COPD-INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
http://www.COPD-International.com
Dedicated to the philosophy
"You can learn to control this disease instead of letting it control you!"
Monday, November 4, 2002
Volume #1 -- Issue #10
Susie Bowers, Editor --
Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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the end of this newsletter. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY. This newsletter is published on Mondays.
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> > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - SOS for SOB
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> COPD Community Update
==> Just for Fun
==> Recipe
==> Closing Thought
==> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
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> > > > > > > > > > WELCOME < < < < < < < < < <
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-----ABOUT US
We are a group of fellow COPD sufferers, caregivers and others interested in
this disease. Our online community is devoted to helping one another to live
the best life possible with this debilitating illness through interactive
support.
As many of us have found, COPD is a disease of many faces, contradictions
and components. Therefore, our diversified community is here to share its
combined wealth of knowledge and information, so we may all become
well-informed patients and take control of our disease rather than letting this
disease control us.
-----EDITORIAL COMMENTS
Shortness of breath (SOB) is something all of us with COPD
must deal with on a daily basis. Pacing ourselves and taking
our medications as prescribed can help alleviate shortness of
breath, but there are times when it is darn hard to catch our breath.
This issue focuses on two main techniques that can relieve SOB,
along with a few lesser-known tips to help you catch your breath
and restore your breathing to a more comfortable level.
These methods will make breathing less work, control your breathing
when it's hard to breathe and help move air into your lungs and
the air sacs where oxygen reaches your bloodstream.
We welcome your input and participation in our newsletters and
will review for publication any pertinent information you wish to share
with others on COPD and related topics. If you wish to contribute to the
newsletter, please contact us at
Newsletter@COPD-International.com
Yours in health ...
Susie
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> > > > > > > > > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < < <
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-----ANTIBIOTICS: DOCTORS, PATIENTS WAGE TUG OF WAR
Doctors and patients are gearing up for the annual antibiotic battle, when
miserable patients, coughing and sniffling, demand antibiotics. But many
doctors, being pressured to prescribe fewer antibiotics over concerns of
drug-resistant bacteria, are refusing to write the prescriptions.
Behind the battle is the diagnostic uncertainty that surrounds most
upper respiratory tract illnesses because symptoms of viral and
bacterial infections can look remarkably similar. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/15/health/policy/15FLU.html
-----ANTIBIOTICS: FROM A PATIENT'S PERSPECTIVE
With our compromised immune system and impaired lungs, a simple
cold can quickly turn into a full-fledged lung infection, which can last
for months, result in hospitalization and cause further lung damage.
Talk to your doctor about letting you have a prescription on hand for
antibiotics. Many of us have several "on the shelf" so that we can take
them at the first sign of a problem.
We are unique in that excessive or quick use of antibiotics is not a
concern for us. Of greater concern is the damage done by an infection
by waiting - even a day. Every infection has the potential to create
scarring, which in turn diminishes lung capacity.
If your doctor is cautious about prescribing antibiotics, make sure he
is readily available when the first signs of a cold appear and is willing
to call in a prescription to your local pharmacy that day.
-----TOXIC FOOD - 20% OF U.S. FOOD SUPPLY TAINTED
About 20% of the entire U.S. food supply is contaminated with toxins
from pesticide residue, and a recent study by an anti-pesticide group
estimates that the average American receives about 68 "exposures" to
these substances each day. Critics argue that despite earlier calls for
action, international movement to stop the use of these substances has
been slow. See Complete Report:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1671.53943
-----MEDICAL STUDIES - SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION
There isn't a day that goes by that we don't hear or read about startling
new findings of yet another medical study. In years past, only physicians
had to know how to interpret the findings of a medical study. Now, with
a seemingly insatiable public appetite for research findings, the job of
interpreting studies for the public has fallen largely to journalists, many
of whom are far less qualified than physicians to make sense of the studies.
