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The Survivor Newsletter: Summer 2007

Inside this issue:

• Bridie McMahon with quotation from her story in ‘Polio & Us’
• Group Development Programme – your views
• Smoking and the Late Effects of Polio – Part 2
• Shoulder Concerns for Polio Survivors
• My Story: Rose Russell O’Donovan

And much more...

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HEAD OFFICE STAFF:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE:
Eamonn Farrell,
Tel: 01 889 8920
Email: ceo@ppsg.ie

SERVS/INFO CO-ORDINATORS:
Carol Robinson, Anne Doohan.
Tel: 01 889 8920
Email: sic@ppsg.ie

BOOKKEEPER/ADMIN ASSISTANT:
Ursula Treacy,
Tel: 01 889 8920
Fax: 01 889 8920
E-mail: info@ppsg.ie
Website: http://www.ppsg.ie

BOARD MEMBERS

Hugh Hamilton: (Chairman)
Tel/Fax: 01 289 4800
Mobile: 087 255 3012
Email: hamsalem@eircom.net

Joan Bradley: (Deputy Chairperson)
Tel/Fax: 01 454 9237
Email: secretary@ppsg.ie

Paula Lahiff: (Secretary & Newsletter Editor)
Tel/Fax: 071 9164791, Mobile: 086 322 4402
Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie

John McFarlane (Treasurer)
Tel: 057-9353552 Fax: 057-9353558
Email: jmcfarlane1@iolfree.ie

Anne Burns (Board Member)
Tel: 01 453 4150
Email: boyneabu@eircom.net

Hugh Conlon: (Board Member)
Tel: 091 751 750 (H) Mobile: 086 803 6145
Email: hcon@eircom.net

Jim Costello: (Board Member)
Tel/Fax: 01 260 0099 (H) Hos: 01 620 6154
Email: jjcos@indigo.ie

Séamus Ó Cinnéide: (Board Member)
Tel: 01 496 1133 (H)
Email: seamus.ocinneide@nuim.ie

Evelyn Wainwright (Board Member)
Tel/Fax: 021 4847313,
Mobile: 086 8829267
Email@ evelyn99911@hotmail.com

Hugh Weir: (Board Member)
Tel: 061 927 030
Fax: 061 927 418
Email: hughweir@ballinakella.com

COMMITTEES

Fund Allocation Committee
Joan Bradley (Chair)
Hugh Conlon
Séamus O Cinnéide
Róisín Nolan

Fundraising
Anne Burns (Chair)
Evelyn Wainwright
Bridie Mc Mahon
James Kinahan

Governance  and Nominations
Hugh Conlon (Chair)
Jim Costello
J Mc Farlane
Séamus Ó Cinnéide
Hugh Weir

Social Support
Anne Burns (Chair)
Paula Lahiff
Evelyn Wainwright
Hugh Weir
Barbara Mc Donagh
Tom Gallery

Regional Reps
Paddy Fitzpatrick (HSE Midlands)
Tom Clifford (HSE Mid West)
Evelyn Wainwright (HSE South)
Ann O’Kelly Guerin (HSE South East)
Barbara McDonagh (HSE West)
Paula Lahiff (HSE North West)
Jackie Minnock (HSE North East)

Social Support Convenors
Macrina Clancy, Ann O’Kelly Guerin
Evelyn Wainwright, Paddy Moyles
John Mangan, Sean Mulligan
Tom Clifford, Bridie MMahon
Paddy Fitzpatrick

Ring Ring Phone Project Leaders
Peggy Brennan, Joan Bradley
Leo Dempsey, Muiris O Chriostóir
Anne Shanahan, Sheila O’Sullivan
Tom Gallery, Christina O’Connor

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Interim Report on Group Development Programme

Keelin O’Reilly is working hard to produce our Group Development Programme from all the information received from our members at the AGM, and following discussions with the Board, Committee Members and Convenors/Regional Reps.  As promised, the following is the three prioritised headings of each Theme as it was suggested by our members:

Management:
Streamline administration
AGM out of Dublin
Encourage regional development and use expertise of local groups

