Authored by BlueAngel on
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
The following was sent by a friend in the ever present Internet. I thought it worthwhile to pass along another country's perspective about the American People that is not decrying us for being decadent as a nation and as a people. Thought you might be interested.
Ethel Taylor AKA BlueAngel
-----Funny how a former eastern block country can see the USA and what makes us all tick, and western Europe has real difficulties with
it.---- We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial
about the USA.
Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written
by Mr.Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title C"ntareaAmericii
(meaning "Ode To America") on September 24, 2002 in the Romanian
newspaper Evenimentulzilei ("The Daily Event" or "News of the Day").
~An Ode to America~
Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing, mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag.They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place andon every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song: "GodBless America!" I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people. How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions! and millions! of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy.
What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way?Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion............Only freedom can work such miracles.
This deserves to be passed around the Internet forever.]
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Monday, August 23, 2004
This is the July - September 2004 issue of our newsletter. This is my first attempt at posting it on the blog. Hope that you enjoy reading the six paged newsletter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Vol 4 Issue 1 “Education, Fellowship, Resources & Support" July - Sept 2004
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
DISCLAIMER
The San Antonio Polio Survivors Association Newsletter, THE PHOENIX, is intended to share, with our readers, information of interest them, including medical opinion of others. It is not intended to offer specific advice or as a substitute for professional health care. Opinions, products or services mentioned, herein, are not necessarily endorsed by the San Antonio Polio Survivors Association or the Warm Springs Resourcenter for People with Disabilities or Warm Springs rehabilitation Foundation ,Inc.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
June 2004 marked the beginning the fifth year of the reformation & reorganization of the Post-Polio Support group at Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. Resourcenter for People with Disabilities. We have been very fortunate to have Warm Springs as a sponsor for our group.
From the very first, we determined that we wanted to be known as survivors of a very life long debilitating process. Most all of us were infected with the polio virus in our infancy, early childhood and school years. Some of us were infected in early teen and adult years. Since we were brought up in the “great depression’ & WW II, We were taught to maintain our status prior to infection — not to succumb to being a “cripple” which was percieved as not trying . As long as we were able to “walk” we were not stigmatised . Ergo, we developed the so-called “Type A “ personality which is another word for “over achievers”. Thus, the naming of the group evolved from San Antonio Post-Polio Support Group to San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association (aka SAPSA).
We have had many informative speakers over the years. Some have been very dynamic others have not. We have had several “dinning out” events which were enjoiyed by those whose who came. The coming year of speakers beginning in September (after a summer of fun & frolic) will include Oscar Garcia of the SSA/Medicare office and will be speaking on the topic of “Medicare Changes and the Discount Medication Cards”;VIA Trans , speakers from the Pharmacology Association, and any speakers that the members might want to invite and schedule.
The Newsletter was started during the first month of our reformation and has had various time sequences of publication from twice a month, monthly, every other month, one time lapsed for 7 months , and now we are on a quarterly schedule. We need some help with the subject matter you want to read about, getting the newsletter printed at the Resourcenter, assembling, addressing and mailing it out to the membership. You can help by donating money,your time orother types of donations like printing lables, dot stickers to seal the newsletters with,etc
There have been mainly three of the membership that has helped with these things. The Resourcenter has made their printers available to us . We need to schedule a time when it is convenient to them as well as to those who will do the actual work. All suggestions are welcomed!!!! We have had a few donations from new members that have made it affordable for us to take advantage of purchasing Copy Paper at 2 boxes @ $40.00 on sale @ Office Max.
We want to take this opportunity to thank those who have donated there time, efforts & money to making the group as much of a success that it is today. Especially Ruth & Tom Moon, Mike Beard, Verna & Nobel Wallace, the staff at the Resourcenter — particularly Christiana Rodgers, and the dietary department for providing some of the refreshments for our meetings until we could take over that activity ourselves. We also want to thank the members who have attended the meetings with regularity when they could and providing their input that has helped to improve the Association particurlarly Sandy Anderson.To the corporate office of Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., we appreciate the meeting space provided for our group since the reformation of the San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association.
In addition to all of the things mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, we have learned of our own abilities, capabilities and limitations with this return of the lasting effects of Polio now called Post-Polio Syndrome or Late Effects of Polio. We have learned how to maintain our dignity and our independence while trying to educate others about the disease and its chronic nature.
There are different research programs progressing with the aim of finding how PPS can be treated. Post-Polio Health International (PHI) and the National Institution of Neurological Diseases (NINDS) are but two that are funding and doing research. If you should happen to be contacted by any legitimate group researching PPS, I hope that you would consider participating inn that research (if your health status permits). Much of the time, the research is accomplished by obtaining information by Q & A surveys either by mail or the ubiquitous Internet. These research programs can be a way that we can help others with PPS plus other types of neuromuscular diseases—such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the list goes on and on..
These are but a few thoughts on the anniversay of our reorganization of the San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association. Hope that the coming years are just as productive.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The following information is copied from the Central Virginia Polio Support Group’s Newsletter with their permission. I find that they are very pertinent in answering some of our questions and other.
Central Virginia Polio Support Group Newsletter
POLIO DEJA VIEW
June – July 2004
Personal View Point: Housing Options
by Carol Ranelli
At some point, all we PPSers have to consider what are the best housing options for us as we age and develop increasing mobility problems. We may reach retirement and decide to move to a warmer climate or closer to children and grandchildren. We may find we have money to invest and the best venture now is real estate. All of these are great reasons to seek out one level living or whatever the housing options are in the area where you decide to live. Unfortunately, none of these reasons applied to me.
I spent the first few months of this year “soul-searching” where I wanted to live for the next several years. Having lived in the same house since I moved to Richmond 27 years ago, this was home to me. I’ve had the same next door neighbors and the majority of my friends lived in this neighborhood. I was comfortable in this area of Richmond, which has grown increasingly convenient over the years. Everything I need is at my fingertips. But there was one problem… I was a single woman who had an acre of property and a two-story house, along with increased fatigue and muscle weakness. What was I going to do?? How could I manage this??
OK… I was going to approach this as realistically and methodically as possible. Many others in my PPS support group had dealt with this problem. They had found new housing that suited their needs; given up two-story houses or townhouses for one level homes, patio or cluster homes, condos or smaller homes with minimal yard. If they could do this, so could I. But there was one problem, this turned out to be a very emotional issue for me.
I turned to my most “logical” and practical friends. I talked with friends in the support group who had gone through this housing dilemma. Help me brainstorm this issue. Help me figure out the pros and cons. Walk with me through the options. I need someone who can distance themselves from the emotional parts.
The first thing I decided was that I didn’t want to leave this area of the city. I was not giving up my social base. I was comfortable here. I had friends I could call on for help if needed. To me, this was of utmost importance since I don’t have family in town. Next, I talked with realtors, visited new construction sites of empty-nester communities, saw what was available for resale and considered my finances. I had to consider the physical, emotional, financial and stressful aspects of an actual move!
