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At 75, US-based retiree crosses Atlantic for treatments in Iași: 'I came with a cane and left with it under my arm'
🇷🇴 Romania /Good News

At 75, US-based retiree crosses Atlantic for treatments in Iași: 'I came with a cane and left with it under my arm'

From Adevărul · () Romanian

Translated from Romanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A 75-year-old Romanian man living in the US travels annually to Iași, Romania, for sulfurous water treatments.
  • Valeriu Bargan claims these treatments have significantly improved his knee and pelvic conditions, allowing him to stop using a cane.
  • The spa resort in Iași, known for its sulfurous water, attracts many Romanians from abroad seeking treatment for rheumatic and joint issues.

Valeriu Bargan, a 75-year-old Romanian living in Franklin, Tennessee, USA, makes an annual journey across the Atlantic to seek treatment at the Nicolina spa resort in Iași, Romania. He credits the resort's sulfurous water treatments for his improved health, stating he arrived with a cane and left without it.

This marks Bargan's fourth visit to Iași. He discovered the spa through another patient and initially sought treatment for knee problems. Currently, he is undergoing procedures for pelvic conditions. "From the first year I came here, I felt good. I came with a cane in my hand and left with it under my arm," Bargan told Ziarul de Iași.

His treatment regimen includes sessions in the sulfurous water pool, paraffin procedures, massage, and electrical therapies. Bargan has already booked his next visit, scheduled for two years from now as recommended by medical staff.

I came with a cane in my hand and left with it under my arm.

— Valeriu BarganValeriu Bargan describing the positive impact of treatments at the Nicolina spa.

Bargan's story is not unique. Representatives from Hotel Nicolina report consistent inquiries from Romanians living abroad. While many patients come from Italy and Moldova, the spa also attracts individuals from other countries. The primary draw is the sulfurous water, utilized in various treatments for rheumatic and joint ailments, as well as for recovery from other conditions.

The spa remains popular among pensioners who obtain treatment vouchers through the public system. Data from the Iași County Pension House indicates Nicolina was among the most sought-after destinations for spa vouchers this year. Hotel representatives also note a growing trend of younger patients seeking treatment for shoulder, back, and knee problems, often linked to sedentary lifestyles or poor posture. Some athletes also seek rehabilitation for injuries sustained from improper exercise.

Two years from now, because that's what I was recommended, I will return. I have already made my reservation since January.

— Valeriu BarganValeriu Bargan discussing his future plans for treatment at the Nicolina spa.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Adevărul in Romanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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