Polio Survivors Ask

The July meeting was a real treat for those of us who like to grow things. Our special guests, Annette Daugherty and Nitra Crandell, presented an interesting program about herbs. They both belong to the Gulf Coast Herb Society.   

These ladies brought live plants in containers, and told us all about each one- its name, its use, and how to grow it. They showed a wide selection of culinary herbs, such as basil, thyme, rosemary, lemon grass and parsley, plus many more. They also provided handouts and seed packets. Since most of us don't keep a large garden, it was good to learn about container gardening.  

Annette showed some pretty pictures of herbs in various pots grouped together and herb beds in the yard. Some herbs can be grown 2 or 3 in a large container and kept right outside the kitchen door or on a porch along with flowers. These plants are easy to grow but it does require a little knowledge to get best results. Some, like basil, have a short life cycle and must be harvested and preserved.  

Nita brought a pitcher of Lemon Balm Tea which she presented to Charles Gollott. All the plants were given away, people choosing what they liked. Clara Norsworthy took home the prize- a beautiful boot with a plant in it. Thank you ladies. You must come back again!  

Because this meeting was our 13th anniversary, we had cake to go with our drinks. A good time all around!

Attendance:
Patsy Adams ~ Sylvia Bern ~ Mary Ellen Blankenship ~ Laurence Byrd ~ Nita Crandell ~ Annette Daughtery ~ George Fassig ~ JoAnn Fassig ~ Julie Ford ~ Rus Ford ~ Dawna Fuqua-Whatley ~ Barbara Gollott ~ Charles Gollott ~ Tommy Hollingsworth ~ Carolyn Jones ~ Leland Jones ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy ~ Ed Weller.

Due to Hurricane Ike the August meeting was cancelled.

Attendance:
~ 0 ~

In September Carolyn Jones, Leland's wife, spoke to us about health insurance. She works as an insurance clerk for Fresenius, a medical group for kidney patients.

Carolyn pointed out several things that concern each of us: l. Changes in Medicare and private insurance policies. See page 5 in Medicare & You 2008. Keep up. Read info that comes in the mail. 2. The need for prescription drug coverage and the push by these plans for people to use generic drugs-Step Therapy Programs. Check with your doctor. Choose the plan and the drugs that best suit your needs. Also ask about sources which help pay for certain high priced ones that you may need. Patient must qualify to receive aid. 3. Preventive care. See your Primary Care physician on a regular basis. Keep up shots. Consider a second opinion before surgery. It may not be necessary. Always see your orthopedic doctor when you notice changes in movement, pain or ability to do certain tasks.

Polio survivors who do well - do MAINTENANCE!

Thanks Carolyn. Keep us posted.

Attendance:
Patsy Adams ~ Sylvia Bern ~ Laurence Byrd ~ George Fassig ~ JoAnn Fassig ~ Julie Ford ~ Rus Ford ~ Barbara Gollott ~ Charles Gollott ~ Carolyn Jones ~ Leland Jones ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ George Norsworthy ~ Ed Weller.

It was a very warm day for our meeting, but as usual it was cold at the Medical Center. We had a great meeting with 13 people. We are still getting new people every week and are happy the word is spreading. We are all in different stages with our post-polio, but when we have new questions one of us usually has experienced it. It is very discouraging to learn that the only thing we can do is slow down and conserve. The first reaction is to refuse to give in, but sooner or later it catches up with you. I find that you have to continue to reinvent yourself and where you want to be in this stage of your life. We strive so hard to be normal, but have to accept that we are all limited to what we can accomplish with what energy we have stored up at any given time. It really makes us no different than anyone else who is ageing.

Jim and Shirley Neil provided is with a new listing of Pensacola support members. Please let them know if there is any changes to be made. We do appreciate their efforts in providing us with great information about our group and where we can go to get more information about our needs.

Attendance:
Bill Bridenback ~ Tommy Bridenback ~ Cheryl Cooper ~ Pat DeLorme ~ George Dethlefs ~ Leigh Dethlefs ~ Theresa Inge ~ Cliff Martin ~ Kay Martin ~ Charlie Murphy ~ Jim Neil ~ Shirley Neil ~ Clara Norsworthy.

We were glad to have eight at our August 16, 2008 meeting on a really rainy day. Cliff Martin of Landscape Plants by Cliff was the speaker. He gave a list of information on taking care of plants, yards and grass. Everyone expressed thanks for all the expert advice he provided.

Attendance:
George Dethlefs ~ Leigh Dethlefs ~ Theresa Inge ~ Cliff Martin ~ Kay Martin ~ Jim Neil ~ Shirley Neil ~ Clara Norsworthy.

Leigh Dethlefs fell and broke her arm after the September meeting. Speedy get wishes from all of us, Leigh.

Dr. Kenna Risola of Emerald Coast Center For Neurological Disorders will be our speaker for the October 18th meeting. Great opportunity, please come.

Attendance:
Chereyl Cooper ~ George Dethlefs ~ Leigh Dethlefs ~ Cyndee Ice ~ Theresa Inge ~ Pat Kaderly ~ Ron Kaderly ~ Cliff Martin ~ Kay Martin ~ Charlie Murphy ~ Sherri Myers ~ Jim Neil ~ Shirley Neil ~ Clara Norsworthy ~ Gail Page ~ Zofia Sywak ~ Mary Warneck.