The President’s Message…
The name of March comes from ancient Rome, when March was the first month of the year and called Martius after Mars, the Roman god of war. In Rome, where the climate is Mediterranean, March is the first month of spring, a logical point for the beginning of the year as well as the start of the military campaign season.
March in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of September in the Northern Hemisphere.
In the Roman calendar, the term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other 8 months.
In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BCE , the story of which was famously retold in William Shakespeare‘s play Julius Caesar. The term has come to be used as a metaphor for impending doom.
Enough about the history of the month!
February’s meeting was packed. We have certainly grown in numbers, and I was excited to see so many people, both old members and new ones. Each one of us has much to offer the group, and each one is needed for CEPSA to carry out its purposes.
CEPSA needs volunteers to do the actual physical work of the organization. As president, I want to thank the people who volunteered to join with leaders of CEPSA’s various projects, and I encourage each CEPSA member to get involved with the work of our organization.
When I retired from teaching, I was really ready for some “me” time and some “sit around and do nothing” time. We all need that focus on self once in awhile.
Focusing too much on self, however, is not healthy. Eventually, I had to get back into the world and get involved with interesting and exciting and meaningful activities.
Polio survivors have much to offer, and many organizations, from CEPSA to Meals on Wheels, would love to utilize those great coping skills that helped us survive and function. The United Way of the coastal area sponsors a volunteerism agency. Below is an introduction from the agency’s website:
Hands On Savannah helps individuals, families and corporate and community groups find flexible volunteer opportunities at more than 100 service organizations and schools in our four county area. Hands On Savannah volunteers are at work every day of the year building community and meeting critical needs in schools, parks, senior homes, food banks, pet shelters, low-income neighborhoods and more. Hands On Savannah is a direct service of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, Inc. and an affiliate of the Hands On Georgia network, an umbrella association of the “Hands On Network” organization. When you volunteer with Hands On Savannah, you join people from all backgrounds and experiences. You get a chance to explore issues that shape our community and develop your leadership and job skills. Get connected and have fun while making an impact in our community.
Yes, we polios are aging, but we still have much to offer: our ability to cope with hardship, our type A need for accomplishment, our sense of independence as well as our understanding and acknowledgement that sometimes people need a helping hand.
Here is my challenge to my fellow CEPSA members: Get involved! The rewards are unlimited. Begin by volunteering for a short project. See how you like it. At our September meeting, we can all share stories about our volunteer projects.
How do you get involved? Call 912.651.7726. Ask to speak to Shirley, or e-mail her at shirleys@uwce.org <shirleys@uwce.org>
What volunteer organizations do I work for? CEPSA, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, The March of Dimes, The Dolphin Project. Yes, they keep me pretty busy, but they make my life much more interesting and rewarding than it would be if I spent most of my time focusing on me.
See you soon,
Sandra Bath
President
p.s.
Thirteen of us went to a cafeteria after the February meeting. The food was good, and the talking and sharing were terrific. Let’s do it again this month!
General Meeting, February 23, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Sandra Bath, President.
The Inspiration was given by Velma Underwood. The Pledge of the Allegiance was recited.
Sandra asked all new members to introduce themselves and share their polio
stories. She also asked the visitors to introduce themselves.
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. If you have not received your newsletter, please let Beverly Jarvis know.
Marty Foxx presented the Treasurer’s Report. It was approved as presented.
Marty mentioned that she will send you a receipt when you send a donation for the association.
Sandra asked that all of us look to see where we can volunteer in the coming year to help committee chairmen.
Videographer: Junie Parham, has all of the meetings on DVD, and if you miss a meeting, please let him know, and he will send you a DVD so you can view the meeting.
Care Team reports: Diane Davis is ill, Cheryl Brackin has the flu, Janet DiClaudio is not feeling well, Jim O’Kelly’s wife has shingles, James Smith has broken his hip. Jim Veccia mentioned that Pixi Winters would like to visit Tybee Island, and wanted to know if Tybee they had the runners for the beach. It was mentioned that she needs to call the beach because they have the runners, but they may be covered with sand, and need to be cleaned. Other needs: Debra Maner, George Frick, Sissy Morell’s mother; Tom Newcomer is doing better. Sandra mentioned that she paid $225 to have her shingles vaccine shot, and is encouraging all over 60 to have the vaccination.
Committee Reports: Beverly Jarvis reported that 148 newsletters have been mailed, and she has some extra copies if one needs a copy. She had two new member packets for distribution. Please let her know if you need a new member packet. She is in charge of the “extra mailings” and would need help if we required an “extra mailing” of pertinent information.
