The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1909-12-23
Consumptives and Climate.

DeS MOlneS, Dec. Ut Recently
it was my privilege to visit the west,
and south with special reference to
a study of climate and altitude in the
treatment of tuberculosis. | visited
Denver. Colorado Springs Pueblo
and Trinidad in Colorado, Dalhart
and Ell Paso in Texas, and made in
quiry with reference to Mexico. 1t
was a revelation to me. Though |
had known that climate was a small
per cent in the treatment of tubercu-
losis, yet l was not prepared to find
that it is of SO little value unless
other things are equal.
/ found that large numbers of con-
sumptives going to these climates
were sooner or later disillusioniZed
and that climate was mirage on the
desert, and instead of securing relief
and betterment the conditions were
such, if they did not have abundant
financial resources, as to Cypress.
/ also found that the people who
inhabit the west are as generous and
humane as will be found in any other
country, yet they have become SO ac-
customed to the white-faced throng,
that there is an utter disregard and
| contempt on the part Of some for
this large hopeless class. 1t is pitt
able to meet these persons with
| wasted and weakened bodies and
| hectic flush on the cheek. and to hear
the rasping. racking cough that must
shortly terminate their unfortunate
| lives; and yet so many OF them have
| gone to these climates and placed
such a great burden upon the various
communities that they are regarded
with suspicion Immediately they ar
| rive. 1t is not uncommon to hear
the remarks. There goes a Hunger"
Hes a lunger,' She's a lunger, ;"
or similar applications.
Indeed. SO serious and acute las
this condition become that mayors
| of cities asked me to use all my in
fuence in keeping the advanced con-
sumptive at home, and even early
cases are not desirable unless pro-
vided with an abundance of money.
| If one considers just what these
western communities have to con-
tend with it may be readily seen that
a vast problem has been imposed up
on them. They can hardly be blamed
| when these eastern countries are
, speWing their consumptive poor upon
them in vast numbers annually eX-
hausting all the resources Of charity
and public benefaction. And as /
have urged in the past, SO do l de-
sire to urge with greater power. that
the consumptive remain in his Own
community to take his treatment. He
should not go west or south unless
he is provided with a great amount
| of money and can take his. friends
with him so as to preclude the posi-
bility of inconsistencies.
Another observation that ] made
is that Iowa furnishes almost as good
a climate as the countries that ! Wis
tied. True. one may be more COM
Portable where the sun shines more
constantly, and where the weather is
moderate, but all in all, Iowa's eli
mate is exceedingly beneficial if rest.
good food, fresh air, and as much
sunshine as may be possible, are
| furnished to the persons suffering
with tuberculosis. Let me utter this
warning note, stay at home and take
your treatment in your own state.
Follow the instructions of your
! physician to the letter, be under con-
troll, and there is as much hope for
you in Iowa as any place on earth.
A. e. KEPFORD.
| State Lecturer on tuberculosis.