Health

At nearly 90 years aged, Diane Kennedy of Simcoe County continues to pursue her lifelong passion: dance. Her dedication is particularly remarkable given a battle with polio at age eight in 1944, which initially resulted in the loss of function in both her legs. Kennedy’s story is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of pursuing what brings joy, even in the face of significant health challenges.

Polio, an infectious virus that attacks the nervous system, once posed a significant public health threat. While largely eradicated in many parts of the world thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, the disease continues to circulate in some regions, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and immunization programs. The virus can lead to paralysis, as it did in Kennedy’s case, but recovery is possible, as she demonstrates.

Kennedy was living in Winnipeg when she contracted polio. Following her diagnosis, she experienced a loss of function in both legs and required a wagon to attend school. Though, she experienced nerve regeneration and recovery. “As soon as I could walk again, I went right back to dancing,” she says, recalling the moment with a smile. Dancing had been a constant in her life since the age of three, and she refused to let illness extinguish that flame.

Her passion for dance was nurtured in a creative environment. Kennedy’s mother was an artist who had studied in Paris, and her father was a talented singer. “My father came to Canada with a Welsh Youth Choir and was a tenor soloist in our church choir. One of my favourite things to do was sit in the living room while my dad was practicing,” she recalls, highlighting the artistic influences that shaped her upbringing.

Today, Kennedy shares her love of dance by teaching a class called “On The Move” at the YMCA. She continues to dance herself, with no plans to stop. Her story, recently featured in local news, serves as an inspiration to others facing health obstacles. The Simcoe County woman’s journey underscores the importance of finding activities that promote physical and mental well-being, and the power of perseverance.

The impact of polio extends beyond individual cases. According to the World Health Organization, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, though global eradication efforts have made significant progress. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio, and continued investment in immunization programs is crucial to achieving a polio-free world.

Kennedy’s story is a powerful reminder that even after facing significant health setbacks, it is possible to live a full and active life. Her dedication to dance, coupled with her positive outlook, is an inspiration to all who know her. She embodies the spirit of resilience and the importance of pursuing passions, regardless of challenges.

As Kennedy continues to teach and dance, her story will undoubtedly continue to inspire others in the Simcoe County community and beyond. Her commitment to staying active and engaged serves as a valuable lesson for people of all ages.

Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

What are your thoughts on Diane Kennedy’s inspiring story? Share your comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might find it uplifting.

For Jante Wortel, a 29-year-old from Arnhem, Netherlands, the path to recovery from a long-standing eating disorder wasn’t straightforward. Her experience highlights a growing conversation about the potential drawbacks of traditional clinical treatment for these complex mental health conditions. Wortel’s story, shared publicly, suggests that seeking help in a clinical setting can, in some cases, be counterproductive, a sentiment gaining traction among those who have navigated similar struggles.

Wortel’s journey underscores the often-overlooked nuances of eating disorder recovery. While clinical settings are frequently presented as the primary solution, her experience suggests a require for a more individualized and cautious approach. The increasing prevalence of eating disorders, and a concerning trend of younger individuals being affected, necessitates a broader examination of available treatment options and their potential impact. According to data, the number of people experiencing eating problems is rising, and the age of onset is decreasing – prompting a critical question: what more can be done?

The Potential Pitfalls of Clinical Intervention

Wortel cautions that entering a clinic isn’t always the ideal solution, and can even be detrimental in certain situations. This perspective isn’t isolated. Her experience aligns with a growing body of anecdotal evidence suggesting that the highly structured environment of some clinics can inadvertently reinforce restrictive behaviors or create new challenges for individuals already grappling with control issues. This isn’t to say clinical care is ineffective for everyone, but rather that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate.

The complexities of eating disorder treatment are further explored in a collaborative work, “Het ongemak van een lichaam” (The Discomfort of a Body), co-authored by Wortel and Corinne Heyrman. The book, published on January 23, 2026, delves into the personal experiences of both authors, alongside insights from experts, aid workers, and other writers, examining the stigma surrounding eating disorders and the challenges of honest representation in discussions about these conditions. The book aims to foster a more nuanced understanding of the issue and explore potential avenues for improvement in care.

Beyond the Clinic: A Multifaceted Approach

Wortel’s story also touches on her creative pursuits, including her debut novel, “Weerlicht” (Lightning). The novel, as noted in a 2022 interview, honestly portrays the internal struggles of a young woman with an eating disorder and the impact on her family. The interview reveals that Wortel’s character, Lea, shares traits with the author herself – a tendency towards shyness, a need for control, and a critical self-assessment. This creative outlet, she notes, doesn’t carry the same anxieties as facing a public audience, a fear stemming from a long-held, but often suppressed, desire to be a clown.

