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 14, 2002
Volume #1 -- Issue #7
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
FREE 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.
________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE < < <
< < < < < < <
________________________________________________________________
==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Positive Attitude
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> COPD Community Update
==> Just for Fun
==> Recipe
==> Closing Thought
==> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
_________________________________________________________________
> > > >
> > > > > > WELCOME < < < < < < < < < <
_________________________________________________________________
-----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
Living the best life possible with a chronic illness is very difficult.
Actually, some days, especially when we are experiencing
shortness of breath, exacerbations or chest infections, it can seem
downright impossible. Being diagnosed with a life threatening,
incurable illness can bring the most optimistic of folks to their knees.
Fortunately for those of us with COPD, there are things we can
do for ourselves to ease the moodiness that accompanies a chronic
disease. Exercise, quitting smoking and medications all help us feel
better physically, but sometimes a positive shift in attitude can make
a world of difference and life more pleasant, not only for us, but
also for those who care for and about us.
An attitude of gratitude can be tough to muster up, but negativity,
self-pity and complaining only make us and those around us feel worse -
emotionally and physically.
This issue deals with simple things we can do to uplift our moods.
Emotional wellness is a lofty goal that is not beyond our reach. It
is attainable through support, compassion, humor and a willful
determination to enjoy the highest quality of life possible.
For general information on depression and stress, please see
''Newsletter Sept. 16, 2002 -- Vol. 1 Issue 3" at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/newsletters/1-3.htm
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
__________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > >
> > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________
-----LEADERS URGE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT FOR COPD
Congressional leaders, medical experts and patients convened on
Capitol Hill in Washington on Friday, Oct. 11 to bring awareness to
COPD and to advocate for the creation of an annual National COPD
Awareness Month. See Story:
http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/prime/1009-121.html
-----TAKING ALLERGY DRUGS? BE CAREFUL!
A very popular antihistamine found on drugstore shelves could
increase your chances of hurting yourself - in a serious way,
according to a new study. See Details:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1625.52999
-----SMALLPOX VACCINE DEBATE HEATS UP
Leading medical groups are urging caution in the use of smallpox
vaccine, particularly if no cases of the disease occur. While
government officials say they favor smallpox vaccine for the public
even if there was no bioterror attack. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/08/health/08SMAL.html
-----GLOBAL SURVEY - LUNG PATIENTS IN THE DARK
People suffering from lung diseases often do not receive the
correct treatment because they do not know what they are suffering
from or how serious it is.
The first international survey of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis,
showed that 20 percent of people with the illness could not name
it and 46 percent continued to smoke, even though smoking is the
leading cause of the disease.
Patients also underestimated the seriousness of their illness,
according to the survey reported recently in the European
Respiratory Journal (ERJ).
"The data published in the present issue of the ERJ suggest
that despite their complaints and the significant limitations in their
daily life activities, COPD sufferers underestimate their morbidity
and their disorder is under-treated," Professor Richard Dekhuijzen
of the University Medical Center in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, said.
In the poll conducted by Stephen Rennard of the University of
Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and colleagues in Canada and
Europe, patients who admitted they had to stop walking even at a
moderate pace described their illness as mild. Many sufferers who
said they walked slower than most people of their age also thought
their condition was not serious.
According to the survey, 64 percent of patients were treated
by their general practitioners and only 20 percent had been examined
by a respiratory specialist.
Rennard and his colleagues said only 45 percent of patients had had
a detailed lung function test and 39 percent received no medication
for their illness.
Dekhuijzen said important lessons can be learned from the survey,
which was conducted in the United States, Canada, France, Italy,
Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Britain.
"Firstly, patients need to be made aware of the severity of the
disease. Secondly, the disease must be given a label: it is not
normal that only 20 percent of patients should be aware that
they suffer from COPD," he explained.
People should become familiar with COPD because it is a severe
and disabling illness, he added. (Compiled from various news
sources.)
