Capital Polio Association

Remembering Paul Longmore, disability activist/polio survivor

2010-08-16T11:31:00.001-04:00

Longmore, a leading disability scholar and activist who taught at San Francisco State, died Aug. 9 of natural causes at his San Francisco home, said his sister, Ellen Brown. He was 64.

"He devoted his life to making this a better and more just world," Robert A. Corrigan, the university's president, said in a statement. "Legendary, inspirational, pioneering, irreverent … many words are needed to sum up this remarkable man." Read full article...

An alternative to pain after surgery...and a quote

2010-08-12T10:50:00.000-04:00

AT-HOME ANESTHESIA

While surgery is not easy, it's the recovery afterwards that can really take its toll on a patient. In the past, patients have been sent home with narcotics to relieve pain, but the drugs can have negative side effects. There's an option that makes recovery at home easier. For Full Article...

From WebMD

For questions, contact:

Dr. Ward Longbottom, MD

Health Source at University Community Hospital

Tampa, FL
(800) 326-4325

“Polios have a certain advantage over the able-bodied when it comes to aging…. We do not confuse the quality of our life with the quality of our tennis game. We know that happiness is not dependent upon activity nor is meaningful defined by trophies. A meaningful life may be hampered—but need not be defined—by pain or disability.”

—Hugh G. Gallagher, 1998

Breath, Martha Mason's story, living in an iron lung

2010-08-11T11:48:00.001-04:00

From Publishers Weekly

It's staggering to conceive of a moment in an 11-year-old girl's life when she is informed by her doctor that she will never recover from the effects of the polio that left her suddenly paralyzed from the neck down and that she won't likely live much longer. Mason writes eloquently and without a tinge of self-pity of her long, nightmarish journey from September 1948, when her beloved 13-year-old brother, Gaston, died of polio and she contracted it soon after; confined to an iron lung, she rarely left it for the next 61 years, while living in their rural Lattimore, N.C., home so that her devoted mother could care for her. Yet Mason was determined to transcend the limitations of her inert body: she always wanted to be a writer, and, with her indomitable Job-like mother's help, finished not only high school with honors but college at Wake Forest, where she participated in the cause of racial equality and was invited to join Phi Beta Kappa. Mason writes breezily of her life before the polio, when she was a carefree, competitive, bike-riding girl in Southern cotton-growing country. Eventually, her mother slipped into dementia, sometimes lashing out violently, but Mason maintains a wonderful writerly detachment from her material, turning her remarkable life into a vivid, exalted, truly humbling tale of inspiration. (July)

Famous Polios-Highlight on Mia Farrow- 3rd in Series

2010-08-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

Mia Farrow, international movie star and goodwill ambassador, contracted polio at a young age. As we all know, it did not get in the way of her incredible career or family life. She now works strongly with UNICEF to help support children in war torn countries....read full article

Today in History

2010-08-10T10:12:00.000-04:00

Today in history marks the day when Franklin D. Roosevelt contracted the polio virus at his summer home in Canada, Campobello, in 1921. Read this engaging story of Roosevelt and polio...

*Looking to vacation? Take a look at Campobello's video and website*

CAMPOBELLO

Robert Mauro, really great voice!

2010-08-09T13:39:00.000-04:00

Robert Mauro, writer, singer, and polio survivor, sings "Don't Be Cruel". There is nothing holding him back! Take a look at one of his books...Sucking Air, Doing Wheelies: Memoirs of a Fifties Polio Survivor

Stephen Hawking lets us all in on his secret...

2010-08-09T13:08:00.001-04:00

"I believe that the long-term future of the human race must be in space," Hawking said to Big Think , a global forum that includes interviews with experts...keep reading

Stephen Hawking is a theoretical physicist who has been confined to a wheelchair for the majority of his adult life. He has ALS, a major physical obstacle, but as his life portrays, his mind is crisp, witty and juts down right brlliant. His views on life itself are fascinating. His publication list is extensive and his lecture schedule is still busy. For more info on his life and work, his website provides it all. A link to his speech synthesizer as well.

Stephen Hawking TedTalk

2010-08-09T10:37:00.000-04:00

There is nothing on the Warm Springs website that says they will be hosting another post polio retreat, however Camp Dream is open and looks beautiful...and not too far away! I'll be checking for more dates, stay tuned! But for now, take a look a the video.