See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/22/health/22BROD.html
-----AMERICA'S ASTHMA 'HOT SPOTS' IDENTIFIED
Ranking of 100 metro areas looks at both asthma's impact and local
factors that can challenge people living with the condition. See Report:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/asthma-hot-spots.htm
Make browsing in our Library and catching up on general medical
news in our Reading Room part of your daily surfing routine at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/
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> > > > > > > > > > RECALLS/WARNINGS < < < < < < < < < <
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-----RECENT RECALLS
- Select Brand®, Night-Time Adult Cold Medicine
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Select-Brand-Cold-Medicine
_recall.htm
- Fluocinonide Cream
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Fluocinonide-Cream_recall.htm
To view earlier recalls, please go to our Library section at
http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
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> > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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-----DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING TECHNIQUE
Breathlessness on effort is uncomfortable but not in of itself harmful
or dangerous. Knowing how to control your breathing will help you
to remain calm when you are short of breath. This breathing method
prevents or reduces the trapped air in your lungs and allows you to inhale
more fresh air. To see how to perform this breathing technique, go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/diaphragmatic.htm
-----PUCKER UP!
In addition to diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing (PLB)
is one of the simplest ways to control shortness of breath. It provides
a quick and easy way to slow your pace of breathing, making each
breath more effective.
What does pursed lip breathing do?
-Improves ventilation
-Releases trapped air in the lungs
-Keeps the airways open longer and decreases the work of breathing
-Prolongs exhalation to slow the breathing rate
-Improves breathing patterns by moving old air out of the lungs and
allowing for new air to enter the lungs
-Relieves shortness of breath
-Causes general relaxation
For instructions on how to perform pursed lip breathing, go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/plb.htm
-----MORE TIPS FOR EASIER BREATHING
-Hold Your Breath
Holding your breath extends the time for your lungs to exchange
oxygen for carbon dioxide. This helps your blood to take in more
oxygen. Breathe in, try to hold your breath for three seconds and
breathe out.
-Rib-cage Breathing
Repeat the steps used in diaphragm breathing, but place your
hands on your ribs instead of your abdomen, and don't pull in your
abdominal muscles. Feel your chest expand and fall back as you
breathe.
-Positions That Help Reduce SOB
When you are short of breath, how you sit or stand can make a
difference. Using less energy will help you avoid breathlessness.
Here's how to sit and stand to use less energy.Sitting
When you sit, support your feet, lean your chest forward
slightly, and rest your elbows on your knees and your chin
on your hands.Or you can rest your arms on a table with
your head on a pillow.
Standing
Standing takes less energy if you lean your chest forward
slightly and rest your hands on your thighs. If there is a
high piece of furniture nearby, rest your elbows on it, put
your head on your forearms and relax your neck and
shoulders. Or you can rest your hands on a piece of
furniture.
(Source: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----FALSE ALARM - OVERCOMING PANIC DISORDER
Panic disorder and its related fears are usually the result of an automatic
fear reaction that goes off by mistake. Unless you know how to control
this reaction, it is likely to occur again, especially in similar
situations.
There are two effective way of handling it: medication or cognitive-behavior
therapy. Both methods are effective in most people within a few weeks.
To read more about panic disorders, please go to
http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=mentalhealth&c=panic#
Cognitive-Behavior
Editor's Note: This is a long link. Please cut and paste the entire
address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
-----DO VITAMIN C, ZINC, ECHINACEA HELP COLDS?
Dr. Karla Birkholz tells WebMD there is little conclusive evidence
regarding the effectiveness of vitamin C, the herbal supplement
Echinacea or zinc lozenges.
The doctor says the best way to prevent a cold is to take good care
of yourself during cold season. In other words, eat well, exercise,
get enough sleep, don't smoke and keep stress to a minimum. She also
recommends washing hands frequently and sneezing into your arm,
instead of your hand, to avoid spreading germs each time you touch
something. See Story:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1668.52022
-----BEST AND WORST FAST-FOODS
To help guide you at the fast-food counter, the nutrition gurus at the
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently issued their
choices.
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1671.53817
-----ADD LAYERS TO YOUR WINTER WORKOUTS
Don't let the chilly temps put the freeze on your workouts. Get the scoop
on cold-weather basics and learn the three-step layering system that will
keep you dry and comfortable.
http://www.foodfit.com/fitness/coldWorkOuts.asp
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> > > > > > > > > > COPD COMMUNITY UPDATE < < < < < < < < <
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-----WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS!
