CONTENTS

From Barbara

Tips for Brain Health

Various Type of Pain Defined – Pt 2

Easter Seals Offers Phones

A Keeper

Are you Suffering from Swelling

Bladder Matters

No More Excuses

What is Heartburn and GERD

Some Simple Truths about Colds and Flu

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From Barbara

Our January 18th Seminar is coming up shortly. If you have not sent in your reservation PLEASE do so as quickly as possible. We have to give a count to the Hampton Inn by January 10th.

Well, I guess you want to hear about my latest adventure – the Western Caribbean cruise on the Holland-America ship Westerdam. For the first time since I’ve been cruising, we left from the terminal at Pt Everglades in Ft Lauderdale. It was an almost 5 hour bus ride (as we had to stop to pick up other passengers along the way), but no problems. Once we got to the terminal, from the time we left the bus until we got on-board the ship, I don’t think 15 minutes passed. It was the quickest boarding ever. We had, of course, made our boarding passes on-line which helped. Just to get a little ahead, the disembarking when we came home was just as quick – the bus was waiting for us and we retrieved our luggage and were on-board also within 15 minutes of leaving the ship. This was quite different from when we disembarked in Miami after our last cruise – that was a total disaster….

Once they announced that our cabins were ready and we went down, I had my first disappointment…. This handicap room was quite small – in fact, in order to fit my scooter into the room (you were not allowed to leave them in the hallway), and my roommate’s walker – they had to take out a small table and a chair. Even with that, you couldn’t turn the scooter around in the room – I had to back out each time. Additionally, the bed was high – I’m not that tall (5’1”) and when I take off my brace, have to literally get my good leg under my polio leg (which is dead weight) and had to “heave” it onto the bed. One night I couldn’t even manage that and had to ask my roommate to help me get my polio leg up onto the bed. Now, that’s embarrassing…. One good point in that room was the bathroom which was large and almost perfect – I say “almost” because the towel rack (as is usual) was up above the commode and impossible to reach from a wheelchair or scooter. The shower seat was padded – the very first time I ever had a padded seat in the shower.

As to the rest of the ship, it was very accessible. The Lido Deck (which was their “cafeteria” style serving deck) was no problem – in fact, the service people went out of their way to assist not only me with the scooter, but two of my friends who use walkers (non-polios). Once they got to recognize us they would come over, show us to a table that would hold the 8 of us, and ask what we wanted. They would bring over everything we needed. It was almost as good as being in the actual dining room. Oh, by-the-way, both up on the Lido Deck and in the dining room, they fought over who was going to “park” my scooter – when they realized that it had hazard lights, headlights, and right and left turn lights, they turned them all on. Naturally I told them that the scooter was my Lamborghini.

The entertainment was excellent – probably the best of any ship I’ve been on. The winner of their Karaoke contest, in my opinion, could have been a contender in the “America Has Talent” contest. He was superb. Their own singers and dancers and the comedienne and illusionist they had were top notch.

Our biggest complaint, besides my room, was that they did not have a card-room for us to play in. Don’t get me wrong, they did have card rooms – however, they had a bridge tournament on board which took up each and every card room. When we asked them where we could play they basically shrugged their shoulders and couldn’t give us an answer.

Other aspects of the cruise – we were about 3 hours out when the ship had to return to Ft Lauderdale as someone had taken ill and needed more medical attention than you were able to get on-board. We then continued on our way but the weather had turned somewhat against us and the ship was rocking and rolling – one of my friends got seasick at the dinner table and had to be taken outside to regain her “sea legs”. The following morning we couldn’t go to Holland-America’s own little island, again due to the weather, and headed out to the next day’s island, Grand Turk, where we were able to dock. As there was no tender involved, I got off the ship and went to the shops along the shoreline. I always try to purchase a refrigerator magnet from wherever I go, so I found the magnet and returned to the ship. Once more, we were unable to go to the next island, Grand Cayman, again due to weather. Our last port was Costa Maya, where we once again docked and I once again was able to get off the ship. This time, besides the refrigerator magnet I picked up an “onyx” fish, and an initial ring. Just call me the last of the big time spenders.

Will I go on another cruise – most probably…. BUT, I would first make sure that the handicap room is large enough to turn around in.

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Reprinted from November/December 2008 Elder Update.

Tips for Brain Health

Cognitive psychologist Dr. Michael Noir and neurologist Dr. Bernard Croisile, co-authors of Get Your Brain in the Fast Lane, offer tips on how to take control of your brain’s health to keep it sharp and active.

