Post-Polio Wellness Retreats
A Good Idea That Can Be Duplicated
Post-Polio Wellness Retreats provide an opportunity
- to renew the mind, body and spirit
- to have post-polio questions answered by unhurried medical experts
- to spend custom-designed days enjoying recreational activities
- to learn more about how to stay strong and healthy
Moving several steps beyond re-rehabilitation, retreats offer ongoing wellness approaches that promise to improve overall health and quality of life.
Bay Cliff Health Camp Professional Staff along with physiatrist Frederick M. Maynard, MD, and polio survivor Sunny Roller, MA, all from Michigan, came together in 2006 to coordinate a very successful post-polio wellness retreat in Big Bay, Michigan. Similar retreats can be organized in other parts of the world to promote health and wellness among polio survivors. Important resources include a comfortable location that provides accessible accommodations (accessible natural beauty is a real plus), a committed sponsoring and organizing organization(s), and knowledgeable professionals willing to volunteer time and expertise.
Want to learn more?
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
Polio Australia Incorporated coordinated its first Polio Health and Wellness Retreat in April of 2010 after participating in PHI’s Post-Polio Wellness Retreat held at Camp Dream on the campus of Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in April of 2009 (see below). To learn more about the Australian experience, review and enjoy the “Report Polio Australia Health and Wellness Retreat 2010.” Watch a summary video.
MICHIGAN
Polio survivors have met at Bay Cliff Health Camp, Big Bay, Michigan, each year since 2006. Bay Cliff's most recent post-polio wellness retreat was September 2009.
To find details on the retreats at Bay Cliff, check out Bay Cliff Offers Wellness Retreats for Polio Survivors!
GEORGIA
In April of 2009, the team coordinated a Post-Polio Wellness Retreat prior to PHI's 10th International Conference held at Camp Dream on the campus of Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (RWSIR).
- Videographer Barry Burman of The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability in association with Post-Polio Health International (PHI) filmed activities at Camp Dream.
- To find out what the survivors and spouse/attendants did each day, check out
Post-Polio Wellness Retreat Program. - View still photos.
- To find out what participants say about the wellness retreat experience, check out
Report from Camp Dreamers.
Tell us about your wellness retreat.
Have you organized a wellness retreat in part of the world that we don't know about?
If so, please send details to info@post-polio.org.
Photos from Camp Dream
Relaxing in the dining area
Gathering at the Retreat's Pavilion
A Wellness Retreat session