We welcome all our new subscribers and invite you to join our
e-mail lists and check out our chat rooms, where you can talk
freely about COPD in an atmosphere of fellowship. The link
to the chat schedules can be found on our Home Page or just
drop in anytime you have a need to talk.
-----VISIT THE BILL HORDEN LIBRARY
Our Library includes the works of COPD Advocate Bill Horden, a
pioneer of online support for those with COPD. His work continues
to be a source of inspiration to all of us - not only to live well, but also
to help others do the same. Horden Library:
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/
-----QUIT SMOKING NOW (QSN) PROGRAM AND CHAT
If you want online support to quit smoking, join our interactive
Quit Smoking Now (QSN) Program, where community members
support one another in stopping smoking and remain smoke-free.
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/
For more information on the QSN Program, contact Diane,
program
coordinator, at
Newsletter@COPD-International.com Diane is also available
for scheduling one-on-one chats. This is in addition to a regularly
scheduled chat on Mondays at 9 p.m. (EST). The chat room can be
accessed at
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm
Editor's Note: This is a new program, so if you don't find anyone hanging
around the no-smoking chat room, please feel free to visit our main
chat room. The folks there certainly can help and lend their support.
-----WEEKLY CHAT FOR CAREGIVERS
On Wednesdays at 8 p.m. (EST), we invite all caregivers who are in
need of mutual support to join host Kitty in this weekly chat. Kitty is a
caregiver for her husband, George. You can reach the Caregivers Chat
Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm
(Note: Only caregivers in this chat please.)
For more information on our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at
Chat@COPD-International.com
-----LOVING THOUGHTS
Express your loving thoughts, get-well wishes and prayers for
our fellow community members, who are very ill or hospitalized.
"Books" of loving thoughts have been established for:
-Helen Price, caregiver and wife of Ray Price, one of the founding
members of COPD-International, underwent intestinal surgery on
Tuesday, Oct. 29.
-Our first "book" of loving thoughts is dedicated to COPD
Advocate Bill Horden.
To participate in this program of loving concern, go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Loving_Thoughts/
-----VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are always needed to maintain the various interactive
support programs. If you wish to volunteer, please contact us at
http://www.copd-international.com/volunteer.htm
Don't forget to checkout all our support programs listed on our
Home Page at
www.COPD-International.com
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> > > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < < <
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----ACTUAL QUOTES FROM MEDICAL RECORDS
The following quotes were taken from actual medical records
dictated by physicians.
-By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart had stopped, and he
was feeling better.
-Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
-On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it had
completely disappeared.
-She has had no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she
was very hot in bed last night.
-Patient was released to outpatient department without dressing.
-The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears
to be depressed.
-Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
-The patient has no past history of suicides.
-Patient has left his white blood cells at another hospital.
-She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate
directions in early December.
-Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.
-The patient was in his usual state of good health until his airplane
ran out of gas and crashed.
-Since she can't get pregnant with her husband, I thought you would
like to work her up.
-She is numb from her toes down.
-While in the ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
-Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
-Patient was alert and unresponsive.
-When she fainted, her eyes rolled around the room
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----MINUTE CHICKEN AND RICE DINNER
Ingredients
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's cream of chicken
or 98 percent fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 tsp. each paprika and pepper
2 cups white rice, uncooked*
2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets
Directions
Heat oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned.
Remove chicken.
Add soup, water, paprika and pepper; stir. Heat to a boil.
Stir in rice and broccoli. Top with chicken. Season chicken
with additional paprika and pepper; cover.
Cook on low heat 5 minutes or until cooked through
Serves 4
* For creamier dish, use 1 1/2 cups rice.
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
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Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire,
you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
-- George Bernard Shaw
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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© 2002 COPD-International.com, except where otherwise indicated.
All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from copyright
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All content provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.
All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided
in this newsletter should never be interpreted as a diagnosis,
treatment plan or any other form of professional service.
All information provided should be judged as individual "opinions"
and discussed with a qualified health-care professional before any
remedy, treatment or therapy is started.