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, January 6, 2003                         Volume #2 -- Issue #1
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004   COPD-International.com   All rights reserved.

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            > > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE  < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Exacerbations
==> 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
What the heck is an exacerbation? Most of us with COPD have
asked that question, especially when first diagnosed. An exacerbation
is when our COPD symptoms temporally worsen, which can be a
sign of a lung infection.

We can experience a fever, more coughing and mucus, and our
breathing can become more labored. Because we all have some sort
of COPD symptoms on a daily basis, it is important for us to be able
to recognize an exacerbation - and the earlier the better, as every
exacerbation has the potential to cause further damage to our lungs.

This issue focuses on exacerbations and steps we can take to avoid
acute episodes and the importance of seeking immediate treatment.
It goes without saying that at the first sign our condition appears to be
worsening, we should contact our physician or go to the ER - or both!

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 OKs SINGULAIR FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Singulair, an asthma drug, has been approved by the U.S. Federal
Drug Administration (FDA) as treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis,
also known as hay fever. See Report:
http://www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/010203.html

-----WORD SPREADS ON AAT DEFICIENCY
Lung physicians are spreading the word about a genetic disorder
that can cause life-threatening lung or liver disease but is not widely
recognized. The genetic disorder is called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
Deficiency, or AAT Deficiency. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000
Americans are living with severe AAT Deficiency, but less than 10
percent have been diagnosed. See Story:
http://www.press-citizen.com/news/122602lungdisorder.htm

-----STUDY LOOKS AT BENEFITS OF LVRS
This study concludes that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)
improves function in emphysema by resizing the lung relative to the
chest wall. See Details:
http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/94/1/20

-----OSTEOPOROSIS STRIKES MORE WOMEN WITH COPD
In elderly female patients, osteoporosis is more common in cases of
COPD than in bronchial asthma, even if these patients had not received
long-term systemic corticosteroids. The explanation for the higher
prevalence of osteoporosis in COPD is still not known, but preventive
strategies to decrease osteoporotic fractures should be added to the
management of elderly patients with COPD. See Report:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/122/6/1949

-----COSTS FOR GENERICS ON THE RISE
As drug patents expire, costs for generics are rising. Prices of generic
drugs are rising almost twice as rapidly as prices of brand-name drugs.
The trend is expected to continue over the next few years. See Reasons:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/27/business/27GENE.html

-----NEW OUTLETS FOR DRUGS GAIN IN POPULARITY
Shopping for cheaper foreign drugs is not a new idea. Americans have
done it through Web sites and excursions to Canada and Mexico over
the past few years. Now buying and selling has moved into storefront
operations cropping up across the country. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/26/national/26STOR.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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To view drug 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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-----EXACERBATION! WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?
Most of us with COPD cough up some mucus - some all the time,
others seldom. So, the key here is to be aware of what is "normal"
for you. When things deviate from what is normal for you, that
should raise a red flag.

For many, coughing up more mucus, especially if it is discolored -
such as yellow, brown or tinged with blood - is a sign we may be
experiencing an exacerbation. A mild fever can also mean an
infection is brewing in our lungs.

These warning signs are not to be taken lightly. For us with damaged
lungs, an infection can take hold in a matter of hours - making it harder
to treat and possibly resulting in hospitalization.

Recognizing changes in signs and symptoms of COPD is an important
part of managing our illness, so that treatment and other interventions
can begin promptly. See Exacerbations:
http://nationaljewish.org/medfacts/recognizing_copd.html

-----MORE ON EXACERBATIONS
People with COPD, especially those who have chronic bronchitis,
may experience a fairly rapid, sometimes sudden, increased shortness
of breath - another sign of an exacerbation. Immediate medical
treatment can help many recover sooner. See Advice:
http://content.health.msn.com/content/healthwise/87/21717

-----STUDY FINDS NEW SOURCE OF COPD FLARE-UPS
Flare-ups of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which can be life-
threatening, are often triggered by infections from newly encountered
strains of common germs, a study found. See Study:
http://www.copd-international.com/library/COPD-flareups-study.htm

-----WHAT IS A PEAK FLOW METER?
A peak flow meter is a portable, inexpensive, hand-held device
used to measure how air flows from your lungs by measuring your
ability to push air out of your lungs. A peak flow meter can help
determine if your COPD/asthma is getting worse. See Details:
http://www.lungusa.org/asthma/astpeakflow.html

