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 23, 2002             Volume #1 -- Issue #4
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.

BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY! Subscription information is at 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 < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Medications
==> 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 medications for COPD. The
information is generalized because we are all different; what
works for one person, does not necessarily work for another
because of the different components that make up COPD.

Therefore, it is important that you strictly follow your personal,
individualized medication regime prescribed by your physician
for maximum benefit and minimal side effects.

Each individual needs to continually work with their health care provider
to find the right combination of medications for optimum relief for
their specific medical conditions.

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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-----CARBOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENT, EXERCISE STUDY
Even relatively small amounts of supplemental carbohydrates can help
increase strength and endurance measurements among older people
with chronic COPD, according to Dr. Michael Morgan of the
Institute for Lung Health in Leicester, England

He said loss of muscle mass in patients with COPD is often a barrier
to an active life. Even though it is known that mild exercise can help
many of these patients feel better physically and improve their overall
quality of life, the negative energy balance between what the patient
is capable of doing and what the exercise demands makes this difficult
if not impossible in some cases.

In a randomized, controlled trial involving 85 patients, mean age
67 years, who had severe COPD (mean FEV1 was 14 percent
of predicted value) the subjects were randomized to receive a
commercially available form of daily carbohydrate supplementation
or placebo.

It was found that subjects who received the carbohydrate supplement
had an improvement in incremental shuttle walking and endurance
shuttle walking that were greater than placebo patients, but not
significantly so. At the same time, quadricep strength was almost five
times greater in those who had received the supplement.

Dr. Morgan said that a planned exercise program by itself had benefits
in that all patients showed an improvement in endurance at the end of the
study. However, the change was greater for those who received the
carbohydrate supplement.

Nonetheless, the findings do not mean exercise or carbohydrate
supplements should be offered to all patients with COPD, he cautioned.
The benefits were significantly greater among those who were well
nourished, he said. In fact, the benefit was not significant in those whose
body mass index put them at the lowest end of normal (BMI = 19).

"Carbohydrate supplements aren't helpful when universally prescribed, but
the results in well-nourished patients suggest that there is a selective
role," he said. (Compiled from various news sources.)

-----MORE SPIRIVA STUDIES PLANNED
Editor's Note: A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory
panel earlier this month 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. However, the panel wanted more information from the
companies on the way dyspnea - shortness of breath - is measured.
It has been approved in several European countries.
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Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer announced they will launch a
four-year study to evaluate the impact of their drug Spiriva on
lung function in patients with COPD.

The companies said the "UPLIFT" study will involve up to 6,000
COPD patients in approximately 35 countries. The first results of the
study are expected in 2007.

-----FLU ALERT! - COPDERS BE PREPARED
This year millions of Americans will come down with the flu between
the months of November and March. Most people will suffer with
the aches and pains for a few days and then recover. But for those
of us with a chronic disease, a series bout with the flu could mean
hospitalization and even the possibility of death from its complications.
Experts advocate flu vaccines for people at highest risk and that includes
all those with a chronic illness. See the following articles in our Library:

-Influenza: The Disease
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/influenza_flu.htm

-Influenza Facts
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/influenza-facts_flu.htm

-Influenza Immunization
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/influenza-vaccine_flu.htm

-----DRUG COSTS DETERRENT TO PATIENT COMPLIANCE
A national study suggests that 1.3 million adults with disabilities do not
take their medications as prescribed because they cannot afford to,
and more than half report resulting health problems. See Report:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/2002/7/JAE.WSU.html?sc=wire

-----PFIZER LAUNCHES "CONNECTION TO CARE"
Pfizer recently launched Connection to Care, an expanded program
providing free medicines to low-income, uninsured patients.

Under the new program guidelines, single persons with annual incomes
of less than $16,000 and families with annual household incomes of less
than $25,000 who have no prescription drug coverage through private
insurance or any public assistance program are eligible for
Connection to Care.

Pfizer has distributed information on Connection to Care to more than
120,000 physicians and health care centers across the U.S. and set-up
a toll free number at 1-800-707-8990 for doctors and patients to call
with enrollment questions. (Source: Pfizer Press Release)

-----ONLINE WORKSHOP - LEARN SELF-CARE SKILLS
Do you want to learn to better manage your day-to-day health
and activities? If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, lung
disease or type II diabetes, you are invited to join a six-week,
online self-management workshop and study. (You must be a
resident of the United States.) See Details:
https://healthyliving.stanford.edu/hl/LearnSelfManagement.asp

Keep current on the latest in health news in our Reading Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/readingroom.htm
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        > > > > > > > > > > RECALLS/WARNINGS < < < < < < < < < <
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-----SAFETY ALERTS
West Virginia firm recalls liquid oxygen:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/liquid-oxygen_recall.htm

AmeriSource recalls new lot of Desyrel tablets:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Desyrel_recall3.htm

To view earlier recalls, go to our Library section
at http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
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        > > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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-----DRUG SMARTS - BE STREETWISE
Taking prescription drugs safely and effectively is your responsibility.
Modern Maturity has some "dos and don'ts" for managing your
medicines and offers advice on how to get the most for your money.
The link below leads to information on prescription medications,
from "Don't Play Doctor, "Just Say No," "Beware of the Crush,"
Don't Drug and Drive" to "Cross the Border."
http://aarp.post.intellimedia.com/UM/T.asp?A910.19061.1099.5.156474
Editor's Note: This link leads to five pages of VERY worthwhile reading.

