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, October 7, 2002
Volume #1 -- Issue #6
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 < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Sleep Hygiene
==> 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 basic sleep hygiene. For many of us
with COPD, getting a good night's sleep is very difficult. Between
our labored breathing, congestion, coughing and wheezing, getting
decent rest is difficult at best. And, for many of us, add a few other
medical problems, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome,
and we are in big trouble in the sleep deprivation department.
Sleep is vital. Our health, well-being, ability to cope daily with our
COPD and enjoy a reasonably active lifestyle are strongly dependent
on how well we meet our bodies' needs for rest and quality sleep.
As always, talk with your physician if you are having trouble sleeping.
In addition to the symptoms of COPD, which can keep us up all night,
stress, depression and other serious medical conditions could be the
cause of sleepless nights. Sleep disorders are extremely common
and often require skilled evaluation and treatment.
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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-----WHAT! NO SIDE OF FRIES!
Scientists have found a clue to the chemical reaction that may
cause potato chips, french fries and other fried or baked starchy
foods to build up high levels of a possible cancer-causing substance.
http://msnbc.com/news/814975.asp?0dm=C11NH
-----DOPAMINE COULD DOUSE SMOKING URGE
Medicine that mimics increased levels of the brain chemical
dopamine could help extinguish a smoker's desire for cigarettes.
That's the finding of a study, appearing in a recent issue of Nicotine
and Tobacco Research, which focused on 20 heavy smokers. They
were given drugs that either increased or decreased their brain's
dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects motor
function and is believed to affect emotion.
This new study found that when the smokers were given the dopamine-
mimicking drug bromocriptine, they smoked less than when given a
drug that impedes the effects of dopamine. Bromocriptine is used to
treat Parkinson's disease, some tumors and menstrual problems.
"Overall, these results imply that smoking behavior can be manipulated
within the same subjects in opposite directions by alternately stimulating
and blocking dopamine, which strongly suggests the importance of
dopamine in reinforcement from cigarette smoking," said lead researcher
Nicholas H. Caskey of the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare
System and the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA's David Geffen School
of Medicine. (Source: HealthScoutNews)
-----ASTHMA - CONTROL AND RELIEF
Research shows that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most
important medications in the treatment of persistent asthma. In the link
below, two doctors discuss asthma control and relief.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/Healthology/HOasthma_steroids020919.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.
-----OBESITY WEIGHS DOWN HEALTH GAINS
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports
Americans are living, longer and better, but the obesity epidemic
threatens these health gains.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1738.55143
-----APPLE A DAY MAY KEEP SMOKERS COUGH AWAY
The doctor doing research in this area explains that an apple a day
can't be guaranteed to keep chronic bronchitis at bay and the only safe
option is not to smoke.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,589-419739,00.html
-----FDA: IMPORTED DRUGS POSE SAFETY RISKS
The list of safety risks is long, but the principal problems involve
the use of prescription drugs without a physician's supervision
and the danger of buying drugs of unknown origin and quality.
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/502_import.html
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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-----SAFETY ALERTS
Pfizer Recalls Benadryl Allergy/Sinus Headache Caplets
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Benadryl-Caplets_recall.htm
and Listerine Toothpaste
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Listerine_recall.htm
Adams US Recalls HALLS Sugar-Free Cough Drops
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/HALLS_recall.htm
To view earlier 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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-----SLEEP DISORDER PRIMER
Sleep disorders, from insomnia to sleep apnea to sleep deprivation
due to work schedules or caring for sick family members, take an
enormous toll on sufferers and society at large.
http://health.discovery.com/centers/sleepdreams/sleepdisorders/sleepdisorders.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.
-----SLEEP PROBLEMS COMMON AMONG COPDERS
Good breathing is essential for normal sleep. Hypoxemia and
hypercapnia, partial or complete airway obstruction and irritants in
the airway all cause arousal and, therefore, sleep disruption and
symptoms of disturbed sleep. The common denominator may be
increased respiratory effort, usually 3-4 times the effort of normal
tidal breathing.
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/publications/sleepmedrev/sleepmedrev3.4.html
-----SLEEP AND THE COPD PATIENT
Oxygen desaturation during sleep, especially REM sleep, has been
long recognized in patients with COPD.
http://www.epocnet.com/area_m/normas/b_4_05a.html
-----RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME A SLEEP DISORDER
Millions of Americans suffer from restless legs syndrome, a
neurological disorder that causes strange sensations in the legs
that are relieved temporarily with movement. The syndrome
is actually a sleeping disorder, as it happens most often at night
in bed, and can cause serious sleep deprivation.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/Healthology/HOxml_legsawake020913.html
-----TIPS TO HELP YOU SNOOZE
-Give yourself "permission" to go to bed. As hard as it may be to
put away your "to do" list, make sleep a "priority." You'll thank
yourself in the morning.
-Unwind early in the evening. Try to deal with worries and
distractions several hours before bedtime.
-Develop a sleep ritual. Doing the same things each night just
before bed signals your body to settle down for the night.
-Keep regular hours. Keep your biological clock in check by
going to bed around the same time each night and waking up
close to the same time each morning - even on weekends.
-Create a restful place to sleep. Sleep in a cool, quiet, dark room.
-Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation.
It's difficult to sleep on a bed that's too small, too soft, too hard
or too old.
-Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help relieve daily tension
and stress - but don't exercise too close to bedtime or you may have
trouble falling asleep.
-Cut down on stimulants. Consuming stimulants, such as caffeine,
in the evening can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
-Don't smoke. Smokers take longer to fall asleep and wake up
more often during the night.
-Reduce alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime
interrupts and fragments sleep. (Source: Better Sleep Organization)
Editor's Note: For many COPDers lying down hinders
breathing
and can be very uncomfortable. A good solution is a hospital bed
or fluffy, king-size pillows to elevate the upper portion of the body.
----THE POWER NAP - FORTY WINKS
It is common for many of us with COPD to need naps. Some sleep
experts advise against day naps, but for us taking naps may be
necessary because we use more energy to breathe and perform
simple household chores. Also, a normal nightly sleep routine may
not be possible depending on what part of the day we are at our
best.
-----CHURCHILL - A POWER NAPPER
"You must sleep sometime between lunch and dinner, and no
halfway measures. Take off your clothes and get into bed.
That's what I always do. Don't think you will be doing less
work because you sleep during the day. That's a foolish notion
held by people who have no imagination. You will be able to
accomplish more." -- Winston Churchill
-----WHAT'S YOUR SLEEP IQ?
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) offers this
interactive, true-false quiz on what you know about sleep. Questions
cover topics on snoring, narcolepsy, insomnia, restless legs syndrome
and other issues. See Quiz:
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/sleep_scripts/tfsleepquiz.pl
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < <
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-----FREE SCREENING FOR DEPRESSION
If you think you might be depressed, get a free screening on
Thursday, Oct. 10, National Depression Screening Day. Screenings
are also available for anxiety and other mental disorders. To find
a screening site near you, go to
http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/locator/map.htm
-----BE PATIENT - DON'T TOSS THAT ANTIDEPRESSANT
Too many people don't take antidepressants long enough to get the
full benefit. Depending on the antidepressant, it can take several weeks,
to several months to get the full benefits, as well as preventing relapses.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1663.53670
-----SNEEZER, WHEEZER, SNIFFER, DRIPPER?
Fall allergy season is upon us, and doctors urge those with
allergy symptoms to get tested, get treated and get better.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1728.93355
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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.
-----VISIT THE NEW BILL HORDEN LIBRARY
Our Library has been expanded to include the works of COPD
Advocate Bill Horden, a pioneer of online support for those with
COPD.
Due to Bill's failing health, his COPDadvocate site went off line several
months ago. Fortunately, his years of work and hundreds of Web-site
pages filled with his vast knowledge of COPD are not lost. His
work will continue to be a source of inspiration to all of us - not only
to live well, but also help others to do the same. To browse the Horden
Library go to
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/.
-----'QUIT SMOKING NOW' SPECIAL CHAT
There will be a special Quit Smoking Now (QSN) chat tonight,
Monday, Oct. 7 (EDT), at 9 p.m. The chat room is at
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm
For more information on QSN, please contact program
coordinator Diane at
Newsletter@COPD-International.com .
-----WEEKLY CHAT FOR CAREGIVERS
We have a special chat room for caregivers and on Wednesdays
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 concerns for
those who are seriously ill.
Our first "book" of loving thoughts is dedicated to Bill Horden.
To participate in this program of loving concern go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Loving_Thoughts/
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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After driving for about six hours, a trucker decides to pull over
and sleep for a little while. As soon as he falls asleep, he is awoken
by some knocks on the door of the cab.
"Can you tell me the time, please?" asks a jogger.
"Yeah, it's 4:30," answers the trucker. He falls asleep again, but
he is awoken again by another jogger who wants to know the time.
"It's 4:40!" yells the trucker.
Deciding to really try to sleep a little, he writes on a piece of paper:
I DON'T KNOW THE TIME. He sticks the paper in his windshield.
But he is awoken again. "It's 5:25," says another jogger.
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----HERB ROASTED CORNISH HENS
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 Cornish hens
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 teaspoons minced, fresh rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons minced, fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 shallots, roughly chopped
1 1/2 carrots, roughly chopped into 1" pieces
1 1/2 stalks celery, roughly chopped into 1" pieces
1 lemon
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse the Cornish hens with cold water and pat dry. Season
with salt and pepper inside and out.
3. Stuff the insides of the hens with garlic, rosemary, thyme
and 1/2 bay leaf each. Place a few pieces of shallots, carrots
and celery in the cavity.
4. Scatter the rest of the shallots, carrots and celery on the
bottom of a roasting pan. Place the hens on top of the vegetables.
5. Squeeze juice from the lemons all over the hens and add 1/2
to each hen cavity. Roast in the oven until the hens are golden
brown and crisp and the juices run clear when the thigh is pierced
with a sharp knife, about 45 minutes.
6. Transfer the hens to a serving platter and let rest for about 5
minutes. Remove the skin from the hens and cut each one in half.
Serving Size 1/2 Cornish hen.
(Original FoodFit Recipe)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < <
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"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether
by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is the meaning of success."--Ralph Waldo Emerson
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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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