National Park Benefits

Did you know that national parks offer a Golden Access Pass, which is a free, lifetime pass for permanently disabled U.S. citizens?  You may go to any park entrance, present documentation from your doctor confirming your disability or proof that you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and you will receive the Pass.  For further information, visit the website www.nps.gov.  You may have noticed that many national parks are becoming more accessible, such as by providing wider trails and paved walkways.

 

Pine Tree Society Offers

Recreation Weekends

There are several special weekends planned at the Pine Tree Camp in Rome.  Providing recreational opportunities for people with physical disabilities and their families, the camp offers accessible buildings, trails, and numerous water activities.  You need to bring your own sleeping bags/bedding and towels.  The next scheduled weekend is May 21 to May 23 for spring fishing.  For more information on this weekend or other upcoming events, you may contact the Pine Tree Society at 207-443-3341 or visit the website at www.pinetreesociety.org.

 

 

Publications of Interest

Alpha One offers a free quarterly publication, “One In Five” covering all types of information for people with disabilities.  To subscribe, by call 1-800-640-7200, e-mail:

    subscriptions@alphaonenow.com,

or write to One in Five Subscriptions, 127 Main St, South Portland, Me 04106.  Alpha One is also the organization which maintains our PPSGM library of books and publications.  You may contact them to receive copies of articles on post-polio.  Our website at www.ppsgm.org lists the various articles available.

Do you get food cravings?  Are you tempted to finish that bag of chips?  Are you wondering just what you can eat that will be filling, but won’t add excessive calories?  Choosing healthy foods can add important fiber and nutrients to your diet and give you a needed energy boost.  Also, many reports stress the need for adequate protein for those with polio-weakened muscles.  Betty Nowlin of the American Dietetic Association in Chicago advises to keep portions small, and to space meals and snacks three to four hours apart.  Note:  Dr. Richard Bruno of the Post-Polio Institute advises that we always check with our doctor before changing our diet or starting any reduction diet.

                

Here are a few examples of healthy snacks:

ðFruit - munch on a few partially frozen berries, piece of fruit, or handful of dried fruit (for an extra 100 calories, try adding one tablespoon of peanut butter [natural is best as it has no transfatty acids] or ounce of cheese for added valuable protein

ðRaw vegetables – keep several kinds cut up in the refrigerator (adding a nut butter or low fat cottage cheese will add calories but provides good protein)

ðEnglish muffin with apple butter instead of butter or margarine (try whole-grain muffins)

ðAngel food cake (this is made with egg whites which have no cholesterol)

ðNon-fat, or low-fat, whole grain crackers

ðNon-fat or low-fat yogurt (add chopped fruit and/or nuts for variety)

¼ cup of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds

ðGlass of fruit or vegetable juice

ðGlass of smoothie (nonfat milk or yogurt blended with fruit and ice)

ðFruit shake (example: mix 1 cup orange juice, 1 banana, 1 cup frozen strawberries in blender)

ðRice cake with one tablespoon of fruit butter or nut butter

ðHigh fiber, low fat, cereals to eat out of hand

ðTrail mixes that contain only dried fruit and nuts (no candies)

 

The importance of protein--  Dr. Bruno also urges that we don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.  Dr. Susan Creange of the Post Polio Institute found that polio survivors with blood sugar levels in the low normal range have as much difficulty paying attention and concentrating as would diabetics with blood sugars as low as if they had taken too much insulin.  She found that the less protein polio survivors had at breakfast, the more severe were their daily weakness and fatigue.  Protein provides a long-lasting, slow release supply of blood sugar throughout the day.  Polio survivors who had protein for breakfast reported fewer symptoms.  Since a polio survivor can use more energy just getting showered and dressed than someone with fully-functioning muscles, Dr. Bruno stresses that we need protein early and often.  He suggests we consider several protein drinks that are available, along with tofu, salmon or other fish high in omega 3, egg whites, low-fat or skim milk.  While meats, poultry and fish are great sources of protein, beans, whole grains, and nuts also have protein.

 

Weight control -Writing for “Special Living”, Leigh Penny suggests nine tips for disabled dieters or those wanting to avoid gaining weight. 

1) Clean out your refrigerator of high calorie junk food.

2) Watch your shopping – eat before buying groceries and prepare a list ahead of time.

3) Take it one meal at a time.

4) Consider counting calories.

5) Keep track of your weight.

6) Eat in a pleasant environment.

7) Avoid eating before you go to bed.

8) Watch where you eat (helps curb compulsive eating).

9) Consider joining a group to help each other stay on track.

 

Continued on page 4.

Healthy Choices for Eating

By Ann Crocker