Lake View Sanatorium

Lake View Sanatorium was a medical facility dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis patients. Established in the early 20th century, it was part of a broader public health movement to combat tuberculosis, a major cause of death at the time. The sanatorium was designed to provide patients with rest, fresh air, and nutritious food, which were considered essential to the treatment of the disease before the advent of antibiotics.

History

The history of Lake View Sanatorium reflects the broader history of tuberculosis treatment and public health policy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tuberculosis, also known as consumption, was a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The disease prompted the establishment of specialized treatment facilities, known as sanatoriums, which were designed to isolate patients and provide them with care aimed at improving their health through rest, nutrition, and exposure to fresh air.

Lake View Sanatorium was one of these facilities. It was typically located in a rural or suburban setting, away from urban pollution, to take advantage of the therapeutic effects of the natural environment. The architecture of the sanatorium often featured large windows and balconies to ensure that patients had ample exposure to sunlight and fresh air, which were believed to be beneficial in the fight against tuberculosis.

Treatment and Daily Life

The treatment regimen at Lake View Sanatorium, like that of other sanatoriums of the era, focused on rest and exposure to the outdoors. Patients spent much of their time in bed or on sun porches, breathing fresh air and resting, which was thought to help the lungs heal. The diet provided was rich in nutrients to help strengthen the body's defenses against tuberculosis.

In addition to medical care, the sanatorium also offered various forms of entertainment and occupational therapy to keep patients engaged and to foster a sense of community among them. Activities might include reading, crafts, and light physical exercises, all designed to be beneficial to the patients' health without overexerting them.

Decline and Legacy

The development of effective antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis in the mid-20th century led to a dramatic decline in the need for sanatoriums. As a result, many, including Lake View Sanatorium, were closed or repurposed for other medical or non-medical uses.

Today, the legacy of Lake View Sanatorium and similar institutions is complex. On one hand, they are remembered as places of healing and refuge for those suffering from a then-incurable disease. On the other hand, they also represent a time when medical knowledge and treatments were limited, and when isolation from society was a common approach to disease management.

The history of Lake View Sanatorium offers valuable insights into the evolution of medical treatment and public health policy, particularly in the context of infectious diseases. It also serves as a reminder of the human impact of tuberculosis and the ongoing importance of public health efforts to combat infectious diseases.