Hello! We'd love you to join one of our upcoming Zoom chats. Meet other polio survivors (and partners!) in your state/region, discuss the Late Effects of Polio, and hear about our clinical education program.
Thursday 18th June AT 10am SA/NT
Maximum 20 per session, so we've got time for introductions etc. If you'd like to join, (including which session you're joining), or email steph@polioaustralia.org.au, and I'll send you the link.
And don't worry - if these ones fill up, we'll certainly arrange more!
📱💻📞☕🙂
Community Information Videos Part 4 Fatigue "The Spoon Therapy"
Presented by Steph Cantrill Polio Australia Community Programs Manager
A person living with chronic illness came up with an analogy, now known as the "Spoon Theory", that many people find helpful in explaining why they don't have infinite energy and have to balance activities. I hope this analogy is of use!
Read moreCommunity Information Videos Fatigue part 3 Task Scheduling
Presented by Steph Cantrill Polio Australia Community Programs Manager
Continuing our series on managing fatigue, we look at planning and scheduling tasks to incorporate pacing. Remember - everyone's capacity is different. It's about finding your own balance so that you're alternating activity and rest and not pushing up to (or beyond!) your limit.
Read moreNational volunteers week - Thank you to our committee
An open letter to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, in the wake of the US decision to cease support for the WHO.
Gillian Thomas OAM President of Polio Australia as written an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.In the wake of the US decision to cease support to the World Health Organisation.
Read moreCommunity Information Videos Fatigue part 2 Activity Diary
We often talk about using an activity diary to monitor your activity and pain/fatigue levels over a week or two. In this brief video, we look at an example of what an activity diary might look like. Yours might be different, and that's absolutely ok! It's just to give you an idea of what you're doing with your time, and how that's impacting fatigue (or pain) levels.
Read moreCommunity Information videos - Fatigue Part 1 Pacing
Steph Cantrill Community Programs Manager at Polio Australia.
Has kindly provided some information while we are isolated due to coronavirus the first in the series is
Fatigue Part 1 Pacing.
There will be more videos and we will update to the website when they are available
Read morePolio 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.