JACKO SAYS . . . . . . .

Every man and his dog should know about Post-Polio Syndrome

Who is Jacko we hear you ask? Jacko is polio survivor Allan's assistance dog and faithful companion, and he knows a great deal about the special needs of his master. In fact, he understands more about post-polio syndrome than many people do.

Sir Gustav Nossal, Patron of the Post-Polio Network, once made the comment that "practically everybody has a friend who's got a gammy leg or arm from polio". He was referring to the many tens of thousands of Australians who survived the polio epidemics last century.

Since the onset of their original illness, polio survivors reached a maximum recovery and "got on" with their lives, assuming the illness and all it entailed was behind them. Some forty or so years later, however, many survivors have found their assumption was incorrect. They are now facing symptoms such as profound fatigue, increasing muscle weakness, pain, and breathing problems to name a few. In short they are confronted by "post-polio syndrome" or the "late effects of polio": a further, debilitating, phase of polio.

Since 1989 the Post-Polio Network has informed polio survivors, their families and friends about the late effects of polio, and supported and educated them and the health professionals who treat them. Each year the Network celebrates Post-Polio Awareness Week from 1 to 7 November to reach out to those members of the community who may benefit in one way or another by learning more about post-polio syndrome.

Did you have polio? Did someone you know have polio? If the answer to either of these questions is "Yes", then contact the Post-Polio Network today on (02) 9663 2402 to learn more about the late effects of polio and find out what the Network can offer in information, services and support. After all - do you really want to feel that even a dog knows more about this important subject than you?