What’s Inside

 

· Seminar ‘05 Highlights………………….P. 1

 

· Burnsie’s            Reflections……….P. 2

 

· Pre Op Considerations for Post     Polios……………Insert

 

· Bits ‘n Pieces…..P. 5

 

· PPSGM Member’s Story………………..P. 6
Text Box: The 2005 Annual Conference held in Augusta, Maine provided attendees opportunities to hear about the process of a complete medical evaluation for those suffering from the late effects of polio. Nearly 75 people attended this year’s conference to hear speakers and visit with others. We know of a few members who have already undergone an evaluation at the Spaulding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. Board Member, Virginia Folino, introduced Maria Cole and Kerry Muldoon who explained the evaluation process. They recommended taking three days to complete a full evaluation, including sessions with a physiatrist, physical and occupational therapists, orthotist, speech and language specialist, nutritionist, psychologist, pulmonary specialist and others. Evaluation and treatments are customized for each person. Typically, the first day is a consultation with a doctor and evaluation with therapists. The second day is diagnostic testing, and the third day includes therapy, team conferences and scheduling other appointments as wanted or needed. Some comments noted during the Spaulding presentation were the importance of: Text Box: The Post Polio Support Group of Maine is a private, non-profit 501 [c] (3) organization. We offer the latest information on the late effects of polio to more than nine hundred polio survivors, their families, and health care providers throughout Northern New England and parts of Canada. Support for our work comes from donations from the public, from Alpha One, and from a grant furnished by the Pine Tree Society. For more information, contact us at: The Post Polio Support Group of Maine c/o 674 Hallowell-Litchfield Road West Gardiner, Maine 04345 Phone: (207) 724-3784 NOW ON THE WORLWIDE WEB: http://www.ppsgm.org Text Box: Annual Seminar Highlights

The Post Polio

Support Group Of Maine

 

Winter 2005-06

Polio Update

· Finding the causes of fatigue, weakness and pain, which may not all be polio related;

· Addressing falls, and improving mobility;

· Even if you had an evaluation years ago, considering an update due to personal changes;

· Considering a change in health professionals if they don’t listen or address needs;

· Managing pain and recognizing various types of pain, and;

· Preserving arms as much as possible.

 

     We honored the Pine Tree Society by presenting Anne Marsh, its Executive Director, with a plaque thanking PTS for 20 years of help and support.

     Daniel Mooers represented Rotary International’s Executive Committee and highlighted Rotary’s commitment to eradicate polio throughout the world.  He has traveled to over 20 countries doing volunteer work.  Since the initial fund raising in 1985, Rotary members have contributed almost $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions toward these efforts.  Ann Lee Hussey is a Rotary leader in Maine, and provided her insight into Rotary’s efforts, having experienced first-hand results in fund-raising and personally, the effects of post-polio syndrome. For more information about Rotary’s efforts, see its website www.rotarypoliosurvivors.org.
PPSGM