1. Exercise – Regular exercise can lower the risk of dementia and may even help grow new neurons in the area of the brain crucial for memory formation.

2. Diet – Eating the right foods can have a positive impact on your mind and body. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help improve brain function. Choline, a B vitamin found in eggs, is believed to enhance memory and minimize fatigue. Other B vitamins may also improve mental performance and mood.

3. Mental Stimulation – Brain fitness programs like crossword puzzles and video games stimulate the brain, improve cognitive function and deter the effects of aging.

4. Sleep – Sleep improves memory function. An average of 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended.

5. Socialize – People with strong relationships experience less mental decline and live more active, pain-free lives.

6. Enjoy Music – Music makes listeners feel more relaxed and stimulates the mind. Listening to stories may have the same effect. (Music lessons are a great way to keep minds active, regardless of age or prior experience.)

7. Stay Upbeat – Positive thinking improves brain health and may enhance the ability to process information.

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Reprinted from San Joaquin CFIDS/ME/FMS Support Group, August, September 2008 newsletter.

Various Types of Pain Defined

Continued from our November/December issue:

Neuropathic Pain

Pain is often assumed to be caused by physical injuries such as a broken bone or skin cut and once the injury is healing the pain subsides and eventually disappears. However, nerves can also produce pain and this type of pain can be difficult to manage. It is called neuropathic pain.

Pain caused by nerve damage can be agonising and often fails to improve with time. It can originate from the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Neuropathic pain is often used as an umbrella term to include:

· Phantom limb pain

· Peripheral neuropathy

· Post herpetic neuralgia

· Trigeminal neuralgia

· Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

With neuropathic pain the nerves may be damaged or injured and they send incorrect pain messages to the brain. The cause is often difficult to discover. This sort of chronic pain may result from conditions such as Diabetes, Shingles, and multiple Sclerosis or from injury, surgery or amputation. Although it can also occur without any of these factors.

Nerve pain is often described as:

· Shooting

· Stabbing

· Burning

· Searing

These pains may be accompanied with:

· Increased skin sensitivity

· Changes in skin temperature and colour

· Muscle weakness

· Loss of Feeling

· Swelling and stiffness in the affected joints

In some types of neuropathic pain the diagram shown below may help to establish the area of nerve damage or injury.

Phantom Limb Pain

Pain in a limb that no longer exists is a common phenomenon after amputation. For some people the phantom limb pain gets better without treatment but for others the management of this pain can be difficult. Phantom pain is more common after the loss of an arm or leg but can also occur after the removal of any body part such as an eye or breast.

To receive the correct treatment for your condition it is important for your doctor or specialist to determine whether you are experiencing phantom limb pain or stump pain.

Phantom limb pain: is pain that feels as if it is in the area of the lost limb.

Stump pain: is pain or discomfort felt at the site of amputation.

Phantom limb pain is an unfortunate term as it seems to imply that the pain is a psychological rather than a physical problem. In fact the pain may not have a psychological component at all. Although the longer pain continues it is more likely that physical and psychological influences are involved.

Contributing factors to phantom limb pain are thought to be:

· Nerve damage or injury

· Existing pain prior to amputation

· Neuroma, which is a growth containing nerve cells. This can form on the nerve endings in a stump after amputation.

If you are experiencing phantom limb pain you may benefit from a pain management programme.

Peripheral neuropathy

The peripheral nervous system includes nerves in the face, legs, arms, torso and some nerves in the skull. It often affects people with diabetes and auto-immune diseases. Certain vitamin deficiencies and alcoholism can also damage the peripheral nerves.

Symptoms will depend upon the cause of a persons’ neuropathy and on which nerve or nerves are involved.

These can often begin gradually and are sometimes barely noticeable but for others the symptoms are constant and may be almost unbearable especially at night.

Symptoms may include:

· Pain

· Numbness

· Tingling

· Muscle weakness

· Burning

· Loss of feeling

· Sharp, stabbing pain

· Extreme sensitivity to touch

· Lack of coordination

If you experience any of these symptoms you should consult your doctor.

For others with a diagnosis but who have poor pain control a pain management programme may be beneficial.

Post herpatic neuralgia

This type of nerve pain often happens after a viral infection such as shingles. The pain manifests itself as listed under neuropathic pain. Consult your doctor if you think that you have nerve damage or injury caused by a viral infection. If the pain persists you may benefit from a pain management pro-gramme or a review of your medications by a pain specialist.

