NEWSLETTER  FEBRUARY 1997
 
Our guest speaker for the February meeting will be
Dr. David Durante. He is a pulmonary specialist and
a member of the American Lung Association of Western
New York. This program has been arranged in response
to expressions of concern by several of our members
and recognigtion of medical researchers that lung
function is a significant component of post polio
complications,
 
As we all know, the muscles involved in breathing,
primarily the diaphragm and intercostal (ribcage)
muscles were often damaged in varying degrees by
polio. Muscle weakness associated with Post Polio
Syndrome will often include incresed weakness of 
breathing muscles. Occasionally, this can be severe
enough to cause symptoms of dyspnea on exertion or
even at rest, problems clearing respiratory secre-
tions increasing the risk of pneumonia, and eleva-
tion of resting arterial CO2 level. Neuromuscular
weakness is also associated with reduced lung 
volumes.
 
Sleep disturbances involving poor sleep quality
and frequent awakenings are experienced by those
with post polio syndrome. These can be related to
breathing difficulties, and nocturnal hypoxemia and
hypercarbis can lead to worsening daytime function
of the breathing function. Dr. Durante will discuss
how medical science can alleviate these complica-
tions. There will be an opportunity to ask your
questions to the speaker.
 
This exciting program will be at 7:15pm, WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 19 at St.Stephen's-Bethlehem United Church  
of Christ, on Wehrle near Union. Dr.Durante will
speak at 7:30. There is no charge and we would be
delighted to see you there.
 
We are pleased to report that the March 19 meeting
will be a logical sequel to Dr.Durante's program.
Dr. Gabriella Szatmary, a resident at the Medical
School at SUNY Buffalo, will discuss a study she is
doing to determine whether weak respiratory muscles    
of post polio patients can be rehabilitated through
therapy.
 
At last month's meeting our guest speaker, Jerry
Brownrout, discussed magnetic therapy. This method
has become quite popular as a healing method in
Japan and is being increasingly introduced in this
country. The program was enhanced by the speaker's
having brought with him a wide array of magnetic
products and hands-on demonstrations.
 
Those who wish to pay dues for the current year--
$10--you may send them to our treasurer, Henry
Maciejewski, 540 Doat Street, Buffalo, New York,
14211.