Bay Cliff post polio wellness retreat video

2010-08-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

I just came across this website and maybe most of you have seen it before, but the video is uplfting and filled with hope. It is nice to know that these retreats are important enough to have. It looks like the next one (Bay Cliff is in Michigan) is scheduled for October. Anyone up for a cold weather vacation? I will be posting one on Warm Springs as well. Check it out!

http://www.baycliff.org/site/post-polio.html

www.crossthehurdles.com

2010-08-06T10:08:00.000-04:00

Abha Kheterpal, a polio survivor, has started this wonderful site to help people of all types of disabilities. She has provided much information, by including articles, videos and relaxation tips, but she also offers counseling-FREE OF CHARGE- by e-mail, mail, or even by web chat. It is amazing to see someone so giving of their time to help others, on their own time, to better handle their own disability. She is all for personal empowerment and as much independence in the individual as possible.There is a small amount of information on PPS, but I will e-mailing her for more. Her opening page...

She also includes on her site an insightful talk by Aimee Mullins, from TedTalks, posted here...

Famous Polios-Highlight on Judy Collins- 2nd in Series!

2010-08-05T16:13:00.001-04:00

Judy Collins's voice can ring in the ears most Americans who love folk music. Even if you don't like the folk genre, I'm sure you've heard her sweet, melodic voice at some point, unsure of who that incredble woman was. Well, she was a polio survivor and a remarkable lady. She has had to overcome many obstacles, polio being one, and her son's suicide, another, but all the while she learns to find her true purpose and specific means of support, including meditation, among others. Take a look at this article, which will lead you on a mini (and fun) scavenger hunt of her very colored life. There are also a few more videos that are very touching and personal and provide a real connection to her struggles and accomplishments throughout her life.

Judy's video on Strength

AAA discounts and shopping rewards!

2010-08-04T10:33:00.001-04:00

AAA has some stellar specials going on right now and as I just found out they have AAA dollars, so you can essentially get paid to shop or at least this helps pay for your membership in the long run. This link will take you directly to the specials page. To learn more about AAA dollars, click here!

31 Days to Better Sleep

2010-08-03T10:18:00.000-04:00

Sparkpeople has put a handy August calendar on their site to help those of us who have trouble maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. You can download and print it too! Take a look.

Thank you COSTCO!

2010-08-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to COSTCO for their donation to our Capital Polio event at the Maguire Center. In these economic times, it may seem like giving is not possible, but in fact it is. Every contribution, of all sizes, helps in many ways. Stop by and support your local COSTCO today!

India: Private Bill on post-polio syndrome

2010-08-02T10:51:00.000-04:00

City mayor and BJP MP Balkrishna Shukla along with Indian Medical Association (IMA), Vadodara chapter, laid the stone for launching an awareness drive on post-polio syndrome (PPS) on Sunday. Looking at the growing risk of PPS and absence of intervention, Shukla also plans to move a private Bill in the current session of Parliament, seeking government action to initiate measures to deal with PPS...for full article

Famous Polios- Highlight on Desmond Tutu- 1st in Series!

2010-07-30T12:34:00.001-04:00

Salute to Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu, archbishop emeritus and nobel peace laureate, is also a polio survivor. He is the polio ambassador in Rotary’s “This Close” Campaign. The football that has traveled through the 23 polio-affected countries during the Kick Polio Out of Africa Campaign, was signed by him and we believe- silently blessed for a safe journey...read full article

His personality truly comes to life in this late night intereview with Craig Ferguson...what a sense of humor! This was filmed a few months before his announcement of resignation.

No one better embodied the contradictory times. Standing all of five foot three, Bishop Tutu could whip a crowd into a frenzy, then insist on nonviolence. He was given to making intemperate remarks and offering breathtaking forgiveness all in the same speech. The title of John Allen's biography captures the seesaw spirit of this "rabble-rouser for peace."

Considering the challenges of the first half of his life, few would have guessed that Tutu would become such a forceful figure. He was lucky to survive childhood: born into near-poverty, sickly from birth, he contracted polio in infancy and then was badly burned. A community of Anglican monks shaped his life, and perhaps saved it—providing hospital care for more than a year as he narrowly survived tuberculosis...read full article

For anyone who missed the ADA event at the Maguire Center...

2010-07-30T10:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone that came out last Sunday to attend the Capital Polio Association event at the Maguire Center! It was a wonderful time for everyone and an amazing opportunity to see Dr. Maguire bubbling with personality and poise. Thank you to everyone that helped support this event. Everyone's efforts combined made for a truly successful day! And...for those that couldn't make it out, no worries!, the Democrat wrote two lovely articles.

Read article prior to the event...

Read article post the event...

If anyone wold like to share their experience of the day, we welcome your expressions!

ADA March...Look at Charles Deal!

2010-07-30T10:36:00.000-04:00

It looks like the march to celebrate the ADA was a hit! And.....Charles made the headlines! Congratulations to everyone who made it out on that hot but rewarding day! Read more...

Celebrate the ADA with Free Membership in Bookshare (USA only)

2010-07-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

Take advantage of this amazing offer!