Communications:
Provide information to non-members
More social opportunities, perhaps with other organisations
More interaction between regions

Funding/Fundraising:
Identify needs not met through State funding
Identify more sources of funding
Ongoing review of Funds Allocation

Public Relations / Profile / Image
Increase awareness amongst Medical Professionals
Increase awareness by Government Departments
Increased Publicity for Polio Survivors
Services and Activities (General)
More information on the medical condition of Post Polio Syndrome
Increase accessible parking spaces
Provide information on Car Parks and Restaurants

Aids and Appliances and OT
Assistance/Energy Efficient Homes
Increased information on Aids and Appliances
Improve Occupational Therapy services

Social Support Groups
Additional Funds
Exchange visits to Social Support Groups from other areas
Find out why people don’t attend

Other Services
Increased access to Medical Specialists
Keep Alternative Therapies under review
Info/Advice/Support – Nursing Homes and L/S Hospitals

Benefits/Welfare/Financial Support
Heating Allowance
Increased tailoring of Social Welfare Schemes
Automatic provision of Medical Cards

Thank you so much to all our members who contributed their ideas to the Report. The Board is working hard to incorporate all your suggestions into our Group Development Plan and will keep you informed.

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Shoulder Concerns for People Experiencing Post Polio

Source: PPASS NEWS, B.C. Mar/Apr 2006
Reprinted with kind permission from Second Time Around, Boca Area Post Polio Group, FL., June 2007

As Polio survivors age many experience problems in new areas of their body.  One such area is the shoulder.  Polio survivors who have weak legs have had to rely on their arms to assist with mobility-related tasks such as pushing off the armrest of a chair when getting up or pulling on the railing when climbing a flight of stairs.  Using crutches, canes and wheelchairs will also cause concerns after many years of using these aids.  All of these compensations can increase the risk for symptoms of shoulder overuse.  The symptoms can include pain, swelling, weakness and loss of function in one or both shoulders.
Health care professionals are encouraged to learn about Post Polio to enable them to help overcome presenting problems without creating any new ones.  One example: muscle overuse for patients experiencing Post Polio can permanently damage the overworked muscles.
Treatment approaches must be individualised and focus on minimising or eliminating pain while maximising function,

Common causes of shoulder pain:

• Poor sitting posture – round shoulders, head forward, kyphosis of the thoracic spine, sacral sitting, scoliosis
• Weak muscles that stabilise the shoulder blade and rotate the arm outward compared to the other shoulder muscles (i.e. weak external arm rotators and strong deltoids)
• New weakness or weakness of other muscles of the arms
• Trauma or injury (such as falling onto an outstretched arm, tearing tendons, brachial plexus injury, fracture)
• Excessive weight bearing on the arms, especially when muscles are fatigued (leaning heavily on an assistive device, numerous transfers and/or long term wheelchair pushing with arm fatigue)
• Poor or less than optimal transfer and/or wheelchair pushing techniques
• Excessive weight gain
• Sleep positioning directly on the shoulder
• Cervical spine or neck problems.

Shoulder problem treatment options:

Many approaches can be used to treat shoulder problems.  Some examples of treatment options are:

• Rest
• Cold or Hot Pack
• Massage
• Ultrasound
• Aquatic Therapy
• Electric Stimulation
• Anti-inflammatory medicines or cortisone injections
• Pain Management at a pain clinic
• Modifications (home/work; adaptive devices or equipment; lifestyle changes
• Surgery

The most common treatment for a shoulder problem begins with rest, ice and heat, and the use of anti-inflammatory medicines.  If these conservative treatment options do not help, the doctor usually recommends cortisone injections to the painful area.  After injections, the physician will often refer you to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment.

In physical therapy, there are several treatment techniques that can be combined to relieve the pain and increase the strength and use of the arm.  Physical therapists may use exercise, stretching, ice, heat, ultrasound, massage, electric stimulation, water therapy, or hands-on techniques to help your shoulder problem.  The final option recommended by doctor is usually surgery.  Most doctors will try non-invasive options before recommending surgery.

The success of treatment lies with the patient and the healthcare provider working together so that the greatest benefit of the treatment goals can be reached.