-----OXYGEN BLOOD LEVELS DIP DURING FLIGHTS
Oxygen blood levels decrease significantly not only during long-distance
commercial flights, but also during short-distance flights, according to
results of a recent study. Blood oxygen levels drop on average 10 percent
during long-distance flights. The oxygen levels fall 3 percent on average
during short-distance flights. For More Details:
http://www.heartcenteronline.com/myheartdr/home/research-detail.
cfm?reutersid=2977
Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
-----ASTHMA SEVERITY LINKED TO TIME OF DAY
Asthma patients who experience wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty
breathing when they exercise may have worse lung function in the
evening than in the morning, according to new study findings. See Story:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=571&ncid=751&
e=6&u=/nm/20020924/hl_nm/asthma_time_dc
Editor's Note: This is another exceptionally long link. Cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
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/
________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > RECALLS/WARNINGS < < < < < <
< < < <
________________________________________________________________
-----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
__________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > >
> > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________
-----POSITIVE STEPS LEAD TO POSITIVE OUTCOMES
If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness,
here are positive steps you can take to insure the best outcome possible.
They don't add up to a guarantee, though.
There are no guarantees in medicine. But that's actually good news for
people with a serious illness: Maybe you can't be absolutely certain that
the best will happen, but you also can't be certain - no matter what your
doctor says - that the worst will happen.
1. Take Control of Your Illness. You may think you're helpless,
but you're not. Take control of your life back with a combination
of information and attitude. Be a part of every decision about your
treatment. Resist the urge to leave it all in your doctor's hands.
2. Insist on Options. Forget about second opinions. Look instead for
second options. There are no absolutes in medicine, no inevitabilities.
There are multiple solutions to every problem. You just have to find
them. Don't be afraid of choices; embrace them.
3. Find the Right Doctor. Not all doctors are created equal. When
you're seriously ill, it's worth the extra effort to find the best one for
your condition. It can make the difference, literally, between life
and death.
4. Build a Partnership With Your Doctor. A true partnership means
there are special responsibilities on both sides. Your part is to be
informed about your illness so you can ask questions - you can never
ask too many questions. Your doctor's part is to answer them all,
fully and patiently.
5. Recognize That All Medical Decisions Are Trade-offs. Again, there
are no right answers. Every decision regarding medical treatments
involves weighing costs against benefits. To strike the right balance
for you (everybody's balance is different) get all the information you
can, then look carefully inside yourself and decide what really matters.
6. Sustain a Claim to Life. A good attitude - call it optimism or
"fighting spirit" or whatever - isn't enough, no matter how positive.
You have to do something. A will to live has to be accompanied by
a commitment to living: join a support group, make plans, set goals,
and "renew your membership in life."
7. Find an Advocate (Or Be Your Own). In a managed-care
environment, getting the best care can be a struggle. You can end up
fighting your doctor as well as your illness. If you haven't got enough
fight to go around, enlist an advocate to do the fighting for you.
8. Subdue the Enemy Within. Sooner or later, you'll hear a voice
question: "Why Me?" Learn to recognize self-pity and resist it.
Question whatever bothers you. Another feeling to resist: guilt.
Yes, loved ones are going through hell, but it's not your fault.
9. Build a Support Network. You absolutely cannot get through
this alone. You have to depend on people. Family, friends, caregivers,
support groups, strangers, it doesn't matter, as long as it's somebody.
But don't expect more of people than is reasonable. Don't expect family
or friends to change just because you're sick. Don't expect yourself
to change.
10. Don't Let the Disease - or the Treatment - Change Who You Are.
Don't let the "I'm Still Here!" syndrome get the better of you. Denial and
surrender are bad, but survival at any cost is also dangerous, just in a
different way. If the disease, or the treatment, changes who you are,
then you've lost the battle anyway.