-----DYSPNEA - TIPS TO EASIER BREATHING
Dyspnea, difficult or labored respiration, is also called air hunger.
Below is a link to tips on how to breathe easier when experiencing
an exacerbation. See Tips:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/dyspnea.htm
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         > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----INDOOR ALLERGENS - BAD, VERY, VERY BAD
Is your house or apartment making you sick. It could be - especially
if you're prone to allergies. The two main culprits when it comes to
indoor allergens are molds and dust mites. See Tips:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2002-12-19-indoor-allergens_x.htm

-----GRAPEFRUIT JUICE DOESN'T MIX WITH MEDS
Grapefruit juice can have a negative interaction with many drugs. A
good safeguard is to ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible
interactions between your medications and grapefruit juice. See
Details: http://emphysemafoundation.org/Grapejuice.html

-----BORN TO BE HAPPY?
Are some people born happy and stay happy for no good reason? If so,
does this mean that happiness is nothing more than a lucky combination of
neurotransmitters? See Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/31/health/psychology/31BEHA.html

-----FDA OKS NEW RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS THERAPY
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2002/ANS01186.html
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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.

-----DAILY CHATS
Scheduled chats with hosts are held daily and we invite everyone to
stop in and visit. We look forward to seeing you. The Chat Room
schedule can be accessed at the link below or drop in anytime.
http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm

-----WEEKLY CAREGIVERS CHAT
On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EST), we invite all caregivers who are in
need of mutual support to join host Kitty in this weekly chat. 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

-----QUIT SMOKING NOW PROGRAM AND CHAT
If you want online support to quit smoking, join our interactive
Quit Smoking Now (QSN) Program, where community members
support one another in stopping smoking and remaining smoke-free.
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/

For more information on the QSN Program, contact Diane, program
coordinator, at Newsletter@COPD-International.com . Diane is also available
for scheduling one-on-one chats. This is in addition to the regularly
scheduled chat on Mondays at 9 p.m. (EST). The chat room can be
accessed at http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm

-----KEEP IN TOUCH PROGRAM
Our Keep in Touch Program (KIT) is a program set up for those of
us that live alone, or persons who desire a way to maintain daily
contact with a small group of people like themselves for reassurance.
For details, go to http://www.copd-international.com/Keep_in_Touch/

-----LOVING THOUGHTS
A new "book" of loving thoughts has been posted on our site for
Jackie Horden, wife and caregiver of COPD Advocate Bill
Horden. Jackie has been diagnosed with cancer and treatment
options are being explored. Bill is also very ill at this time.

To express your loving thoughts, get-well wishes and prayers for
our fellow community members, who are very ill or hospitalized,
please go to http://www.copd-international.com/Loving_Thoughts/

-----VISIT THE BILL HORDEN LIBRARY
In addition to the "COPD Survival Guide," our Library includes the
other works of COPD Advocate Bill Horden, a pioneer of online
support for those with COPD. To browse the Horden Library, go
to http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/

-----VOLUNTEERS - EXTEND A HELPING HAND
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 an 83-year-old lady finishes her annual physical examination,
the doctor says, "You are in fine shape for your age. But tell me,
do you still have intercourse?"

"Just a minute .. I'll have to ask my husband," she replies.
She goes out to the reception room and said: "Jake do we still have
intercourse?"

Jake answered impatiently........"If I told you once, I told
you a thousand times..."    -   We have Blue Cross"!!
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                  > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----SHRIMP VERDE
This quick and easy dish of shrimp sautéed in garlic, green onions
and Italian parsley, then topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese,
works great as an appetizer, side dish or main dish.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 20 Minutes
Makes: 4 servings as a main dish

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté garlic and scallions briefly,
but do not brown the garlic.
2. Toss in shrimp and sauté until pink and opaque in the center.
Stir in parsley and heat through.
3. Remove from heat and pour into a serving dish. Sprinkle with
grated Parmesan cheese. (Source: Allrecipes)

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         > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"Most people would rather be certain they're miserable,
than risk being happy."

-- Robert Anthony, Author --

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Thank You For Your Readership
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All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided in this
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All information provided should be judged as individual "opinions"
and discussed with a qualified health-care professional before any
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