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Polio Update |
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Continued from page 1... There is no clear-cut test to determine fibromyalgia, but two standards are typically used: 1) a history of at least 3 months of widespread pain on both sides of the body and above and below the waist, and 2) pain in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites on the body. It is important to note that not all people with fibromyalgia will meet these criteria standards. Treatments may include medications, education, relaxation, nutritional changes, exercise and sleep management. It is estimated that 2% of the US population may be affected, with more women (3.5%) than men (1/2%) diagnosed. In a study of polio survivors in 1995, it was found that over 10% had fibromyalgia and another 10.5% had borderline fibromyalgia—much higher than the general population. Amitriptyline was one medication reported as helpful to some. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted above, it may be worthwhile to see a health professional to determine if you also have this syndrome, and obtain appropriate treatment for you. A.C. |
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In the News….. We’re Still Here!!!!! Let us not be forgotten. Acute poliomyelitis is nearly eradicated worldwide, but there are 20 million survivors worldwide, and an estimated one million in the United States, as of the 1994-95 National Health Interview Survey. Disability is not “dismissability”! Where doors are closed, let there soon be a way in –accessibility for all. Through a campaign in October, groups throughout the world helped spread the news through the media. We know of at least one newspaper in Maine, The Lewiston Sun Journal, who printed the article we sent. It is important to continue to provide information about post-polio issues. We need to reach out to all polio survivors, and ensure that health professionals will be informed and able to treat us. Even though October 2007 has gone, it is never too late to talk to people about polio. Do you know some group that may be interested in learning more about polio? If so, offer to talk with them. If you want help, we have information available for your use. Immunization – According to the Center for Disease Control, as of 2006, 92.9% of people in the United States are vaccinated for polio, but the percentage of children between 19 and 35 months was only 77%. With the recent new cases cropping up in the world, those who are not immunized are at risk. Let’s hope these percentages, especially for children, increase. Aging Well With Polio – Sunny Roller received a grant from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation to visit various groups throughout the country and talk with their leaders/mentors about growing old as a polio survivor. A few people from the southern Maine area were included in her visits! Her results found that we need to stay connected and open to other people, to build and maintain a strong social network, to open our hearts more than ever to fresh joy and pleasure, and to use brainpower to adapt to life and accept what is happening. Ms. Roller felt that the strongest advice she received was that attitude is powerful, and that it is critical to look for the positive in all things. Many expressed the importance of connecting to a higher power, transcending disability. In her words: “open your heart; open your mind. Look for the best and that’s what you’ll find.” |