11. Know When To Draw the Line. There's a line beyond which the
price of survival is just too high, a line between what is worth fighting
for, and what is not. Thresholds of pain vary, as well as thresholds
of fear and uncertainty. Doctors often draw this line for patients;
draw it for yourself.
12. Never Say Never. Everybody reacts to disease differently.
Everybody reacts to drugs and treatments differently. Every doctor
has had patients who defied all the medical textbooks and prognoses.
They've all seen "hopeless" cases turn around. For all the advancements
in medical knowledge, the human body remains wondrously strange -
and full of surprises.
-----POSITIVE OUTLOOK GOOD FOR THE LUNGS
Researchers theorize that psychological factors may invoke
physiologic responses, and in turn, influence key immune processes
involved in chronic airway inflammation in patients with COPD.
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2156ce.htm
-----BILL HORDEN - HIS OUTLOOK ON COPD
What COPD isn't:
-It isn't a death sentence.
-It isn't untreatable.
-It isn't necessarily progressive.
-It isn't necessarily crippling.
-It isn't a single disease, so it never affects two patients in exactly
the same way.
These words were written several years ago by Bill Horden,
online advocate in all areas of COPD. Below is a link to his
inspirational "COPD Survival Guide," in which he talks about the
importance of dealing with the emotional issues COPDers face.
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/copdsurvival.html
-----COP AN ATTITUDE WITH YOUR DOCTOR
A positive attitude, that is. "Some COPD patients put their energy
into fighting the doctor and denying their need for medication," says
Dr. Alan L. Plummer, chief of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical
Care at the Emory Clinic and Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
"That allows the COPD to run their lives. Instead, let your doctor
know that you welcome help and that you plan to control the disease
rather than let it control you." See Story:
http://www.airwavesonline.com/archive/patpower1.html
-----CREATE A HEALING ENVIRONMENT
Feng shui, a Chinese system of interior and exterior design
that dates back thousands of years, is based on the idea that
the items in our homes, and how they're arranged, can affect
our life. To learn more about Feng shui go to
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1668.52028
-----HUMOR - JEST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT
Humor can be a very valuable part of one's life. It can improve
one's health. It can help your relationship with those around you.
And best of all, humor can be fun!
Humor is one of the best stress-busters around. A good laugh
relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure and may reduce levels of
hormones that create stress and suppress immunity.
According to William F. Fry, a psychiatrist associated with Stanford
University, laughter also stimulates the production of hormones called
catecholamines, which are thought to cause the brain to release
endorphins, the same stress-reducers triggered by exercise."
-----CAREGIVERS - BE GOOD TO THYSELF
1. Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved
one's illness or disability always take center stage.
2. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value
yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some
quality time, just for you.
3. Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting
professional help when you need it.
4. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific
things that they can do.
5. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information
is empowering.
6. There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to
technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
7. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the
right direction.
8. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new
dreams.
9. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
10. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing
you are not alone. (Source: National Family Caregivers Association)
_________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > >
NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < <
_________________________________________________________________
-----CDC URGES FLU, PNEUMOCOCCAL SHOTS
People with asthma aren't the only ones who should get a flu shot.
Influenza can be very dangerous for people with other "high-risk"
conditions, including those with other lung conditions. Those with
a compromised immune system are also advised to get a vaccine
against pneumococcus bacteria, which can cause pneumonia and
other serious infections. See Story:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=594&e=2&cid=594&
u=/nm/20021007/hl_nm/shots_cdc_dc
Editor's Note: This is another exceptionally long link. Cut and paste the
entire address into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
-----NO SHORTAGE OF FLU VACCINE PREDICTED
A record supply of vaccine is in the pipeline for this flu season,
and health officials say the shortages that led to frantic searches for the
vaccine in previous seasons won't be repeated.
