Madam, - In response to John Fleming's recent piece about a trip to Krakow (An Irishman's Diary,March 3rd) I find his use of the term "wheezy asthmatics" offensive.
As one who has just returned after treatment at the rehabilitation centre in the Wieliczka salt mine, I would like to point out that one does not spend weeks underground.
Rather, the recommended treatment requires a patient to go to a large, cavernous chamber, where the micro-climate produces rarefied air, for a period of 6.5 hours a day for 14 days.
While the treatment is mainly designed for people with respiratory problems, it is also used by people suffering from blood pressure, stress and obesity.
While I was there, I met patients aged between four and 70 from Russia, Germany, France, Poland and England. The treatment was excellent and inexpensive from a staff of highly trained medical professionals who showed me nothing but kindness and understanding. - yours, etc,
MARTIN COLLINS Glenmore Park, College Road, Galway.