Bookshare is recognizing the anniversary of the ADA by offering a free membership, good for 20-book downloads per month for 3 months. The promotion begins on August 1 and runs for 30 days. This 20-3-30 free trial creates an opportunity to try accessible books without an upfront commitment to a year-long membership. Read more about how to sign up and check off your summer reading list!

Bookshare is also on Facebook! Take a look...

Directions for polio event on Sunday

2010-07-21T16:50:00.001-04:00

Overhead map

View Westminster Oaks in a larger map

Written Direction from TMH to Westminster Oaks

Please look at our pictures of the Maguire Center
posted previously....See you there!

Pictures of the Maguire Center for Sunday event

2010-07-21T16:39:00.000-04:00

View from disable parking entrance

Maguire Center on the right

View from opposite side of lot,
enttrance to Maguire Center on the left
under white cover

Entrance to the maguire center

as you enter the front doors

The room the event be held

"Ed Roberts, advocate for disabled, gets his own day"

2010-07-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

What a Day!!

Ed Roberts, founder of the Center for Independent Living, has been recognized for his outstanding acheievements. Read on...

July 25th ADA celebration!

2010-07-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

“Equality, Independence, Freedom!”- Capital Polio Association will be hosting our annual event to commemorate 20 years of the ADA on July 25th! Join us as we celebrate this historic anniversary of The Americans with Disabilities Act and gather amongst friends of polio. Come and participate in this exciting event at Westminster Oaks, a continuing care, active retirement community, in the Maguire Center from 2-5pm We have the pleasure to welcome Mike Shadix from Warm Springs Institute as our vibrant guest speaker. This event is open to the public. Food and light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Mark Ravenscraft at 850.580.2227 or Mark.Ravenscraft@gmail.com. For more on Westminster Oaks, please visit www.westminsterretirement.com. We hope to see you there!

Fitness Site worth looking at!

2010-07-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

“To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”

Sparkpeople is ingiting a new enthusiasm in people trying to lose weight or looking for a daily health practice. Created by Chris Downie with funds from early Ebay days, he is using his earnings to help people realize their goal of better health. Yes, this is completley free of charge and includes daily journals, online chat forums, personalized profiles and endless articles on all things health related. My personal favorites? Sparkrecipes (for the budding foodie) and Spark mobile (keeping track wherever you are).

Watch Sparkpeople on the NEWS

They also have a Polio Survivors Unite team!

If you find this site intriguing and are renewed in your motivation to get healthier, let us know! And, keep us updated on your progress!

2010-07-16T11:18:00.000-04:00

Frustrated with inefficient medical searches on the web? Wendy Boswell, an about.com guide has featured a few sites that will get you the information you need quicker than your average google search. These sites have access to medical databases and will weed through unnecessary extra "clicking". You may not need these sites now, but they are a great resource to have at hand when the need arises. Read the full article.

These are the topics she covers, if you would rather search independently from the article. See what peaks your interest!

8 ways to search WebMD (efficient and saves you time)
5 medical search engines (top rated)
medical info on the Invisible Web (goldmine!)
Best Fitness Sites (for all fitness needs)

Eating Choices Affecting Aging Well with PPS

2010-07-08T12:48:00.006-04:00

Eating Choices Affecting Aging Well with PPS
By Carol Prellberg

What you eat can help determine if you will be "aging well with PPS". This was the message from Beth Young, MS, RD, as she explained the importance of good nutrition at the PNNJ annual conference on the late effects of polio. Ms. Young is a registered dietician and nutrition consultant and is president of Princeton health systems, Inc. She explained that several symptoms of PPS, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and sleeping and swallowing problems, are related to nutrition and may be minimized with proper diet.
Ms. Young began by identifying the basics of a healthy balanced diet, giving information about carbohydrates found in milk, vegetables, fruit, and strarches are the primary source of energy and should compose about 50% of the daily calorie intake. She added that the fiber found in many of these foods is very important and that a good diet includes about 25 grams of fiber per day. She cautioned, though, that foods containing refined sugars, such as candy, baked goods, soft drinks, and alcohol provide no nutritional value and should be limited.

Proteins may help muscle weakness of PPS

Proteins, Ms. Young explained, are the buiding blocks for tissues and cells and may help with the muscle weakness of PPS. She reccommended that 15-20% of the calories in a healthy diet should come from proteins found in meat, dairy products, nuts, and beans, but cautioned against consuming too much protein, which can sap calcium from the body. She added that amino acid supplements do not get absorbed well so are not a good substitute for real food.

Ms. Young explained that fats, especially polyunsaturated fats found in plant sources, are important to polio survivors because they help cushion organs and the spinal cord, provide energy, and help with the endocrine function. She said that fats should make up about 25% of our daily calorie intake per day (or 56 grams of fat in a 2000 calorie diet), but that saturated and partially hydrogenated fats should be avoided because they are harmful to the circulatory system.