After looking outside my property for options, I then looked at what I had. Because I always had some limited mobility… used crutches outside the house and wore a brace, I had bought a house that had only one step from the garage into the house. I had to be able to get groceries in the house! Several years ago, my father had built me a sectional portable ramp which could be set up in the garage to get a wheelchair in and out easily. OK, this getting in and out of the house was a piece of cake. I had already put raised toilet seats in the powder room and master bath, plus there was room to increase door width in both rooms if necessary. I already had the bathing situation taken care of… transferable bath benches that I had used for a number of years. I had accumulated more medical equipment over the years than Westbury Pharmacy!
Now, for the yard. I had been fortunate that over the past several years, I had found wonderful people to cut my grass, do my leaves, mulch, plus any other heavy yard chores that came up and they were reasonably priced and dependable. I compared that annual cost to the costs of “maintenance fees” in maintenance-free communities and I came out ahead! I also had two beloved dogs that loved their wooded, fenced-in yard. I wasn’t ready to send them into retirement too!
Now, for the stairs. This seemed to be the biggest drawback to staying in this house. Several years ago, I had started my research on stair lifts, so I started looking into it again. There are several places in town that carry and install different brands. I had three companies come to the house to give prices and discuss options. They were all within a few hundred dollars of each other in price. I went to each showroom to “test drive” their stair lifts and see what they looked like in person. I eventually went with Virginia Elevator Co. who took a special interest in the polio community and I felt went beyond the normal sales situation. It is now installed and I love riding up and down the stairs instead of wasting that precious energy or dealing with the possibility of a fall.
I have heard many members of our group talk about moving or making changes in their present homes. It’s something that most of us, able-bodied or not, will have to face eventually and it isn’t an easy decision So many factors come into play that make it a very individual decision for each person or couple.
What this mental (and emotional) exercise answered was essentially: Where will I be happiest? I am happiest in a home I have taken great pride in, which has “Carol” written all over it (I am a designer for goodness sake!), in a neighborhood where I feel safe and comfortable, where my friends live and where I can make the house work for me. I feel most of the major problems have been solved. Is it ideal? Probably not. But for the time being, it works for me and contentment is a wonderful feeling.
************************************************************************
From Henry’s Desk by Henry Holland
The Grief of Post-Polio Syndrome
I went to another funeral this month. Another long time member of our Post-Polio Support Group died. His name was Mel Bleiweiss. Like many of us Mel was courageous, persevering, gentle, generous and a man of integrity. Each month I read a lot of Post-Polio Support Group newsletters from around the country. The mention of the deaths of polio survivors is becoming more frequent. The vast majority of our number originated from thousands of people who had polio in the twenty-year span from 1935 to 1955. Thus, most of us are over fifty years old and many of us are over sixty years old. Most polio surveys indicate that the average age of polio survivors with Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is around sixty-two to sixty-four years. Thus, we are entering an age group where death becomes an increasingly higher risk.
I looked at the obituaries in today's Richmond Times Dispatch (May 9, 2004) and found twenty-five deaths in which the age of death was mentioned. Of the fourteen women who died, ten were over the age of eighty. Of the eleve n men listed, six were over the age of seventy. These numbers are somewhat indicative of national averages. The average death age for women in the USA is approaching 80 (around 78). The average death age for men is around 74 to 75. Are polio survivors at a greater risk to succumb before reaching an average life span? The answer to that question is not clear, but gives one reason to think.
So much of what happens as the result of PPS may increase the risk of some life threatening event. Because of increased stress on the total body system, reduced activity, weight gain, systolic and/or diastolic hypertension, accidents/falls, infections, emotional factors and aging before our time, PPSers very well may be at a higher risk to die at an earlier age than our relatively able bodied peers. I wrote an article on “Is PPS Fatal” two years ago and came to the conclusion that PPS is not likely to be fatal. The reader can read that article on our web page at http://www.cvppsg.org/index2.html. Look at the link for “From Henry's Desk” and the article is listed.
I recently went to a medical conference on stroke. The five risk factors given for increasing one's likelihood of having a stroke or a cardiovascular event were cited as:
1. Elevated glucose (blood sugar) even at moderate levels
2. Elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure. The optimal blood pressure is 130/80 or below
3. Elevated cholesterol or blood lipids. The statin drugs are effective lowering cholesterol especially the bad cholesterol LDH
4. A history of tobacco or illegal drug use
5. Lack of exercise.
With all of these medical warnings I believe that we still have to deal with the grief of PPS, which alone can be a burden. Grief is often caused by the loss of a loved one or the loss of a significant part of one's identity. The vast majority of polio survivors had an identity apart from polio. This identity may have been associated with marriage, parenting, occupation or career, community involvement or by religion. With PPS, all of the previously mentioned components of our identities may have been affected and lost in part. We are confronted with “Why is this happening to me now?” We are having to make life style changes that we did not expect and the necessities of these changes does not seem fair after so many successful adjustments earlier in life.
As a result of PPS our independence may be lost or at least threatened. Many of us have to depend more on our spouse, family members and friends. Some of us have to pay for necessary help. Some of us are no longer able to work and have to live on fixed incomes with rising medical costs. Some of us are not able to drive a motor vehicle as safely as in the past. Some of us have been forced prematurely to bring a successful career to a close. Some of us can no longer safely lift our grandchildren. Physical barriers can often be overcome or marginalized. Every older person eventually faces a reduction of activity and energy, but PPSers often face these reductions long before becoming truly elderly.
All of these realities for many polio survivors produce a feeling of grief which may never be fully resolved. I think many of us have worked through this grief. Hopefully we will not withdraw or isolate ourselves from family members, friends and other polio survivors. Expressing and talking about what we feel is usually helpful and therapeutic. Often the inner resources of one's faith can certainly be both helpful and inspiring in facing the grief of PPS. I have also found that some of the poetry that I read and studied in my youth can be uplifting and even more meaningful as I grow older. One example is the poetry of English poet William Blake (1757 -1827). The excerpt below, written in 1808, reminds us “not to cease from mental fight.” Most PPSers can understand this approach to the grief of PPS.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded her
Among these dark Satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire.
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
The following article is published with permission from Post-Polio Health International for education of our members regarding the necessary knowledge about Pulmonary health and the role which it plays with the sometime necessity of using Pulmonary Assist Machines in maintaining our independence.
Post-Polio Health
Spring 2004, Vol. 20, No. 2, continued
(ISSN 1066-5331)
©Copyright 2004 Post-Polio Health International (PHI).
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the publisher.
Published quarterly in February, May, August, November. Edited by Joan L. Headley
Post-Polio Breathing and Sleep Problems Revisited
Judith R. Fischer, MSLS, Editor, Ventilator-Assisted Living, and Joan L. Headley, MS, Editor, Post-Polio Health
“Post-Polio Breathing and Sleep Problems” was published in the fall of 1995 (Polio Network News, Vol. 11, No. 4). As a result of the continual flow of phone calls and emails from polio survivors and family members about this life and death topic, Judith Fischer, editor of Ventilator-Assisted Living (our other quarterly newsletter), and I decided to revisit and revise the original article. Our goal is to educate and to clarify misinformation about breathing problems of polio survivors.