-----TRACK FLU CONDITIONS IN YOUR AREA
FluSTAR is an influenza surveillance network sponsored by Roche
Pharmaceuticals. The FluSTAR system was developed to provide
representatives, health care professionals and consumers with up to
date information on the spread of influenza during the influenza season,
which starts this month. Checkout your area at
http://www.flustar.com/
-----ARE YOU MENTAL? TAKE THIS QUIZ
Sports psychologists examine personal and environmental factors
and apply techniques to affect the way one feels, thinks and ultimately
performs. Take the quiz below to find out if you'd benefit from learning
sports psychology techniques to keep you on top of your game - in
sports, business or your personal life.
http://www.foodfit.com/fitness/getMotivated_foodskillsQUIZ.asp
_________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > COPD COMMUNITY UPDATE < < < <
< < < < <
_________________________________________________________________
-----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 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 Quit Smoking Now (QSN) chat tonight, Monday,
Oct. 14 (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. 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/
-----CONDOLENCES
-On behalf of the staff and the entire COPD-International Community,
we send our condolences to Jennifer Bulandr, whose father passed
away. As difficult and sad as times like this may be, there can be some
comfort in knowing that the struggle is over and that our loved ones are
now in a better place. We wish the very best for the Bulandr family.
-Also, Mimi Bird, a very good friend of many through the COPD online
support lists, died quietly Thursday, Oct. 10. There is a TLC page
where memories and condolences can be posted for Mimi's husband
John and her family at
http://members.tripod.com/~copd_tlc/Mimibird.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
__________________________________________________________________
>
> > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________
-----WORDS OF WISDOM
1. I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day.
Tomorrow is not looking good either.
2. I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they
make as they go flying by.
3. Tell me what you need, and I'll tell you how to get along without it.
4. Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days the statue.
5. Needing someone is like needing a parachute. If he isn't there the
first time, chances are you won't be needing him again.
6. I don't have an attitude problem, you have a perception problem.
7. My reality check bounced.
8. I don't suffer from stress. I am a carrier.
9. You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a
clipboard.
10. If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. No use being
a fool about it.
11. When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried.
12. When confronted by a difficult problem you can solve it more easily
by reducing it to the question, "How would Superman handle this?"
__________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > >
> > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________
-----AUTUMN PORK CHOPS
Prep/Cook Time 20 minutes
Ingredients
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
4 pork chops, 1/2" thick
1 can Campbell's Cream of Celery or 98 percent
fat-free Cream of Celery Soup
1/2 cup apple juice or water
2 tbsp. spicy-brown mustard
1 tbsp. honey
generous dash pepper
4 cups hot cooked medium egg noodles
Directions:
HEAT oil in skillet. Add chops and cook until browned.
ADD soup, apple juice, mustard, honey and pepper.
Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 5 minutes or until done.
Serve with noodles. Serves 4. (From Campbell's Kitchen)
__________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING
THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________
A Native American grandfather was talking to his grandson
about how he felt. He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves
fighting in my heart.
"One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one. The other wolf
is the loving, compassionate one."
The grandson asked him, "which wolf will win the fight in your
heart?"
The grandfather answered, "The one I feed."--Unknown--
___________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < < < <
___________________________________________________________________
TO SUBSCRIBE:
mailto: List-Admin@COPD-International.com ?subject=subscribe
TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
mailto: List-Admin@COPD-International.com ?subject=unsubscribe
ONLINE ACCESS:
http://www.COPD-International.com/lists
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
-----------------
Notes
-----------------
Newsletters are archived in the COPD-International Online Library. However,
links to outside sources can not be guaranteed after publication date.
"COPD-International Newsletter" is an opt-in ezine available by subscription
only. You must have sent an e-mail request or visited our web site to request
this subscription. We neither use nor endorse the use of "spam." This newsletter
is never sent to anyone who has not requested it and we NEVER share your
e-mail address with third-parties.
© 2002 COPD-International.com, except where indicated otherwise. 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.
Links in this newsletter to other Internet sites is not an endorsement
of any products or services on such sites.