Trigeminal neuralgia

This type of nerve pain affects the forehead, nose, cheeks, lips, teeth and jaw and can affect the most basic of daily activities such as eating, swallowing, teeth brushing and face washing.

The cause is not completely understood although it can occur when the trigeminal nerve becomes irritated or trapped causing pain to the face. Dental work has been identified as being the most common trigger for trigeminal neuralgia.

Symptoms include:

· Sharp, ‘electric shock’ type pain

· Dull ache

· Sensitivity to touch

If you have any of these symptoms you should consult your doctor who will advise you of the treatment options.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

This is a chronic pain condition. The key symptom of CRPS is continuous intense pain which may appear to be out of proportion to the severity of the injury. The pain commonly worsens with time.

CRPS I is often triggered by tissue injury but has no apparent nerve damage.

CRPS II has the same symptoms but is also associated with a nerve injury.

Symptoms include:

· Burning pain

· Increased skin sensitivity

· Changes in skin temperature

· Sweating and swelling of the affected area

· Changes in skin colour and texture

· Changes in nail and hair growth

· Decreased ability to move the affected body part

· Muscle spasm

· Reduced muscle tone

· Continuous pain

The cause of CRPS remains unknown and it is very difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis is usually achieved by ruling out other conditions.

There is no cure for CRPS but pain can be reduced or controlled by using a mixture of symptomatic pain manage-ment therapies. If you have been diagnosed with CRPS you and your doctor may decide that you could benefit from consulting a pain specialist. There are many treatment options available which can help you to gain control over this disabilitating pain.

http://www.thepainclinic.co.uk

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- After reading this report, especially about the CRPS, I think that may be the problem I have with the swelling and sweating of my polio leg. That leg is also, usually, colder in the winter months than my non-polio leg. The Sequential Circulator machine I use to reduce the “edema” in my polio leg really helps with respect to the swelling and sweating.

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Easter Seals Offers Phones and

Specialized Communication Devices at No Charge

Easter Seals, Volusia/Flagler Counties has partnered with the Florida Telecom-munications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) program to provide specialized communication equipment to assist individuals who are hard-of-hearing at no charge. The inventory available for qualified Florida residents who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf/blind or speech impaired includes amplified telephones, text telephones, ring signalers and more.

With FTRI specialized equipment, indivi-duals will discover the freedom and independence of communication without the frustration experience not being able to hear on a traditional telephone. The devices are specifically designed for easy use. The lifestyle-improving equipment is loaned to qualified residents as long as needed.

To qualify, individuals need to call (877) 255-4568, (386) 255-4568, or TTY (386) 257-3600 and schedule an appointment where they must provide proof of Florida residency and confirm hearing status. Individuals will need to show use of a hearing aid or supply a referral or certification from a physician or hearing professional. A short training session is offered before the individual leaves to ensure proper equipment use. For more information, call Easter Seals at (877) 255-4568, (386) 255-4568, or TTY (386) 257-3600.

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This was sent to me by a friend, Jackie Meyers – it’s at times like this that I wish I knew graphics, the ones that were sent with this were beautiful. To me, all of you, are “Keepers”! I hope you enjoy this much as I did.

A Keeper

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, work shirt and a hat; and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things: a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, re-heating leftovers, renewing; I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there’d always be more.

But when my mother died, and I was standing in that clear morning light in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return. So... While we have it, it’s best we love it... And care for it... And fix it when it’s broken... And heal it when it’s sick.

This is true: For marriage... And old cars... And children with bad report cards. Dogs and cats with bad hips... And aging parents... And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep, like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special... And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thinks I am a ‘keeper,’ so I’ve sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it’s your turn to send this to those people that are ‘keepers’ in your life. Good friends are like stars... You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there!

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Our November speakers were from Florida Hospital’s Port Orange Rehab Center. The following is part of the talk from their certified Lymphedema therapist, Kristin.

Are You Suffering

from Swelling?

Living with swelling is inconvenient. Swelling in the arm or hand can affect your ability to write or use the involved arm for daily activities. Leg or ankle swelling can limit your ability to wear shoes or clothes, challenge your balance, and impair your walking. In more severe cases swelling cause cellulitis/infection or open wounds. It can limit your daily function or cause pain and stiffness. Facial swelling can affect your ability to eat and swallow… Should I go on?