—Joan L. Headley, Editor, Post-Polio Health (ventinfo@post-polio.org)
New breathing and sleep problems in aging polio survivors can be insidious and often go unrecognized by either polio survivors, their family members or their health care providers. Polio survivors may have weakened breathing muscles as a result of the initial damage by the poliovirus; the lungs themselves were not affected. Those who were in an iron lung during the acute phase should be aware of the potential for developing problems later in life and educate themselves in order to recognize important signs and symptoms which may indicate underventilation which may lead to respiratory failure. Even those who did not need ventilatory assistance during the acute phase may also be at risk for underventilation and should be aware of problems with breathing and sleep.
Underventilation (hypoventilation is the medical term) means that not enough air reaches the lungs to fully inflate them. The result may be too little oxygen and too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Underventilation can be caused by one or more of the following: weakness of the inspiratory muscles (mainly the diaphragm and rib muscles) for breathing in, weakness of the expiratory muscles (the abdomen) for breathing out and producing an effective cough to clear secretions, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and sleep apnea.
Other factors contributing to a polio survivor’s breathing problems are a history of smoking, obesity, undernutrition, and other lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
Vital capacity (VC) is the volume of air that can be expelled after taking a big breath and is a measure of how well the lungs inflate. VC normally decreases with age, but this decrease in VC is more serious in an aging polio survivor with weakened breathing muscles. Many polio survivors had impairment of their inspiratory muscles, and the normal changes due to aging may cause them to lose VC at a greater rate. Polio survivors may not experience symptoms of underventilation until their VC falls to 50% or less of predicted (normal).
Signs and symptoms of underventilation during sleep include:
1.inability to breathe when lying flat — the need to sleep sitting up (orthopnea)
2.inability to fall asleep and/or to stay asleep (insomnia)
3.anxiety about going to sleep
4.restless fragmented sleep with frequent awakenings
5.shallow breathing or pauses in breathing
6.awakening from sleep with choking sensation
7.nightmares, night sweats, bedwetting or need to urinate frequently
8.excessive daytime sleepiness
9.morning headaches
10.worsening mental status and impaired memory, concentration and cognition
Other symptoms may include:
•shortness of breath on exertion
•fatigue or exhaustion from normal activities
•claustrophobia and/or feeling that the air in the room is somehow bad
•general anxiety
•difficulty in speaking for more than a short time
•low voice/volume speech with fewer words per breath
•use of accessory muscles, such as neck muscles, to breathe
•weak cough with increased respiratory infections and pneumonias.
Polio survivors experiencing one or more of the above signs and symptoms should seek a respiratory evaluation (simple and noninvasive pulmonary function tests) by a pulmonologist, preferably one experienced in neuromuscular disorders. Physicians are listed in the Resource Directory for Ventilator-Assisted Living (www.post-polio.org/ivun/d.html).
Pulmonary function tests should include the following measurements. The values that indicate a warning sign for respiratory problems are in parentheses.
•VC — upright (<50%)
•VC — supine (a drop of >25% from upright to lying down)
•MIP — maximum inspiratory pressure (<60 cm H2O)
•MEP — maximum expiratory pressure (<60 cm H2O)
•peak expiratory cough flow (<300 L/min)
•end-tidal CO2 (>45 mm Hg)
•overnight oximetry may be prescribed to detect episodes of oxygen desaturation (<88% during sleep).
Management of breathing and sleep problems can be achieved largely through the use of nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, commonly in the form of small, lightweight bilevel positive pressure units. The units have a long tube/circuit that attaches to a mask (nasal, facial or oral), nasal pillows or mouthpiece worn during sleep. Polio survivors may find themselves gradually extending periods of ventilator use, perhaps during a daytime nap. Some polio survivors may need to use a volume ventilator to guarantee delivery of a larger volume of air than a bilevel unit can provide. Noninvasive ventilation may eventually fail, and invasive tracheostomy positive pressure may be necessary.
Treating underventilation with oxygen therapy instead of assisted ventilation can lead to respiratory failure and death because supplemental oxygen can blunt the function of the brain’s respiratory control center. However, polio survivors who use assisted ventilation and have additional medical problems such as COPD, pneumonia or heart problems, or who are undertaking long airplane flights, may benefit from oxygen therapy under careful supervision.
Polio survivors may also have sleep apnea contributing to underventilation. Sleep apnea, an interruption of breathing during sleep, can be obstructive, central or mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form and is prevalent in the general population. The standard test for OSA is a sleep study; the standard treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) unit with a nasal mask or nasal pillows during sleep. However, polio survivors with both weakened breathing muscles and sleep apnea should use bilevel positive pressure or volume ventilation, not CPAP.
************************************************************************
This concludes the newsletter for this time. I hope that this format can be used in the future to everyone's satisfaction. Until the next time we wish everyone good health and good fortune!
Ethel E. Killgore Taylor( Volunteered Editor)
San Antonio Polio Survivors' Association
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Friday, August 13, 2004
Recieved this from a friend and thought it might be prudent for us to at least read it and take away from it wat we want.
Subject: Copy phone numbers.
You never know when you might be glad you did save the telephone numbers at the end of this message.
AN ATTORNEY'S ADVICE
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice!
A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first
name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number,
and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks.
(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have itprinted, anyone can get it.
4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month.
Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage incase this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your cardit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to do this.)
3.Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done.
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc. has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
by Anna Rubin
Anna Rubin is the Education & Outreach coordinator of the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio at the Spaulding-Framingham Outpatient Center. She speaks to community and school groups and to healthcare professionals about polio, Post-Polio Syndrome and worldwide polio eradication. She is the principal interviewer for the Polio Oral History Project, sponsored by the IRCP, and debuting at the Smithsonian Institute on April 12, 2005, the 50th Anniversary of the Salk polio vaccine.
The article is very easily read and informative.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Despite access to renowned medical care, a Chicago-area doctor and 61-year-old chief medical officer could not find an explanation for the recent onset of extreme fatigue, lower extremity weakness and frequent falls. He also found no relief for the difficulty he had while speaking and swallowing. To compound the situation, he wasn't sleeping well at night.
The doctor gained hope when a neurologist diagnosed him with Post-Polio Syndrome, PPS, but was disappointed that his doctor had little information about the disease and its treatment. The neurologist suggested the patient, who had contracted polio in Little Rock, Ark., in 1952 at the age of 14, retire so that he could spend most of his time resting. According to his doctor, the condition inevitably would worsen and he would need to use a wheelchair.
While this patient heeded the advice about taking time off from work, he did not give up. Internet research led him to Julie K. Silver, M.D., a leading expert on PPS. He contacted the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio ,IRCP, a specialty program at the Spaulding-Framingham Outpatient Center in Framingham, where Silver is medical director and, along with Dr. Chiachen Hsu, a treating physician for polio survivors. When the patient arrived for his three-day evaluation, he described his life as a "rapid downward spiral" and looked much older than a healthy 61-year-old.
