in the conditions of Essentuki resort.
 Materials and methods. The study included 60 patients between the ages of 35 and 65 years old suffering from IHD associated with DM2 who took a course of sanatorium rehabilitation in sanatorium "Metallurg" (Essentuki). By simple randomization 2 groups of patients were formed. In the comparison group there were 40 people. They were prescribed: internal intake of mineral water Essentuki-Novaya, carbon dioxide mineral baths; in the main group there were 42 people. They were prescribed systemic magnetic therapy in addition. All the patients went through clinical-laboratory and functional studies, assessment of quality of life.
 Results. Under the influence of system magnetic therapy there is a significant positive dynamics of coagulation hemostasis which is accompanied by the improvement of lipid metabolism, central hemodynamics and quality of life of this category of patients.
 Conclusion. The significant positive dynamics of coagulation hemostasis, central hemodynamics and quality of life indicates the expediency of including system magnetic therapy in the complex of resort treatment of IHD complicated by DM2.

АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ЛЕЧЕБНО-ОЗДОРОВИТЕЛЬНОГО ТУРИЗМА В АЛТАЙСКОМ КРАЕ ПО РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМ АНКЕТИРОВАНИЯ РЕСПОНДЕНТОВ

The article analyzes the results of a survey conducted in 2019–2020 among the clients of the Altai Territory health resort complex. Special attention is paid to the objects of medical and health tourism that are part of Bolshaya Belokurikha (the town and three municipal districts – Altaisky, Smolensky and Soloneshensky). The paper presents the structure of the tourist cluster of medical and health-improving services, describes the natural-ecological, economic-infrastructural and socio-cultural elements of the tourist cluster. Analysis of 1,700 responses to the questionnaires sent to the sanatoriums revealed the most preferred types of services for tourists in the sanatoriums of the region (by target activities – treatment with mineral baths, by related activities – massage). According to the results of the survey, satisfaction with the quality of medical services was 97%, with professionalism of medical personnel – 96%, with medical procedures – 93%, with entertainment programs – 87,9%, and with children's entertainment – 67,9%. Among the main problems in the development of health-improving tourism is the insufficient number of accommodation facilities for SPA and Wellness, VIP-segment tourists, tourist activities of a health-improving nature, including those for children. A positive image of the Bolshaya Belokurikha health resort cluster has developed in the country. Further development of the complex is linked to the need to organize a public-private partnership in the creation and operation of health tourism facilities in the Altai Territory.

Possibilities of natural and preformed therapeutic factors of the altai region in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

A comprehensive examination and health improvement of 40 patients has been performed using therapeutic physical factors of the sanatorium «Belokurikha», JSC «Belokurikha Resort». High incidence of overweight, hereditary burden of cardiovascular diseases, hyperglycemia, low physical activity, dyslipidemia and atherogenic cholesterol fraction has been revealed. At the same time, 60 % of the examined patients had combination of 3–4 risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, most often obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia. It is established that appointment of pathogenetically based treatment complex, including physical therapy, manual massage, general mineral baths, peloidotherapy, Nordic walking, therapy with elastic pseudo-boiling layer has signifi cant anti-infl ammatory and hypolipidemic eff ects, helps to reduce the severity of endogenous intoxication, and to increase adaptive potential.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Research of Thermal Spring and Mountain Spring Waters in the District of Sliven, Bulgaria

Defined are the physicochemical properties of four healing non-thermal and thermal spring waters in the area of Sliven District, Bulgaria. The spring waters from the given four water sources are characterized by microbiological indicators and the pathogenic micro-organisms in the samples from the springs water sources mentioned above are determined by the membrane method.
 It is shown that according to 18 controlled parameters included in the study, the non-thermal healing spring “Hadji Dimitar” in the area of “Hot water” in the town of Shivachevo with water temperature 22.5ºC and the non-thermal spring “Gunchov spring” with water temperature 21.5ºC correspond to all controlled parameters according to Ordinance NO 9/2001, Official State Gazette, issue 30 and decree NO 178/23.07.2004 about the quality of water, intended for drinking purposes.
 It is established that that thermal healing spring Sliven mineral baths with water temperature 48ºC, healing spring Banya village with water temperature 37ºС meet the standard requirements. Non-thermal spring "Gunchov Spring", Sliven district with water temperature 21.5ºC does not meet the required microbiological parameters in regards to coli bacteria levels.

Metaphylaxis of urolithiasis in shipboard personnel with rational pharmacotherapy in resort conditions

The report is dedicated to the new medical technology of sanatorium-resort treatment and metaphylaxis of urolithiasis developed in our resort using Slavyanovskaya mineral water drinking, mineral baths and rational pharmacotherapy (Urolit phytocomplex). Comprehensive SPA therapy of urolithiasis with internal and external (bath) use of Slavyanovskaya mineral water in combination with the Urolit phytocomplex compared to traditional spa treatments contributes to a more pronounced favourable dynamics of the indicators of the functional state of kidneys, correction of metabolic disorders, increased glomerular filtration, increased diuresis and normalization of urodynamics, which are important links in the metaphylaxis of urolithiasis.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ КАЧЕСТВА ВОДЫ В МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ ИСТОЧНИКАХ РЕСПУБЛИКИ БУРЯТИЯ

Drinking mineral water is often used for therapeutic purposes, especially for treatment of the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, bile and urinary tract disorders. Mineral healing water is used for external (mineral baths) or internal use (inhalation, irrigation, douching, enema, drinking). At resorts, patients drink mineral water directly from springs. Bottling water ensures the preservation of the original composition and medicinal properties of samples. The authors evaluated the quality of mineral water from hard-to-reach areas of the Shumak Reserve, the Republic of Buryatia. Total water mineralization of samples was in the range 1.1 - 1.3 g/dm3, which indicates that Buriatia spring water belongs to natural-mineral table water group; It was established that the studied mineral water belongs to the hydro-carbonate-magnesium-calcium siliceous hydrochemical group (НСО3 85, Ca2+ 50-60, Mg2+ 30-50 equiv.%) with pH from 6.4 to 8.8. Among the balneologically active components of all water samples, silicon was in the range of 51.7 - 124.0 mg/dm3. The highest value was noted in spring No. 4 (“diabetes”) 124.0 ± 5.0 mg/dm3. Besides elevated levels of Si, all sprigs contained radioactive gas radon in concentrations between 33 to 1003 Bq/dm3. The highest radon content was found in spring No. 2: 1003 ± 119 Bq/dm3. This is higher than the threshold value of the content of a balneologically significant factor - 185 Bq/dm3 (5 nCi/dm3). Accordingly, water of spring No. 2, should be classified as low radon water and designed for external use.