Exercise Tip:

• Exercise slowly and take breaks between each exercise
• Do not hold your breath while exercising (count out loud to encourage breathing)
• Do not continue to exercise if you get sharp or new pain in the area you are exercising
• If the exercise increases your pain, stop the exercise or perform it in a pain free range of motion
• Do not push to perform the extreme of the motion or exercise
• Stop exercising if you have muscle twitching, muscle cramping or muscle fatigue that does not go away after two minute rest
• Polio survivors should not exercise to the point of fatigue

It is important to recognise that your fatigue may not appear immediately.  It may show up at the end of the day or the following day.  You should look at your recent activities and modify them if your fatigue increases or occurs at the end of the day or the next day.

It is very important to listen to your body for signs of tiredness, pain, unusual muscle twitching, inability to perform a task that you can normally do, or the need for help with a task that you can usually do without help.  These are signs suggesting muscle fatigue or overuse, and continuing activities that cause these signs could be harmful.

Most individuals who have a history of Polio will have system that works for them; some prefer to exercise in the morning because they have the most energy, others exercise at the end of their day because they can rest after the program, and still others may ‘split’ their exercise program into two sessions a day.

Everyone will have his or her own way to do things and when it comes to exercising, each person needs to find a system that works best for them. However, it is crucial to prevent fatigue because it may do irreversible harm to your muscles.

References:
Save Our Shoulders: A Guide for Polio Survivors.
(A complete download of this guide is available at
www.einstein.edu/polioandmobility)

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
on Aging with a Disability
www.agingwithdisability.org/factsheets/shoulder_pain.htm

Post-Polio Syndrome: a Guide for Polio Survivors and their Families, Dr. Julie Silver.
www.polioclinic.org

 

FundRaising news

PPSG adopted as Sponsored Charity

We are delighted to have been chosen by the League of Health as their sponsored charity for 2006/07. The League of Health which has centres around the country to promote fitness among ladies, was introduced to Ireland in 1934 by Kathleen O’Rourke, a remedial gymnast who coincidently was instrumental in the treatment of polio survivors in her flat in Pembroke Street, Dublin and in founding the Central Remedial Clinic, Clontarf, Dublin along with Lady Valerie Goulding. The League’s fundraising campaign this year includes the collection of “brown” coins. They hope to make a substantial donation to the PPSG later in the year. We thank the League of Health for their generosity to the Post Polio Support Group.

Easter Raffle in Newcastlewest

Many thanks to Phil Dore and friends who organised a very successful raffle in Garveys Supervalue, Newcastle West, Co Limerick. Thanks also to Garvey’s Surpervalu for providing the beautiful hamper and being helpful in every way. There is money in old currency! We got donations in old currency from two of our members, who between them sent us in an old red £20 a brown £5 and a James Joyce tenner. Anne Doohan who is working with the Group over the summer suggested we sell them on eBay. So we did, and we sold them for over €90! So if you have any ‘old money’ (notes only) forgotten under the bed or at the back of the drawer, send it to us and we can convert it to ‘real money’ by auctioning it over the internet!

June Marathons

The PPSG were involved in raising funds from sponsorship in the Dublin Flora Women’s Mini Marathon (the 25th year of this event), and the Montenotte Hotel Cork City Marathon (this full marathon revived after 21 years) both of which took place on the June Bank Holiday Monday just gone. Over 85 people took part in the Dublin Mini Marathon, and Ray Linehan from Cork organised two relay teams to run in the Cork Marathon, while five people did the full marathon on our behalf. We thank Ray very much for his effort and thanks indeed to all participants for taking part in the marathons and hope they all had an enjoyable day. The photos speak for themselves! We thank our members who have already forwarded sponsorship monies or a donation. Sponsorship raised or donations can be forwarded to the Office, by cheque, money order or bank giro.

Future marathon events

The Cork “Evening Echo” Women’s Mini Marathon 4 mile race takes place on Sunday 23 September, 2007 at 1.00pm.

Details from Evelyn Wainwright tel. 021 4847313, mobile 086 8829267 or by email: evelyn999@hotmail.com The “Evening Echo” website will facilitate on-line entries for the event.