His visit to the IRCP consisted of appointments with Polio Team's physician, physical, occupation, and speech-language therapists; orthotists (brace makers); and a pulmonologist. He also underwent a sleep evaluation and various medical tests to confirm the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. After only three days, the patient returned home with a clearer understanding of his condition and tools to control it.
The multi-disciplinary team fitted the patient with a new brace, instructed him in strengthening exercises, demonstrated energy-conserving tips to reduce fatigue, and suggested a voice-amplification device for public speaking. Six months later, a more vital patient returned for a follow-up, exhibiting an improvement in gait and reporting that he was not falling anymore. Thanks to the new exercises and energy conservation techniques he had implemented, his fatigue was reduced and he had been able to return to work on a modified schedule. He reported an improvement in his comfort and function for the first time in the almost two years since he started having difficulty.
What is PPS?
Post-Polio Syndrome, also known as the late effects of polio or post polio sequelae, is characterized by new symptoms that occur in people with a history of paralytic polio after a long period of stability in which the strength they had remained unchanged.
PPS affects approximately 70 percent of polio survivors and does so anywhere from 20 to 40 years after the initial polio episode. The hallmark of PPS is new weakness. Other symptoms may include unaccustomed fatigue, pain, swallowing problems, breathing problems, cold intolerance and new muscle atrophy.
The cause of PPS is not clearly understood. Two prevailing theories exist. One theory suggests the normal muscle loss that accompanies aging is the cause of PPS. This explains the lag time between the onset of polio and the onset of PPS. The other theory is that PPS is caused by the repeated overuse of muscle groups. In either case, muscle groups not previously known to have been affected by polio are weakened. It is the new weakness that is the hallmark of PPS. For example, a polio survivor who has always known she had a "bad leg" may find that her arms are "newly" affected by PPS. Whether the new arm problems are a result of undetected muscle damage that occurred at the time of the original polio or newer damage resulting from the over use of the remaining "good" muscles, or a combination of the two, is not clearly understood.
PPS is frequently devastating for polio survivors. Many of them thought the "worst was over," having triumphed over their initial polio and/or come to terms with the disabilities they were left with so many years ago. Others are terrified to think that the polio is "coming back" to haunt them. These emotional issues are frequently made even harder by a medical system that, due to lack of training about PPS, either attributes the symptoms to other conditions, dismisses the symptoms as normal aging, or gives the patient misinformation about PPS.
The good news for polio survivors is that help is available. The best form of help comes from a clinic offering a multidisciplinary team approach. A polio doctor working with physical and occupational therapists, orthotists and other polio specialists can do a lot for a person with PPS. From helping with pain relief, to prescribing appropriate exercises, recommending a new, lighter brace or other assistive devices, confirming the PPS diagnosis, introducing ways to combat fatigue and prevent further disability and much more.
For more information about Post-Polio Syndrome, visit the IRCP Web site (www.polioclinic.org) or call the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio (IRCP) at Spaulding-Framingham at 508-872-2200.
© Copyright of CNC and Herald Interactive Advertising Systems, Inc.
No portion of townonline.com or its content may be reproduced without the owner's written permission. Privacy Commitment
0.649468
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Monday, August 09, 2004
San Antonio Polio Survivors' Association has completed a statement of their mission and profile. We hope that it will explain our philosophy to you in a friendly and warm manner.
The following was suggested by one of our members due to the apparent lack of information being given as to time, place etc in this introduction to the Mission Statement and Profile of the San Antonio Polio Survivors' Association.....(This was given in the profile in bold letters toward the middle). Here goes:
Time: 2nd Tuesday each month except June - August (Subject to Change) 1PM
Place: Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc.
Resourcenter for People with Disabilities
5101 Medical Drive
SAT 78229 - 4601
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
San Antonio Polio Survivors Association
Associated with
Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc, Resourcenter for People with Disabilities
5101 Medical Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78229-4801
OUR MISSION: “Education, Fellowship, Resources & Support”
• Education – To ensure that Polio survivors, family members, friends, healthcare providers, and the community are knowledgeable regarding Polio/Late Effects of Polio (aka Post-Polio Syndrome).
• Fellowship - To ensure a social outlet for our members, et al to be able to have social activities, such as, dining out, and excursions out in the community.
• Resources – To serve as a referral to useful local agency addresses/phone numbers, our own health care providers list, and to state/national organizations & agencies available when needed by the members.
• Support – To provide an empathetic, ‘common ground’ community of survivors which the members & friends can share information and ideas on how to live a more comfortable, productive, and fulfilling life.
ASSOCIATION PROFILE
“Long forgotten by political and health care agendas, polio returns to haunt its former victims with new symptoms.
There has never been and never will be another disease quite like polio. An infectious disease caused by a virus, polio has been around for centuries. Some of the first references to polio are Biblical. There is an ancient Egyptian carving that appears to depict a man with classic polio findings who is leaning on his staff. Initially, polio was a rather unusual occurrence, which lulled the medical community and the public into a sense of complacency. And then during the first half of the 20th century, millions of people were devastated by polio as epidemics swept across the world. Polio's transformation from a sporadic disease to one of epidemic proportions in the early and mid-1900s was paradoxically due in large part to technological advances. Improvements in sanitation unpredictably allowed some diseases, including polio, to flourish because when water supplies consistently were contaminated with the polio virus (prior to improved sanitation), people would be exposed to polio in infancy during which time they had protection from the virus due to their mother's antibodies (from breast milk). With cleaner water, people were now exposed to polio at a later age when they were no longer protected by maternal antibodies. Thus, epidemics began and continued until the development of a vaccine in the mid-1950s. Blind to age, gender, and race, polio affects men, women, and children.”
(From “Polio Returns from the Dead” by Dr. Julie K. Silver, Director, Spaulding Rehabilitation Center for Polio, Framingham, MA in Rehab Management, The Interdisciplinary Journal of Rehabilitation, January 2002).
San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association was formed as the result of an outreach by Warm Springs Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. Resourcenter for People with Disabilities in May of 1999. or 1998 Cathryn Matson, who was Director of the Resourcenter at the time, obtained some of the members names from the Gazette International Networking Institute (GINI) now known as Post-Polio Health International. Cathryn called us and we had a tentative meeting to reorganize the support group and establish meeting place, times and a general format.
The first general meeting to organize the whole group was held in June of 1998 in the Resourcenter for People with Disabilities. The speaker at the time was Don De Vore who had been a patient at the Warm Springs Hospital near Gonzales, Texas in the 1940’s, spoke on his experiences and reviewed a book he had written as well.
We settled on a name and motto after several meetings. We decided on San Antonio Survivors Association since we did not want the perception of self-pity. We had the original Polio infection during the time when the culture did not accept the disabled into the general community. As a result, most of us became over achievers to maintain our dignity and self-esteem. The motto as defined above was how we wanted to focus the group as well as making the motto our primary goal.
We usually meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (except for the summer months June-August) at the Resourcenter. The meetings are held from 1:00PM – 3:00PM. Either e-mail or cards send notifications for the meetings. Occasionally, we will have a meeting on Saturday at a local restaurant so more members may attend.
