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Studys find:
Summer Camp Beneficial for Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Thu May 2, 5:46 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For cystic fibrosis patients, the benefits of summer camp appear to outweigh the risk of becoming infected with drug-resistant bacteria, study findings suggest.
Doctors recommend routine exercise in conjunction with daily physical therapy to help keep lungs clear of the abnormally thick, sticky mucus that accumulates in these patients. That build-up can increase the chances of infection in the lungs and further overall lung decline.
However, "the objective effects of exercise-training programs remain controversial," write lead author Hannah Blau of the Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel in Petah Tikva and colleagues, because often, part of the exercise approach is to attend summer camps where many fear contracting drug-resistant lung infections from fellow campers.
In the current study, Blau's team investigated the health impact of one particular summer camp experience of 13 Israeli cystic fibrosis patients aged 9 to 25 who spent 4 weeks in the Swiss Alps. During that time, various lung capacity measurements were made.
Overall, the campers' peak work capacity increased by 13%, their maximal oxygen uptake increased by 10% and resting lung function remained unchanged, the researchers report in the journal Chest.
"A 4-week program for cystic fibrosis patients, which included intense daily activity, physiotherapy and a high-calorie diet, at an altitude of 1,500 meters in the Swiss Alps markedly improved several respiratory and cardiovascular parameters in those patients," the authors write. "Peak workload, as a general measure of increased exercise tolerance, was significantly increased," they add.
The investigators also report that they tested all campers to be sure they were free of a particular strain of bacteria known to be drug resistant called B. cepacia.
"Our study shows significant objective improvement in exercise parameters and well-being, without any evidence of cross-infection with resistant organisms," Blau and colleagues write.
"These benefits clearly outweigh the risks and strongly suggest that the policies for cystic fibrosis summer camps in other countries should be reconsidered if subjects with B. cepacia and multiresistant organisms in their sputum are carefully excluded," they conclude.
Cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disorder, affects an estimated 30,000 American children and young adults. About half of people with cystic fibrosis live beyond age 20, while only about one-quarter live past the age of 35.
SOURCE: Chest 2002;121:1117-1122.
Testimonials:
We had an awesome time at camp funshine. Everyone was upbeat and energetic. “Fun in the Sun” was the theme and that it was. We played in the pool, had giant inflatable water slides and a water gun was always close by. Amongst many activities, we rode horses, took our shot at archery and challenged ourselves on the ropes course. Our week flew by too quickly. We made great new friends and reunited with the old. We can’t wait to see you next year.
Rain Sheppard , 28
Camper in '06 "What Cystic Fibrosis camp means to me."
Its such and incredible feeling that mere words just don't do justice. Growing up I was blessed to attend a CF camp for 13 years. As I child I was "different" than everyone else. I was always coughing, grossly underweight, low energy level, and missing long periods of school. All of that can be extremely tough on a child. Because of this I so looked forward to attending camp every summer, where I was just like everyone else. Besides being "normal" for a week, I learned a lot from my peers and developed friendships that were the best ever! I now had friends that knew exactly what I was going through. These were friendships that would last a lifetime. Doctors can give you all the medical advice in the world, but they honestly can't tell you that they understand what you are going through.........my CF friends can. I firmly believe that a positive mental and emotional approach to dealing with Cystic Fibrosis is essential in doing well, and I get that "fix" at camp that I carry with me throughout the year.
Jeff Brown, 29
Co-Founder, Camp Funshine Foundation
I remember the first time Jeff went to camp - I was so scared! What if the camp flooded? What if he got sick? What if he got homesick? Now, 25 years later I think, with a smile, wow, it's almost time for camp again. I hear the concerns, but for our family the choice for the last twenty years has been, "Camp? When? What can we do to help? Look out here we come!" Until a cure is found, and maybe even after, I truly doubt there is a better remedy for the body, mind or soul, than that of the fellowship found at camp.
Jan Hill
Mother of Jeff B., MWCF
Many precautions are taken at camp to keep us safe and healthy. Although there is no way to provide a completely risk-free environment, we do our best to minimize the risks. The Staff and I feel that the benefits of attending camp greatly outweigh the risks. Camp provides a vacation, an escape, and emotional support for all who attend, as well as, a learning environment to learn more about CF, ways to treat, ways to deal, and to learn how others in the same situation deal with the same problems. I am a 27 year old CF patient who has been to CF camp almost every year since I was 7 years old and for me the benefits are to great for words.
Chris Sanborn, 28
Past President, Camp Funshine Foundation
Camp Funshine has been such a blessing for Chase! He gets to do things that he doesn't get to do at home, such as horseback riding. It also helps him by showing him that others have to go through the same things that he has to go through. The inhalers, meds, etc. and putting him in touch with others with CF gives him a chance to talk about CF related issues and they understand. He matures every time he goes and feels good about himself.
Celia Burrows
Mother of Chase Burrows, 11
Dear Jeff, Camp was the Best. I had allot of fun. It kicked BUTT. When we talked it was fun because you can learn more of CF. You can have fun with other cf kids.
Kimberly Garza
Camper in '98 and '99, 14
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