Polio outbreaks, and their comparison to COVID-19; the realities of polio's late effects; and the disparity in what's available to support people with disability, depending on their age.

An excellent article in Good Weekend, discussing: polio outbreaks, and their comparison to COVID-19; the realities of polio's late effects; and the disparity in what's available to support people with disability, depending on their age. In the words of Michael Lynch, "If you’re going to have a disability scheme, then it stands to reason that disabled people should be eligible ! All disabled people – whatever their age!” Well done to all involved in getting this great article out there.

Some tips on maintaining our mental health and well-being during these difficult times.

Mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak

The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on an international scale. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus.

Polio survivors see in coronavirus era levels of fear not seen since poliomyelitis epidemics

Polio survivors have noted striking similarities between the series of 20th-century epidemics and today's coronavirus — two very infectious diseases that changed the world.

During the height of the polio epidemic in parts of Australia, state borders, schools, pools, and theatres closed, and travel restrictions and quarantine measures were introduced.

Newspapers published daily case numbers and deaths.

Sound familiar?

Gillian Thomas, president of Polio Australia, said the coronavirus crisis brought back memories for many survivors of poliomyelitis.

Known as 'the silent epidemic', the highly infectious viral disease struck people out of nowhere and moved silently throughout the community.

Assistive technology should be available to everyone who needs it

Join Assistive Technology For All campaign for AT for all

Want to help us advocate for a national assistive technology program for people with a disability outside the NDIS? There are a number of ways you can get involved.

Hydrotherapy sessions cancelled

We are sorry to announce both sessions one at Repat Pool at Daw Park and one at RSB Pool at Gilles Plains

both these pools are now closed until further notice.

We will keep our members informed as soon as we have notice that they are open again.

Apologies for all concerned.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Polio Survivors Information from Post Polio Health International

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Polio Survivors

Please find below some information for polio survivors about coronavirus COVID-19, from Post-Polio Health International. The information links to the CDC, but please also keep in touch with local health messages such as those available through the Australian Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/…/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-hea…

Everyone seems to be talking about, worrying about and asking questions about coronavirus, and that includes polio survivors. As we have seen this is a rapidly evolving situation and what we know today may change next week or next month.
Some facts that are not likely to change are:

Polio and the late effects of polio do not, in themselves, cause immune compromise. Therefore, polio survivors are no more likely to contract a coronavirus infection or develop serious illness from it than people who never had polio!
 

• Most polio survivors in the United States and Canada are over 60 years old, which places us in the “higher risk” category with a greater likelihood of developing severe disease after being infected with the virus than younger people.
   

• Polio survivors who had breathing muscle involvement with their original illness and/or now have respiratory problems of any kind are at “high risk” when they become ill with any respiratory infection, including coronaviruses.
   

• Just as it is for people who never had polio, if a polio survivor has diabetes, heart disease, severe kidney disease, or are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or certain medications, then they are at high risk of developing complications if they contract COVID-19.

What you can do: follow CDC guidelines about infection control—washing hands frequently, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding large crowds especially in poorly ventilated areas, staying home if you are sick and avoiding non-essential trips, such as long airplane rides or embarking on a cruise ship.

If you do develop cough or fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees F, 38 degrees Celcius), especially if you have had known contact with someone who has coronavirus or has recently been in some of the “coronavirus hot spots,” call your doctor for advice about what to do next. If you have increased trouble breathing, you probably need to be seen by a doctor at a hospital but have someone call ahead so that the emergency room is prepared for your arrival. Likewise, if an ambulance is called to transport you please let them know in advance that you may have coronavirus so they can take appropriate precautions.

For the latest information about the coronavirus, check the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/. If you have any specific health questions about yourself, contact your physician. 

Post-Polio Health International

Including International Ventilator Users Network
St. Louis, Missouri
www.post-polio.org
314-534-0475

RSB Pool Closure (Temporary)

We received notice that RSB Pool at Gilles Plains has been closed until further notice.

So hydro session on Tuesday at 10:30 till 11:30am will not happen. We will keep you informed when they will commence again.

Autumn 2020 Newsletter

From the President

As I have stated in previous Newsletters my health has precluded me from continuing as President of Polio SA. At a recent Committee Meeting Peter Wierenga has agreed to continue as ACTING President until the August Annual General Meeting, so please consider volunteering a little of your time to help this Organisation. Why should I volunteer some time? Well Members of Polio SA have access to massage vouchers, 4 x $40 to assist you getting treatment for aching muscles etc. Also, there are two venues for hydrotherapy sessions, RSB pool Gilles Plains and the Repat pool Daw Park. There are some questions to answer to allow access to the pools, but no one has been refused yet, so if you are interested in either of these offers please contact Polio SA Office. We also keep all our Members up to date through Newsletters and social media sites of Polio SA. These are some of the ways Polio SA is helping its Members but now Polio SA needs some help from our Members to keep looking after the Members.

It is with much sadness that I must report that Polio SA stalwart Mr. Thornton Kowalick passed away in mid-January 2020. Thornton was the caring supportive husband of long time Committee Member Maureen Kowalick, many of you know of Maureen as the very friendly voice at the other end of the Polio SA phone line when you needed vouchers. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you Maureen.

With this I am closing my final “front page”, so I must first thank the Committee for all the support given over the past ten years, especially the extra yard given by Peter Wierenga and Trevor Jessop. The efforts of all have allowed Polio SA to continue to be as successful as it has been in providing services and information to all our financial Members, the new addition of our Community and Membership Officer has made the Executives work load much lighter, thank you Helen.

Farewell and good health to you ALL, see you again soon.

Brett Howard President (retired) Polio SA.