Polio Place

A service of Post-Polio Health International

Review: Late Effects of Polio & Your Health

Presented at Promoting Healthy Ideas: PHI's 11th International Conference by Frederick M. Maynard, MD, this talk explores concepts of holistic health and categories of changes resulting from aging with paralytic polio sequelae that affect health and function.

One change is loss of muscle strength resulting from motor nerve losses that defines post-polio syndrome, a late complication of polio. Other common complications result from years of living with initial polio sequelae (weakness and deformities). Most relate to accelerated age-related "wearing out" of joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons, resulting in musculoskeletal pain problems. Also, many common medical conditions known as "co-morbidities of aging” may develop at increased frequency. These include heart disease, diabetes and obesity and commonly produce fatigue and weakness. Other changes occur in the psychosocial and environmental dimensions of health.

Five key strategies for achieving lifetime wellness as a polio survivor will be discussed at length: 1) optimize activity and exercise; 2) optimize nutrition, sleep and reduce stress; 3) prevent complications and/or recognize and treat early; 4) educate yourself, family and friends; 5) empower yourself by taking control and involving others.

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