-----NO CURE-ALL - COPD DRUGS RELIEVE SYMPTOMS
The goals of treatment for COPD are to improve quality of life
by reducing shortness of breath, relieving congestion and controlling
coughing and wheezing. Many of the same medications used to treat
asthma also are used to treat COPD. However, how well each
medication works will depend on which condition or conditions a
person has. For a description of a few of the more common
medications see:
http://content.health.msn.com/encyclopedia/article/4115.13743

-----MORE TIPS ON USING METERED-DOSE INHALERS
Using metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) seems simple, but many
patients do not use them correctly.
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/TakingYourMedicine/MedsDetail/0,4011,3,00.html

----- MULTIPLE INHALERS - WHO'S ON FIRST
Many people who use several inhalers question in what order
they should be used. Generally, use fast-acting bronchodilator
inhalers, first; longer acting, second; and cromylin and steroids, last.

Editor's Note: Always check with you prescribing physician on
the use of your MDIs, as we are all different and this general rule
may not apply in your specific case.

-----HOME OXYGEN - A UNIVERSAL 'MEDICINE'
Oxygen therapy is a vital mainstay medication for most of us with
COPD. To get a better understanding of oxygen use, go to the
following article in our Library. At the end of the article are links
to two sites of fellow COPDers, who share their firsthand,
in-depth knowledge and experience on oxygen therapy.
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Oxygen-Home.htm

-----EXERCISE GOOD MEDICINE, TOO
Exercise has been medically proven to be the best "medicine" for
most COPDERS. It can help improve our overall health, as well as
improve oxygenation. Ask your doctor about "prescribing" pulmonary
rehabilitation or self-medicate by routinely exercising at home with
your doctor's blessings. If you want to learn more about the benefits
of exercise, please refer to our September 9, 2002 Volume #1 --
Issue #2 Newsletter at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/newsletter.htm,
which featured a series of articles on the benefits of exercise.

-----LEARN ABOUT YOUR MEDICATIONS
Medline Plus offers information on thousands of prescription
and over-the-counter medications at
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

-----GET IT TOGETHER! PRINTABLE MED LIST FORM
Keeping a current list of all our medications and other pertinent
information can be a job unto itself. The link below leads to a printable
form in our Library, which you can use to keep an accurate, up-to-date
list of the drugs you are taking. Click on Medication List Form.
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Medworksheet-info.htm

-----NEED HELP PAYING FOR MEDICATIONS?
If you are in need of paying for your drugs go to AARP's Web site
where you will find a state-by-state, plan-by-plan list of pharmacy
assistance programs.
http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/departments/2002/money/0510_money_1.html

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       > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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----- EATING WELL - FOOD SAFETY ALL YEAR-ROUND
Food safety warnings are as much a part of summer cookouts as
burgers and potato salad. But we need to think about avoiding
spoiled or contaminated food all year. Handling, preparing and
storing food safely can keep us from getting sick from what we eat.
http://www.aarp.org/confacts/eating/safety.html

-----LEG CRAMPS CRAMPING YOUR STYLE?
Some of our medications have leg cramps as a side effect. Checkout
the link below for tips on how to deal with cramps, including the intake
of supplements.
http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C466089.html

-----SOAP BETWEEN THE SHEETS
Many folks get relief from night leg cramps by putting an open bar
of soap between the sheet and mattress at the foot of the bed.
Nobody seems knows why the heck it works, but many attest to
the fact that it does really work.
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    > > > > > > > > > > COPED 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 WEEKLY CHAT FOR CAREGIVERS!
We have a special chat room for caregivers and starting Wednesday,
Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. (EDT), we invite all caregivers who are in need
of mutual support to join host Kitty for this weekly chat.

Kitty is a caregiver for her husband George, who has COPD. She
is very knowledgeable, understanding and supportive of caregivers
and patients alike. 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. This
section provides a place where we can express our care and
concern for those who are seriously ill.

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/

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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-----HMO FAQS
Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?
A. No. Only those you need.

Q. I just joined a new HMO. How difficult will it be to choose
the doctor I want?
A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents.

Q. What are pre-existing conditions?
A. This is a phrase used by the grammatically challenged when
they want to talk about existing conditions.

Q. Well, can I get coverage for my pre-existing conditions?
A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any treatment.

Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?
A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.

Q. What should I do if I get sick while traveling
A. Try sitting in a different part of the bus.

Q. No, I mean what if I'm away from home and I get sick?
A. You really shouldn't do that. You'll have a hard time seeing
your primary care physician. It best to wait until you return, and
then get sick.
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              > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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-----MUSHROOM WITH NUTTY STUFFING
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

What you need:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup almonds, chopped or pine nuts
2 cups fresh white breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
10 - 12 large flat mushrooms, stalks trimmed off

What to do:

Blend olive oil, garlic, parsley and nuts until fine. Add breadcrumbs
and cheese and pulse to mix. Pile on to mushrooms and bake at
200°IF. for about 20 minutes until crisp and golden. Makes 8 -10.
Serve 2 to 3 per person. Garnish with salad greens dressed with
a little vinaigrette.

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       > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
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To live long, live slowly.
                     - Cicero

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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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links to outside sources can not be guaranteed after publication date.

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© 2002 COPD-International.com, except where indicated otherwise. All rights
reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from copyright holder(s).
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"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.

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