Weight Management

Weight management, Ms. Young explained, starts with determining a goal weight based on height and frame size, and establishing an appropriate calorie range (gola weight X 11 for a person with little exercise who is trying to lose weight). She added, though, that it is important to be realistic about what really works for each individual's lifestyle for the long run. She said that planning and journaling food intake, eating frequently (5-6 times a day), balanced meals, exercise, and drinking fluids (8 glasses of non-caffeine beverages) are the key to weight management. Food choices should always be as close to natural as possible, and should be varied with lots of "color".

In closing, Ms. Young explained that the measurement of success from good nutrition is that, even if your weight does not change, your health will improve.
For more information about good nutrition, go to the American Diabetes Association at http://www.eatright.org/

Breakfast Video!
http://eatright.org/About/VIdeos.aspx

Credit: The Polio Network of New Jersey Newsletter
Winter 2010 Vol 19 No. 2 issue

Acknowledging North Central Florida Post-Polio Support Group!

2010-07-08T12:03:00.007-04:00

Capital Polio Association congratulates North Central Florida Post-Polio Support Group on 20 years of of supporting survivors in Florida. On May 16th, a commemorative event was held and attended by over 80 people to celebrate the acheivements of this group. Carolyn Raville, founder and president said, "...I have found through my twenty-six years of service in serving survivors of polio, that polios really don't care how much we know, until they know how much we care about them. " "That the most important thing is that we listen to them, and that is what we do."

Guest speakers at the event included, Dr. Clunn who presented a talk on "What is Psychiatry and how can it help the polio patient?". Dr. Prathima Reddy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, spoke about the physical problems of muscle weakness and joint problems in polio patients. Mike Shaddix, an archivist and librarian at Warm Springs in Georgia, concluded the presentation. He showed a computer presentation mapping the history of Warm Springs, which brought back nostalgia in the room of audience members who had visited Warm Springs in the past. He also stated that Warm Springs is working on a new dormitory for about 150 students of "The Roosevelt School" to learn about polio patient care.For the full publication go to, http://www.postpoliosupport.com/

Accolades to North Ceentral Florida Post-Polio Support Group for 20 amazing years of unending polio survivor support!

Information from Polio Post News
Vol. Jul/Aug 2010

Polio News

2009-10-08T14:28:00.005-04:00

What is post-polio syndrome?

By: Dr. Gott, The Dickinson Press

Dear Dr. Gott: About 20 years ago, I started experiencing leg aches and generalized fatigue. These symptoms almost imperceptibly but inexorably have gotten worse, to the point where my legs ache all the time. I have no endurance for walking, my knees are weak, and I have to hold onto something when going up or down stairs.

Over the years, I have sought medical help many times and have seen various specialists who have conducted tests and done blood work. They have no answers for me.

When I was 21, I had polio (I am now 60), and research on the Internet led me to the conclusion I have post-polio syndrome. However, the last neurologist I saw six months ago said she had never heard of such a thing, and no specialist has made a connection between the polio in my medical record and my current problems. Where should I go from here?

Dear Reader: To another neurologist. The National Center for Health Statistics indicates almost 450,000 polio survivors in the United States may be at risk for the condition. In fact, 25 percent to 50 percent of those previously diagnosed with polio will ultimately have some degree of post-polio syndrome (PPS) later in life.

PPS is a condition that affects polio survivors and presents 15 or more years following recovery from an attack of the polio virus. Research reveals it to be a slowly progressing condition marked by periods of stability, followed by a reduction in one’s ability to perform daily functions previously taken for granted.

Symptoms may include muscular and general fatigue, muscle atrophy, advancing muscle weakness, increased skeletal deformities (such as scoliosis) and pain from joint degeneration. The severity of disability following the original attack will commonly determine the severity of PPS. That is to say, mild symptoms the first time around will result in mild symptoms the second time. More severe symptoms the first time around will present similarly the second time.

The criteria for diagnosis of PPS include prior paralytic poliomyelitis with evidence of motor-neuron loss; residual weakness; nerve damage as documented by electromyography; partial or complete functional recovery after the acute virus, followed by a period of 15 or more years of stable neuromuscular function with or without gradual onset of new muscle weakness; muscle or joint pain; and muscle atrophy. Symptoms remain for at least one year, and other neuromuscular disorders with similar symptoms are ruled out.

Research has not been promising. Scientists have concentrated on a number of medications that have failed to provide positive results. Despite this, there are recommended management strategies. Exercise with caution, and only under the direction of a qualified therapist. Avoid activities that cause pain or fatigue lasting longer than 10 minutes. Get adequate sleep, eat healthful meals, discontinue cigarette smoking, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications for pain management. Participate in support groups or counseling.

