Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-03-14
THE SUN CURE
By H. Addington Bruce

by lOll bluNC
THoUGH from the Roller institution in
Switzerland and other hospitals most
favorable reports continue to come as 20
the positively curative value of sunlight in the
treatment of so-called surgical tuberculosis,
various medical men have also reported neg
alive and even harmful results All American
expert in the sunlight treatment, Dr. IL. L.
Grasso submits through Health News, the Of
ificial publication of the New York State De-
partr1ent Of Health, an explanation of the fail
ureS recorded.
| In the light of his own experience as head OF
The ]. N. Adam Memorial Hospital, at PerryS-
burg, N. Y, where the sun cure has been sue
cessfuly employed, DR.. GraSSo believes that
when failure ensues it is not the fault OF the
sun, but of incorrect technique in the applca-
ton of sunlight. He stresses as special causes
of failure:
Neglect gradually TO expose the whole body
to sunlight, instead of exposing the affected
part only. .4.
Neglect to take sufficient care to shield the
exposed body from breezeS. This is held to be
an absolute requirement in cold weather, as
even a slight breeze may cause chill, thus
making the sun cure dangerous.
Neglect to begin the treatment by first ex-
posing the patients feet to sunlight, irrespective
of the part Of the body most in need OF treat
ment
And neglect to keep the affected part COW
cred until, little by little all other parts have
become accustomed to sun bathing
The rule must always be to make haste
slowly. At first only the feet are to be exposed
to the action of the SUMS rays for live min
utes, three or four times at hour intervals. The
time of exposure of the feet may, then be
heightened while exposure OF the legs from
ankle to knee begins. ~
In the order named the thighs, the abdomen,
the lumbar region, the chest, and The back are
uncovered to the sun, until at last except for
loin cloth, there is complete exposure.
"Great care" notes DR.. GraSso, "muSt be
taken while the patient is being accustomed to
the sun, as it is at this lime that he is likely to
become too enthusiastic and overexpose him
self.
eff any reaction is observed, such as high
pulse, rise of temperature, vertigo, headache, or
other constitutional disturbance, the exposure
must be stopped or the time shortened.
cit is best to guard the head with linen
cap, an umbrella, or an awning at the mead OF
the bed. The eyes must be shielded with col
ored glasses or with cloth placed over them
When the proper procedure is followed, Dr..
Grasso says, pain is, as rule alleviated within
two weeks and soon ceases entirely. High pulse
and temperature gradually come down to nor
NAL. Appetite returns, weight and strength in
crease, the condition of the blood improves.
AS in the case of ricketts,, bone tissue is at
fected for good Ulcers and SlnuSeS hrs. ais
charge profusely, then dry and heal Assesses
become calcified or are absorbed. Glands are
gradually reduced in Size. And!
"The outstanding local result in joint disease
is the gradual partial or complete restoration
of motion in the affected joint"
l would suggest that all medical men inter
ested in trying sunlight on patients of their own
write to the State Department Of Health, at Al
bany, N. Y, for a>copy of Health News con-
n i1o+o tin0 nn
sun cure methods used by him and the results
obtained
copyright, 1922, by The Associated Newspa-
perS)