Polio SA, together with clinical health educator Paul Cavendish, will host a free information session for polio survivors in May.

The workshop will focus on the late effects of polio, a condition affecting approximately 400,000, many of whom were infected with the virus up to 50 years ago.

Despite the polio vaccine’s 63^rd anniversary on April 12, many who survived the disease have begun to notice new symptoms.

As well as facilitating a range of workshops for clinicians, Mr Cavendish will educate polio survivors and their families on the latest research regarding the late effects of polio, what differentiates these from other symptoms of ageing, and share proven self-management strategies to maintain function and independence.

Mr Cavendish will also give attendees the chance to have their questions on post-polio health answered.

“With Australia’s vast post-polio community, I believe it’s of the utmost importance to discuss what makes the late effects of polio different from the typical ageing process,” he said.

“I think it is important as a professional community we do not expect or rely on polio survivors to research and find out what to do for their condition due to the limited support and understanding they have received for many years,” said Mr Cavendish.

The information session will take place on Saturday May 12 at the Tea Tree Gully Community Learning Centre, 571 Montague Road, Modbury, from 1pm. To book, please visit trybooking.com or email workshops@poliohealth.org.au