The Association invites speakers to speak on subjects of general interest to the whole membership. Some of the speakers have spoken on the various agencies that are available to assist us or our families, different types of new equipment that is available to our community like the new Iglide wheelchair and the new cushion(to prevent pressure sores) available for wheelchair, scooters, power chairs, and occasional chairs found in homes.
We have a quarterly newsletter, The Phoenix, sent to our local members as well as to others in our area requesting information about Post-Polio Syndrome or to others who have granted us permission to reprint their articles or information. The newsletter tries to be educational, humorous and present everyday hints for easier living. The name of The Phoenix is meant to symbolize our ability to be reborn after every perceived set back.
A “blog” site was donated to our Association from an Australian “Blogger” Munuviana to keep a site for posting current information about Polio, Late Effects of Polio, Social Security Administration/ Medicare information as well as other types of information that could be of interest. The site address is: http://sapsa.mu.nu/ You can add your own comments& get a response directly on the article’s comment section you are reading.
The Association has a very limited library of videotapes of several meetings. You can contact Mike Beard for the use of the video tapes free of charge. The main thing we ask that you return them in good shape. We are novices at recording these, so they are by no means or stretch of the imagination a professional version. You can contact MIKE through the email or the phone as listed further on the mission statement.
SAPSA (San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association) funds are donated by the members/friends for the various necessary items of stationary(computer paper and cards), printer ink, envelopes , etc. and the dedication of the friends/members to keep the Association functioning. We are entertaing the course of asking for a dollar donation per member per meeting to place in a "Piggy Bank" at the beggining of the meeting. The "Piggy Bank" has been purchased and will be arriving any day now. The piggy bank is clear blue plastic with several particians. Each as a designated purpose. IT was and is a toy for childeren to use to learn the value of handling money at a young age. I was hunting for something that we could use the was very functional and I happened across this object as a result of an interview that Dianne Sawyer did on Friday the 29th on Good Morning America. It will definitely do for our purposes. There, hopefully will be a print out by the bank that will be self-explanatory of the different sections functions. If you happen to want to donate more than the initial dollar you can put it in the donation section.
I'll do more of an explanation, hopefully, by our meeting the 9th of November.
San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association is also associated with Texas Polio Survivors’ Association, Inc. of Houston, Texas (www.texaspolio.org E-mail tpsa@flash.net ) since 2001.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Warm Springs Resourcenter for People with Disabilities
5101 Medical Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78229-4801
Phone: 210.595.9200
Fax: 210. 614.0649
John Machen, Director Resourcenter
Jmachen@wssahosp.org
Donna Teall, Coordinator
Texas AgrAbility Project
Dteall@wssahosp.org
SAN ANTONIO POLIO SURVIVORS’ ASSOCIATION
Michael Beard
Phone: 210.490.3190
E-Mail: Michael78247@yahoo.com
Ruth & Tom Moon
Phone: 210.523.6216
E=Mail: Moonfamily3@sbbglobal.net
Ethel E. Killgore Taylor
Phone: 210.696.1710
E-Mail: blueangel7131@sbcglobal.net
The San Antonio Polio Survivors’ Association membership does want to offer their knowledge, support and fellowship to anyone interested in the Late Effects of Polio as it affects the survivors, their families, friends & healthcare providers.
Please feel free to attend our meetings and to offer suggestions for programs you are interested in.
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Here's the most recent WD_40 Lubricating oil from their Fan Forum. This group of tips is especially far reaching when it saves you money from replacing the gardening equipment most of us love to dread and hate their usuage.
Lawn care is especially important during the peak of the summer heat.
Keeping your lawn a luscious green is a task many people enjoy, and
WD-40 can help make it easy. Try WD-40 to:
-Lubricate pop-up sprinklers
-Prevent rust and corrosion on hose ends
-Help stop calcification on oscillating bars on stationary sprinklers
-Stop squeaks on fertilizer spreaders
-Prevent grass from sticking to lawnmower blades
-Ease installation of new weedwacker wire
-Clean and protect lawn care tools
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Saturday, August 07, 2004
These facts will even make you laugh out loud. As usual these are from the erstwhile E-mail from a friend. Enjoy!
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months, and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat up one cup of coffee. (Hardly seems worthit.)
If you fart consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb. (Now, that's more like it.)
The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out of the body to squirt blood 30 feet.
A pig's orgasm lasts for 30 minutes. (In my next life I want to be a pig.)
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour. (Still not over that pig thing.)
Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure. (Is that why Flipper is always smiling? And why isn't the pig included in this list?)
On average, people fear spiders more then they do death.
The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue. (Hmmmmmm......)
A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.
The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight, and always falls over on its right side when ntoxicated. (From drinking little bottles of....? Did the gov't pay for this research?)
Polar bears are left handed. (Who knew? Who cares? Did the gov't pay for this too?)
The flea can jump 350 times its body length.It's like a human jumping the length of a football field.
A cockroach will live 9 days without its head before it starves to
death.
The male praying mantis cannot copulate while it's head is attached to
its body. The female initiates sex by ripping the male's head off. (Hi,
honey. I'm home. What the...?)
Some lions mate over 50 times a day. (In my next life I still want to
be a pig. Quality over quantity, you know.)
Butterflies taste with their feet. (Oh, jeez!)
Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (I know some people like that.)
Starfish don't have brains. (I know some people like this too.)
Remember, when someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles in your face to frown. BUT, it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and smack the fool upside the head.
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Diagnostics Research Group resides here in San Antonio, Texas Medical Center. This particular group is an independently organized group of internal medicine, pumonary, allergy, and womens researchers. The group's physicians have quite an impressive array of experience in their related fields.
We have taken the liberty of copying their website's home page & related pertinent information.
DXRG.COM is the name of the site and the format is quite easily navigated.
HOME
Research Patients
Sponsors & CROs
News
Home Page
CLINICAL RESEARCH
Thank you for your interest in Diagnostics Research Group.
We are a consortium of clinical research facilities, each specializing in a particular therapeutic area of medical science as it relates to the research of drugs and medical devices.
Our web site is divided into two distinct areas:
Research Patient Information
For our current research patients, as well as potential patients, it is our hope that the information provided here will provide a better understanding of the nature and purpose of clinical research.
Sponsor and CRO Information
For our research colleagues that may be Pharmaceutical Sponsors or CROs, we have included detailed information on our facilities as it relates to our clinical research expertise and capabilities.
Research Patients
What Is A Clinical Trial?
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteering
Current Clinical Trials
Physicians/Investigators
How To Contact Us
Directions To Our Offices
Dining & Lodging
Privacy Policy
Sponsors & CROs
News
Research Patients
Diagnostics Research Group is located in the South Texas Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Our facilities conduct full-time clinical research in the following therapeutic areas:
• Allergies
• Respiratory Disorders
• Sleep Disorders
• Women's Health
• Internal Medicine
We are continually seeking patients to participate in our clinical studies. If you have an interest in participating in a clinical trial, we encourage you to review the information contained within this site. An informed understanding of the clinical trial process is important to you, our research facility, and, to the ultimate success of any clinical study.