At this point there was a discussion about Zetia, Zocor, and Vytorin, and the use of statin drugs for post polio patients. Statins can cause myalgia problems. Various post polio patients have had problems with these drugs. More information will follow.
Newsletter/By-Law Committee: Jim Veccia mentioned that he would like for us to send him any interesting articles we read from newspapers, or magazine articles by email or mail, so he can include them in the newsletter. He has copies of the by-laws available, one per couple. If you do not have one, please contact him.
Accessibility Committee: Dan Sheehan reported that the new map is almost complete. It is being printed, and will be in local hotels and visitor centers by St. Patrick’s day.
Old Business: Marty mentioned that she has 2 more Post Polio Syndrome Books, and that they are $9 a piece. Sandra said that the book, Polio Paradox, is a very readable book, and that we will order some if there is an interest.
New Business: None.
After the break, Lorraine Frew facilitated the program, “Sharing Our Strengths.” There were 3 groups that discussed Pain Management, Sleep Disorders, and Assistive Devices.
Sandra mentioned that the Savannah City tour will be postponed until a later date.
The next meeting will be March 29, at 10:30 AM here at Candler Hospital.
Respectfully Submitted,
Adrienne Stallworth
Via tape recorder
March 29, 2008 Meeting
Speaker: Sher Blackwelder, International Independent Wellness Consultant
Topic: Comfort is More than Skin Deep…
- Air & Water Purification Systems
- Restful Sleep
- Pain Relief
- Nutrition & Bone Health
- Weight Management
Sher Blackwelder’s special interest in CEPSA stems from her father, who had polio when he was a young man. As a result, Sher has a genuine concern and insightful understanding of the growing needs of polio survivors. Sher is a Certified International Independent Wellness Consultant with Nikken, the leading Magnetic Technology and Wellness Home Company in the world. Community-minded at an early age, Sher has gone from being a Candy Striper at Memorial Hospital and volunteering at nursing homes, to working with patients in a Cardiologist’s office, and, ultimately, traveling to Africa to share new pain relief technologies with medical people there. Sher has worked with Nikken for the past nine years and believes passionately that all people everywhere deserve to live a healthy lifestyle.
Sher has had her own struggles with horrific pain, seizures, surgeries and limitations due to Lupus and other diagnosed diseases. Her health condition was
dramatically changed through her new lifestyle with the state-of-the-art “Nikken Wellness Products.” Now Sher can live a fulfilling and active life again. Also Sher’s husband, Poe, had gained weight due to an auto accident and was having pain and complications from the surgeries as well as breathing problems. Through the “Nikken Body Balance” products Poe lost 21 inches and 25 1/2 pounds in just a short time from April 3, 2006 to May 22, 2006. The Nikken magnetic shoe inserts helps him with pain relief and promotes energy in his legs. Needless to say, today they have a “Nikken Total Wellness Home,” which includes the air and water purification systems that are helping both Poe and Sher.
Lorraine Frew, Vice-President of CEPSA states that magnetic therapy has been helping to considerably reduce the pain she has been experiencing for years.
Diane Davis uses magnetic therapy to help alleviate pain in her hands, arms, shoulders and back. She also uses a Nikken Dream Light Comforter to help her sleep which consist of Magnetic and Far-Infrared Technology.
Tom and Eunice Newcomer are enjoying their Nikken Pi Water filtration System and Nikken Air Purification System.
Come join us for this very informative meeting to discover how “Comfort is More than Skin Deep.”
Terri and Michael Dunnermann
Angelo Foster
Happy Birthday!!!!
Barry Turner – 2
Thelma Tillotson – 4
Jim Walker – 4
Tony Tedona – 5
Lavonne Calandra – 7
Glenda Walker – 14
Terri Dunnermann – 18
BJ Vance – 22
Roy Tillotson – 24
Polio Survivors Ask…
Nancy Baldwin Carter, Omaha, Nebraska, n.carter@cox.net
Q: I have been my wife’s attendant for many, many years. I am getting older and can’t do what I used to do, but it is still expected of me. How I can broach this topic, without her feeling like she is a burden to me?
A: Our family caregivers are precious. They meet our needs perfectly. They know exactly what to do. They seem indefatigable. They never complain. And when we ask them if this or that is getting to be too much for them, their inevitable reply is “No. I can handle it.” They cannot say otherwise. They don’t want us to think they see us as a burden.
We, of course, don’t want them to believe we think they view us that way, either. So out of guilt (she, for needing so much; he, for wishing he could do more) or love or procrastination, the right words may never get said.
But something has to give. Research shows that caregivers have higher rates of poor health, including anxiety, depression, risk of heart disease, and even higher death rates than non-caregivers. Caregivers deserve a break.