Two common causes of swelling:

Venous Insufficiency: Ankle or leg swelling that gets worse as the day progresses because of poor circulation. This type of swelling is commonly treated with diuretics. A diuretic is a water pill prescribed by a physician that helps to reduce swelling. A diuretic is effective with minimal to moderate swelling; however, as the swelling becomes more severe it is less effective.

Lymphedema: A collection of protein rich fluid in the tissue space generally as a result of cancer related surgery/treatment, trauma, poor circulation, congestive heart failure, or congenital (born with swelling due to a malformation in the lymphatic system).

It is wise to let your physician assess the swelling and determine the cause.

Treatment is available for those of you battling this condition. Unfortunately, in many cases, the swelling can only be controlled not cured. The treatment of choice by specialists who treat this condition is Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy which consists of:

· Manual lymph drainage (specialized massage)

· Compression bandaging for swelling reduction

· Meticulous skin care

· Therapeutic exercise

· Education

Once the swelling is reduced, the limb is fit for a compression garment that is worn thereafter on a daily basis to maintain the reduction.

Controlling swelling can improve your quality of life! What are you waiting for?

Talk to your physician to determine if this type of treatment would be beneficial for you or schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with a certified lymphedema therapist at Florida Hospital’s Port Orange Rehabili-ation Services.

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- My polio let was not only “swelling” but was also “sweating” – that is, at the end of the day when I removed my brace the very bottom of the brace was wet – at it’s worst point, it formed a small “puddle” --- however, my leg itself was never wet, my knee-high was likewise, not wet. When I started taping my leg, after seeing Kristin, the tape at the bottom of the leg itself, had some dampness. As I’ve mentioned (and written) before, due to dexterity problems with my right hand (from polio), I’m not able to use the compression stockings – soooo Kristin recommended a machine, the Sequential Circulator, that I now use 3 or 4 times a week, that keeps the swelling controlled. At the beginning I used it every night. In addition to the polio leg, I had swelling on my “good” leg so I also utilized the machine on that leg and the swelling there is also controlled. When I travel I take the tapes with me and wrap my legs at night to control the swelling.

Kristin can be reached at 386-761-8711.

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Reprinted from USA Weekend, June 14-17, 2007, HealthSmart column, by Dr. Tedd Mitchell.

Bladder matters

You can improve your control.

There are some problems that people don’t like to discuss, even with their doctor. Although millions of women have bladder control problems, many never seek help, either because they’re too embarrassed or feel that it’s just part of aging. But research suggests that you can improve the condition.

If you have bladder control problems, get a checkup. These kinds of issues can arise from a variety of conditions, some of which could require specific interventions. Also, certain drugs worsen the problem, so your doctor can review your medications with you. Once you’ve visited your doctor, you can implement some of these tools to regain your bladder confidence:

Lose some weight. In a study published in February 2006 in Diabetes Care, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found that in women who have pre-diabetes, losing weight was associated with a significant reduction in the number of incontinence episodes they experienced each week. This occurred in women who lost only 5% to 7% of their body weight, so even a moderate drop can help.

Do Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises can improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. While sitting on the toilet, tighten the muscles you need to stop your urine flow, and hold that tension for as long as 10 seconds. Repeat up to 20 times. If you don’t have time in the bathroom in the morning, practice them on the way to work, while watching TV or any time that you are sitting down for a few minutes.

Clean up your diet. Limit caffeine and alcohol to decrease urine output.

Put yourself on a schedule. Develop the habit of urinating routinely on a timetable throughout the day.

Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and medical director of Dallas’ Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.

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Reprinted from our very own FECPPSG news-letter of November/December 2005. Reprinted from Polio Heroes of Tennessee,

September 2005. Reprinted from SPIRIT, PPSG, Southeastern, WI, June 2004.

NO MORE EXCUSES!

A powerchair (not Manual) or scooter is not an instrument of torture. (Although a manual chair can be!) Using a powerchair or scooter will not make you look stupid – at least not as much as pretending you don’t need one while taking pain meds and stumbling around, falling down, requiring surgery on hands, elbows, shoulders, knees, etc.

Using a powerchair or scooter will give you more energy because you won’t be using all your energy in trying to accomplish the impossible (i.e. – looking like you don’t need one). Using a powerchair or scooter will actually be more freeing. You will have the freedom to go where ever you want, without having to have someone chained to you to push you here and there – and then go off to look at something else that interests them and leave you stranded. (Been there, done that!)

