“Heaven on Earth” in Lumshory Village. The Swiss Improved Health of Ukrainian Children

Written on 28 August 2012.

Unfortunately, not always and not all children from ecologically unfavorable regions have an opportunity to improve their health in a clean environment. Fortunately, this does not concern to orphans or children from single-parent families, who have been assisted by the Swiss Confederation for many years. Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine through Green Cross Switzerland and Green Cross Ukraine, headed by Yuri Sapiga, implements international SOCMED Program in Ukraine. Not for the first time the Swiss helps to improve health of children living in the Chernobyl areas and the Donetsk region, choosing the place for their temporary residence Lumshory village which is located in Perechyn region of Transcarpathia. For several weeks Polonyna Health and Recreation Complex became home for young people from Bila Tserkva, Slavutych Kiev region, Zhytomyr and Gorlovka. It was a "paradise on earth" for 80 children who stayed here for three weeks.

- A team of specialists of our medical institution which is located in Uzhgorod, was on duty every day in this remote village. Children underwent herbal medicine procedures and physiotherapy, visited a salt room, drank Polyana Kvasova mineral water, swam in the pool, had Terrainkur, etc.,  - says head of the department of Reabilitatsia scientific and practical medical center of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Turlyk. The results of medical examination that children had in the end of the camp showed that their health has improved significantly.

- They walked to the mountains, breathed fresh air, and certainly learned a lot about the culture, customs and traditions of the inhabitants of Transcarpathia,  - added Alexander Feyka, worker of tourist complex. – They have also had study tours to Uzhgorod and Mukachevo. A daily entertainment program under the leadership of Ivanna Chorna and senior group leader Kateryna Sereda gave children spiritual inspiration.

Outcomes were summarized at the farewell concert. Children showed their talents in different genres. Young poets Maria Usova and Vlad Tretiak read their poems about their stay in the mountain region.