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 23, 2002
Volume #1 -- Issue #17
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 - Holiday R&R
==> 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
Rest and relaxation are among the best gifts we can give ourselves
as Christmas approaches. Eventually, the hour comes when the
rushing ends and the race against the calendar comes to a close,
as we recognize the true spirit of Christmas.
We can leave the stress of holiday preparations behind us and focus on
sitting back and taking in all the beauty that surrounds us. For those of us
who have limited stamina and precious-little energy, the week between
Christmas and New Year's is a perfect time to recharge by resting,
relaxing and slowing down to a pace that is more comfortable for us.
This issue focuses on ways we can enjoy our downtime. Yes, this issue
also has two stories on exercises to enhance our flexibility, but they are
very easy to do and not too strenuous - honest!
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
Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas!
Yours in health ...
Susie
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> > > > > > > > > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < < <
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-----IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME LINKED TO ASTHMA
This study concludes that patients with bronchial asthma have an increased
prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Further studies are needed
to clarify the potential pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the association.
No asthma medications were associated with increased or decreased
likelihood of IBS. See Report:
http://www.harcourt-international.com/journals/rmed/previous.cfm?art=rmed.2001.1409
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
-----POLLUTION TARGET OF WORLDWIDE REPORT
The World Health Report 2002, Reducing Risks, Promoting Healthy
Life, looks at the impact of urban air pollution on ill health. See Report:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/325/7377/1380/c
-----HHS TO AID STATES WITH INSURANCE POOLS
States that create health insurance pools for people who have trouble
buying insurance on the open market are now eligible for federal startup
money. A high-risk pool typically involves a nonprofit association created
by the state to offer coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
See Details:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/20021126a.html
----- REVIEW - STEROID THERAPY EASES EXACERBATIONS
Short courses of systemic corticosteroids in acute exacerbations of COPD
have been shown to improve spirometric outcomes and clinical outcomes
See Article:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/issues/current/abs/ira10086.html
-----BEST HOSPITALS FOR RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
The sicker the patient, the more pressing the need for the best care -
which is why U.S. News published its 13th annual edition of "America's
Best Hospitals." It ranked 205 top medical centers, from 6,045 in 17
specialties. These hospitals excel partly because their doctors perform
large numbers of tricky and risky procedures. See Rankings:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/health/hosptl/rankings/specihqpulm.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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To view 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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-----GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF REST, RELAXATION
Relax With Friends
We all seem to be in agreement that the most important and lasting
pleasure any of us can have is the company of good friends. At a
certain age, it seems harder to make new friends. But by reaching
out to others, we can create a circle of friends we enjoy.
One of the best ways to make friends with whom we can share common
interests and problems is to join a respiratory club. If you can't find such
a group, get in touch with your local lung association or your hospital
respiratory department.
Somewhere near you is someone who needs your friendship and help,
too. Once you have gotten in touch with others, you will be amazed to
find how rewarding it can be.
Recreation
Alone or with company, there are many entertaining things to do at home
besides watching TV. Many are more fun; here are a few:
--- Many of us have forgotten about board games. There are probably
some around your house that have not been used in a long time:
Checkers, Parcheesi, Monopoly, Scrabble, etc. There are also dominos
and many two-or-more-handed card games such as whist, pinochle,
rummy, canasta.
If you are a chess buff, you might enjoy joining a chess club.
It is also
fun to play games over the Internet.
--- It may sound antisocial, but to many, solitaire can be very relaxing.
There are several paperback books of solitaire games. Try learning a
new game or two.
--- Jigsaw puzzles can also while away many hours and provide a real
sense of accomplishment when done.
--- Do you like to read? Build up a supply of paperbacks for days when
you can't get out to the library. Many libraries have a free paperback
swap shelf. If yours doesn't, ask the librarian to start one. You can also
get good books at flea markets or garage sales. Also try swapping with
friends, neighbors and relatives. If you can't get out, find out if your
library has a bookmobile that stops in your area.
--- Computers are really useful tools for keeping in touch when you are
unable to leave your home. You can e-mail your friends and relatives,
participate in online support groups and chat rooms, do research, take
courses and read books online.
--- Is there something you have always wanted to learn? Now is the time.
Many local schools have adult classes in the evening on a staggering
assortment of subjects. If you prefer to learn in the relaxing atmosphere
of your home, there are literally hundreds of correspondence or online
courses available, from bookkeeping to weather forecasting.
--- If you have always wanted to learn a language, there are good home
study courses. This is more fun if you find someone to practice your new
language with. A telephone pen pal might be just the thing.
--- If you find your previous hobbies too demanding, try a scaled-down
version for the time being. Cabinetmakers may find great pleasure in the
growing hobby of making scale model furniture; machinists might enjoy
making a scale model locomotive or assembling a clock; a dressmaker
could make and dress period costume dolls.
