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Polio Update

BITS ‘N PIECES...NEWS YOU CAN USE!

 

Boston’s Children’s Hospital Update—Some of our readers were at Children’s Hospital in Boston during their initial recovery from polio.  Laura Small shared with us a book on the hospital’s history, and has corresponded with the hospital archivist.  We now have a person you may contact to help track any remaining archived info about early years of the hospital, or web pages to review information about the hospital clinic and/or doctors, such as Drs. Trott and Green.  While the hospital does not maintain old patient records in the archives, there are referrals that may help.  To check with the hospital, please write to Sheila Spalding, Hospital Archivist, Children’s Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA  02115; call her at 617-355-5286, or e-mail her at Sheila.Spalding@childrens.harvard.edu.  On the website www.childrenshospital.org/research/ you will find info about the early years of polio.  While the polio section is marked as Site 2029, I was not able to go directly to it without getting a “page not currently available” message.  However, if you go to this main page, you can click on “Featured Research” at the lower part of the page, then scroll down until you find “Looking Back”.  Also, you may want to check out www.childrenshospital.org/archives.

 

Odd shoe finder—Just received information about a new website, www.oddshoefinder.com that offers a free service for those needing/wanting different sized shoes.  Some of us buy two sizes of shoes in order to get a proper fit. This website offers an opportunity to connect with others who may wish to swap or purchase leftover shoes.

 

Hatha Yoga and Meditation for those with Post-Polio Syndrome—In a 2004 article in the publication, Alternative Therapies, doctors and other researchers at the Conemaugh Health System evaluated the benefits of Hatha yoga and meditation in patients with post-polio syndrome.  In the initial testing, 23 people underwent a 5-day retreat and 12 weeks of home practice.  The results showed improvements in lessening of fatigue and pain, and improvement in mobility.

 

Conemaugh Health System in Johnstown, PA works with Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.  According to its website (www.conemaugh.org) , it has a complete polio evaluation center, and offers extensive complimentary therapies.  The website indicates that a survey is still underway seeking information from those with post polio syndrome.  For further information and/or to participate in the survey, you may e-mail them at postpolio@conemaugh.org. or call 814-269-5061

 

Dr. Julie Silver retires from daily patient care—According to the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio at the Spaulding-Framingham Center in Massachusetts, Dr. Julie Silver will now focus on research, publishing and teaching at Harvard.  However, the Post-Polio Clinic remains active, now headed by Dr. Darren Rosenberg, DO, with several health professionals available to you.  You may contact the clinic coordinator at 508-872-2200, ext. 259 to set up an appointment or ask about the evaluation process.