Louise Feuge, Director, Women's Health & Internal Medicine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are the most frequently asked questions we receive when talking with potential clinical research participants.
What Happens In A Clinical Trial?
What Are The Benefits Of Participating In A Clinical Trial?
How Do I Qualify for A Clinical Trial?
How Safe Are Clinical Trials?
What Must I Understand Before Volunteering For A Clinical Trial?
What Happens In A Clinical Trial?
There are many types of clinical trials. The research purpose of each trial dictates the specific procedures followed. Detailed information on each trial will be provided in the form of "informed consent documents" distributed to all participants prior to signing as volunteers. Verbal review of the trial, as well as question and answer sessions, are also conducted by the research staff.
Once you have been accepted to participate in a trial you can expect a comprehensive review of your medical history, physical examinations, specific instructions on medication and treatment you will receive during the trial, and close monitoring on the effects of any medication and treatment you are receiving. You may also be required to take certain tests to quantify and verify results of your treatment. You will be required to meet for periodic checkups and review at the research facility, and to maintain communication with the research team. Participants should expect to be working with an experienced team of doctors, nurses and clinical research specialists.
What Are The Benefits of Participating in a Clinical Trial?
First, participation in a clinical trial may be based upon a research patient having a condition that the new drug or treatment being researched might be able to improve. The possibility of the clinical study producing an improved drug or treatment for your particular condition is motivation for many. Second, through a clinical study, participants may gain access to new treatments that are not yet available to the general public. Third, many participants appreciate the fact that they may be helping in the development of a drug or treatment that could literally benefit thousands of people. Another important factor is that during the clinical trial, participants will receive medical evaluation and treatment related to the clinical trial at no charge. Many clinical trials also provide time and travel reimbursement to participants.
How Do I Qualify for A Clinical Trial?
Each clinical trial has a distinct set of guidelines and requirements for participants. Such things as age, condition being researched, medical history, and present medical condition are all considered. Remember, you can only participate in a clinical trial if you meet the specific criteria required for that study. The FDA also specifies that you can participate in only one clinical trial at a time.
How Safe Are Clinical Trials?
Clinical trials are very highly controlled to ensure the utmost safety for the participants and are conducted under the direction of a pharmaceutical company that is responsible to and under the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The federal government requires specific laboratory research and other designated studies on any drugs and treatments that will be tested prior to approving the clinical trials on research volunteers. All clinical trials are conducted under the close supervision of experienced physicians and generally take place in medical offices, hospitals, certain accredited universities and research centers. Another important safety requirement is all research facilities that conduct clinical trials involving people must, by federal regulation, have an Institutional Review Board (IRB) that approves and reviews the research to ensure compliance and safety standards. And finally, prior to making a decision to participate, informed consent documents that detail all procedures and possible risks that may be involved in the trial must be provided and discussed with potential participants.
What Must I Understand Before Volunteering For A Clinical Trial?
It is most important that you understand that you should not hesitate to ask the research team any questions you have.
You should also understand what "informed consent" is. The research staff is required to provide informed consent documents prior to your volunteering for the trial. The documents provide many details about the study. Please read these documents carefully and ask the research staff any questions you might have.
Topics that you should clearly understand before participating in a clinical trial include:
The purpose of the research being done.
What the researchers hope to find out.
What type or phase of clinical trial it is.
Drugs, treatments or tests that will be given during the trial.
What you are expected to do during the trial.
How long the trial will last.
The location of the study site and how often you must be on-site.
Whether an overnight stay at a clinic or hospital is required.
What information you should provide your regular doctor about the trial.
Clarification on whether you should continue on your current medication during the trial.
Whether placebos are part of the clinical trial.
Why this treatment might be better than the treatment you're currently on.
Risks that might be involved with the research.
The possible short and long term effects of the research on you.
Benefits you might expect from the trial.
Other treatments, not being tested that are available.
Your right to leave the trial.
Any costs associated with the trials.
Any reimbursements associated with the trials.
Any effect on your health insurance.
How your privacy is protected.
Whether you can talk about the trial with other people.
If you can find out the results of the trial.
Whether continuing treatment is available after the trial ends.
Who is sponsoring (paying for) the clinical trial.
It is critical you make an informed decision before participating in a clinical trial. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.
PHYSICIANS/INVESTIGATORS
Our Clinical Researchers, known as "Investigators" in the research industry, are a group of highly trained medical professionals. They possess a wide range of medical practice and clinical research skills.
We are proud to have such an experienced group of clinical researchers working with Diagnostics Research Group.
Charles P. Andrews, MD, CCRI
Director of Clinical Research: Diagnostics Research Group
Principal Investigator: Lung Diagnostics
Certified Clinical Research Investigator (CCRI)
View Medical Background
Randall C. Bell, MD
Principal Investigator: Allergy Diagnostics
View Medical Background
Louise K. Feuge, MSN, FNP-C
Investigator: Women's Diagnostics
View Medical Background
Carlos F. Morales, MD
Investigator: Lung Diagnostics, Allergy Diagnostics
View Medical Background
John R. Holcomb, MD
Investigator: Lung Diagnostics, Allergy Diagnostics
View Medical Background
Nora L. Walker, MD
Principal Investigator: SleepWalker
View Medical Background
Charles J. Burch, MD
Investigator: Lung Diagnostics
View Medical Background
Research Patients
HOW TO CONTACT US
Please complete and email this form if you are interested in learning more about our clinical trials. A medical representative will contact you within three work days.
Please see our Privacy Policy for details on how your information is protected.
Please fill in the following:
Name:
Email Address:
Phone:
2nd Phone:
Best time to call:
Over Age 18?: Yes No
I am interested in
these types of studies: ALLERGIES
ASTHMA
COPD
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
EMPHYSEMA
HYPERTENSION
SLEEP DISORDERS
WOMEN'S HEALTH
How did you hear about Diagnostics Research Group? Postcard or Letter Newspaper Radio TV Other Physician Friend or Family Member
DIRECTIONS TO OUR OFFICES
Diagnostics Research Group is located in northwest San Antonio in the South Texas Medical Center Complex.
We are located at 4410 Medical Drive, Suite 360, in the TNI Building (The Texas Neurosciences Building), at the corner of Medical Drive and Ewing Halsell Drive.
Our phone number is 210-692-7157.
DINING & LODGING
Many of our patients ask us to recommend restaurants and lodging close to the South Texas Medical Center Complex and downtown on the Riverwalk.
