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, September 9, 2002
Volume #1 -- Issue #2
Susie Bowers, Editor --
Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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This newsletter is published on Mondays.
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> > > > > > > > > > IN
THIS ISSUE < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Exercise
==> 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 issue features articles on pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise in
general. I know - a less than pleasant subject - at least for me.
But the fact remains, like it or not, exercising is one of the best
things COPDers can do to improve their overall health and enjoy a
more active lifestyle.
Many pulmonary specialists recommend their patients for pulmonary
rehabilitation, which some insurance programs cover. If you are not in
a rehabilitation program, ask your doctor if he can refer you to a program
in your area. If not, there are plenty of exercises, from walking to using
light weights, that you can do right at home.
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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-----SPIRIVA - FDA PANEL GIVES THUMBS UP!
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel
Sept. 6 recommended for approval Spiriva, a new once-daily treatment
for COPD. If the FDA gives final approval, which it is expected to do,
Spiriva will be on the U.S. market early next year.
Boehringer Ingelheim isn't sure when the FDA will rule on the Spiriva
application."They clearly would like more data from us, so I won't
speculate," said a company spokeswoman.
Spiriva is already sold in Germany and other European countries, where
it costs between $1.20 and $1.80 a day.
The company wants Spiriva approved for both opening the airways and
relieving dyspnea, a debilitating shortness of breath. Inhalers currently
on the market only treat the airway constriction called bronchospasm.
Panel members said Spiriva should be approved for opening the airways.
However, the panel said the studies of the drug didn't convincingly prove
the drug improved the hard-to-measure symptom of shortness of breath,
which can prevent patients from walking or doing simple tasks, such as
getting dressed.
Common side effects of Spiriva are dry mouth, constipation and urinary
tract disorders. Panelists were concerned with heart palpitations seen in
some patients on the drug, but didn't think minor incidents were enough to
keep Spiriva off the market.
Boehringer Ingelheim estimates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is
a $2 billion market in the U.S., with some 32 million sufferers of which
more than half are undiagnosed and only 6 million are being treated. The
majority of people with the disease are older than age 45 and smoked one
pack of cigarettes each day for at least a decade.(Source: Various news
sources, FDA)
Keep current on the latest news updates about Spiriva in our Reading Room
at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/readingroom.htm
-----TREATING BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN ASTHMATICS
A new study indicates that many patients with asthma may have
bacterial infections in their lungs, and that treatment with antibiotics
can improve their ability to breathe. See Report:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/news/clari_asthma.html
-----STAY OUT OF THE OZONE
Ozone, a colorless, odorless gas, can do a lot of damage to your
respiratory system -- especially if you're a child, or your lungs are
already weakened by asthma or another respiratory disease.
Formed when chemicals emitted by some burning fuels and certain
organic compounds react in sunlight, ozone can be so dangerous
that weather reports usually will alert you to when higher-than-usual
levels are expected.
Excessive ozone should be avoided, warns Maryland's Department
of the Environment, because it can:
-irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat
irritation and chest pains;
-reduce lung function and make deep, vigorous breathing difficult;
-aggravate asthma -- because it makes you more sensitive to
allergens, the most common triggers of asthma attacks;
-increase susceptibility to respiratory infections;
-inflame and damage the lining of the lungs -- causing, within a
few days, sunburn-like peeling of lung tissue.
Children's respiratory systems are particularly at risk,
notably because
kids breathe in more air -- and thus more ozone -- than adults per pound
of body weight.
People with respiratory diseases that make their lungs more vulnerable
to ozone may experience health effects earlier and at lower ozone levels
than less sensitive individuals. (Source: HealthScoutNews)
-----DIESEL EXHAUST LINKED TO LUNG CANCER
According to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
report, diesel exhaust from large trucks and other sources are likely to
cause lung cancer. The report asserts that while uncertainties remain
about the long-term effects of exposure to diesel exhaust, occupational
health studies and tests on animals demonstrate diesel emissions to be
a carcinogen. See Details:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34410-2002Sep3.html.
