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 21, 2002                   Volume #1 -- Issue #8
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 - Energy Management
==> 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 combine
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
For those of us who live in a four-season climate, fall is here and winter is around
the corner. Fall can be a glorious time with its cooler temperatures and colorful
foliage, but for some it can mean coping with seasonal allergies and dreaded
thoughts of mustering up the energy to prepare our homes for the cold months
ahead.

This issue features tips on how to spend and conserve our energy, whether it be
for performing simple household tasks or readying our homes for seasonal changes.

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 < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________

-----NEW TIPS ISSUED TO PREVENT HYPERTENSION
The National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP)
has updated its recommendations to prevent hypertension (high blood
pressure).

New recommendations include adequate intake of potassium and an eating
pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and
reduced in saturated and total fat. The advisory also reinforces
earlier recommendations to limit consumption of sodium and alcohol,
reduce excess body weight and increase levels of physical activity.
See Report:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/hypertension-prevention.htm

-----STUDY: PATIENTS ARE NOT BLABBERMOUTHS
Are patients blabbermouths? Many doctors apparently think so.
Research has shown that doctors interrupt, on average, about 20
seconds after a patient begins to talk. But a new Swedish study
suggests that doctors actually have little to fear from letting
patients have their full say. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/01/health/01PERC.html

-----NEW INSIGHT INTO FIGHTING INFECTION
Through studying a genetic condition known to exist in only two
individuals, scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have uncovered new knowledge about the
immune system applicable to everyone. See Report:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/caspase8.htm

-----RESEARCHERS BONING UP ON VITAMIN D
Vitamin D has long been known to help build bones, and it is
already widely used to help treat osteoporosis. But scientists
in the United States have now synthesized a new form of the
vitamin, which they claim has better bone-building properties.
See Story: http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6043

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 < < < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________

-----PFIZER RECALLS NARDIL TABLETS
Nardil is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor used to treat depression as well
as anxiety or phobias mixed with depression. See Details:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Nardil_recall.htm

To view earlier recalls, please go to our Library section
at http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
___________________________________________________________________

            > > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < <
___________________________________________________________________

-----HEY! SLOW DOWN ALREADY
Chronic lung disease can be frustrating. Routine tasks suddenly become
exhausting. Taking a shower or doing the grocery shopping may become
dreaded activities. Being afraid of an asthma attack or becoming short
of breath may cramp your style so that you don't do the same things
you used to enjoy doing. But there are alternatives - learning to
adapt your lifestyle to your disability may open up new options for
you. See Story:http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/energy.html

-----MARCH TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER
People with COPD say that pacing their activities and knowing
their limits is a key to living well. Try to:

--Listen to your body. If you wake up feeling supercharged, try
tackling the project you saved for an energetic day. On the other
hand, if you feel as if your batteries are running a little low,
loaf! Tune into when you feel your best - and take advantage. For
many people, that's soon after they've taken their medicine or
breathing treatment.

--Learn to let go. COPD may make it difficult for you to carry out
certain tasks you used to do routinely. It's okay to streamline
your activities. And it's best to limit those activities to things
that are essential or that you really enjoy.

--Move it to use it. If you have trouble getting enough air when
you're just cleaning around the house, you may fear that exercise
is out of your reach. But physical activity, such as walking, will
help teach your body how to use less oxygen more efficiently. That
means you will be able to do the same amount of work with less
air. Here are some tips:

-Before you start, clear your lungs of mucus by coughing.

-Practice deep breathing before and during the activity.
Counting as you breathe can help. Breathe in: 1-2. Breathe
out: 1-2-3-4.

-If you feel short of breath at any time, stop and relax for
a few minutes, then continue.

-The best times for people with COPD to exercise are in the
late morning, afternoon or evening after their lungs are
cleared of mucus. (Source: VA Healthcare Network)

-----LIVING WITH COPD - DAILY COPING SKILLS
"Living With COPD" is a series of articles on how to best live and
cope with this disease. This extremely useful daily-living
information compiled by COPD patients can be found in our Library
at http://www.copd-international.com/Library/contents.htm

These are a few of the hundreds of handy hints you will find in the
day-by-day energy-saving series:

-Kitchen
Store utensils and favorite ingredients within easy reach.
Use a tall stool for working at the kitchen counter.
BBQ tongs are useful for picking up things from the floor.
Electric fry pan or oven/grill is easier to use than a
conventional oven.

