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 16, 2002 Volume #1 -- Issue #3
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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newsletter. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE PLEASE DO
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> > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Depression/Stress
==> 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 depression and stress, which are common
among us with COPD and also those that care for and about us. Receiving
a diagnosis of a serious illness is extremely depressing. And, for us with
COPD, dealing with tons of medications, oxygen therapy, nebulizers and
restricted lifestyles can push stress and anxiety to unbearable levels.
Although quitting smoking and routinely exercising are among the best
things we can do for our health, we must also learn how to cope with the
depression, anxiety and fear that comes along with lung disease.
Learning how to control this disease through empathic support and
knowledge is a big first step in feeling emotionally better. We do not
have to allow this disease to control us.
There are many things we can do to chase away "the miseries."
Medications, relaxation techniques, professional counseling and
exercise are just a few of the things that can help stabilize our moods.
Add to that mix a dose of caring support and a positive attitude and
you have a recipe to turn bad days into better days and good days
into great days.
Also, under COPD NEWS, don't miss the firsthand account about
the recent Spiriva meeting from Mike Parker, who attended the
day-long session.
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 ANTIDEPRESSANT
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new form
of the popular antidepressant drug Celexa that promises to treat
depression with fewer side effects. See Details:
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1663.53564
-----SPIRIVA MEETING - A FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT
Editor's Note: This is from Mike Parker of Maryland who attended
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel
meeting on Spiriva. Following the meeting on Sept. 6, the advisory
panel 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. Here's Mike's
account:
I attended some of this meeting. It was a daylong affair and a great
deal of it was technical in nature. However, 1 p.m.until 2 p.m. was
set aside for comments from the public. I thought of a few things I
might say, but they really had nothing to do with Spiriva.
I have been using the drug for about two months, but have experienced
no appreciable increase in exercise tolerance. That is not to say the
drug will not benefit a great many of us with COPD, it simply was
not a "magic bullet" for me.
My COPD is at a very severe stage and I'd bet that is the reason for
no great improvement. Even if one improved 20 percent, when your
FEV1 is at 22 percent, you would not notice much.
The real reason that I ended up saying nothing was due to a wonderful
man that spoke before me and, at some point, the entire content of his
remarks will be published on the FDA Web site. His name is Vlady
Rozenbaum. He is a COPD patient and holds a PH.D., although I do
not know in which discipline.
He spoke for about five minutes and you could have heard a pin
drop in the room. (I should tell you before I go any further, it was a
large meeting. The meeting was held in a ballroom and the place
was packed.) Dr. Rozenbaum took this opportunity to get across
our issues far more articulately than I could have.
He started by saying, "The name Spiriva evokes strong emotions
among COPD patients. Medical reports about successful clinical
trials conducted around the world as well as comments about them
have been proliferating exponentially.
"There is also quite a bit of anecdotal data from individual COPD
patients which adds the human dimension to the formal clinical
reports. This excitement is quite understandable."
He then described COPD by stating, "COPD is not only about death.
This is a crippling, debilitating disease, tying patients to breathing
support machines, and mercilessly destroying their lives, breath
by breath.
"The World Bank study suggests that some 25 percent of COPD
patients will die during their productive middle age, losing 20 to 25
years of life. At the same time, millions of COPD patients who
continue to struggle with their disease are disabled and unable to work."
He further noted that "COPD is a neglected disease. Insufficient
attention is being paid to the fact that there is an extreme shortage
of viable treatment options."
I urge all of you to peek at the FDA site from time to time and read
the complete text of his statement on our behalf. It was very moving.
Keep current on the latest news updates on Spiriva and other
health-related topics in our Reading Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/readingroom.htm
-----INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS AND BONE LOSS
This is good news. The conclusion of this review is that in patients with
asthma or COPD, inhaled corticosteroids do not increase vertebral
fractures, reduce bone mineral density or change biochemical markers.
http://www.pulmonologylinx.com/thearts.cfm?artid=408841&specid=
14&ok=yes
-----AMERICANS UNDERESTIMATE EFFECTS OF ALLERGIES
Ninety-four percent of allergy sufferers report in a recent survey that
their quality of life, often including their work productivity, sleep,
concentration, and even their sex lives, is affected by their allergies.
However, despite this, only 50 percent of allergy sufferers consider
the disease to be a serious medical condition and nearly two-thirds
(64 percent) did not see an allergist or other doctor the last time their
symptoms acted up.
In response, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
(ACAAI), sponsor of the survey, has issued a call to action for allergy
sufferers to take their condition seriously and seek the advice of an
allergist or personal physician to mitigate symptoms and feel good again.
"Allergies and their symptoms not only cause quality of life consequences
such as fatigue, impaired work performance and general malaise, but
also, insufficiently treated allergies often lead to serious conditions,
such as sinus or ear infections, asthma and sleep problems," said
Dr. Bobby Lanier, president of ACAAI.
"What people need to know is that there is no need to suffer the health
and quality of life consequences of allergies, and they should seek the
help of a medical expert." (Source: PRNewswire)
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 have been several recent recalls of medications specifically
prescribed for COPD patients. To view recent recalls, go to our Library
section at
http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
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> > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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Editor's note: If you are frequently depressed, anxious or suffer panic
attacks, don't delay in seeking medical assistance. Speak openly and
honestly with your health care providers. There is no reason to
needlessly suffer from these debilitating illnesses, as they are all
treatable. You cannot avoid stress; it is part of daily life. However,
developing effective ways to manage stress and learning to relax can
help prevent shortness of breath and avoid panic.
-----STRESS BUSTERS - RELAX ALREADY!