--- Is a super active dog too much to handle? Try a small, quiet cat. If
allergies forbid either, tropical fish, while not very affectionate, are
beautiful and fascinating. A bird feeder near your favorite window can
provide hours of pleasure. If, for some reason, all of these are out, a
large stuffed critter has its uses as a confidant, punching bag or pillow.
Make sure you are not allergic to furry pets. If so, it may be best to do
without them.
--- Needlework of all kinds gives many people both relaxation and
pleasure. You men, don't forget Rosie Greer and his needlepoint. It is
also a fact that at least half of the world's champion knitters and
crocheters have been men. Try it, you may find you like it.
--- If you like to paint, try watercolors for a change of pace. They
are lightweight if you want to go sketching, odorless and dry fast. To
develop a technique for using them, try some new coloring books for
adults. These are really great for everyone, not just artists.
--- This may be a good time to learn to play a musical instrument - piano
or guitar for instance.
--- Nowadays almost anything you could possibly want to buy can be
purchased through the mail or over the Internet. So, "let your fingers
do the walking" not only through the phone book, but also through a
whole world of mail order catalogs online.
-----HAVE FUN FOR YOUR HEALTH'S SAKE
The concept of fitting in leisure time in a hectic schedule may seem
impractical for some people who think they lack the hours, money
or other resources. Experts say, however, that failing to let loose
may mean the difference between sickness and health. See Tips:
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1668.52163
-----PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION
Tense the muscles in your body one at a time and then let each one go
limp. Start with your feet and go up to your head. Keep your eyes closed.
Meanwhile, breathe in and out using pursed-lip breathing (PLB).
Pursed-lip breathing
1. Inhale slowly through your nose until your lungs fill up with air.
2. Purse your lips as if you were going to whistle or kiss someone.
3. Breathe out slowly while keeping your lips pursed.
4. Take twice as long to breathe out as you do to breathe in.
5. Do not force your lungs to empty.
Pursed-lip breathing will help you control your breathing rate
and shortness
of breath. It helps more air get into your lungs and reduces the energy
required to breathe. It will also help you feel more in control and make it
easier for you to do things. (Source: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.)
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----INFECTION PREVENTION GUIDELINES
It's that time of year again, when we all are more susceptible to flu
outbreaks and infections. It is impossible to live in a completely germ-
free environment. The fact remains that people who have lung disease
are more prone to develop respiratory infections than our healthier
counterparts. Because each infection can cause further lung damage,
it is important to take some practical precautions. See Tips:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/infection-prevention.htm
-----STRETCH YOUR WAY TO FLEXIBILITY
Increasing your flexibility through stretching will give you a great sense
of health and well-being, help prevent injury and battle the aging process.
http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=fitness&c=fitness_stretchingflexibility
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
-----EASY CHAIR EXERCISES CAN IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/exercises-chair.htm
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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.
-----HOLIDAY CHAT SCHEDULES
-Regular Chat Schedule
The regular scheduled chats will be held this week and we invite
everyone to stop in anytime and visit. The holiday's can be a very
lonely time for anyone alone or with family far away. So, please
join us in a chat or two or more! Even if you have never attended
a chat before, do not be afraid. Try us out! We will make you feel
ever so welcome, and you will meet some wonderful people. We
look forward to seeing you. So, stop in and say "hello" to those that
will be there on these special days. The Chat Room schedule can be
accessed at http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm
-Caregivers Chat Rescheduled
The regular Wednesday night Caregivers Chat has been changed to
Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. We invite all caregivers who are in need
of mutual support to join host Kitty. 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
-----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, 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
-----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:
----Saundra Roberts, who is now home from the hospital.
----Helen Price, caregiver and wife of Ray Price, one of the founders
of COPD-International, who underwent intestinal surgery and
is now undergoing 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. To reach the Horden
Library, go to http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/
-----VOLUNTEERS - GIVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE
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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-----THE THREE STAGES OF MAN
He believes in Santa Claus.
He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
He is Santa Claus.
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----QUICK CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Satisfy your love of comfort food in record time! Make tasty dumplings
over loads of creamy chicken and vegetables in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Ready In: 30 min
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen green peas and carrots
1 cup cut-up cooked chicken
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed creamy chicken mushroom soup
1 cup Original Bisquick®
1/3 cup milk
Paprika, if desired
Directions
1. Heat 1 1/2 cups milk, the peas and carrots, chicken and soup to boiling
in 3-quart saucepan, stirring frequently.
2. Mix Bisquick and 1/3 cup milk until soft dough forms. Drop dough by 8
spoonfuls onto chicken mixture (do not drop directly into liquid). Sprinkle
with paprika.
3. Cook uncovered over low heat 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes
longer. (Betty Crocker Recipe)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
-- Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol
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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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© 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.