Annual Conference September 10, 2005 in Augusta, Maine

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This year our conference will feature representatives from the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio at the Spaulding-Framingham Outpatient Center in Framingham, Massachusetts, where Dr. Julie Silver is a medical director.  They will talk about the various aspects of a post-polio evaluation and treatment.  We’ll hear about the latest techniques and have opportunities for small group discussions.  The Summer Polio Update will provide a full agenda of events and directions to the conference site. 

 

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Text Box: Coping with Stress By Ann Crocker Dr. Richard Parker is a psychologist in Bath, Maine and has spoken at our statewide conferences. In his pamphlet on “Stress and Developing a Style of Wellness”, he reminds us that stress is a normal part of life and is not always unpleasant. Among the several components of stress are personal goals and habits, health, beliefs, family, work, recreations and overall demands. In small quantities, stress is good and motivates us to be more productive. On the other hand, too much stress can harm the brain and body. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is widely believed that most illnesses are related to unrelieved or unmanaged stress. Dr. Richard Bruno believes that emotional stress is the second most frequent cause of post-polio symptoms. With those showing Type A behaviors, fatigue and muscle pain appear to be more intense. Sometimes, people focus on what they can change easily and avoid other situations needing attention. This results in increased frustration or pain. Dr. Parker believes that we do have power to change. Since there is no one correct style to a healthy stress level, persons develop their own ways to best assist in dealing with distress, pain and daily obstacles. Dr. Parker recommends nine common rules of thumb that have been shown useful for most people. •Believe that things can improve and hope for relief. •Govern and guide the way you experience the difficulty or obstacle. •Willingly assume self-direction, reText 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

The Post Polio

Support Group Of Maine

 

Spring 2005
PPSGM

Polio Update

flecting self-esteem and self-confidence, which are related to survival and success.

•Practice proper diet, exercise, recreation, entertainment, and rest while avoiding excessive drinking, smoking, and similar habits.

•Practice the ability to plan ahead for the future, but …

•Remain flexible and adaptable with a willingness to reorder priorities as changes may be out of your control.

•Allow yourself to see some of the humor that surrounds us in what is often a nonsensical world.  Nothing creates energy and life like a good laugh!

•Be open for whatever comes along in life.

•Trust in yourself.  You have a history of overcoming previous obstacles!

 

Sometimes people attempt to take charge of things over which they have no control.  By slowing down and relaxing, Dr. Parker states that we can learn where to put our energies.  Relaxation has been shown to strengthen the immune system, improve cardio-vascular functioning, and reduce the intensity and frequency of pain.  Biofeedback can speed learning and has been effective in some pain management.

 

Some foods also help control stress.  Here are some examples recommended by Janice Hartman, a Home Economist and Nutritionist from Baltimore, Maryland who has post-polio syndrome:

 

•Drinking caffeine-free herbal tea or juice can be tranquilizing, as many contain tryptophan

•Eating green, leafy vegetables high in fiber and high in potassium can soothe nerves

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