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, December 2, 2002
Volume #1 -- Issue #14
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 < < < < < < < < < <
________________________________________________________________
==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Caregiver Support
==> 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
Caregivers. There is not enough that can be said in praise of those
who tirelessly and lovingly take care of those who are ill. Each year the
number of caregivers continues to grow, especially in the area of COPD.
The daily responsibilities of those who care for an ill loved one are
monumental. The role of caregiver to the COPD patient can be demanding,
exhausting, frustrating, overwhelming and stressful. Because of the high
demands, emotionally and physically, it is of the utmost importance that
caregivers have support, as well as take good care of themselves to avoid
burnout.
Our caregivers are family, friends and neighbors who unselfishly give of
their time in order that others may lead the best life possible with a
chronic illness. This issue focuses on caregivers and how the burden
of caretaking can be lessened with positive support, healthy coping skills
and professional assistance.
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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-----FDA APPROVES NEW OSTEOPOROSIS THERAPY
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved teriparatide
for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high
risk for having a fracture. The drug is also approved to increase bone mass
in men. Teriparatide is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and will be
marketed under the trade name Forteo. See Drug Information:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Forteo_osteoporosis_drug.htm
Editor's Note: Studies urge the importance of screening for osteoporosis
in patients with COPD. The association between the two is very significant,
and it is recommended that patients be screened for osteoporosis when
they are given the diagnosis of COPD. Also, patients who are taking
medications called glucocorticoid therapy should be considered for
preventive therapy for osteoporosis.
-----FDA SENDS CLARITIN OVER THE COUNTER
The FDA has approved Claritin (loratadine) as an over-the-counter
allergy drug product. Previously available only as a prescription drug,
Claritin is approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis - a condition that
causes runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy nose, throat,
eyes and ears. See Story:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Claritin.htm
-----HOSPITALIZATION - AFTERCARE BENEFICIAL
A recent study raises questions about the effectiveness of coordinated care
in patients with severe COPD. The study found COPD patients recently
discharged from hospital could benefit from follow-up home visits by
healthcare providers. See Report:
http://copd.e-newsletter.com.au/index.php?type=0&cat=all&articleidn=125#125
-----HOSTILITY PLAYS ROLE IN HEART DISEASE RISK
Hostility levels may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than
"traditional" factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
smoking and being overweight, suggests this new study.
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1675.65822
-----VACCINATIONS - MEDICARE PATIENTS LOSING OUT?
National recommendations for inpatient vaccination against influenza and
pneumococcal disease are not being followed for the vast majority of
eligible Medicare patients admitted to the hospital. See Article:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/issues/v162n20/abs/ioi20398.html
-----BRONCHOSOPY - IMPROVING PATIENT SATISFACTION
Although patient satisfaction with providers is high, there are specific
patient and process of care factors that should be improved. See
Suggestions:
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/10/1326
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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-----FDA RECALLS
- Etodolac Extended-Release Tablets
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Etodolac-Tablets_recall.htm
- Rhinocort Nasal Inhaler
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Rhinocort-Nasal-Inhaler_recall.htm
- R-Tanna S Pediatric Suspension; CP-Tannic Suspension
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/CP-Tannic-Suspension_recall.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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-----CAREGIVERS HANDBOOK
This 9-part online posting of The Caregiver's Handbook is a vast resource
of valuable information, which covers every aspect of caregiving, including
advice for the care-receiver. See Handbook:
http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~drstall/hndbk0.html
Editor's Note: Prepared in 1990, it is suggested that the handbook be
referred to as a general guide, and specifics checked, as appropriate,
with physicians, healthcare providers, state and community social
services and caregiving resources for more up-to-date information.
However, much of the content remains timeless.
-----CARING FOR THOSE WITH COPD
The first step in caring for someone with COPD is learning everything
you possibly can about this disease. The more you know, the better you
will be able to care for your loved one. See our Caregivers Guide to
general information on COPD and an index to many COPD topics at
http://www.copd-international.com/library/contents.htm
-----CAREGIVING NOT GENDER-SPECIFIC
According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), there
are more than 54 million Americans who have provided care for an elderly,
disabled, or chronically ill family member or friend during the past year.