-Deep breathing
Put one hand on your abdomen (belly) and breathe in deeply. Feel your
abdomen move out. Push it out as hard as you can as you breathe in. This
will help your lungs fill up with air. Breathe out through your mouth while
keeping your lips pursed. Feel your abdomen go back to its normal size.
-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.
-Positive thinking
Get comfortable and close your eyes. Breathe deeply and regularly.
Let your mind wander. Imagine that you're somewhere pleasant, like
a beautiful meadow. Use all your senses to imagine - touch, smell, taste,
hear and see. Mentally say "calm" every time you breathe out.
-Visualization
Picture something that makes you feel happy, confident or relaxed: for
example, imagine yourself doing a task well and feeling good about it
afterwards. Concentrate on it and on your breathing.
-Music
Music is a great way to relax. Play whatever makes you feel calm
and peaceful.
-Humor
Laughter is sometimes the best medicine. Jokes and humor reduce
tension. They can also help you discuss sensitive issues.
-----YES, EXERCISE COUNTS - SO DOES ROMANCE
Any type of exercise can help you feel less anxious, relax you and make
you feel better about yourself. For tips on exercises that help relieve
tension go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/exercise-stress_relief.htm
Also, romantic dinners, cozy settings, soft music and warm, intimate
moments shared with a loved one can bring feelings of peace and
contentment.
-----COPING WITH THE BLUES - A BALANCING ACT
Tips to help you deal with the blues:
-----CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH DEPRESSION
Depression touches all of us. Below is a link to information on caring
for someone who suffers from depression. It is most important
for caregivers to look after themselves, as well. If you don't look after
yourself, you'll soon become unable to look after your "patient."
Getting exhausted helps nobody. Caregivers should also get adequate
sleep, rest and exercise and refer to professionals when necessary.
http://community.netdoktor.com/ccs/uk/depression/coping/need_someone/
article.jsp?articleIdent=uk.depression.coping.need_someone.uk_
depression_article_12573
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.
-----NEED TO TALK?
Please don't hesitate to use our chat rooms and message boards.
Here are links to two of our chat rooms, where other COPDers and
caregivers can help brighten your day by sharing their experience,
strength and hope.
COPDers:
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/
Caregivers:
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/
If the room is empty, stop in to our main char room:
http://www.copd-international.com/mainchat.htm
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----COMFORT FOOD
Some people find good cooking comforting, warming, soothing.
Brighten dreary days with cheery comfort cooking. Moist meat loaves
(*see recipe below), crusty casseroles, steaming chowders, creamy
spuds and rich, sweet, maybe even still-warm desserts - these are the
dishes from which comfort is derived.
-----COPDERS NEED MORE ENERGY
A person with COPD may need 10 times more energy to breathe
than someone without COPD. So it's important to eat a healthy diet
to store energy. Eat five to six small meals a day. Small meals will
prevent bloating and shortness of breath. Use fast and easy recipes
and cook more than one meal at a time to help save your time
and energy.
-Drink a lot of water (unless your doctor has said not to). This will
keep the linings of your airways moist and make it easier for you to
cough things up.
-Eat foods high in protein to stay well nourished, increase your
energy level, and help you maintain your muscle and bone strength.
Buy tender meat and cut your food up into bite-size pieces.
The less energy you spend chewing, the better.
-If you are taking long-term steroids, eat and drink more dairy
products. If you can't digest milk, try a little yogurt, cheese or
buttermilk. Or ask your doctor to recommend a calcium supplement.
(Compiled from several health sources deemed reliable.)
Editor's Note: Always check with your health care provider before
making any major dietary changes.
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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.
-----NEW LOVING THOUGHTS SECTION
Express your loving thoughts, get-well wishes and prayers for our
fellow community members, who are very ill or hospitalized. This
section provides a place where we can express our concerns for
those who are seriously ill. Each person has a "book," which can be
printed and taken to a hospital or printed to be viewed at a later time.
Our first "book" of loving thoughts is dedicated to Bill Horden, the
founding force behind online support for those with COPD with
his site "COPD Advocate." To participate in this program of loving
care go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Loving_Thoughts/
----CALLING ALL CAREGIVERS
We have a special chat room for caregivers. 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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The Non-Stress Diet
Breakfast
1/2 grapefruit
1 piece whole wheat toast
8 oz. skim milk
Lunch
4 oz. lean broiled chicken
1 cup steamed zucchini
1 Oreo cookie
Herb Tea
Mid-Afternoon Snack
Rest of package of Oreo cookies
1 quart Rocky Road Ice Cream
1 jar Hot Fudge
Dinner
2 loaves Garlic Bread
1 large Mushroom and Pepperoni pizza
1 large pitcher of Root Beer
3 Milky Ways
Entire frozen Cheesecake eaten directly from freezer
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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*Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
This recipe serves: 6 -- you can split it for reheated meals later in the week.
Ingredients
1 egg
1/2 cup grated onion
1 cup bread crumbs
1 3/4 pounds lean ground beef sirloin
1 cup ketchup, preferably low-sodium
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup prepared mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Cooking Instructions
1. Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the egg, onion and bread
crumbs. Add the ground beef, 1/2 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce,
parsley, salt and pepper and mix to combine.
3. Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared pan.
Spread a 1/4 cup of the remaining ketchup on top of the meatloaf and bake
until cooked through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and
let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
4. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup, water, mustard,
vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring the
mixture to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to make a sauce for the
meatloaf.
5. Serve the meatloaf in slices along with the sauce.
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
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"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that
brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass
over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the
inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain."
-Frank Herbert, Dune, "Litany Against Fear", 1965
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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