Post-Polio Wellness Retreats

A Good Idea That Can Be Duplicated

Post-Polio Wellness Retreats provide an opportunity

to renew the mind, body and spirit
to have post-polio questions answered by unhurried medical experts
to spend custom-designed days enjoying recreational activities
to learn more about how to stay strong and healthy

Moving several steps beyond re-rehabilitation, retreats offer ongoing wellness approaches that promise to improve overall health and quality of life.

Bay Cliff Health Camp Professional Staff along with physiatrist Frederick M. Maynard, MD, and polio survivor Sunny Roller, MA, all from Michigan, came together in 2006 to coordinate a very successful post-polio wellness retreat in Big Bay, Michigan. Similar retreats can be organized in other parts of the world to promote health and wellness among polio survivors. Important resources include a comfortable location that provides accessible accommodations (accessible natural beauty is a real plus), a committed sponsoring and organizing organization(s), and knowledgeable professionals willing to volunteer time and expertise.

Want to learn more?

MICHIGAN
Polio survivors have met at Bay Cliff Health Camp, Big Bay, Michigan, each year since 2006. Bay Cliff's most recent post-polio wellness retreat was September 2011.

Memo from 2011 Retreat

September 2010 Success in the Great North Woods

GEORGIA
In April of 2009, the team coordinated a Post-Polio Wellness Retreat prior to PHI's 10th International Conference held at Camp Dream on the campus of Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (RWSIR).

Videographer Barry Burman of The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability in association with Post-Polio Health International (PHI) filmed activities at Camp Dream.
To find out what the survivors and spouse/attendants did each day, check out
Post-Polio Wellness Retreat Program.
View still photos.
To find out what participants say about the wellness retreat experience, check out
Report from Camp Dreamers.

Polio Australia Incorporated coordinated its first Polio Health and Wellness Retreat in April of 2010 after participating in PHI’s Post-Polio Wellness Retreat held at Camp Dream on the campus of Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in April of 2009. To learn more about the Australian experience, review and enjoy the “Report Polio Australia Health and Wellness Retreat 2010.” Watch a summary video.

A summary of their 2011 retreat is available at Australia’s polio health and wellness retreat,Mary-ann Liethof. Also see a video of the presentation.

Check here for details on the 2012 Australian retreat to be held in Queensland on April 26-29.