-----STUDY TESTS NEW OXYGEN THERAPY DEVICE
A new type of oxygen cylinder that a patient fills at home may be
as effective as conventional cylinders for helping COPD patients be
more independent. See Report:
http://health.yahoo.com/search/healthnews?lb=s&p=id%3a27903
Make browsing in our Library and catching up on general medical news
in our Reading Room part of your daily surfing routine.
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RECALLS/WARNINGS < < < < < < < < < <
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-----SAFETY ALERTS
There has been several recalls of medications specifically prescribed
for COPD patients. Below is the most recent. To view other recent recalls,
you can go to our Library sections at
http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
Most Recent
Schering Recalls Nasonex Nasal Spray
Reason: Defective container.
Distribution: Nationwide.
See Details:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Nasonex_recall.htm
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FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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-----EXERCISE IN GENERAL - JUST DO IT!
Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt
their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. As a rule, older
people should stay as physically active as they can. And exercise has
even more benefits for many of us with COPD.
Editor's Note: Everyone with COPD should be screened for heart disease
and complications of COPD that can be made worse with exercise
before starting an exercise program. Also, exercise does not need to be
strenuous. To get the most benefit, you need to exercise at least 3 to 5
times a week.
-----BE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRAINER
Below is a link to a fantastic online exercise guide, which has special
sections for those with chronic illnesses. Again, always check with your
doctor before starting to exercise, as there are medical conditions that
prohibit exercise.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/exercisebook/index.htm
-----TOP 20 BENEFITS OF EXERCISE By Greg Landry, M.S. (Guest writer)
1. Elevates your metabolism so that you burn more calories
everyday.
2. Increases your aerobic capacity (fitness level). This gives
you the ability to go through your day with less relative energy
expenditure. This enables a "fit" person to have more energy at the
end of the day and to get more accomplished during the day with less
fatigue.
3. Maintains, tones and strengthens your muscle. Exercise also
increases your muscular endurance.
4. Decreases your blood pressure.
5. Increases the oxidation (breakdown and use) of fat.
6. Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
7. Makes the heart a more efficient pump.
8. Increases hemoglobin concentration in your blood. Hemoglobin
is part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to
the rest of the body.
9. Decreases the tendency of the blood to clot in the blood
vessels. This is important because small clots traveling in the
blood are often the cause of heart attacks and strokes.
10. Increases the strength of the bones.
11. Causes the development of new blood vessels in the heart and
other muscles.
12. Enlarges the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
13. Decreases blood levels of triglycerides (fat).
14. Improves control of blood sugar.
15. Improves sleep patterns.
16. Increases the efficiency of the digestive system which may
reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
17. Increases the thickness of cartilage in joints which has a
protective effect on the joints.
18. Decreases a woman's risk of developing endometriosis
by 50 percent.
19. Increases the amount of blood that flows to the skin making it
look and feel healthier.
20. Exercise, in addition to all the physiological and anatomical
benefits, just makes you feel GREAT!
-----BE SAFE RATHER THAN SORRY
Exercise safety for those of us with COPD.
http://www.aarc.org/patient_education/tips/exercise.html
-----EXERCISING AT HOME
These simple chair exercises can be done at home.
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/exercises-chair.htm
-----PULMONARY REHAB - GET WITH THE PROGRAM
A team approach to improving the quality of life, not only will you
exercise, but learn about nutrition, taking medications and using
medical equipment.
http://www.chestnet.org/health.science.policy/patient.education.
guides/pulmrehab.pted.html
Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Cut and paste
the entire address into you browser if you have trouble opening
the page.
If you need help starting an exercise program or sticking to a
regular routine, join our interactive exercise program, where
community members support one another in attaining individual levels
of personal fitness.
Go to
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/ to hookup with
some exercise buddies and meet our exercise guru, Billie, who has
good reason to be an advocate of exercise.
She was hospitalized in December 1997 with an acute exacerbation
of COPD/chronic bronchitis. She was in bed for a week, getting up
only to use the bathroom because she was so weak.
When she got home, she immediately began exercising. She could
not do much at first, but slowly began gaining stamina. She continues
to exercise, adding other exercises and routines. She is in better
shape now than before the attack.Moral of this story - exercise makes all the
difference in the world.