Ask your local hospital or healthcare facility for the name of an appropriate specialist in your area. Affiliate with a physician experienced in treating neuromuscular disorders. Doctor shop until you find someone who can work with you.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Choosing a Physician.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Breathing and sleep issues in those that have Post Polio Syndrome (and other similar neuro conditions such as ALS, MS, and muscular dystrophy

We do think it important that those with Post Polio Syndrome and other similar neuromuscular conditions get the proper testing, diagnosis, and treatment for their breathing and sleep issues.

It has now been well documented by medical professionals that pulmonary function tests must be administered to a patient who is laying down as there is no gravity to assist diaphragm muscles. Testing sitting up does not give the proper readings for the physician to prescribe treatment.

In a sleep test, the carbon dioxide levels exhaled must be tested as well as oxygen inhaled. Many with PPS have gotten carbon dioxide poisoning after being prescribed a Cipap instead of a Bipap as they did not have strength over time to exhale enough carbon dioxide. When oxygen was prescribed, the carbon dioxide levels rapidly increased in the tissues.

In the California sleep tests administered to over 500 patients with a neuromuscular condition, it was found that over half needed a Bipap S/T or a VP which initiates a breath when the patient forgets to breath. This happens especially when the patient is overly fatigued.

Most all sleep test labs have been reported by members of Post Polio Syndrome support groups to not have equipment to test the carbon dioxide levels exhaled and also not the equipment to use to test and establish a back-up breathing function.

See below what is happening in California and a Symposium to create creditability on these issues that need adopted throughout the healthcare system.

The Symposium is hosted by the Salk Institute on November 1, 2009 and we sure hope this will make an impact on the medical community on the special needs of those with neuromuscular conditions.

October's Capital Polio Association Meeting Held Tuesday October 20th 2009. For more information email capitalpolio@gmail.com mark.ravenscraft@gmail.com

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

2009-09-03T14:13:00.008-04:00

Hello, My name is Gretta Determann. I have received the pleasure to work with Mark Ravenscraft in his office and having an internship with the Capital Polio Association as Community affairs Coordinator. I attend Florida State University School (Florida High) in Tallahassee as a senior. My further plans are attending Florida State University next year and pursing my degree in either Forensic Science or Law. I enjoy cheer leading, cooking, scrap booking, going to the beach and shopping. I'm the middle child and have two sisters.I'm looking forward to updating and maintaining the blog! To start out I would like to share with you some exerts from two new letters Second Time Around & FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - Vol. 16 #2.

The September 2009 issue of Second Time Around a publication of the Boca Area Post Polio Group gives the readers helpful tips about body temperature regulation in the article Too Hot And Too Cold: Causes and Solutions. The article describes how the body temperature works, heat production, management of temperature sensitivity and much more...."Causes of Cold Sensitivity: Normal genetic variant, Normal aging, Stress, Low body fat, Low basal metabolic rate, Reynaud's phenomenon, Poor circulation due to cardiovascular disease, Anemia, Iron deficiency, and Thiamine deficiency ".... Written by Carol Vandenakker, MD University of California & Davis Heath System, Davis, CA. Other fasinating article in Septembers issue are How to Lose Weight While Eating More Food, Cancer Update from John Hopkins, and more.

To view full the full newsletter go to

Boca Area Post Polio Group (BAPPG) : http://postpolio.wordpress.com/

FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - Vol. 16 #2
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009

Full news letter at http://home.iag.net/~bgold/sep-oct-2009.htm

One Psychologists Perspective on the Polio Experience:Emotional Intelligence - Insight or Awareness.By Margy Hull, Ph.D

...."There are several circumstances that many of us who came down with polio in the fifties and before had in common. One of those is that we had long stretches of time with little to do but think. For some of us that long stretch of time was during the initial stage of the illness; for others, it was later during orthopedic surgery as we grew older and various kinds of corrections were made. TV was still limited in geographical extent and in programming, and computers were nonexistent. So if you could’t go out and play and run around, there was little to do except read, listen to the radio, and fool around with friends. This circumstance might be expected to give us the opportunity to do a lot of thinking, except for the fact that there was also often a diametrically opposed circumstance, social pressure to “stuff it.” It was a time when children, at least, were to be seen and not heard, there was little emphasis on explaining things to people – no one had heard of informed consent – and there was also little emphasis on learning how people felt about what was happening to them. There was a conventional wisdom about what led to the greatest and quickest recovery and that involved not complaining, working very hard, and maintaining a positive, optimistic attitude. In short, there was a lot of time to think, but a definite bias toward “accentuating the positive, eliminating the negative, and not messing with Mister In-Between.” It was in this context that we each had to develop our own insight"....

Reprinted from Iowa Polio Survivors, Inc., Jan Feb March 2009 newsletter.