The “Examiner” Limerick Mini Marathon takes place on Sunday 7 October at 2.00pm on the Limerick University Campus. Details from Tom Clifford tel. 061 375115, or by email: tomclifford1@eircom.net The

Adidas Dublin Full Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 29 October at 9.00am. PPSG sponsorship cards for the event can be had on request to Anne Burns tel. 01 4534150 email: boyneabu@eircom.net Free T shirts are available on request to participants in the above mentioned sponsored events.

Cash Collections

Barbara McDonagh is organising her second annual cash collection in Galway City on 13 July, 2007. If you are in a position to assist, or know someone who can volunteer to help with the collection you can contact Barbara for details, tel/fax 091 593664, email: babamcdonagh@eircom.net

We thank you for your generous support in fund-raising over the years. All monies collected is put to very good use to assist our members in need, so if you would like to organise a fund-raising event in your area, be it a coffee morning, a raffle or cake sale, the fund-raising committee will assist you in any way they can.

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 ‘Miracle’ in a Disabled Parking Bay

One of our members and his friend watched as two young women parked in a disabled parking bay in Sligo town – they noted that the car did have a blue badge but it was obvious that neither of the two ladies were disabled, although one did make a big show of ‘limping’ until they turned the corner and then they walked on with not a disability in the world.
On their return our friend said ‘you are very lucky to have got parking in this street – a miracle happened here today!’
‘Oh yes, and what was that?’
‘One of you young ladies left this car with a bad limp and now you are completely cured!’
The lady in question looked very embarrassed and turned to her companion for assistance in how to handle the situation.
‘Tell him to F… off!’ said her friend, and they both got into the car and drove away!

If you have any ‘disabled parking’ stories, please let me know, as in spite of a doubling of fines if caught, it seems impossible to keep these spaces – and there are few enough of them – free for people with disabilities.  There is wholesale abuse of the ‘disabled parking card’ and we, as members of the disabled community, must do our bit to keep these spaces for those who need them.  I have included a list of disabled parking bays in Cork City in this issue, and I intend to publish the lists for the other larger cities in future publications. In the meantime, if you need to know where the bays are in your town, contact the Co. Council.

Editor

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Chill Out Day

PPSG Southern Region - ALL Welcome.
St.Dominic’s, Ennismore, Montenotte.
Saturday 15th September 2007 from 10:30am ‘til 4:30pm.
Relaxation, Fun Activities, Lunch, Refreshments,
Amongst Friends, Chill-Out.
For details contact Evelyn Wainwright

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SMOKING & THE LATE EFFECTS OF POLIO

Part II – Quitting the Nicotine

Why do I Smoke?

• Smoking helps me deal with stressful situations
• Smoking provides a pleasant and enjoyable break from work
• Smoking helps me unwind and relax
• Smoking helps me deal with painful and unpleasant situations
• Smoking prevents me getting unpleasant withdrawal symptoms
• Smoking helps me deal with an over-stimulating environment
• Smoking keeps me from getting bored
• Smoking increases my enjoyment of pleasant situations
• Smoking helps me feel comfortable in social situations
• Smoking helps me concentrate

 

I ENJOY THE PHYSICAL SENSATION OF LIGHTING UP AND HANDLING A CIGARETTE
OK – that’s why you smoke but how do you go about giving up?

 

TOP TEN TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL QUITTING

• Prepare to quit – weigh up the pro’s and con’s.  Write down the reasons for stopping
• Make a date to stop – most people who successfully quit do so by stopping altogether
• Support – seek the support of family, friends and work colleagues
• Change your routine and plan ahead – for example if you always had a cigarette with your tea, switch to coffee for a while or vice versa
• Exercise regularly – it contributes to general good health, helps manage your weight and improves your ability to meet the strains and stresses of daily living
• Think positively – learn to recognise your specific withdrawal symptoms such as coughing, irritability, etc.  Don’t worry these are normal and should disappear within a few weeks.
• Learn to deal with the cravings – they will occur frequently for the first few days, increase in intensity for 3 – 5 minutes and then subside.   So:
  • delay at least 3 minutes and the urge will pass
  • drink a glass of water or fruit juice
  • distract yourself, walk away from the situation
  • deep breath – breathe slowly and deeply
• Start saving money – put away the money you’d normally spend on cigarettes and watch your savings grow
• Watch what you eat – don’t swap one addiction for another.  Try eating fruit or chewing sugar free gum
• Take one day at a time – every day without a cigarette is good news for you, your health, your family and your pocket.