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NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----5 A DAY IN 5 MINUTES A DAY
The 5 A Day for Better Health program, sponsored in part by the U.S.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a game
plan for people who feel they just don't have enough time to prepare
fruits and vegetables and include them in their daily diets. Every serving
proposed here takes less than five minutes to prepare.
Breakfast:
Usually do cereal? Slice a medium or half of a large banana on top. Like to
microwave oatmeal? Throw in a quarter cup of raisins or dried cranberries.
Above all else, don't forget your morning juice. Just 6 ounces of 100
percent fruit juice or low-sodium vegetable juice counts as a serving
toward your 5 A Day.
If you want to go for a super-cool treat for warmer days, try a fruit
smoothie (*see recipe section below). Two servings down!
Midmorning snack:
Unsweetened portable applesauce counts as a serving, and is easy to
snack on anywhere. Like those baby carrots? Eat just five or six baby
carrots and you have another serving. Three servings down!
Lunch:
Since the fastest lunches are usually on the go, try ordering a sandwich
loaded with vegetables or a cup of hearty vegetable soup. Add a small side
salad with low-fat dressing, and feel your energy rise. Five servings down!
Dinner:
Even if you only have five minutes, dinner veggies are easy and delicious.
Consider cooking canned or frozen peas or cauliflower in the microwave
for a quick dinner side dish. Or, make a quick and delicious meal out of
a microwave-cooked sweet potato with broccoli, cauliflower and some
low-fat ranch dressing. A 1/2 cup of vegetables counts as one serving.
Seven servings down!
Dessert:
Stock your freezer with 100 percent fruit juice Popsicles or place a
1/2-cup of berries, peaches or other favorite fruit on low-fat frozen
yogurt and you have added another 5 A Day serving to your day!
Eight servings down, surpassing the goal of at least five!
Over the weekend:
Take advantage of some much-needed downtime over the weekend
to prepare fruits and vegetables for the week. Freeze some peaches
and nectarines, they will make tasty "pick-me-up" snacks during the
week. Or make a veggie pizza with some fresh vegetables, low-fat
cheese and prepackaged pizza dough, then freeze it and reheat it for
lunch later in the week.
-----THE LOWDOWN ON DOWNING VITAMINS
Regular intake of multivitamins plus the fruits and veggies listed above
can help you live longer.
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1668.51697?z=
1757_00000_8200_a
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> > > > > > > > > > COPD COMMUNITY UPDATE < < < <
< < < < <
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We welcome all our new members 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.
Coming soon to a chat room near you!
We value our caregivers.Without them, many of us would not do as well
as we do. They deserve recognition and support and have as many
concerns, fears, questions and a need to vent as we do.
We have a special chat room for caregivers, so if you are interested in
participating or know someone who would benefit from mutual support,
please contact Deb, chat coordinator, at
Chat@COPD-International.com .
Volunteers are always needed to maintain the various interactive support
programs. So, 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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Exercise wouldn't be a problem if I had a different body to do it with.
I bought a rowing machine, but I haven't used it yet. I haven't been able
to tear the carton open.
I've been working out every day this week. I forgot to buy new batteries
for my TV remote control.
I enjoy long walks, especially when they're taken by people who annoy me.
My doctor is really subtle. He suggested that I lend my body to someone
who will exercise it.
Books on exercise are selling by the thousands. And there's a reason for
this. It's a lot easier to read than it is to exercise.
Ditto for dieting
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> > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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*Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened fruit
1/2 cup (4 oz.) low-fat, vanilla yogurt
1 Tbsp. apple juice concentrate
Grape Nuts
Directions
Place fruit, yogurt and apple juice concentrate in blender; whirl until
well blended.
The smoothie will be thick and yummy.
Pour into a glass; garnish with Grape Nuts.
Makes 1 serving.
Note: Frozen fruit adds to texture of this drink and makes it nice and cold.
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CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
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Fear less, hope more;
Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more;
Hate less, love more;
And all good things are yours.-Swedish Proverb
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Thank You For Your Readership
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