Opening words of the 7th HOWI confrence by Mrs. Evelin Ilves, The First Lady of Estonia

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Friends and Colleagues,

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to welcome you for the 7th International Head-Out Water Immersion Symposium held for the first time in Estonia. There are probably not many people in the world who are afraid to follow with excitement the Space odyssey of humankind, therfor we know that besides conquering new distances and altitudes, Space flights have always been used for scientific research. As a qualified although not practicing physician, I saw with the joy of recognition when studying the materials of today’s conference that Space based research has found extensive applications also in the field of health care and medical rehabilitation. The terminology may sound unfamiliar, but in fact we are talking about elementary physiology - in other words, how does the Earth gravity affect the functioning of our bodies and we by varying these forces are able to accelerate for example the treatment of injuries.

I am glad to find out that in one of the subjects discussed in today’s conference - hydrotherapy, the scientists of Tartu University have been part of for almost a century. The first president of Estonian Academy of Sciences, Karl Shlossmann, created the first institute of the academy to be bathing therapy research institute. One of our most famous physicians - neurosurgeon Ludvig Puusepp founded Eastern Europe’s first clinic of neurosurgery in 1914-1916 with his colleague and mentor von Bechterew. He studied and actively used in practical rehabilitation the water therapy in Tartu pre-war Republic of Estonian. Water immersion studies as well as practices have a long tradition in Estonia.

When we go further back in time, to consider the most famous Estonian scientist, Karl Ernst von Baer, the man who discovered the human embryonic cell and the father of comparative embryology - we also note that as an embryologist he studied life in weightlessness! In mother’s womb, we have all bounced against the secure walls of uterus while also under almost zero gravity.

I have been informed that your research methods have been complemented by new testing technologies originating also from Tartu University - Myoton as well as underwater EMG from Estonia’s good neighbour Finland. In modern era, every effort has to be made to seek new ways to further improve our health and quality of life. Space researchers have made significant contributions in this area, as can be said also about the high-tech companies in Estonia and Scandinavia. I am eager to hear about your future breakthroughs.

As someone who cares about the health of the people, I wish for the success of your symposium. I hope that combining your strengths in research competence with developing and implementing novel technologies we can live up the tradition of the Estonian medical science and provide our input to the Space study programmes in Europe and the World.

Estonia just recently had a practical event involving a large part of the population called “Lets Do It!” that was aimed at cleaning the dumping grounds in the environment). Let’s hope that your … our symposium will be instrumental for us to lead a healthier life in our beautiful planet. So that it will always be good to return here, wherever the trip leads us in the Universe. I wish a very exciting conference and fruitful discussions. I hope that you will also find some time to walk around in our University city of Tartu and enjoy wonderful Spring weather.