Gretta Determann

No Luau...sorry folks :(

2009-06-15T16:54:00.002-04:00

There won't be a June meeting unfortunatly, a combination of a traveling speaker and the traveling members makes for a pretty lonely meet up so we'll bide our time and meet with you all again in July for our BBQ meeting! We'll postpone the Luau theme till August, for that last little taste of summer!

Thanks again for understanding everyone :)

Flupper Uses Flippers to Flip You Up Higher!

2009-06-09T16:10:00.001-04:00

Flupper:Vertical Assisted Movement System

The vertical assisted movement system, Flupper, is a human-powered system for moving vertically between floors that does not require external power input. It requires the user to exert less than a fifth of the effort that would be needed to walk up stairs. Read more

Or watch it in action after clicking the link, hover over "to move vertically" to view the video

Great May Meeting! Welcome to June :)

2009-06-01T11:18:00.002-04:00

A great big thank you to everyone who joined us for our May meeting!! The fiesta was super fun and the food provided by Los Amigos was excellent. I'm still thinking about those enchiladas--YUM! We also had a special guest, Matt Ostler a classical guitarist who played Spanish and Brazillain songs for us during dinner.

For June's Meeting on the 16th we're having a LUAU!
I hope you can join us!!

Check Us Out on Squidoo!

2009-05-26T15:39:00.004-04:00

I know, you're thinking "What the heck is a squidoo?" well its like a blog with different capabilities. We decided to create a squidoo page to make it easier for us to recomend books, movies and other polio related products to our members. The proceeds from any sales we may make go to charity. When you visit the page it will list all the charities that get a slice of our tiny pie

Don't wait! Check us out today! http://www.squidoo.com/capitalpolio

The Final Inch: Eradication of Polio

2009-05-25T16:16:00.004-04:00

Google.org in collaboration with and Vermilion Films released a documentary film “The Final Inch”, a 38-minute film about the historic global effort to eradicate polio, filmed primarily in India and Afghanistan, documenting the front lines of public health in some forgotten corners of our world.

View the trailor here:

Hope to See You Tomorrow!!

2009-05-25T14:26:00.002-04:00

It seems like so long since we've posted...well it really has been. More than a month right? Luckily the May meeting is tomorrow!! I hope everyone is ready for the great mexican food we'll be having :) The meal will be catered in as the hopital staff will be enjoying an extended holiday. Oh that reminds me, I'm posting this on monday so

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

The meal will be provided by Los Amigos and as a special treat we'll be having a spanish guitarist friend of mine performing as a change of pace from a speaker. Great ready for a great time!!

Great April Meeting

2009-04-22T13:24:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who showed up last night. We had a great time, a great speaker and a wonderful menu (I'm still dreaming about the veggie lasagna...YUM!). If we missed you, there are a few things to catch up on:

Enjoy the City Fundraiser
September Picnic with other Polio Groups
Speaker for May's meeting

Tentatively scheduled for May is an anesthesiologist and a Cinco de Mayo party. Of course Cinco de Mayo will be long over by our meeting on the 19th, but we can still celebrate!

Enjoy the City Fundraiser

2009-04-22T13:06:00.002-04:00

Here's a little more information on our fundraiser for those of you with questions.

Enjoy the City FAQ

How long will this fundraiser be going on?
The turn in date will be July 21st at our July meeting. We would like to use the proceeds from this fundraiser to help defray costs of our big picnic in September.

I only got one book at the meeting, what if I want more?
If you would like additional books you have 2 options.

Option 1: Get books on consignment. You can fill out the Book Consignment Form (available here or by email) and email or fax it back to us. We can deliver the number of books you requested to your home/office or you can pick them up at our headquarters on Delta way.

Option 2: Sell by order form. You can choose to sell books by showing the book you received to others and taking their contact information on the order form. You will turn in your order form at the July meeting and can pick up your books Friday the 24th.

What if I get more books consigned to me than I can sell?
No problem, just bring the books back to our July meeting and we will return them.

If you have any questions, just call us at 580-2227 or email Derrinita (derrinita.walker@gmail.com)

Good Luck and Sell Lots!!

Sweet Smell of Spring

2009-04-20T10:24:00.003-04:00

Hello again everyone! The winter thaw is slowly melting away and the gloom of gray skies will be a thing of the past as Spring starts to blossom. I hope everyone stayed safe and dry during the heavy rains we had recently. Its just a little reminder that Hurricane season is right around the corner and we should all be prepared.

But preparedness won't be the subject of this month's meeting. As it's Spring, we want to put a spring in your step and we've got just the speaker to do it! Jeff Fredrick, a world traveler and world class orthotist, will be speaking to us about his personal work with polio and post-polio syndrome and the latest bracing technology for people with post-polio syndrome.

