WAIKATO POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP

23rd August 2003


 The main speaker for this meeting was Nicole Bostin, a physio therapist from Waikato Hospital.
She spoke about polio and the need to exercise, if appropriate. Her information was helpful and she gave us hand-out sheets of exercise points. One of the main things I found enlightening was that as our polio muscles become weaker, more strain is put on joints that are already also getting weaker, therefore more bracing of limbs may be necessary. That could explain why a feel like a hardware shop walking around, with two braces, 2 sticks and sometimes a wrist support, almost all limbs covered.
Sports Waikato have information about "sit and be fit" exercise programme.

 

There followed a lot of discussion about a variety of things:

  • turning over in bed with someone suggesting satin sheets or bedclothes. A bed lever worked for someone.
  • Nectar balm was suggested as a remedy for painful joints.
  • Edith talked about her 2 weeks in QE Rotorua where she was the only polio for the second week.
  • It was commented that unfortunately no representative from the Waikato Branch would be going to the AGM in Wellington.
  • Because the Waikato is such a widespread area, people travel upto two hours from small towns, so the idea of car pooling was discussed.
  • The merits of using a kettle tipper and a book holder/stand were talked about and then a friendly afternoon tea was enjoyed by all.

 


Contact numbers:

  • Laura Ladkin 07-855-7395
  • Edith Morris 07-853-8285
  • Jean Coe 07-829-9022

Take a look at our meetings in March 2001 , August 2002 , November 2002 , and March 2003

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