IF YOU NEED FURTHER SUPPORT RING THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY QUITLINE ON 01850 201 203
So once you quit how do you stay that way?

 

HOW NOT TO START AGAIN

THE BIG QUESTION IS?  -“DID YOU REALLY WANT TO GIVE UP IN THE FIRST PLACE?”

“Is there a part of you that wants to start smoking again, if so it will find all sorts of excuses to smoke?”

• Get help from family, friends, work mates – ask them to help by being patient and understanding
• Try to understand what your smoking triggers are – cough, that feeling after a meal, etc. – AVOID the temptation
• Don’t fool yourself into think you could have the odd cigarette and stop again!
• When you feel like having that ONE cigarette give yourself lots of things to do, like, all the jobs around the house.  Do something active, play some sport, go for a walk or a run.  Remember you will be fitter and have more money in your pocket to spend and to treat yourself and your family.
• Don’t eat fatty or sweet foods instead – you are only switching one addiction for another.  Chew some sugar free gum or eat a piece of fruit.
• If you start smoking again its not the end of the world.  It doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Just remember that relapsing can be part of your quitting cycle.  Just TRY, TRY, TRY AGAIN
• There is no magic cure, ITS UP TO YOU, you have to work at breaking the habit

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO QUIT SMOKING YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF

But the whole point is that it will help you cope with the Late Effects of Polio, make you less prone to infection, and when you do have a fall and injure yourself you will heal quicker.
Go on pack it up – you know it makes sense.

Sources
PN News  P 30 – 32, Veterans Adminstration,
Chicago January 2006
Irish Cancer Society Information Pack
Department of Health && Children, Hawkins House, Dublin
An Post Health Education Pack
Authors
John R McFarlane, PhD, FWCIT, FIMS, MBIM
Mary McFarlane, BSc (Hons), Dip OH, OHNC, RGN

Note
If you wish to see Part 1 of this article, contact me and I will send it on to you. Editor

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Golden Trees.

Tragic disease fell on sapling trees
When hewn down in the Spring breeze.
From earth’s golden grove they tearfully passed,
Tumbling down they withered to ash.
Surviving trees kissed the Summer’s breeze
And bloomed new fruit and fresh budding leaves.
Enchanting young forests would grow and cope,
Branching out from the stems, resurrecting hope.
How noble gnarled limbs they still stand fast
Though deep elder roots delve deep in the past.
Veiled rings of growth grey ghosts never found
Would sew new hues in Autumn’s golden crown.
Now Winter’s breeze treads light on these trees
Which beam in white sunshine of glory achieved.
Mastering life’s seasons in heavenly throngs,
Staked forever in history all truly belong.

Ray Linehan.

 

Please remember the Post Polio Support Group in your Will, or request donations
to Post Polio Support Group in lieu of funeral flowers… All bequests will be put to very good use.
THANK YOU.

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The Launch of Polio & Us

By now all our members will have received a copy of Polio and Us.  Thanks to everyone who sent us very kind comments about the book.  It was reviewed in the Irish Times and the Irish Examiner, with another review expected in the British Polio Fellowship Bulletin.

It is good to know that the stories of what happened to Polio survivors and their families in Ireland will never be forgotten.

As well as to all our members, copies of the book have been sent to all public and university libraries, and to all Polio Groups with whom we are in contact worldwide.
In fact the office have posted more than half a ton in weight of books with requests for copies from as far away as New Zealand.

Extra copies are available from the office – and although there is no charge for these, a donation towards the costs would be appreciated.

