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 18, 2002               Volume #1 -- Issue #12
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004   COPD-International.com All rights reserved.

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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 - Thanksgiving
==> 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
This year Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 28.
It is a day when friends and families gather to enjoy festive dinners and give thanks
for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon them.

For those of us with COPD, the thoughts of preparing and hosting a big holiday
dinner can be overwhelming. On some days, it can be a real challenge just to
prepare a simple sandwich and soup. But by pacing ourselves, planning ahead and
being resourceful, we can celebrate a stress-free holiday with energy to spare
--- well almost!

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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-----ALA OFFERS ONLINE SUPPORT TOOL FOR COPDERS
The American Lung Association (ALA) announced the introduction of a new
free Internet-based lung health decision-support tool for patients suffering from COPD.

The COPD Lung Profiler is an interactive Web-based tool that confidentially
matches an individual's clinical information to a selected group of peer-reviewed
clinical studies. As a result, patients receive personalized information about
treatment options and side effects relevant to their condition, along with questions
to discuss with their doctors.

"COPD is an illness that many patients prefer anonymity when seeking
information," said Dr. Norman Edelman of the ALA. "The COPD Lung
Profiler allows them to thoroughly research and understand their own
personal situation, so they can make educated decisions about
treatment choices. With so many undiagnosed COPD patients in
America, the COPD Lung Profiler will be a great asset to those
seeking information in a private manner."

The COPD Lung Profiler technology was developed by NexCura, a
Seattle-based healthcare education and information company that
develops proprietary, Internet-based, clinical knowledge applications for
patients, caregivers and providers to facilitate communication and promote
better informed decisions about treatment options and care.

The COPD Lung Profiler was underwritten by a grant from Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To learn more about this program go
to http://www.lungusa.org/                 (Source ALA Press Release.)

-----EDITOR'S COMMENTS ON THE PROFILER PROGRAM
When I tried the new Lung Profiler, I found that three of my five
daily medications, which I consider mainstays and most helpful in my
COPD therapy, not listed as treatment options.

When contacted, NexCura said the three drugs - Singulair,
GuaifenesinLA and Advair - were not COPD-specific; and,
therefore, not listed as treatment options. And, that the
omission of these three drugs had nothing to do with the fact
that they are not manufactured by the underwriting firm,
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

If you plan on using this new program as an informational tool,
know that asthma-specific medications, which are not included
in the program's database, for whatever reasons, are viable
treatment options for many of us with COPD, and are frequently
prescribed by physicians for the treatment of COPD, especially
for those with an asthmatic component.

-----ANXIETY, DEPRESSION LINKED TO ER OUTCOMES
A recent study indicates that anxiety and depression are related to
the outcome of emergency treatment in patients with COPD and that
further studies should be conducted to evaluate the effect of
treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with recurrent
exacerbations of asthma and COPD. See Report:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/122/5/1633

-----STUDY SHOWS EDUCATION IS GOOD MEDICINE
This study found that asthma educational programs improved the
quality of life in asthmatic subjects, mainly in patients with
moderate-to-severe asthma. See Details:
http://www.pulmonologylinx.com/thearts.cfm?artid=445723&specid=
14&ok=yes

-----WHAT'S UP WITH VITAMIN E?
Noting that vitamin E has only just been established as more than
"just" an antioxidant, European scientists said it is "high time" to
determine exactly how it works. See Report:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6302

-----CUTTING DOWN ON SMOKING MAY NOT CUT IT
Little is known about the effects of changes in smoking habits on
the subsequent risk of COPD. The aim of this study was to
investigate the relationship between smoking cessation and reduction
and admission to hospital for COPD in a general population sample.
See Study:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/57/11/967

-----U.S. MEDICARE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Medicare Education Campaign 2003 is designed to help people with
Medicare coverage get answers to their questions and make informed
decisions about their health plans. Medicare beneficiaries, family
members and caregivers can receive information through the 24-hour
service at 1-800-MEDICARE. The Medicare & You 2003 handbook and new
decision tools can be found at http://www.medicare.gov

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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-----U.S. FDA WARNINGS AND SAFETY ALERTS
-Nationwide alert concerning all injectable drugs prepared by Urgent
Care Pharmacy. See Details:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/injectable-drugs_warning.htm

-Warnings and information in the product labeling of the drug Bextra
(valdecoxib), a pain drug approved for treatment of osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). See Warning:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2002/ANS01170.html

-----FOOD SAFETY ALERT
By following four basic food safety steps, Thanksgiving meals can be
delicious and safe. See Safety Advice:
http://www.safetyalerts.com/articles/new.02/turkeysafety.htm

To view earlier drug 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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-----HOLIDAYS - SPEND YOUR ENERGY WISELY
These general energy-saving tips will help you pace yourself and cut
down on stress not only on holidays, but all year-round. See Tips:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/living-series-energy.htm

-----SHOPPING TIL YOU DROP JUST WON'T DO
Shopping can be quite an ordeal for COPDers - holiday or no holiday.
The link below leads to tips to help make grocery shopping easier
and less exhausting, as well as other energy-conserving ideas.
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/living-series-shopping.htm

----GET IT CATERED FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!
Hiring a professional catering service may not be in the budget, but
there are reasonable alternatives available. Below are just a few
suggestions:

-Get takeout. Many restaurants offer special holiday takeout dinners
complete with all the trimmings, which can be ordered in advance.

