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 9, 2002                    Volume #1 -- Issue #15
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004   COPD-International.com   All rights reserved.

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          > > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Holiday Season
==> 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
We are in the throes of the hectic holiday season. Even those in decent
health find the stress and expectations almost too much to endure. For
those of us with COPD and our caregivers, the stress can be even more
intense, as we deal with the fact that we can no longer do all the things
we once enjoyed during this holiday season.

Learning to live within our limitations is darn hard, but with planning,
determination and help from family and friends, we can still experience
the joy of this festive season.

For those of us who are alone, we can make our holidays magical by
doing the things we enjoy - watching a good movie, reading an uplifting
book, calling someone who cares or chatting with our online friends.

Getting caught up in all the commercialized myths about Christmas
leads to unrealistic expectations, which are at the root of holiday
depression and stress. So, let's sit back, relax and enjoy what is,
as we all have much in our lives for which to be grateful.

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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-----U.S. INFLUENZA UPDATE FOR 2002-03 SEASON
This technical report summarizes influenza activity in the United States
during the weeks ending October 5 - November 23, 2002. Influenza
activity was low during this period, but is expected to increase during
the coming weeks.Vaccine supplies are plentiful this year, and vaccination
should continue throughout this month and the remainder of the influenza
season, particularly among persons at high risk for complications from
influenza. See Statistics:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5148a4.htm

-----ASTHMA - TREATMENT STRATEGY SHOWS PROMISE
An asthma treatment that targets the inflammation rather than just reacting
to symptoms could be more effective in reducing severe attacks, new
research suggests. See Story:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-new-asthma-strategy
1130nov29.story
Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.

-----HYPERTENSION STUDIED IN COPD PATIENTS
Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication of COPD. According
to this study of patients with COPD, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)
rose significantly during sleep to levels similar to those measured during
exercise, but this could be reversed with oxygen. See Details:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/57/12/1050

-----COPDERS BENEFIT FROM MUSCLE STIMULATION
Transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (TCEMS) of peripheral
muscles can be a useful adjunct to the comprehensive pulmonary
rehabilitation of patients with COPD, according to this trial study:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/57/12/1045

-----EMPHYSEMA BEGINS IN YOUNG SMOKERS
Emphysema's damaging effects begin to set in almost as soon as one
starts smoking, especially in the young, according to respiratory officials:
http://www.thedmonline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2002/11/18/3dd8855350f50

-----MEDICARE STUDY SET FOR SMOKING CESSATION
Medicare has launched a seven-state pilot program to study the best
way to help older Medicare beneficiaries quit smoking.

The Medicare Stop Smoking Program will be conducted in Alabama,
Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wyoming. The pilot
program will test various combinations of smoking cessation strategies
to determine which are the most effective for seniors.

Beneficiaries who enroll in the study will receive free smoking cessation
therapy, which may range from physician counseling to drugs to help them
quit. As a preventive measure, smoking cessation therapy is normally not
covered by Medicare, but is covered for those enrolled in this study.

In these states, senior Medicare beneficiaries who smoke and want to
quit are encouraged to call a toll-free telephone number to find out if
they are eligible for the study. Only people 65 and older enrolled in fee-
for-service Medicare Part B in the seven states are eligible to participate.
The number is 1-866-65BEGIN (1-866-652-3446).

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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-----RECALL
Novo Nordisk Recalls Novolin 70/30 InnoLet
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Novolin_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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-----HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE
At this time of year, staying healthy and sane can be a major challenge.
Three MIT medical clinicians share their thoughts about the perils of the
season and offer some practical suggestions to help you overcome holiday
burnout. See Tips: http://web.mit.edu/medical/hm76/hm76holidays.htm

-----MORE SECRETS TO A SANE HOLIDAY
If there's more S-T-R-E-S-S than J-O-Y in your holidays this season,
the link below leads to 10 strategies to help keep you sane. See how easy
it is to put the "merry" back in Christmas this year.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/family/basics/2711.asp