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Regional Roundup

Cork

Convenor: Evelyn Wainwright
Tel: 021 447313
Email: evelyn99911@hotmail.com
The 2nd Cork meeting of the year at the Vienna Woods Hotel on 9 May, was as usual well attended. An enjoyable sing-song and story telling rounded off the evening. Earlier on details of some treatments which might help give relief for Post Polio Syndrome were circulated, feedback from the AGM was aired, updates were given relating to “Ring, Ring Phone Project”, on the setting up of a Social Support Group in Killarney and mention was made that dedications can be entered in the Memorial Book in respect of deceased members. On 8th July members, family and friends visited two Museums the Mardyke and in Cobh in the afternoon and at 6.00pm that evening there was a dinner at the Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork with music to finish off the night.

Evelyn will be organising her Chill Out Day on 15th September, 2007 at St Dominic’s, Montenotte, Cork. Paula Lahiff will be there to represent Head Office. (See about the Cork “Evening Echo” Mini Marathon next September under Fundraising, page 7).

Evelyn will be arranging a second Social Support meeting for members from Co Kerry in Killarney on Sunday 19th August 3.00pm at the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, with the much appreciated assistance again of Charlie Smith. If you are interested in attending please let Evelyn know.

Bray

Convenor: Macrina Clancy
Tel: 012853561, 086 8386555
Email: macrinaclancy@gmail.com
Macrina organised the Bray Group’s fourth meeting this year on Tuesday 5th June. Ms Sonia Appelbey, Chiropodist, on her second visit to the Group demonstrated and gave an interesting talk on a leg massage machine to the large gathering in attendance. The Group had a summer outing dinner on Tuesday 3th July at the Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs.

Galway/Mayo

Convenor: Bridie McMahon
Tel: 094 9540285
Email: sbmcmahon70@eircom.net

Bridie with the help of Barbara McDonagh organised a meeting in Galway on 7th March. Bridie also held a meeting in Ballina on 14th March where one member offered to share her skills on flower-arranging at a future date. The meeting gave members an opportunity to exchange ideas and share tips about their personal difficulties with Post Polio Syndrome and coping skills. The next Ballina meeting will be on 7th November 2007, at the Courthouse Hotel, Ballina and will discuss plans for a fundraiser at the December meeting.

Members in the region HSE West (Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and parts of Clare and Tipperary) are planning a week-end break with a difference on 5-7th October 2007. We have booked a Murder Mystery Week-end at the Westport Woods Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo. As an added attraction, on the Saturday of this week-end, we will have a talk from a speaker from the Active Retirement Association, who will give us some ideas on how to enjoy our autumn years! Spouses/partners/carers are also welcome. The cost of this week-end to the member will be approximately ?90 p/person and the PPSG has applied for funding to make up the balance. There are a certain amount of concession places also available. Everyone in this region will by now have received an invitation letter to attend, and we look forward to a good response, so get on your Sherlock Holmes hats and join us in Westport. If you have any queries contact Paula Lahiff or Barbara McDonagh (contact details on page 2).

Athlone

Convenor: Sean Mulligan
Tel: 090 6439046
Email: j2smulligan@eircom.net

Sean Mulligan had a meeting on 9th March with a speaker on herbal teas. The members who attended enjoyed the tea tasting session. Paula, who also attended, gave the up-to-date news relating to the Group and the upcoming AGM. A lively question and answer session followed. Sean will be in touch with members with details of the next meeting likely to be held in a few weeks time.

Portlaoise

Convenor: Paddy Fitzpatrick
Tel: 0505 46738
Email: paddyfitz3@eircom.net

Following their last meeting on 19 June it is hoped shortly to contact members in the area about having a summer outing.

Limerick:

Convenor: Tom Clifford
Tel: 061 375115
Email: tomclifford1@eircom.net

Newbridge:

Convenor: Paddy Moyles
Tel: 059 9141283

Enniscorthy:

Convenor: Anne O’Kelly Guerin
Tel: 053 32633
Email: aguerin914@hotmail.com

Donegal:

Convenor: John Mangan
Tel: 074 9137465

New Social Support Groups Members have come together on several occasions for a chat and coffee to the PPSG Offices in Dublin city centre over recent months. It is hoped to arrange a further meeting in the near future in Sutton, Dublin.