This Evening's Schedule:

Meet & Greet 6:00
Dinner 6:30
Program 7:00
Adjourn 8:00

Suggested dinner donation is $7.00

For more info please call us at :850-580-2227 or 850-766-3555

Warm Springs Update!!

2009-03-24T11:25:00.002-04:00

They had a huge rush of people at the last moment and closed registration early. We may be able to fill the 4 spots we have left so if you have not registered on your own or contacted Mark, please email him right away.

All the Blarney You Could Kiss!

2009-03-24T11:22:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who made it out for our March meeting! The decorations were great and we hope you enjoyed our special program on Acupuncture. Hope to see you again next month! We'll be having a special spring program. Please vote on the activity you would like to have at the next meeting. The poll is located on the right side of the screen.

We're trying something new so let us know if you love, love, love it or hate it :)

Chicken for Charity

2009-02-24T19:35:00.005-05:00

The
Tallahassee Chain Reaction Leadership Council (CRLC) presents …

Fundraiser
Night

Stop by and mention the March of Dimes and 15 % of the sales will go
towards the March of Dimes Chain Reaction Leadership Council (youth).

SAVE THE DATE!!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Chick-fil-A on Capital Circle

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

If you cannot make it, you can still support us by visiting
www.marchforbabies.org/bigbendcrlc

March of Dimes Office

(850) 422 - 3152

<3 We Can Really Feel The Love <3

2009-02-24T18:51:00.004-05:00

For those of you down with the flu, you really missed a real treat on the 16th. We were hosting Ms. Terri Bowland, yes, that Terri. She gave us a littls taste of what Mickee Faust was all about and what her younger years were like growing up with a disability. Pair it with the delicious strawberry cheese cake being served and it was a little slice of heaven.

We hope to see you all looking lovely in your green for our St. Patricks Day meeting on the 17th! We'll have a really special menu and will let out in time for you to continue with your pre-planned festivities!

Irish Blessing: May you always have walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire!

Happy New Year!!

2009-02-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and would like to thank you for spending such a chilly January evening with us. It was a great meeting and the pictures will be posted soon!

2008-10-20T14:20:00.003-04:00

Last Call!

Capital Polio Association Meeting: Tuesday - 21 October 2008 - Select Specialty Hospital, 1554 Surgeons Drive (off Miccosukee Rd.) at 6pm ...Meet & Greet wine/cheese @6pm...dinner @ 6:30, ($7 donation) - program at 7p...out the door and on the way home by 8:15pm for sure! For more information phone 766-3555 or 580-2227.

Great featured speaker, guest and friend - the Honorable Commissioner Cliff Thaell, polio survivor and former March of Dimes poster child. We won't say what year, (he'll tell you), but Cliff has some great behind the scenes stories to tell about his experience. You won't want to miss this great chance to relive one of the vital aspects of the March of Dimes fight against polio.

Cliff will also provide some insight into healthcare issues locally and nationally healthcare reform. Come for Good food - Good Friends - Good Program - Good Fellowship. Call 766-3555 if you have any questions or need directions. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Ability 1st Fundraiser

2008-07-17T10:41:00.001-04:00

Tickets Available NOW!
1st Evening of Comedy
Featuring acclaimed actress Geri Jewell
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The University Center Club at Florida State University
Ability1st will host its third annual 1st Evening of Comedy on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the University Center Club at Florida State University. This signature event provides a unique and hilarious perspective from comics living with disabilities, offering the audience a diverse brand of comedy.
Tickets: $75 per person*
Includes: Dinner, Silent Auction and Performance by headliner Geri Jewell

To purchase tickets, visit www.ability1st.info or call the Ability1st office at 850-575-9621.
*This event is the primary fundraiser for Ability1st, the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, and all proceeds will support our programs and services for persons with disabilities.

2008-07-14T11:58:00.002-04:00

The Tallahassee Democrat published an article about Capital Polio Association today. Click here to read it online.
We are excited about the exposure the group is getting. We have already received several phone calls this morning from people who had polio. We look forward to seeing new faces at the meeting tomorrow night.

Be Sure to Check the Democrat on the 14th

2008-07-10T12:20:00.003-04:00

A writer from the Tallahassee Democrat is currently working on a story about Capital Polio Association. She has already interviewed several members from the organization, and she hopes to have it published Monday, July 14th, the day before our next meeting. Be sure to keep a look out for the article.

Here are some pictures of Mark Ravenscraft posing with an Iron Lung at Tallahassee Community College. These pictures were taken for the upcoming article.

Another Successful Meeting

2008-06-19T12:47:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to who all who made it out to Capital Polio's second meeting on June 17th. Thanks also to Patti Byars for sharing her family's story with polio with us.

