DEAR ACHING: Not to worry. It is highly unlikely that your polio is returning. However, if your doctor's diagnosis is correct, the nerve damage that you suffered in your leg as a youngster from the polio has caused an acceleration of the normal weakness attributed to aging. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, an estimated 300,000 polio survivors are at risk for Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) characterized by a weakening of the same muscles that were previously affected when they had polio.

Polio, or poliomyelitis in its long form - also known as infantile paralysis because it was so widespread among children 3 to 5 years of age (more than 50 percent of reported cases) - was the scourge of America in the 1950s and a source of anxiety for parents every summer when thousands of youngsters were afflicted by this crippling disease. Both my mother and my youngest brother were among its victims, and - like you - both recovered, although my mother has experienced some increased weakness in the affected leg in her later years.It is a contagious disease mostly transmitted by human contact through the ingestion of fecally-contaminated food or water and has been virtually eradicated in this country.

The height of the polio epidemic took place in 1952 with nearly 60,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths reported in the U.S. alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control.The illness itself usually only lasted two weeks or less, but nerve damage could sometimes last a lifetime, and you will recall that many victims who were totally paralyzed were kept alive in iron lungs to facilitate their breathing. Some survivors are still living in iron lungs or other more advanced respirators even today.

What can you do? Although there is no known way to prevent PPS, most physicians will recommend that you lead a healthy lifestyle, including moderate exercise, a well-balanced diet and regular checkups. Just as your physical therapy was so important in your initial recovery, physical activities such as water exercises (particularly in warm water 85 to 95 degrees), tai chi and mild forms of yoga can be beneficial in the treatment of your PPS, using your own level of tolerance to determine your limitations.

For further information about Post Polio Syndrome, contact Post Polio Health International at (314) 534-0475 or refer to its Web site at www.post-polio.org.

NOTE: In 1985, Rotary launched the PolioPlus program to protect children worldwide from the cruel and fatal consequences of polio. In 1988, the World Health Assembly challenged the world to eradicate polio. Since that time, Rotary's efforts and those of partner agencies, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and governments around the world, have achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. For information about the PolioPlus Program, contact the Ramona Rotary at (760) 788-1181 or www.ramonarotary.orgor refer to Rotary International at www.rotary.org.

Jim Evans is a 38-year veteran of the health and fitness industry and a nationally recognized consultant on fitness for seniors. He is host of the popular radio talk show "Forever Young" on San Diego's KCBQ 1170 AM (KCBQ.com) and chairman of the advisory council for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of San Diego.