Caregiving is often thought of as a role assumed primarily by women, but
an NFCA survey found that 44 percent of caregivers are men.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/821209.asp
-----A CAREGIVERS PERSONAL STORY
Caregiver Mary Cody wrote this article for the American Lung Association
of Minnesota. She wanted to share her personal experiences and support
with other caregivers as they navigate their journey with lung disease. See
Mary's Story: http://www.alamn.org/lung/caregivers.asp
-----CARETAKERS - STEPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
The National Family Caregivers Association offers the following tips:
1. Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved
one's illness or disability always take center stage.
2. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value
yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some
quality time, just for you.
3. Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting
professional help when you need it.
4. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific
things that they can do.
5. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information
is empowering.
6. There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to
technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
7. Be realistic about what you can or cannot do.
8. Learn about helpful resources in the community.
-----ONLINE SUPPORT FOR OUR CAREGIVERS
COPD-International provides a place where caregivers can share their
feelings and concerns in a supportive atmosphere of mutual understanding.
In the Chat Room and on the Message Board, caregivers will find others,
much like themselves, who are dealing with the same concerns and issues
that go along with caretaking.
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/
Also, a special caregivers chat is held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. (EST)
(See Details Under Community Update)
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----LONGEVITY ENHANCED BY HELPING OTHERS
Helping others may help older people live longer, according to a study
released by the University of Michigan. People who described themselves
as providing either emotional support to a spouse or tangible help to
someone in another household were roughly half as likely to die in the five
years that followed as those who did neither, the study found. See Details:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/12/health/aging/12AGIN.html
-----BURNOUT IS NOT FOR WIMPS!
Many people burn out not because they're weak, but because of their
tenacity, dedication and strong sense of responsibility. Are you a
candidate for burnout? It's common, but avoidable. See Tips:
http://webcenter.health.webmd.netscape.com/content/article/1674.52596?DEST
=WebMD_contentSRC_nsemohealth
Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
-----MENTAL GYMNASTICS IMPROVE MEMORY
Keeping the brain sharp through classes, puzzles or memory games may
slow the pace of age-related memory loss in older adults. See Study:
http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=healthnews&StoryID=1722120
Editor's Note: Want to test this theory? Under "Just for Fun" is a link to
52 brainteasers.
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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.
-----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. For details,
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
-----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:
-Helen Price, wife of Ray Price, a founder of COPD-International,
who is recovering from intestinal surgery,and is now starting
on chemotherapy.
-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/
-----CALLING ALL 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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-----QUIZZES TO HONE YOUR MENTAL SKILLS
This link leads to 52 quizzes, which experts claim can help sharpen your
mental skills and improve memory. Have fun!
http://encarta.msn.com/quiz/
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----SPAGHETTI WITH SAUSAGES
Here's a quick red sauce that will hold for several days, allowing you to
serve the dish again and again, needing only to cook fresh pasta each time.
Of course, you can substitute any commercial sauce if you prefer.
Ingredients
1 lb - Italian sausage links, mild or hot, as you like
1 tbsp - extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup - each, of chopped onion, celery, and green pepper
1 ea - clove of garlic, mashed
1 ea - 14 oz. can stewed diced tomatoes
1 tbsp - each, of basil, oregano, and fresh-ground black pepper
Directions
Separate the sausage links, prick the skins several times with a
sharp fork, and simmer in a one-quart saucepan for 15 minutes.
Remove sausage from saucepan, discard water, and brown the
sausages for approximately 10 minutes, turning often. Drain off
any fat in the pan, add olive oil, garlic, onion, celery, and pepper,
and sauté until celery is tender. Add tomatoes, herbs, and pepper
and simmer for 30 minutes.
(Source: "SOB in the Kitchen" by Bill Horden) For
more of Bill's recepices:
go to:
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/kitchen.html
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no
man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson --
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Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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Newsletters are archived in the COPD-International online Library.
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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.