If you would be interested in attending such meetings at the PPSG offices (mornings or afternoons) or in Sutton or at any location around the country not already served by a Social Support Group please contact Anne Burns 01 4534150
email: boyneabu@eircom.net
or the office 01 8898920
email: info@ppsg.ie

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PPSG BOOK CLUB

We would like to invite all members of the PPSG to join our book club. The questionnaire below will give us a good idea of reading preferences and help us decide on the best way of discussing the books.  In the meantime, just to get us started, we have chosen the following books. Please choose one (or more!) of these to read over the summer.  We will have a review/discussion in early September.
Happy reading

Anne Shanahan

Book List for summer 2007

Title: Polio & Us
Authors: Polio Survivors. Compiled & Edited by Nuala Harnett
Subject:  Personal stories of polio survivors in Ireland.      

Title: King Leopold’s Ghost
Author: Adam Hochschild
Subject: History: A story of greed, terror and heroism in Colonial Africa.

Title: Redemption Falls
Author: Joseph O’Connor 
Subject:  A tale of hatreds and mercies, of balladry and blues of  war  and peace, and of the healing power of forgiveness, from the  author of ‘Star of the Sea’.

Title: A Place Called Here
Author: Cecelia Aherne
Subject: Novel: (Ever wondered where the lost things go?)

 

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONNAIRE

Can you help us to choose books that will appeal to our diverse PPSG members? We would like to have a reading list that encompasses a wide range of books from every genre, with something to suit every taste.
So please tick the boxes and return this questionnaire to the office as soon as possible.

1. Which of the following do you like to read?
   • Popular
   • Fiction
   • Thriller / Crime
   • Biography / Memoir
   • Historical Non-Fiction
   • Irish Novels
   • Historical Fiction
   • 19th Century Classic
   • Science Fiction / Fantasy
   • Modern Classic
   • Short Stories   
2. What is the best book you ever read?
3. What book did you always say you would read but never got round to it?
4. You are cast away on a desert island. You are allowed to have one book only. What book would you choose?
5. Name a few of your favourite authors.

Many thanks and happy reading! 
Anne Shanahan.

 

POETRY PIECES

Mountain Magic

Awestruck – I gaze, wondering what strange
inexorable strength
pours down into my soul.
Who am I? And who are You?
As every detail of each breathtaking vista unfolds,
mighty millions of craggy rock stare down
– loftily laughing.
Who am I?
An insignificant speck in the passage of time?
You have witnessed so many many more like me,
Yet I am unique.
I have seen sorrow, laughter, joy, pain, struggle,
but you in all your majestic magnificence
can only watch - and be - forever,
whilst I must live my time.

Sheila O’Sullivan

 

Ennismore

Here I can deliberately put myself
Out on a limb, find
A room and draw the curtains.
But first, walk the walk that
Always takes me back to where I started.
Close trees cover me with their shadows.
I take the odours of June with me
Indoors; summer lingers everywhere.
Invariably a gentle breeze arrives uphill from
The sea – nature’s timepiece,
The call to head out and move home.

From Fr. Iain Duggan’s (OFM)
Book of poems, Face The Poem.

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TIPS

Warning!

To those who use powered wheelchair that do not have a stop/lock system then:

• Never get in or out without turning it off.
• Never stop to talk with someone without turning it off.
• Never try to move the chair when not sitting in it.
• Never force it if a curb is too high.
• Always turn down the speed in shops, busy streets or in a crowded room.
• Always cross at a green light, it might cut out suddenly.
• Always enjoy the freedom it gives.

 

Toll Free Driving

Drivers of specially adapted vehicles, i.e. those who have a primary medical certificate, can use all toll roads in Ireland free of charge.  Application forms for NTR tolls – East Link, West Link and North Link – can be obtained from NTR, Clondalkin, Dublin and from the EuroLink M4 at Eurolink Plaza, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath.  Completed applications must be returned with a recent passport-sized photo and a copy of two documents which show that you are driving a specially adapted vehicle, i.e. copy of your Primary Medical Cert, Motor Tax Cert or statement showing refund of VAT and VRT on your vehicle. Free toll is also available on the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Recognising a Stroke

If you can identify the symptoms of a stroke you may be able to save someone’s life.