Using a powerchair or scooter will relieve the strain on overtaxed shoulder muscles and joints that were never meant to be walked on in the first place, thereby eliminating much of the unnecessary surgeries which, by the way, will not last unless you change the way you do things. You may also find that you don’t need as much or any of the pain meds.

Using a powerchair or scooter will show that you are winning the battle! But you need to define your battles. You already had polio. No way to change that. You are having post-polio sequelae. Another done deal. These are battles people frequently think that they need to fight against, but there is no way to win here. It’s happening. Live with it. But the battle you can win is the battle for independence! You can be your own person again. It has been said, “Fight only the battles you can win”. Living life on your own terms is possible only if you have the stamina, the balance, and the heart for it. We all have the heart for it. . . we are polio survivors! What we don’t have are the balance and the stamina. A powerchair or scooter can help.

Do you always walk to the grocery store 5 miles away? Do you walk to work? To Church? Of course not! You use the technology available to you – a car or public transportation. Do you mix your cake batter with a spoon? Or do you use an electric mixer? These are devices that help to make our lives easier. So are powerchairs and scooters. You are not giving in. . . you’re stepping up to an easier way of doing things. And Boy! Are they ever fun!

If you are thinking about it, it is probably past time to do it. And the sooner you start using a power mobility aid, the longer you might retain the ability to walk and the easier it will be on your arms and shoulders in the long run. I wish you well.

(PH of TN Editor’s Note: This article was not authored by name. I wish I had written it! It sounds very much like words of Dr. A. C. Higgins, MD of Memphis, TN that I heard 18 years ago. He always sprinkled seriousness with humor. Whoever the author, Hats Off!!)

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- As most of you know, I use a scooter – in fact, I’m on my third Electric Mobility Rascal. Whenever I see a polio (or other mobility impaired individual) that should be in a powerchair or scooter I cringe. If I question them as to why they’re not using a powerchair or scooter, they’re answer is usually that they don’t need it – they aren’t that bad. Hopefully, this article will help some realize that using such an aid will open many doors that have been closed to them – such as going to the mall, going to theme parks, taking a “walk” with the grandchildren…. Please, if you need a powerchair or scooter, look into getting one.

Updated FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- As mentioned before, this article first appeared in our Nov/Dec 2005 newsletter – I felt it important to reprint it now as I was on another cruise last month with friends of mine who are not polios, but who realize that they required walkers in order to “walk” the ships we have been on. When I started cruising there were very few scooters or powerchairs seen on board. Now, however, it is not so uncommon. I would say that on this last cruise there were at least a dozen other motorized vehicles being used. And, the waiters actually fight over who is going to “park” the scooter for you and bring it back after you finish your meal. Many of the cruise lines can put you in touch with companies that will rent you a scooter – bringing it right to the ship for you and picking it up at the ship upon your return. In fact, my two walker friends have said that, very possibly, the next time we cruise that that is what they will do – and I will encourage them to do so. To be able to walk on your own is wonderful BUT if you are no longer able to, then use whatever assistive devices you can to enjoy life. I prefer the scooter over a powerchair as I have found it’s easier to travel with it – most scooters can fold up enough to be put under the coach buses that take you to cruise ship terminals, or even take you cross-country. I can also place packages on the “floor” and in the basket at the front of the scooter, which you cannot do with a powerchair.

However, if you need a motorized vehicle full time in your home, a powerchair would, most likely be more efficient as it turns on a better circle and allows you to get up closer to places. There are scooters that can be converted into powerchairs and back into scooters without too much trouble. Depending on what you need, do a thorough search – don’t settle on the first scooter or powerchair you try.

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Reprinted from Florida Hospital Ormond Memorial Well Aware, Winter 2008

What is Heartburn and GERD?

Heartburn, or acid reflux, occurs when small amounts of stomach acid rise up into the esophagus, the “swallowing” tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

The esophagus, unlike the stomach, does not have a protective lining, so it can become inflamed and painful when exposed to the acid. In addition, tissue damage – scarring on the esophagus – can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult.

“Properly treating acid reflux is important to your health,” says Wallace Combs, MD, a gastroenterologist at Florida Hospital, Flagler. “It can lead to precancerous conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, cause permanent scarring of the esophagus, or create serious throat and lung conditions.”

The main symptoms of GERD are persistent heartburn, regurgitation of food, and unknown chronic throat or lung problems.