-Many caterers offer entrees only. Order a roasted turkey and serve
with your family's traditional side dishes. Or, you can order an
array of fancy side dishes/desserts and prepare your own main
entree.

-Order online or from a catalog. There are many reputable mail-order
gourmet food companies, which specialize in holiday feasts from
several-course dinners to unique specialty items.

-Potluck suppers aren't what they use to be. A holiday dinner can be
filled with a delicious variety of foods by asking guests to bring a
homemade dish that can be shared by all.

-Editor's choice?    Make reservations at your favorite restaurant!

-----MORE TURKEY TALK - BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
When preparing, cooking and storing any food ahead of time, safety
should always be a prime concern. Below is a link to the National
Turkey Federation site on how to safely handle pre-cooked turkey
dinners. http://www.turkeyfed.org/consumer/cookinfo/precook.html
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       > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----NATIONAL SMOKEOUT DAY NOVEMBER 21
"Butt out" for the Great American Smokeout! Every third Thursday in
November is National Smokeout Day. It is a day when smokers are
encouraged to cease their addiction for at least 24 hours. So, if
you are still struggling with smoking, join others on their quest to
give up cigarettes this Thursday - not just for one day, but for good.

-----INSPIRATIONAL TIPS TO QUIT SMOKING FOR LIFE
If you're ready to stop smoking for life, use these inspirational
tips from WebMD's Smoking Cessation specialist, Catherine Salveson,
RN, PhD. See Tips: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1685.53396

-----CONTROL THAT COUGH!
COPD can cause your lungs to produce excess mucus, causing
uncontrolled coughing, which in turn can cause airways to collapse
and spasm, trapping mucus. The effective, or controlled, cough comes
from deep within the lungs and has just enough force to loosen and
carry mucus through the airways without causing them to narrow and
collapse. Controlled coughing saves energy and therefore, oxygen.
See Controlled Coughing Technique:
http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2400/2413.asp?index=8697
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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.

-----MANAGEMENT CHANGES

-Cindy VanBrocklyn, known to many of us as "Cindyma," has been
elected to the COPD-International Advisory Committee. Cindy, in
addition to hosting chats, will serve as Kids and Teens Coordinator.
Welcome aboard, Cindy!

-The Advisory Committee also accepted the resignation of Ray Price,
who cited family health issues as the reason. Ray will remain active
as a subscriber.

-----KEEP IN TOUCH PROGRAM
Our Keep in Touch Program (KIT) is a program set up for those of
us that live alone, or persons who desire a way to maintain daily
contact with a small group of people like themselves for reassurance
- a daily check-in of sorts. For more information, please go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Keep_in_Touch/

-----QUIT SMOKING NOW 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 remaining 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 the 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 CAREGIVERS CHAT
On Wednesdays at 7 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:

-Carol Richmond, who is back in the hospital with pneumonia.
Our loving thoughts go out to her, her sister and caretaker, Karen,
and her niece, Chrissy, who is a contributor to our Teen's Forum.

-Helen Price, caregiver and wife of Ray Price, one of the founders
of COPD-International, who recently underwent intestinal surgery.

-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/

To request a loving-thoughts "book" for someone special,
who is very ill or hospitalized, please send details to
Webmaster@COPD-International.com

-----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. To browse the Horden Library,
go to http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/

-----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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How many doctors does it take to change a light bulb?

First, these answers depend on whether "it" has health insurance.

Primary Care Physicians:

-Only one, but he has to have a nurse to tell him which end to
screw in.

-Three. One to find a bulb specialist, one to find a bulb
installation specialist and one to bill it all to Medicare.

Surgeons:

-None. They would wait for a suitable donor and do a filament
transplant.

-Three. They'd also like to remove the socket, as you aren't
using it now.

Physiotherapists:

-None. They just give the dead bulb some exercises to do and
hope it will be working a bit better the next time they see it.

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               > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----THANKSGIVING FOR SIX IN UNDER AN HOUR

Menu

Cran-apple Turkey Medallions
Sweet Potato Oven Fries
Steamed Vegetable
Pear Crisp
Sparkling Apple Cider
See Recipes:
http://www.ivillage.com/food/menu/meal_display/0,5708,42-
385895,00.html

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         > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
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"Do not equate health and disease as a battle, as there are no true 'winners'
in a battle. Instead look at chronic disease like a "shadow," it will always be there,
BUT if you always face the sun, the shadows will fall behind!"

               -- An Emphysema Foundation Physician
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    > > > > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < < < <
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Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
-----------------
Notes
-----------------
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© 2002 COPD-International.com, except where otherwise indicated. All
rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from
copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of their respective
owners. 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.