Introduction: As time has elapsed since the major poliomyelitis epidemics ended, following the widespread introduction of the polio vaccines, persons affected by polio, their families and their healthcare providers seem to have less and less clear understanding about what symptoms are caused by polio, which are associated with polio and which are not. Many healthcare providers in practice today have …
Shared peer advice from polio survivors about what works for them.
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News about people who have made significant contributions to the disability community.
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“Not Going Is Not an Option”
Jann Hartman, Seattle, Washington I grew up believing in fairy tales and loved stories that ended “happily ever after.” Even when I got polio in 1953 at almost 6 years old and spent most of that year in the hospital, I still believed that everything would work out for the best. I met my “knight in shining armor,” we got …
Diabetes and Post-Polio Syndrome: Conditions Which Are Chronic but Manageable
Jann Hartman, Baltimore, Maryland I was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome in 1989, and I assumed that my extreme exhaustion was due to overusing my muscles. It should have dawned on me that it isn’t wise to dismiss all symptoms as due to having post-polio syndrome. Last spring, during a routine visit to my physician, a simple blood test revealed an …
What about Flaxseed?
Jann Hartman, Baltimore, Maryland Fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon contain two omega-3 fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA). A third kind, alpha-linolenic acid, is less potent. It comes from soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and oils made from those beans, nuts and seeds. Flaxseed oil and flaxseeds (which need …
The Glycemic Index: Good Carbs, Bad Carbs
Jann Hartman, Baltimore, Maryland One of the most frequent dietary suggestions I have received is to eat “low glycemic foods.” The Glycemic Index (GI) is a numerical ranking of foods showing how quickly they are broken down into sugars after a meal as compared to a standard (usually glucose). While the index can be a useful tool (similar to calorie …
Why the weight? Losing a few pounds is possible … right now. Why wait?
Sunny Roller, Ann Arbor, Michigan Even if one uses a wheelchair full time and has a metabolism that is a bit slower due to aging, losing weight is possible. I had almost given up, but then 14 months ago, my doctor fiercely demanded that I lose 10 pounds. If I did not, she threatened to infuse me with some creepy …
What to Eat: Revisiting the Basics
Ann Crocker, West Gardiner, Maine What to eat? Nearly every day we may hear or read about the benefits or risks of certain foods or specific elements in foods. Sometimes, we may be tempted to try some hard-to-believe, miraculous food or food product, which later may turn out to be of little value. With so many daunting warnings about what …
Every Body Benefits from Massage
Leslie Drawdy, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, Tucson, Arizona Massage is known to have many general health benefits, including decreased stress and anxiety, increased blood flow, decreased blood pressure, decreased pain and stiffness. Certain techniques can also result in decreased edema and hypersensitivity. Many people with post-polio syndrome (PPS) suffer from pain, cold intolerance and hypersensitivity. Most research and books on PPS …
Canes – Pick the Right Stick
A cane may be adequate if you need minimal support. First determine the correct length of the cane. If it is too long and your elbow stays bent when you lean on the cane, the triceps muscle at the back of the elbow has to stay contracted. This can lead to muscle fatigue and pain in your shoulder. To prevent …
How to Use Crutches on Stairs
Approach the stairs and have your therapist stand by for safety until confident of abilities. Keep crutches down on lower level and do not place upward on the steps. Push down hard on the crutches with your arms. This lifts the body upward. Then, step up first with your strong leg to the first step! Bring up your weak leg …