“While acid reflux is common, there are many lifestyle changes and medications that can address the condition successfully,” says Vishal Gupta, MD, a gastroenterologist at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial. “The best course of action for those concerning symptoms is a thoughtful evaluation by a qualified specialist.”

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When you’re feeling the burn –

If you’re among the 20 percent of American adults who experience heartburn at least twice a week, it’s time to see your doctor. Meantime, check what you know about this condition.

What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This is caused by acid reflux, when digestive juices and food flow backward into the esophagus from the stomach through a valve that doesn’t close properly or opens spontaneously.

When heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it is considered gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It can affect people of all ages.

What causes GERD? The condition is more common during pregnancy, in smokers and in people who are over-weight. Dietary triggers may include fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Eating a large meal and lying down shortly afterward can also cause reflux.

What are symptoms of GERD? Heart-burn is the main symptom. Other signs are a dry cough; asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest; hoarseness; a burning sensation in the throat; and trouble swallowing.

How is GERD treated? Doctors often recommend lifestyle and dietary changes. If these changes don’t help, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription medicine. Also, some people may be helped by surgery.

When GERD symptoms are frequent, severe or not controlled by treatment, your doctor may recommend testing for more serious conditions, such as inflammation of the esophagus from reflux, which can cause bleeding or ulcers, and damaged tissue that makes swallowing difficult.

Some people with GERD develop abnormal cells – a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.

American College of Gastroenterology; National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

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Reprinted from Florida Hospital Ormond Memorial Well Aware, Winter 2008

Some simple truths about colds and flu…

You may have heard it from your grandma: “Feed a cold, starve a fever.”

Or “Chicken soup for colds and flu.”

Appealing as those ideas are, they have more to do with folklore than reality.

According to the American Lung Association, the truth of the matter is this: Whether you have a cold or flu, you need to get plenty of fluids (water and juice), eat enough food to satisfy our appetite, and drink hot fluids to east your cough and sore throat.

Chicken soup can be one of those hot fluids, but it won’t cure the flu or a cold. Other common myths about colds and flu include:

MYTH: If you catch a cold from someone, it can turn into the flu.

FACT: Only a person infected with the influenza virus can transmit the flu.

MYTH: Herbal remedies are good cold remedies.

FACT: Claims have been made that zinc lozenges, Echinacea and other herbs can cure colds quickly. To date, none of these claims are solidly supported by scientific studies.

MYTH: Large doses of vitamin C can keep you from catching the flu or a cold, or will quickly cure them.

FACT: These claims have not been proven. Still, it’s important to your health to consume the minimum daily require-ment if vitamin C.

MYTH: If you don’t catch the flu by December, you won’t get it, because the flu season is over.

FACT: The flu season often peaks a late as February. Getting vaccinated before the end of the calendar year is the best way to prevent the flu, but the vaccine can still be effective if you get the shot in January.

MYTH: “Stomach flu” is one kind of flu.

FACT: About one in three people with the flu may have an upset stomach. But other viruses, along with bacteria and food poisoning, are more common causes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

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Looking forward to seeing you at the Seminar at the Hampton Inn – Daytona Beach on January 18th.

If you have never heard Dr. Mary Ann Keenan give a talk, you are in for quite an experience. Dr. Keenan travels the world teaching other orthopedic surgeons about polio surgery.

Additionally, Prof. Michael Kossove gives an interesting presentation of Polio 101. As a post-polio himself, he knows what we are going through.

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We are still accepting registrations to the Seminar…..

FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP

12 ECLIPSE TRAIL - ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174-4936

386 676-2435 e-mail:- bgold@iag.net

SEMINAR MEETING REGISTRATION

DATE: Sunday, January 18th, 2009

TIME: 10:00 AM - Registration -- 5:00 PM

PLACE: Daytona Beach Hampton Inn

1715 W International Speedway

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

386-257-4030

SPEAKERS: DR. MARY ANN KEENAN, Chief Neuro-Orthopedic

Department of University of PA Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Keenan will be speaking on surgery and bracing.

MICHAEL KOSSOVE, Professor of Microbiology at Touro

College, NY, will talk about Polio 101.

EARLY REGISTRATION: $20.00 includes meeting material and lunch.

LATE REGISTRATION: $25.00 – WE WILL STILL TAKE $20. FOR REGISTRATION….

For Early Registration please send in by December 15, 2008.

