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 seven 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

Spring 2008

The Post

Polio Support Group

of Maine

 

 

2008 Annual Conference

Plans are underway for our 2008 Annual Conference, scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at the Calumet Club in Augusta, Maine. Tentative plans include having pulmonary/respiratory specialists explain the proper respiratory treatments, including ventilation, swallowing, and coughing. Several members have expressed increasing breathing and swallowing problems. Also, we plan to explore the new rules and current requirements under ADA and architectural designs. There will be more time set aside to ask questions, share thoughts, seek out ideas from others, and whatever is of interest to those attending. Look for more details in our summer Polio Update.

HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL TIDBITS

 

Note:  The various health and nutritional tidbits are compilations from extensive reading and researching, including reviewing reputable websites for the most recent and possibly revised information.  If such information is taken directly from a published report, it is quoted as such. A.C.

 

Inulin – I’ve been reading some recent articles about inulin.  It is a natural dietary fiber found in foods, such as artichokes, asparagus, onions, garlic, raisins and bananas.  You can also find it added to some products, such as Stonyfield Farms yogurt drink.  It has been found to aid the absorption of calcium, and promote healthy digestion, including growth of good bacteria in the colon.

 

Bacteria in the body – Our bodies need helpful bacteria to help regulate digestion and curb unhealthy bacteria.  Sometimes, there is an imbalance, such as after taking antibiotics.  Here are examples of foods that may help.  Adding yogurt to your diet can add important digestive bacteria.  Cranberry juice has been found in many studies to help prevent urinary tract infections, and may help prevent the formation of peptic ulcers.  Baking soda is an effective antibacterial agent, if you run out of regular toothpaste.  Several studies on garlic show many benefits, among them being the possible lessoning of harmful food bacteria.  Cilantro is a key ingredient in salsa and many other Mexican foods, and in laboratory tests has shown effectiveness in killing salmonella.

 

Green tea – Green tea is high in antioxidants and may help maintain glucose levels.  Researchers at the USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center found that both black and green teas boost the effectiveness of insulin.  As we age, blood glucose levels tend to increase and drinking tea may help regulate these levels.  Some studies have shown, also, that drinking green tea may increase metabolism and help burn calories.  Other research shows green tea may help prevent skin cancer and ease rheumatoid arthritis.  Stirring cinnamon into the tea can also help reduce blood sugar levels.  Black or white tea may have similar benefits, but more studies have been found on using green tea.

 

Fresh air – Although heating costs are high, letting in some fresh air still may be worth the cost.  Especially in newer homes that are well insulated, the air may become very toxic.  One suggestion found was to open windows and doors for about ten minutes/day to clear the air.  Also, unless you have specific allergies to plants and/or wet soil, add some greenery to your home.  For example, palms, ferns and spider plants absorb many airborne toxins and help clean the air.