Causing a splash at the spa

Published in The Post-Star (D1)
3/26/07

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Saratoga's famous mineral water splashed into the headlines last week when the New York Post reported that the Roosevelt Baths in Spa State Park were being diluted with municipal tap water.

The mixed water was never a secret, according to many locals, but it raises another question: Does it even matter?

In previous centuries, the medicinal benefits of mineral water -- as a bath or a tonic -- were viewed as common knowledge. Entire cities sprang from springs, and doctors advised sick patients to "take the waters" in places like Saratoga Springs.

But in this age of hi-tech medicine and high-powered pharmaceutical companies, the connection between mineral water and mainstream medicine seems to have sprung a leak.

"It used to be very mainstream. A number of hospitals were built around mineral springs, and now we're the only one in the nation that still uses one," said Dr. Les Moore, director of integrative medicine at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, near Rochester.

He explained that Clifton Springs is a traditional hospital that decided a few years ago to add a department of "integrative medicine," once again using its mineral springs to promote healing. That's called hydrotherapy, or balneotherapy when it refers specifically to bathing.

Although spas in Europe and Asia still flourish, American interest in hydrotherapy seemed to evaporate around the mid-20th century.

"It still works, it's just that now we've got all these supposedly better drugs that came out, which are more easily packaged and sellable," Moore explained. "But I think it's making a comeback."

That's exactly what Mary Chamberlain, a Glens Falls acupuncturist, would like to see happen to the Roosevelt Baths.

"I do not understand what happened in Saratoga," she said. "I see all the money they're spending on Saratoga Hospital, and they talk about expanding ... they have it right under their nose! They could build an incredible rehab center at the baths."

Chamberlain is part of the New York Spa Promotion Alliance, and said she has met many others who share her views.

"Perhaps the townspeople could become shareholders in the spa," she said. "So many people are interested. I think it's totally possible."

Minerals like magnesium, iron and lithium are present in various springs throughout Saratoga, and Chamberlain believes each has unique benefits.

"The lithium spring is good for mental and emotional balance, for example," she said.

Dr. Koock Jung, a Queensbury psychiatrist, had a different reaction when asked if he believed that mineral water has medicinal value.

"Oh, God, no," he said. "We prescribe lithium for manic depression and bipolar disorder ... but there would be miniscule amounts, almost nothing, in the water."

Chamberlain said she knew the Roosevelt Baths were diluted, and thinks this reflects the perception that even the spa's management doesn't see the water as medicinal.

"It's like they think it's just a bubble bath, and as long as there are bubbles, the benefits are the same," she said.

She worries that bathers may be absorbing chlorine from the tap water without knowing it.

The city puts chlorine in its water supply to clean it, said Tom Kirkpatrick, chief water plant operator, but the residual amount is only about .5 parts per million.

"I don't think that small amount would have a harmful effect from bathing in it -- it's not even as high as chlorine in a swimming pool," he said. "But my personal opinion is, if you're paying for a mineral bath and you're only getting half of the minerals you're paying for, it doesn't seem right."

Kirkpatrick, 52, said he grew up in Saratoga Springs and has been drinking from the mineral springs for years, although he's never bathed in them.

"I like the taste," he said. "If it has health effects, so be it."

What local officials want from Spitzer

Published on 1/1/2007 in THE POST-STAR (Local News)

Santa's not the only one who's been swamped with wish lists lately.

In the weeks between Gov. Eliot Spitzer's election and his inauguration, legislators and local political leaders have written, called and met with his transition team to express their various wishes for the incoming administration's priorities -- and they're eager to unwrap his first speech for hints of good things to come.

"You always get a flavor in the State of the State for what the budget is going to be like, so I'm hoping I hear about government reform, about a balance between environmental and economic issues, and a commitment to many things that include the North Country's economy," said state Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, R-Willsboro. "And certainly, property tax relief is my top priority."

Like the fabled guy in the red suit, Spitzer has so far managed to gain the public's affection without revealing many details. He campaigned on vague, widely appealing principles like government reform and accountablity, and has promised "change on day one."

While no one knows exactly what form that change will take, one things seems clear -- no one is eager to land on the "naughty" list of such a powerful and popular figure. Local Republican legislators all spoke positively about Spitzer and said they wish him well, despite the differences in their political parties.

"Certainly, whenever there's change, there's hope. So I look forward to this coming year. I'm sure it will be interesting, to say the least," Sayward said.

Sayward said she has written two letters to Spitzer so far, each with a budgetary suggestion. She would like the new budget to include more municipal aid for revenue-starved communities, as well as funds to help counties cope with a recent 26 percent hike in fees charged by the Office of Child and Family Services.

State Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, said she is "encouraged and optimistic" about the new administration, and hopes Spitzer will use bipartisanship to follow through on his campaign promises.

"I've already written to the governor-elect and talked to him about reducing property taxes," Little said. "I said I would like to be involved, and I'm happy to see that's a priority of his as well."

State Assemblyman Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, wants the Spitzer administration to pay attention to rural upstate communities, which he believes are often the victim of "geographic discrimination" by Albany's power brokers.

"I think it was unintentional, but New York state government has become urbanized, and programs and services are geared to urban areas," McDonald said. "I think it's a concern of his, and I look forward to working with him to turn that around."

Even brighter visions dance in the heads of leaders from Spitzer's own party.

"We're hoping to see that he has some grand plans for fixing the economy, especially upstate ... for creating jobs, and actually accomplishing some of things Pataki's been talking about for the last 12 years," said Larry Bulman, chairman of the Saratoga County Democratic Committee. "He (Spitzer) wants to take us to the next level. ... I'm very excited about it."

Bulman said he's already had two meetings with members of Spitzer's transition team, and plans to continue pressing for change in areas like health care, economic development, property tax relief and renewable energy.

Glens Falls Mayor Roy Akins, whom Spitzer endorsed in person during the 2006 mayoral campaign, said he doesn't have any specific requests for the governor at this point, but "wherever the state can help the city, I'll certainly reach out and ask for it."

Queensbury Town Supervisor Dan Stec said if he wrote a wish list to the Spitzer administration, his top request would be to stop "unfunded mandates" from the state to counties and municipalities, and to reform the Medicaid system. He said he also hopes the state will pass laws requiring the civil confinement of sex offenders and restricting where child sex offenders may live.

"If they want to start making some changes, these are just a few of the most achievable ones," he said. "But I'm not going to hold my breath. I don't have a lot of faith in Albany."
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