Please feel free to make copies of this form to give to others.

Any questions, call Barbara at 386-676-2435.

The Hampton Inn, 386-257-4030, has put aside a block of 8 handicapped rooms for us, in addition to 10 non-handicap rooms at the special rate of $99.00 per night (that includes their Continental Breakfast). When calling to reserve a room, make sure to tell them that you will be attending the Post-Polio Conference so that you will get the special rate.

This Hampton Inn is right outside of the Daytona Beach Airport for those that may be flying in, and approximately 5 miles east of Exit 261 of I-95. It is also just across the road from Volusia Mall (Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sears and J.C. Penney), and next door to the Olive Garden.

In order to make it easy for you to choose your lunch, here is a description of the various choices:-

Chicken Cordon Bleu:- Grilled chicken breast with baked ham and melted Swiss

cheese. Served open face with lettuce, tomato, and pickle spear.

Mediterranean Wrap:- Vegetarian with Hummus or Albacore Tuna with feta

cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, Greek olives and roasted peppers.

With a light lemon yogurt and cucumber dressing served on the side.

Chicken Ranch Salad:- Grilled chicken breast over garden greens with crispy

bacon, shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, hard boiled eggs, tomato

wedges and cucumbers, served with Ranch dressing.

Chef Salad:- Strips of tender turkey breast, baked ham, Swiss and cheddar

cheese, garnished with carrot strips, ripe tomatoes and hard boiled

eggs. Served over fresh greens with our own House Vinaigrette, Ranch

or Bleu Cheese.

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January 18, 2009 Seminar Registration

Name: _______________________________ Phone No.: _________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Number of People Attending: ______ Number in Wheelchair(s):- _______

Lunch Choice: Chicken Cordon Bleu ___ Mediterranean Wrap ___

Chicken Ranch Salad ___ Chef Salad ___

Please make check payable to FL East Coast PPSG and send to:

FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP

12 Eclipse Trail - Ormond Beach, FL 32174

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DUES FOR 2009- Please take a look at your mailing label - on it you’ll see the month and year we received your 2008 dues, i.e., 01/2008 means it was received in January 2008, so your 2009 dues was due in January 2009. If your mailing label has the year first and then the month, i.e., 2008/01 it means that you indicated to us in January 2008 that you wanted to receive the newsletter but paid no dues. That’s OK as we still believe that anyone who wants information should receive it – but we do need you to return the tear sheet with either the “Dues” box checked or the “Keep me on the Mailing List” box checked.

Your dues covers the supplies we need to send out the information packets to all inquiring about Post-Polio Syndrome, any other correspondence we do, and postage for publicity and for the out-of-country (25) newsletters that we send out. We’re fortunate in that the “Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” status takes care of the postage for the over 450 newsletters sent out within the United States. We network with approximately 60 other support groups throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – some 40 of these reciprocate by sending us their newsletters. We receive as many dues checks from our out-of-state members as we do from our Florida members. So, please check your mailing label and return the tear sheet if your date is due. We really need your support now more than ever. Just to keep you advised, in addition to the previously mentioned countries, our newsletter goes to England, France, Germany, Israel, Panama, Portugal, Lebanon, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan and Wales.

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WHEN YOU MOVE PLEASE be sure to send us your new address. Sometimes the post-office will return the newsletter to us with a “forwarding period expired” notice on the front with your new address but most of the time they are just returned to us with “address unknown” on it. SO, if you want to continue receiving the newsletter it is UP TO YOU to make sure we have your new address.

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2009 DUES/MAILING LIST

____ Dues Enclosed ____ Keep me on mailing list

If sending dues, please make Check ($5.00) Payable to and Mail to:-

FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP

12 Eclipse Trail, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-4936

NAME:- __________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:- _______________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS:-__________________________ FAX #:- _______________

TELEPHONE NO:- Home _______________________ Office ________________

Date of Birth:-_________________ Wedding Anniversary:- ________________

Name and Date of Birth of Spouse:-_____________________________________

Support Group I belong to:- ____________________________________________

01/2009

FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - Vol. 15 #4

12 Eclipse Trail / Ormond Beach, FL 32174 / 386 676-2435

E-Mail:- bgold@iag.net -- Web Site:- home.iag.net/~bgold/polio.htm

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS --

A MOST HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2009

A LOVE FILLED VALENTINE’S DAY

MEETING NOTICE

Support Group I belong to:- ____________________________________________