We suggest you consider the following establishments when in the Medical Center area or when visiting downtown San Antonio:
Restaurants Within A 1/2 Mile Of Diagnostics Research Group
Restaurants On The Riverwalk
Restaurants On The Market Square
Other Notable Restaurants
Fun Places
Hotels Nearby
Hotels On The Riverwalk
Restaurants Within A 1/2 mile Of Diagnostics Research Group:
ALDOS
8539 Fredericksburg Road, 210-696-2536
Italian/Continental Food
Moderately Expensive
BISTROTIME
5137 Fredericksburg Road, 210-344-6626
Continental – Great Owner/Chef
Expensive
JASON'S DELI
9933 W IH 10, 210-690-3354
Sandwiches and Salads
Inexpensive
CHA-CHAS
2026 Babcock Road, 210-615-7588
Mexican Food
Moderately Expensive
CHACHOS
7870 Callaghan Road, 210-366-2023
Mexican Food – Great Margaritas
Moderately Expensive
FUJIYA JAPANESE GARDEN
9030 Wurbach Road, 210-615-7553
Excellent sushi and Japanese specialties
Moderately Expensive
MARIO'S RESTAURANTS
4841 Fredericksburg Road, 210-349-0188
Unique Mexican Food
Moderately Expensive
MENCIUS'
7959 Fredericksburg Road, 210-615-1288
Chinese Food with a Flair
Moderately Expensive
SARIKA'S THAI RESTAURANT
4319 Medical Drive, 210-692-3200
Superb Thai dishes
Inexpensive to Moderate
Restaurants On The Riverwalk:
BIGA ON THE BANKS
203 S. St. Mary's Street, #100, 210-225-0722
Continental Food
Expensive
PAESANOS RIVERWALK
111 W. Crockett, 210-227-2782
Italian/Fish
Expensive
RIO RIO
421 E. Commerce, 210-226-8462
Mexican Food
Moderately Expensive
KANGAROO COURT
512 Riverwalk, 210-224-6821
Variety of Foods (Best cheesecake on the Riverwalk)
Moderately Expensive
Restaurants On The Market Square:
MI TIERRA CAFE & BAKERY
218 Produce Road, 210-225-1262
Mexican Restaurant – Bakery
Inexpensive
LA MARGARITA RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR
120 Produce Road, 210-227-7140
Mexican Restaurant – Oyster Bar
Moderately Expensive
PICO DE GALLO
111 S. Leona, 210-225-6060
Mexican Restaurant
Inexpensive
Other Notable Restaurants:
LOS BARRIOS
4223 Blanco Road, 210-732-6017
Regional Mexican Food – Superb Service with a Smile
Inexpensive
LA FOGATA
2427 Vance Jackson
Mexican Food – Margaritas
Inexpensive
PAPPASITOS
10501 I-10W, 210-691-8974
Mexican Restaurant
Moderately Expensive
Fun/Notable Places:
THE ALAMO
300 Alamo Plaza, 210-255-1391
DICK'S LAST RESORT
406 Navarro Street, 210-224-0026
On the Riverwalk (Bar, Restaurant, Live Bands)
THE AQUARIUM
8826 Heubner Road, 210-691-3474
Night Life and Dancing
LA VILLITA
Bounded by South Alamo, East Nueva and South Presa on the Riverwalk,
210-207-8610
Unique Shopping
IMAX THEATER
Rivercenter Mall on Crocket Street, 210-247-4629
MCNAY ART MUSEUM
6000 North New Braunfels Avenue, 210-824-5368
Excellent Impressionists
MAMMA'S CAFE
7710 IH 10 W, 210-349-9367
Bar, Restaurant, Karaoke
BUCKHORN SALOON AND MUSEUM
318 East Houston, 210-247-4000
Texas memorabilia and trophies
DAVE AND BUSTERS
440 Crossroads Blvd., 210-515-1515
Bar, Restaurant, Game Room, Pool Tables. Loud, Young, Fun Crowd
Inexpensive
SPURS BASKETBALL
SBC Center, 210-444-5000
SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS
Loop 1604 and I-10 West, 210-697-5050
SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO
Off of State Highway 157, 210-523-3611
Hotels Nearby:
MARRIOTT COURTYARD
8585 Marriott Drive, 210-614-7100
EMBASSY SUITES
7750 Briaridge Drive, 210-340-5421
Hotels On The Riverwalk:
MARRIOTT RIVER CENTER
101 Bowie Street, 210-223-1000
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
123 Lasoya Street, 210-222-1234
WESTIN RIVERWALK HOTEL
420 West Market Street, 210-224-6500
Pharmaceutical Sponsors & CROs
Diagnostics Research Group is an independent consortium of full-time clinical research professionals based in the South Texas Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Our physician investigators have been involved in clinical research trials for over 20 years. We have been conducting full-time clinical trials, with dedicated staff, for four years.
Each member of our group concentrates on a specific therapeutic area of clinical research. Expertise includes, but is not limited to, the following study areas:
Allergy Diagnostics
– Allergic Disorder Studies
Lung Diagnostics
– Respiratory Disorder Studies
– Health and Disorders in the Realm of Internal Medicine
SleepWalker
– Sleep Disorder Studies
Women's Diagnostics
– Women's Health Studies
Diagnostics Research Group is an independent consortium of full-time clinical research professionals based in the South Texas Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Our physician investigators have been involved in clinical research trials for over 20 years. We have been conducting full-time clinical trials, with dedicated staff, for four years.
Each member of our group concentrates on a specific therapeutic area of clinical research. Expertise includes, but is not limited to, the following study areas:
Allergy Diagnostics
– Allergic Disorder Studies
Sponsors & CROs
SPONSOR AFFILIATIONS
Diagnostics Research Group has been privileged to work with the following Pharmaceutical Sponsors:
• Alcon
• Alkermes
• Altana
• AstraZeneca
• Aventis
• Bayer
• Boerhinger Ingelheim
• Bristol Meyers
• Centocor
• Eisai
• Eli Lilly
• Encysive
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Inspire
• Merck
• Novartis
• Novum
• OrthoMcNeil
• Pharmacia
• Pfizer
• Schering Plough
• Sepracor
• West Pharmaceutical
• Wyeth
Sponsors & CROs
TNI Building
FACILITIES
Diagnostics Research Group is conveniently located in the Texas Neurosciences Institute (TNI) in the South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
The research clinic facilities are located on the first and third floors of the TNI Building, with our clinical practice offices on the fourth floor. Our facilities have a combined space of 12,000 square feet.
We offer:
• On-Site Complete Pulmonary Function Testing
• Oximetry
• Chest X-rays
• Allergy Testing
• Phlebotomy
• Electrocardiograms
• Women's Health Care Including Paps, Pelvic and Bone Mineral Density Testing
Our Sleep Lab rooms are electronically monitored:
• Digital Sleep System
• Video System
Within the Neurosciences Institute, there is a complete imaging center.
We have three satellite clinics located in the rural South Texas towns of Seguin, Gonzales and Uvalde.
PRIVACY POLICY
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT.
Our duties: We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI (Protected Health Information). We must abide by the terms of this notice or any update of this notice.
Your rights: You have the following rights concerning your PHI:
- To request restricted access to all or part of your PHI. To do this, ask for, complete, and return to this office a privacy restriction form. We are not required to grant your request.
- To receive correspondence of confidential information by alternate means or locations. To do this, ask for, complete, and return to this office a privacy restriction form
- To inspect or receive copies of your protected health information. To inspect your PHI, set up an appointment for the inspection. To receive a copy of your PHI, ask our office to copy and mail your records to you.