-----ALONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS? JOIN THE CROWD!
The holiday scenario of a large, smiling family is gathered around an
exquisitely laid-out table, brimming with beautifully prepared food is
largely a myth that can generate a great deal of unhappiness during the
holidays. Experts warn against the notion that without an idyllic holiday,
there is something terribly wrong. In fact, millions of people are alone
during the holidays.
http://www.nnhmhds.org/cgi-bin/hl.cgi/library/holidays.htm

-----CAREGIVERS - COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS
Coping with the holidays can be difficult at the best of times. Trying to
cope while caring for a loved one, who is very sick, makes it even harder.
Although you cannot change your situation, you can change the way you
approach the holiday season. See Tips:
http://www.palliative.org/PC/ClinicalInfo/Editorials/CopingWithThe
Holidays.html
Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.

-----TIPS TO AVOID THE SHOPPING FRENZY
Here are a few suggestions on how to handle Christmas shopping
without having to catch your breath or get stressed to the max.

- Mail-order catalogues
- Home shopping networks
- Online stores
- E-mail greetings cards
- Shopping and delivery services
- Gift certificates

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        > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----SCENTS AND SENSITIVITIES
Perfume, according to marketing claims, will help us attract a romantic
partner and make us feel sexier. But the gift of a bottle of cologne or
perfume may not be healthy for your intended, say some experts. Certain
fragrances and their chemical constituents can trigger an allergic, rather
than an aphrodisiac, response, especially in those of us with COPD.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp

-----HANDS UP FOR B VITAMINS!
Folic acid could dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, deep vein
thrombosis and stroke if levels of homocysteine (an amino acid) were
reduced, according to researchers.
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6476

-----KEEP COOL - ANGER MANAGEMENT
While it is generally agreed that holding anger in causes stress and
physical illness, recent research shows that people who express anger
often actually experience more physical symptoms and illness than those
who hold their anger in. See Story:
http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=mentalhealth&c=anger&b=
healthology&spg=NWL
Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
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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 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 for reassurance. See Details:
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:

-Donna, wife of Bill Tomerlin, who is in the hospital with a
respiratory infection.

-Helen Price, wife of Ray Price, a founder of COPD-International,
who is recovering from intestinal surgery and now 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/

-----VOLUNTEERS - PLEASE STEP FORWARD!
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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-----PSYCHOLOGICAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS

SCHIZOPHRENIA - Do You Hear What I Hear?

MULTIPLE PERSONALITY - We Three Kings Disoriented Are...

DEMENTIA - I Think I'll Be Home For Christmas.

NARCISSISTIC - Hark The Herald Angels Sing (About Me)

MANIA - Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and
Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Spare No Expense!

PARANOIA - Santa Claus is Coming To Get Me.

PERSONALITY DISORDER - You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry,
I'm Gonna Pout, then MAYBE I'll tell you why.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE - Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell
Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle
Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell,
Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock.....

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY - Thoughts of Roasting in an Open Fire.

PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE - On the First Day of Christmas My True
Love Gave to Me (and then took it all away).

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              > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP WITH VEGGIES

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts with the bone, about 3 pounds total
12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
3 parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
(or any other vegetable)
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
8 ounces egg noodles
1/2 cup chopped parsley
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Remove the skin from the chicken breasts and place them in a
large soup pot. Add the chicken broth, bring it to a boil and reduce
the heat so that the broth just simmers. Simmer until the chicken is
thoroughly cooked, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and
transfer to a plate to cool.

2. Skim the fat from the broth and bring it back to a boil. Add the
onion, carrots, parsnips and celery. Simmer until the vegetables are
soft, about 5 minutes. Add the noodles and cook for 5 more minutes.

3. Meanwhile, discard the bones from the chicken and chop the meat
into small pieces.

4. Add the chicken and parsley to the soup pot and simmer for another
minute or two. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in warm soup
bowls with a thick slice of warm bread. This Foot Fit Recipe serves 8.

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         > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you
can do with what there is.

- Ernest Hemingway-

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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.