The group discussed some possible fundraising avenues, including selling Crickle. Crickle is a peanut brittle that was created by Nancy Carlan, whose daughter had polio and spent time at Warm Springs.
We also had a visitor from the March of Dimes. Marge McInnes discussed ways Capital Polio can apply for funds. March of Dimes distributes funds as Chapter Awards, which we will soon be eligible to apply for. We thank her for sharing that valuable information with us.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 15 as the date of the next meeting. Dr. Brummel-Smith will be our speaker for the evening. If you would like a copy of the minutes from this meeting, e-mail Gamble Gluesenkamp at capitalpolio@gmail.com.
Check out more pictures from this meeting under the Capital Polio Pictures link on the right side of the page.

YouTube Debuts Nonprofit Program

2008-06-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

"YouTube’s 2007/2008 Clinton Global Initiative commitment enables nonprofit organizations (in the U.S. those with 501c3 tax filing status) that register for the program to receive a free nonprofit specific YouTube channel where they can upload footage of their work, public service announcements, calls to action and more. The channel will also allow them to collect donations with no processing costs using the newly launched Google Checkout for Non-Profits. YouTube’s global platform enables nonprofits to deliver their message, showcase their impact and needs, and encourage supporters to take action. "
Click here for the full article.

A Reminder

2008-06-12T13:32:00.004-04:00

Capital Polio Association will be meeting again on Tuesday, June 17th from 6-8 PM at Select Specialty Hospital. To reach Select Specialty Hospital:

From Magnolia Drive and Miccosukee Road (TMH Hospital): Travel East on Miccosukee Rd. 0.5 mile and turn left on Surgeons Dr. Turn right at the end of Surgeons Dr. into the hospital.
From I-10 Eastbound: Take exit # 203 and travel through the first light then turn right onto Capital Circle NE. Travel 2.6 miles to Miccosukee Rd. Turn right. Travel west on Miccosukee Rd. 1.6 miles and turn right on Surgeons Dr. Turn right at the end of Surgeons Dr. into the hospital.
From I-10 Westbound: Take exit #203 and go through light. Turn right at Capital Circle NE. Travel 2.6 miles to Miccosukee Rd. Turn right. Travel West on Miccosukee Rd. 1.6 miles and turn right on Surgeons Dr. Turn right at the end of Surgeons Dr. into the hospital.
Click here for a map.

Capital Polio Will Meet Again on June 17th

2008-06-09T15:00:00.004-04:00

The speaker for Capital Polio’s next meeting will be the well known Tallahassee author, Patti Wilson Byars. She is a retired educator and active Rotarian who will share a personal connection to the polio experience. Her book, Separate Fountains, deals with segregation in the South during the 40's and 50's. One of the characters in the book is based on her younger brother and his experiences with polio living in an iron lung. The book has received rave reviews for its' insight into a significant period in America's journey through racial conciliation. Click here to learn more about her book.

Patti Wilson Byars is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she was a member of the Dixie Redcoat Band. She has a master's degree in education from the State University of West Georgia. She is a native of Jonesboro, Georgia. She was a teacher with the Fulton County Georgia schools, Georgia Southern University, Florida Atlantic University, The Pennsylvania State University, and Tallahassee Community College. She is currently an adjunct instructor in the College of Education, Florida State University. She is a Presbyterian, a Rotarian, and a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the American Association of University of Women and the Zonta Club. She has two children, Todd and Jennifer Paige Byars.

The theme for the evening is, "Picnic Along Canopy Roads." A $5 box lunch of freshly prepared wraps, chips, veggies, cookies and beverage will be served. We will be meeting from 6-8 pm in the cafeteria of Select Specialty Hospital.

Capital Polio Association is off to a great start!

2008-05-21T11:45:00.009-04:00

Thanks to everyone who made it out to the first organizational meeting on the 13th. It was great meeting everyone and hearing everyone’s story about polio. Select Specialty Hospital was gracious enough to host us and serve a dinner of Cornish hen, veggies, and dessert. After dinner, we got down to business. It was a successful organizational meeting. After discussing and reviewing the proposed bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, we elected temporary officers. Mark Ravenscraft is the temporary President, Tom Nicholson was elected Vice President, and Bill Jones now holds the position of Secretary/Treasurer.

After the elections we listened to a terrific speaker--Dr. Don Rapp. He spoke about the importance of maintaining balance and agility. He also delighted us with his juggling skills. Dr. Rapp shared his recently published book, On Balance: Mastery of Physical Balance for Life, with us. To learn more about Dr. Rapp, visit his website at donrapp.com.

We encourage you to spread the word about this group. The newly organized Capital Polio Association welcomes and invites anyone who had polio, or is a relative, friend or co-worker of a polio and/or is interested in helping to support more public education and awareness about the effects of post-polio syndrome.

For those of you who were not able to attend, we hope you can make it out to the next meeting in June (date to be announced).