- To request changes be made to your PHI. To do this, complete a change of protected health information form and return it to this office. We are not required to grant your request.
- To receive an accounting of the disclosures by this office of your PHI in the six years prior to your request. To do this, notify this office in writing that you would like a list of all individuals and organizations to which your PHI has been sent.
- To get updates or reissue of this notice, at your request.
- To complain to this office or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you feel your privacy rights have been violated. To register a complaint with this office, complete a protected health information complaint form and return it to this office. The law forbids this office from taking retaliatory action against you if you complain.
Uses and Disclosures: We will use and disclose elements of your protected health information (PHI) in the following ways:
Treatment - Payment - Health care operations
When law, including in judicial settings and to health oversight regulatory agencies and law enforcement, requires release.
In emergency situations or to avert serious health/safety situations.
To medical examiners, coroners or funeral directors to aid in identifying you or to help them in performing their duties.
To organ, tissue and other donations organizations, upon or proximate to your death, if we have no indication on hand about your donation preferences (or a positive indication).
To contact you about appointment reminders, treatment alternatives and other health related benefits and services.
All other uses and disclosures by this office will require this office to obtain from you a written authorization in addition to any other permission you will provide this office.
Read Comments »
Authored by BlueAngel on
Sunday, August 01, 2004
The Eldercare Team's Newsletter, ELDERCARE MATTERS for August 1, 2004 has arrived. As usual it does have some very insightful information. This time about people who have dementia, including Alzheimer's, and how to care for them regardless of age when this potentially tragic condition begins to permeate the very thread and fiber of a family and other loved ones.
The article does give a very succinct definition of "Sundowning Syndrome" that is easily understood. As stated above this can occur to anyone. We referred to patients as "Sundowners" when this affliction occurs in a hospital situation.
This article is a long one to read and to digest. It is worth the effort.
Sundowning: It's The Crisis Hour...Again
"You can count on it like clockwork," Linda says, as her mother marches with a determined air into the kitchen with her overcoat.
"Where's my purse! I have to go! Now!" Alice demands.
"Where are you going, Alice?" I ask.
"I have to go! I have to be there! I need to go home! Rightnow!" Alice mumbles as she tries to push past me and out thedead-bolted door of the house she's lived in with her daughter for more than 10 years.
During the day Alice is fine. She dresses herself and eatswithout assistance. She'll help Linda fold laundry, or dust.She enjoys the occasional joke, and she loves to get out inthe car. She dozes contentedly in her chair off and on.
By late afternoon, though, Alice changes. Increasingly she becomes more agitated. She rummages through things, tossingthem wildly about as if she's looking for something she can'tarticulate. Sometimes she gets aggressive. Other times she'si inconsolable with a grief she can't explain, wailing and wringing her hands. She doesn't seem to want to be touched. It's a fight to get her ready for bed, and she's up and down all night. Linda is exhausted and desperate.
Alice is sundowning.
Sundowning is aptly named after the time of day - late afternoon or evening - when people with Alzheimer's or other dementiasoften become upset, agitated, suspicious, paranoid, and generally difficult. Not infrequently, sundowners don't sleep well at night. Many will pace incessantly. Often they seem to get their days and nights mixed up - sleeping well in a chair during the day, but wakeful and up at night. Often sundowning is worse after a change in daily routine or after a move.
The theory used to be that sundowning was caused by the reduction of light in the evening. Now it appears more likely that being tired at the end of the day probably has a lot to do with sundowning behavior. Individuals with dementia are using their energy reserves simply getting through the day. Even the smallest, most "routine" activity is a demand on their thinking ability. By the late afternoon their reserves are used up, and they no longerhave the ability to cope with what, for them, is a confusing environment. Every new stimulus, even hunger or a need to use the bathroom, adds to the accumulated stress.
The research continues. But, no matter what the cause,caregivers need strategies to manage sundowning behaviors.
First, and foremost, a thorough medical examination and a medication review is essential. In some cases, an adjustment in the kind or dosage of medication, or the time of day it's being taken, can make a big difference.
Work with the physician to treat any medical conditions.Arthritis pain is often a contributor, and a pain reliever given in the afternoon might make all the difference. Urinary tract nfections very often contribute to sundowning. Allergies, skin irritations, even a slight cold can make things worse.
Anticipate and prevent as much physical discomfort as you can. Schedule regular trips to the bathroom, or changes of undergarments. Keep the house at a comfortable temperature and check to see if a sweater is needed (or needs to be removed). Check to see that socks aren't wrinkled inside shoes and that waistbands aren't too tight.
Plan activities or trips out of the house for the morning hours, when the sundowner is usually at his or her best. Avoid toomuch stimulation in the afternoon, if you can.
Try to plan no more than one activity or trip out each day. Even early in the day, too much going on can be overwhelming, and will lead to problems later.
Limit the amount of noise and activity at home. If the dishwasher is running, the vacuum is roaring, the television is on, and the dog is barking, there is too much going on at once for the dementia victim to process.
Create private spaces. If you can't avoid a certain amount of normal chaos, provide a safe and quiet place for your sundowner to retreat to. Create "off limits" private areas with doors you can lock for yourself and other family members, too.
Watch for patterns. If you can identify things that seem to set off agitation, maybe you can modify your behavior or routine. If bathing is a battle in the evening, try bathing in the morning instead.
Clear out clutter. Cluttered classrooms have been proven to increase hyperactivity in children. A cluttered home will have the same effect on a sundowner. Clear off tables and other surfaces. Move breakables and collectibles to a safe off limits room. Take away small tables, throw rugs, and anything else that could trip up a pacer. Make a safe walking area where
your sundowner can work off built up energy.
Turn on the lights. If your sundowner tends to see or hearthings that aren't there, dark places can be scary. Sometimesa soft light left on in the bedroom helps reduce shadows and fears at night.
Encourage a rest period for an hour or so just before the time sundowning usually starts. If being overtired contributes to sundowning, some quiet time to regroup may help. If she resists lying down on the bed for a nap, try a quiet hour in a comfortable chair or recliner with calming music (no TV).
If all else fails, go back to the doctor. You may need a new medication or a change in the dose. It might take several tries to find something that helps.
Remember that this, too, shall pass. If you feel that it's becoming more than you can handle right now, call for help. Reach out to family members. Look into respite care. Talk to an eldercare specialist for more ideas and resources. Takecare of yourself. Your sundowner needs you, even if he doesn't know it or won't admit it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Although this article only refers to she and her , "Sundowning" does occur in the male population as well. The same points of care are very similar for the male. Not every hint is totally adequate in different situations that might occur.
When in doubt contact your Physician or any of the support groups that might be available in your community. ---Comment by Ethel E. Killgore Taylor aka Blueangel---
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you wish to receive this Newsletter you can contact:
Molly Shomer
Head Coach
The Eldercare Team
http://www.eldercareteam.com
mshomer@eldercareteam.com
Box 700291
Dallas, TX 75370
(972) 395-7823
The above article and information was provided with the permission of the Eldercare Team
Read Comments »