POLIO SURVIVORS' SUPPORT GROUP OF WNY--MAY 1996 NEWSLETTER
One of the most common questions we get from our readers is
whether there are exercise programs available for people with
disabilities--exercises designed especially for us (Polio
Survivors) that we can do every day to loosten up and not get
stiff, keep the blood circulating, and help the ticker function
better. Health clubs are expensive and often inconvenient to
get to--heated pools the same.
The main question is, What kind of gentle exercise can you do
without hurting yourself? ONLY YOUR DOCTOR can answer that.
Whaever you do, go slo-o-o-w. You're not participating in one
of those aerobic fitness events where they bop, boop, hop and
jump all over the place. You are special and have special needs.
No pain, no gain doesn't fly for us. Some of the least taxing
exercises can work well and make one feel better physically
and psychologically.
At our May 15 meeting we will discuss the visit and talk from
Dr. Maynard and if there is time, we can see a video tape
called Reach for Fitness, a program developed in conjunction
with leading physicians and health consultants and designed
for persons with disabilities. The jacket says that the
exercises were designed for people with Multiple Sclerosis,
Spina Bifida, Muscular Distrophy, Asthma, Diabetes, and other
conditions, but does not mention Post-Polio conditions. 
Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to consider.
But-discuss it with your doctor before trying it...
Meet with us Wednesday May 15 at 7:15 pm at St.Stephen's
Bethlehem United Church of Christ on Wehrle, near Union.

C. Donald O'Connor
aa364@freenet.Buffalo.edu