• Ask the individual to SMILE
• Ask him/her to TALK or SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE
• Ask him/her to RAISE BOTH ARMS
• If he/she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

 

Extend the life of your clothes dryer

As well as cleaning the fluff from the filter in your clothes dryer after every load, wash it with warm soapy water and an old tooth brush every three months.  This gets rid of the waxy film which builds up and will extend the life of your dryer considerably, as well as preventing it from overheating and the danger of fire.

Do you need to rent a car with automatic transmission and hand controls?

Motability Ireland have been in touch with us to let us know that they now provide car rental with automatic transmission vehicles fitted with hand controls, so if your present adapted vehicle is in for service, or if you are planning a holiday in Ireland and need an adapted vehicle, give them a call at Tel: 01 8359173 or on the web at www.motabilityireland.com

Going on holiday and need information on accessibility of your holiday destination?

The Post Polio Support Group is a member of Holiday Care and if you need information and advice on the accessibility of your holiday destination, then get in touch with them quoting the PPSG membership number 58891 and they will assist you.

Holiday Care is a UK based charity and their mission is to help disabled and older people lead independent lives by enhancing their ability to travel. This they do by providing information about transport, accommodation, visitor attractions, activity holidays and respite care establishments, both in the UK and overseas, which enables people with all kinds of disability to holiday where possible in a mainstream environment.  

Their contact details are as follows:
7th Floor, Sunley House, 4 Bedford Park, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2AP England.
Telephone: 0044 845 124 49971.
e-mail: holiday-care@virgin.net.
Website: http://www.holidaycare.org.uk
We are looking for feedback from our members on respite breaks.  Have you been on holidays recently which you would recommend to our members?  Please let us know and we will publish it in the next issue of THE SURVIVOR.

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Polio Book List

Post Polio Syndrome – Management and Treatment in Primary Care
The Post Polio Support Group has just published a book and CD for the medical professionals who care for Polio Survivors, called Post Polio Syndrome – Management and Treatment in Primary Care.  July 19th sees the launch of the book by the Minister for Health, Mary Harney. This project has been underway for some time and is now nearing completion. The authors of this publication are a group of medical professionals writing about their own particular field. Their valuable work on our behalf is very much appreciated.  Included will be a general information section/leaflet on the Late Effects of Polio and contact info for our Group. This publication will be circulated throughout the membership for survivors to give to their own medical professionals. It will also be circulated widely on CD throughout the professions.
As requested by our members, here is a list of some other helpful and interesting books about Polio and Post Polio Syndrome. They are in date order and can be ordered from your bookshop or library, or from www.amazon.com using the ISBN Number

Polio – The Late Effects Reality (2003)
A Survey for the Post Polio Support Group
John McFarlane.
Available from the Post Polio Support Group, Unit319,
Capel Building, St. Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7.

The Polio Paradox (2002)
Richard L Bruno PhD
ISBN: 0-446-52907-9

Post Polio (2001)
Julie K Silver MD
ISBN: 0-300-08807-9

Handbook on the Late Effects of Polio for Physicians and Survivors (1999)
Edited by Frederick M Maynard MD & Joan L Headley MS
ISBN: 0-931301-04-1

Managing Post Polio (1998)
Lauro S Halstead MD
ISBN: 1-886236-17-8

The Post Polio Syndrome (1995)
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
ISBN: 0-89766-918-5

Post Polio Syndrome (1995)
Lauro S Halstead MD & Gunner Grimby MD PhD
ISBN: 1-56053-117-7

It should be remembered that everyone’s polio experience is different, and these books should be read keeping in mind that you will not necessarily suffer from all the symptoms which are noted.  If you have queries about your condition, be guided by your doctor

Editor

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Congratulations!

Congratulations to proud mum Karen Holmes, our Services and Information Coordinator, on the birth of her beautiful baby girl Allie.

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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the Editor and the Board can accept no liability
The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily their views.

 

 

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Tel: +353 1 889 8920 Fax: +353 1 889 8924 Email: info@ppsg.ie