The hot springs in La Fortuna de San Carlos, and especially our property, are located approximately 2.5 km northeast of the volcano

According to research sponsored by the OVSICORI, the hot springs in the area, showed significant changes in various physico-chemical parameters of the water in mid-2010, however after these changes the values ​​of these parameters remained stable with very few fluctuations over the past few years:

1. The hot springs have changed their nature and have gone from being alkaline (pH> 7.00) to be neutral or slightly acidic (pH between 6.5 and 7.0 s)
2. The average temperature dropped about 3 ° C and remains stable since around 49-50° C
3. The reason S4O2- / Cl (Sulphur Oxide / Chlorine) increased by an order of magnitude and also tends to be stable.

Properties of Thermo Mineral Waters

It is called thermal water, mineral water coming out of the ground more than 5° C surface temperature.

These waters come from underground layers of Earth that are at a higher temperature, which are rich in various mineral components and allow their use as therapeutic baths, inhalations, irrigations, and heating. Usually found along fault lines magmatic because groundwater can be introduced and heated at a certain depth; hence, after rising as vapor (which may condense to reach the surface, forming a geyser) or hot water.

Mineral composition:

Mostly, the waters of the Arenal Volcano area is categorized into:

Sulphide and sulphurous waters: predominantly sulfur.
Sulfate waters: besides sulfur may include sodium, calcium, magnesium or chlorine in its composition.

Widely used in the field of medical hydrology, the former are acidic and muddy.

Effects of thermal water in the human body

The mineralized water from the hot water has different effects on the human body. Some authors divide them into three, biological, physical and chemical, but in reality all act at the same time.

Bathing in thermal water increases body temperature, killing germs, including viruses, also increases the hydrostatic pressure of the body, which increases blood circulation and oxygenation. This increase in temperature helps dissolve and eliminate toxins from the body.

By increasing oxygenation, bathing in hot water leads to improved nutrition of the tissues of the body in general, why increases metabolism, while stimulating the secretions of the digestive tract and liver, thus helping the digestion.

Take repeated baths (especially in periods of 3-4 weeks) can help normalize the functions of the endocrine glands and the general functioning of the body’s autonomic nervous system. There is also an improvement and stimulation of the immune system, mental relaxation, endorphin production and regulation of glandular functions. Many of these effects are due to the consumption of the body of minerals such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, calcium and magnesium.

There are skin conditions that can have a marked improvement in hot spring baths (especially if they contain sulfur). Diseases that benefit most are psoriasis, dermatitis and fungal diseases. Sometimes also help in the healing of wounds and other skin injuries. Sometimes this action is attributed to the «sulphobacteries» (isolated by the «International Society of Medical Hydrology» organism, to explain the effects of the «intangibles» of the hot springs)

Not too many years ago, a microorganism was isolated – the «International Society of Medical Hydrology» – studying precisely what is called «intangibles» of the hot springs. The organism isolated, belongs to what is called today «sulphobacteries». It has been reported that this group of microorganisms help the human body to improve the defense system of the skin against all types of attacks. Likewise, help to reduce the aging process of the body.

In summary form, the chronic diseases that are benefited with the use of balneotherapy, according to research by Dr. Yuko Agishi are:

1. Chronic rheumatic diseases
2. Peripheral functional recovery of the central neuroparalysis and
3. Some metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and gout
4. Chronic gastrointestinal problems
5. Mild respiratory illness
6. Circulation problems
7. Chronic skin diseases
8. Stress-related diseases and other psychosomatic
9. Aftermath of trauma
10. Chronic gynecological diseases.

About Amoeba Naegleria fowleri

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living aerobic ameboflagellated pathogenic warm typical of freshwater such as lakes and backwaters, lagoons, ponds, pools, hot springs and irrigation canals. It is a facultative parasite that can produce amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans.

Naegleria has a universal distribution. Have been described in the environment, proliferate in fresh water, soil, sewage, sludge, wastewater, swimming pool water, sand, throat swabs and / or nose. Have also been isolated from the dust-contaminated air. This species is thermophilic and tolerate temperatures of 40-45 ° C unlike other nonpathogenic species.

How does infection with Naegleria fowleri occur?

Naegleria fowleri causes infection in people with water when the amoeba enters the body through the nose. This usually occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. Naegleria fowleri amoeba rising from the nose to the brain where it destroys brain tissue.

You can not be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking the contaminated water. In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately treated swimming pool water with chlorine or contaminated tap water) enters the nose, for example, when people submerge their heads or nose clean for religious practices and when people sinuses (nose) irrigated with contaminated tap water.

How the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection compared with other water-related risks?

The risk of Naegleria fowleri infection is very low. 34 infections were reported in the United States during the 10 years between 2004 and 2013, even though there are millions of recreational water exposures each year. In contrast, during the ten years between 2001 and 2010 there were over 34 000 drowning deaths in the USA. UU.

In Costa Rica, there had not been a case before 2014, for 25 years.

How I can reduce the risk of infection with Naegleria fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri causes infection in people with water when the amoeba enters the body through the nose. Infections are rare and usually occur when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. Rarely infections have been reported in people who dipped his head; when people suck water up the nose; when people clean their nose for religious practices or sinuses (nose) are irrigated, or using contaminated tap water. Naegleria fowleri amoeba can grow in plumbing, heating and water supply systems, including public systems of potable water.

Prevention measures that people should take to reduce the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection with, should focus on limiting the amount of water entering through the nose.

Preventive actions in Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

Naegleria fowleri, thrives best under conditions of stagnant water or untreated water.

Therefore it is important that you know:

1. The hot springs that come from our sources which pass through hydraulic pumps with filters.
2. The hot springs, remain constantly running through our property, so we never found in stagnant conditions.
3. In addition, the bodies of hot water have a general cleaning every two days.
4. Other bodies of water, not hot, maintain strict control treatment with chlorine.

Some general recommendations for the use of the hot springs are:

1. It is always best to consult with your doctor before using the hot springs therapy if it is pregnant or has a disease.
2. Avoid swimming alone in hot springs, the older adults should use caution and do not use if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. If you take medications for heart disease beware.
4. No overheating, stay well hydrated and if you have skin diseases that are contagious, use private pools.
5. The main form of prevention to reduce the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection with should focus on limiting the amount of water entering through the nose.

Sources:

Naegleria fowleri: Fact Sheet. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/es/faqs.html

Gilbert, Augustine. Properties and therapeutic effects of the hot springs. http://www.termasalud.com

Altman, Nathaniel. Balneotherapy – Healing with Water June 17.htm. http://www.care2.com. Taken from Healing Springs, The Ultimate Guide to Taking the Waters, by Nathaniel Altman. 2001.