-Bathroom
Use liquid soap to reduce need to lather.
Liquid soap can be kept in a small plastic bottle.
Slip on a terry cloth robe and snuggle yourself dry.
Install hand grips/rails next to bath, shower and toilet.
Use a light sturdy plastic stool for sitting on in the shower.
An electric toothbrush takes the effort out of brushing.

-Clothing
Stretch fabric/sweatpants are easily taken off and on.
Velcro shoe fasteners are easier than buckles or laces.

-Outdoors
Consider building up the garden to waist height.
Make a garden of pots and window boxes.
Use a stool or box to sit on while gardening.
Long handled garden tools are helpful.
Have your clothesline within easy reach.

-----STAY ACTIVE TO LESSEN COPD SYMPTOMS
Much can be done to lessen the side effects and symptoms of COPD.
You can lead an active and rewarding life by following the advice
of your physician and by following some of these simple tips from
the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
See Tips: http://www.aarc.org/patient_education/tips/lesscopd.html

-----FOOD FUELS ENERGY LEVELS, BREATHING
A person uses a great deal of energy in the simple act of breathing.
If the body is working too hard to breath and the person has not been
eating well, the person will tire quickly and have little energy to
perform daily activities. Good nutrition can improve energy level,
lung function, exercise tolerance and weight. See Eating Right Tips:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/helen.harris3/nutrition_in_copd.htm
___________________________________________________________________

            > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
___________________________________________________________________

-----MAKE YOUR HOME A HEALTHY HAVEN
Indoor air pollution is irritating to everyone. But people who have
respiratory problems are even more sensitive to indoor irritants
and are more prone to developing complications. Listed here are
a few common irritants found in the home and some helpful tips
for decreasing or eliminating them. See Tips:
http://www.aarc.org/patient_education/tips/inpoll.html

-----ARE YOU A CALORIE COUNTER?
This calculator estimates the number of calories you will burn
performing a range of activities at varying intensity levels, over a
certain period of time or particular distance, taking into
consideration your height and weight.
http://health.discovery.com/tools/calculators/activity/activity.html
_________________________________________________________________

        > > > > > > > > > > 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. His work will continue to be a source of
inspiration to all of us - not only to live well, but also to help
others 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. 21 (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. 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.

"Books" of loving thoughts have been established for:

-Terri Lopau, an active member of our COPD Community and chat
host, who was recently injured in an automobile accident.

-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/

-----VOLUNTEERS
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 < < < < < < < <
__________________________________________________________________

-----HEALTH/EXERCISE FAQS

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this
true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it.
Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make
you live longer. That's like saying you can extend the life of your
car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay
and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more
than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.
Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass
(green leafy vegetable).

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is
one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: At the gym, a guy asked me to "spot" for him while he did the
bench press. What did he mean?

A: "Spotting" for someone means you stand over him while he blows
air up your shorts. It's an accepted practice at health clubs, but
if you find that it becomes the ONLY reason why you're going in,
you probably ought to reevaluate your exercise program.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular
exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is:
No Pain-No Pain.

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.
In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables
be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around
the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You
should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had
about trying to live a longer and healthier life. <Grin>
_________________________________________________________________

                   > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
_________________________________________________________________

-----IMPOSSIBLY EASY CHICKEN POT PIE
This pot pie couldn't be easier. It's loaded with chicken and
vegetables in a creamy sauce and baked under an impossibly easy crust.

Total: 35 min
Prep: 5 min
Bake: 30 min

Ingredients
   1 2/3 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
   1 cup cut-up cooked chicken
   1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
   1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
   1/2 cup milk
   1 egg

Directions
   1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix vegetables, chicken and soup
   in ungreased glass pie plate, 9x1 1/4 inches.

   2. Stir together remaining ingredients with fork until blended.
   Pour into pie plate.

   3. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 6 servings
_________________________________________________________________

            > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
_________________________________________________________________

When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so
regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.

-- Helen Keller--
_________________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > 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 otherwise indicated.
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 are not an
endorsement of any products or services in such sites