The solution could be more available than it seems. Begin the dialog. Be prepared, caregivers. A scenario: “One of the things I’ve always loved doing, Sue, is making healthy lunches for you. But lately, pain in my hands makes it difficult to prepare food. I wonder. There’s a woman who can come over and cook up large batches of meals to freeze in individual containers. All I’d have to do is warm one up for you. Does that sound OK to you?”
Slowly, one after another, the caregiver will find ways to transfer many of his jobs to someone else. People who love each other will understand. She may even join the search. She can see his stress, and she knows his good emotional and physical health is best for them both. He may never hear a word of dissent. Like it or not, though, this must be done.
Just so we know—AARP says more than 44 million unpaid caregivers provide over $35 billion worth of care in this country every year. We are not alone
THE HOW AND WHERE OF IT
There may be more help available than many of us realize. Begin by making a list.
What do you need? Home-delivered meals? Someone to prepare meals? Housekeeping services, laundry? Help bathing, dressing, eating? Shopping? Companionship services? Respite care for caregiver? Transportation? Handyman? Nursing care? Durable medical equipment? Services coordinator? Day care centers? What else?
The search is time-consuming. Have questions at the ready and ask them all. Persist. Keep good records. Each resource is unique and there is much crossover. Call these for starters:
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Office on Aging—many in-home
- services offered, often staffed by volunteers. Check phone book.
- State Health and Human Services office—get clues on what’s available.
- Independent centers may direct us to help See (http://www.ilri.org/html/publications/directory/index.html_
- Home Health Agencies offer many kinds of in-home care. Staffed by paid workers. Check yellow pages.
- Headings like these in your yellow pages: Home Health Care; Aging, Disabilities, Eldercare, Churches
- Many states have a 211 help line for assistance with searching.
- AARP (http://www.aarp.org/families/caregiving/). Pages of good advice.
Every state is different. Learn when licensing or certification is required. Explore funding options. Medicare-certified agencies must meet certain standards set by Medicare, which will pay only for what’s Medicare approved. Private insurance or pensions may cover certain services. Private payers may be charged on a sliding scale. Examine everything.
Finally: It’s best to start early. Don’t wait for a crisis. Work it out together. And try to stay calm–this process can make anyone tense.
Source: Post-Polio Health International, www.post-polio.org,
Thank you to our outstanding Members and Supporters for their donations:
Lavonne Calandra
Cheryl Brackin
Adrienne Stallworth
Wayne Ellis
Eileen Boyle
Kenneth Salter
Judge Frank Cheatham
Danny Jenkins
Dianne Falgiani
Cathy Zomer
Katherine & Broward Hunter
Jim Veccia
Rev. Edward Ellis & Mrs. Lillian Ellis
Helping Hands
Minute Man Press
Auto Shine Car Wash
Higdon’s Collision Center
Doris Pons Transport, LLC
Danny Zeigler
Please patronize our supporters and tell your friends about them.
MEMBER CONCERNS
Cheryl Brackin, Diane Davis, Janet DiClaudio, Dianne Falgiani, George Frick, Richard Graham, Danny Jenkins, Delores Manor, Sissy Morel, Tom Newcomer, Jim O’Kelley, James Smith
Our prayers and condolences go to Betty Goff, Ruth Parham and Velma Underwood who lost family members.
Polio Awareness
Diane Davis, CEPSA’s Polio Awareness Chair, was asked to return this year to speak about Post-Polio Syndrome for the Doctorate Program of Physical Therapy at Armstrong Atlantic State University on Thursday, January 17, 2008. Dr. Anne Thompson has requested that Diane return each year to speak for the first year PT students.
Diane with Students – Graduating Class of 2010
Dr. Anne Thompson – Center Front Row
CONTRIBUTIONS The Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association is a non-profit corporation which is tax exempt under IRS code 501c(3). We have no paid employees, only volunteers dedicated to helping all polio survivors.
Your financial support is appreciated at any level suggested below:
* CEPSA Member – $15.00 annual voluntary donation
* CEPSA Supporter – $25.00 $50.00 $100.00 $300.00
* CEPSA Memorial or Honor Gift – any amount
* CEPSA Sponsor – any amount
Your contributions are tax deductible and will be acknowledged appropriately.
Please complete this form and mail it along with your check to: CEPSA, Marty Foxx, 23 East 61st Street, Savannah, GA31405.
Name __________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________
City ___________________ State_____________ Zip ___________
Phone _______________________ E-mail _________________________________
Are you a relative or friend of a CEPSA member, if so _________________________________
Name of member
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
CEPSA’s next meeting is on Saturday, March 29th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Candler Hospital Heart & Lung Building, second floor, conference room.