Beyond writing, Wortel also finds solace in other activities, such as playing the violin – a skill she hasn’t practiced in a decade but considers revisiting – and organizing spaces. These seemingly simple activities provide a sense of order and control, offering a counterbalance to the internal chaos often associated with eating disorders. Her desire for work that provides fulfillment and recognition is also central to her well-being.

The Importance of Open Dialogue

The conversation surrounding eating disorders is often hampered by shame and sensationalism, as highlighted in “Het ongemak van een lichaam.” Wortel and Heyrman’s work seeks to break down these barriers, encouraging open and honest discussions about the realities of living with an eating disorder. This represents particularly crucial given the rising rates of these conditions and the decreasing age of those affected. Recent reports emphasize the need for a more compassionate and informed approach to treatment and support.

Jante Wortel’s willingness to share her experiences serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is not a linear process and that there is no single “right” way to heal. Her story encourages a critical evaluation of existing treatment models and a greater emphasis on individualized care, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by each person struggling with an eating disorder. As research continues and awareness grows, the hope is that more effective and compassionate approaches to treatment will emerge.

Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This proves essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

What are your thoughts on the challenges of eating disorder treatment? Share your perspective in the comments below.

The increasing number of prescriptions many individuals manage daily – a condition known as polypharmacy – is a growing concern for both patients and healthcare providers. While often necessary for managing multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy can significantly increase the risk of adverse drug events, drug-drug interactions and reduced medication adherence. Understanding the challenges and proactively engaging in medication management is crucial for optimizing health outcomes.

Polypharmacy is generally defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, though the threshold can vary depending on individual patient factors. It’s not simply about the number of pills, but the potential for complications arising from complex medication regimens. A 2025 study published in the Scand J Prim Health Care highlighted patient perspectives, revealing a common desire to avoid being overwhelmed by numerous medications – with one patient stating, “You would rather not fill your body with pills.”

The Risks of Taking Multiple Medications

The risks associated with polypharmacy are multifaceted. As the number of medications increases, so does the likelihood of adverse drug events (ADEs). These can range from mild side effects to serious complications like fractures due to increased risk of falls, as noted by the PM&R KnowledgeNow resource. Drug-drug interactions, where one medication alters the effect of another, are also more common. Polypharmacy can lead to drug-disease interactions, where a medication exacerbates an existing health condition. A patient with polypharmacy is exposed to many different medication prescriptions, and this increases the risk of drug-related problems with adverse events [5-7].

Why Polypharmacy Happens

Several factors contribute to the rise in polypharmacy. An aging population with multiple chronic conditions is a primary driver. As people live longer, they are more likely to develop several health issues requiring different medications. Specialist-driven care, where each specialist prescribes medications without a comprehensive overview of the patient’s entire regimen, can also contribute. Systemic obstacles within the healthcare system, as highlighted in a report from the American Academy of Family Physicians, can inadvertently set patients up for medication mismanagement. Fragmented care and a lack of communication between healthcare providers can lead to unnecessary prescriptions and potential conflicts.

A Patient-Centered Approach to Medication Management

Addressing polypharmacy requires a collaborative, patient-centered approach. Proactive medication reviews, ideally conducted by a pharmacist, are essential. Pharmacists, with their specialized expertise in medication therapy management, are well-positioned to identify potential problems, suggest simplifications, and educate patients about their medications . These reviews should involve a thorough assessment of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Patients also play a vital role in managing their medications. Keeping an updated medication list, understanding the purpose of each medication, and reporting any side effects to their healthcare provider are crucial steps. Open communication with doctors and pharmacists is key to ensuring a safe and effective medication regimen. The Scand J Prim Health Care study emphasized the importance of patient perspectives in this process, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to actively listen to and address patient concerns.

The Role of Primary Care and Policy Support

Primary care physicians are central to coordinating medication management for patients with polypharmacy. They can provide a holistic view of the patient’s health, identify potential redundancies or conflicts, and operate with specialists to optimize medication regimens. A scoping review of clinical practice guidelines found that national recommendations for medication management in primary care are evolving . Policy support is also needed to promote multidisciplinary collaboration and incentivize proactive medication management strategies.

navigating polypharmacy successfully requires a commitment from all stakeholders – patients, physicians, pharmacists, and policymakers – to prioritize medication safety and optimize patient care.

As healthcare systems continue to evolve, further research is needed to identify best practices for medication management in complex patient populations. The focus will likely remain on integrating technology, enhancing communication, and empowering patients to take an active role in their own health.

Have you experienced challenges managing multiple medications? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.