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, April 21, 2003                            Volume #2 -- Issue #16
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003   COPD-International.com    All rights reserved.

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            > > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE  < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - SARS News/Updates
==> 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
As the illness Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) continues
to spread worldwide, the World Heath Organization (WHO) officially
confirmed that a member of the coronavirus family never before seen
in humans causes the flu-like SARS virus. Now researchers are focusing
their attention on finding specific treatments and possibly a
vaccination.

SARS continues to make headlines in all arenas, from veterinarians
pitching in on the research to scam artists peddling bogus preventive
and curative products.

In this issue, under Featured Articles, are the latest SARS news
updates, along with links to stories resulting from the controversy
surrounding this fast-spreading virus.

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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-----MAP OF HUMAN GENE CODE COMPLETED
An international consortium of scientists recently announced that it
has completed the map of the human genetic code to an accuracy of
99.99 percent and said the accomplishment opens a new era for biology
and medicine. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/science/AP-Human-Genome.html

       Editor's Note: The Web site above may require that one complete
       a short, anonymous user survey before accessing the article.

-----ONLINE SUPPORT HELPS SMOKERS BUTT OUT
Web sites that support smokers in their attempts to quit show promise
as powerful smoking cessation tools, suggest the results of a Web site
pilot study. See Details: http://www.hbns.org/news/webbased04-11-03.cfm

      Editor's Note: COPD International has a Quit Smoking Now
      Program, including a weekly chat. See details under the Community
      Update section.

-----STUDY - PAP TREATMENT EASES ASTHMA ATTACKS
This trial study found in selected patients with a severe asthma
attack that the addition of bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
to conventional treatment can improve lung function, alleviate the
attack faster and significantly reduce the need for hospitalization.
See Study: http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/4/1018

----STUDY LOOKS AT LONG TERM OUTCOME OF LVRS
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) produces significant functional
improvement for selected patients with emphysema. For most of these
patients, benefits appear to last at least 5 years. See Story:
http://jtcs.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/125/3/513

-----RESEARCH - GENES AFFECT SMOKERS CANCER RISK
A genetic basis exists for the development of lung cancer and other
smoking-related cancers, according to interim results from a U.S.
study. The ongoing research by the University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center suggests that aggregation of cancer in families can be
due to shared exposures, shared genes or a combination of both
factors. See Story: http://www.health-news.co.uk/showstory.asp?id=109913

-----HOME OVERNIGHT OXIMETRY AND COPDERS
Nocturnal desaturation in patients with COPD exhibits considerable
night-to-night variability when measured by home overnight pulse
oximetry (OPO). A single home OPO recording may be insufficient for
accurate assessment of nocturnal desaturation. See Abstract:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/4/1127

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.copd-international.com/Library/Recalls.htm
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       > > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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-----SARS - LATEST UPDATES
Researchers have officially confirmed that a member of the coronavirus
family never before seen in humans causes the SARS virus. Scientists
and the WHO have long suspected that the virus, which also causes the
common cold, was at the source of SARS.

To date, WHO cites over 3,547 cases, including 182 deaths. The U.S.
tally is 220 suspected cases, including 36 confirmed cases, in 35
states. SARS safety and health alerts remain in affect worldwide, as
the virus continues to spread.

-----HOW ONE PERSON CAN FUEL AN EPIDEMIC
A child in China so infectious that he is nicknamed "the poison
emperor." A Chinese doctor who infects 12 fellow guests in his
Hong Kong hotel, who then fly to Singapore, Vietnam and Canada.
An elderly Canadian woman who infects three generations of her family.

Watching as the mysterious illness called SARS hopped around the
world and exploded in new outbreaks, epidemiologists began to ask
themselves an unsettling question: is it carried by "superspreaders"?
See Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/15/health/15SPRE.html

Editor's Note: TheWeb site above may require that one complete
a short, anonymous user survey before accessing the article.

-----ABSTRACT - HISTORY OF SARS OUTBREAK
The conclusion of this abstract is that SARS is highly infectious and
potentially lethal. The drastic measures introduced by the Hong Kong
government, together with intensive education of the public on
personal hygiene and the wearing of masks in public places hopefully
will halt this epidemic. See Abstract:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7393/DC1

-----CLINICAL HISTORY OF FIVE U.S. SARS CASES
This report updates information on U.S. residents with SARS and
summarizes the clinical histories of the five U.S. residents
identified as of April 9, 2003, who have both suspected SARS and
laboratory evidence of infection with a novel coronavirus. See Report:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5214a1.htm

-----VETERINARIANS VERSUS SARS
Many Americans may already be immune to SARS. That's one of the
theories offered up by veterinary researchers who have long fought off
similar viruses in animals. Vets are offering their advice and expertise
in the battle against SARS. See Story:
http://www.forbes.com/technology/sciences/2003/04/10/cs_el_0410
sarsvets.html

-----BOGUS SARS PRODUCTS HIT THE INTERNET
Type "SARS" into an Internet search engine and advertisements from
a variety of companies pop up offering products as diverse as health
supplements, disinfectants and special protective suits that marketers
say will keep the new disease at bay.

One company offers a disinfectant that it says "kills SARS
supervirus." A supplement maker advertises a pill that it says will
ward off SARS by bolstering the immune system. Another Web site offers
the "SARS protective kit," including a respirator, antimicrobial
hand-cleaners and a pair of latex gloves, all on sale for $155. Health
officials say to be very wary of these claims. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/14/science/sciencespecial/14SELL.html

-----MASKS QUESTIONABLE AGAINST SARS
From Asia to North America, frightened citizens and airplane
passengers are slipping on face masks to protect themselves against
SARS. But experts say they may be wasting their money. Some are buying
the wrong kind of masks - the surgical kind won't do - or don't know
how to use the right kind correctly. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=
512591

-----SARS INSURANCE POLICY LAUNCHED
Insurance broker Goodfellows, based in Braintree, Essex, launched
the first U.K. policy offering cover against SARS. (The Guardian)

Below are the SARS main news update links, which have appeared
in earlier newsletters.

- COPD International Site:

- U.S. CDC Site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm
- WebMD Site: http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/62/71672.htm
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     > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----BREAK OUT THE SODAS!
A new study shows people can maintain adequate hydration while
drinking juices, soft drinks or other fluids. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=
8005842

-----STUDY: DEPRESSION, DRUG REACTIONS LINKED
Depression appears to play a part in adverse drug reactions among
the elderly. It's known that depression is often evident among
hospitalized older adults. Some physicians have suspected a link
between depression and adverse drug reactions and now, this study
confirms it.
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=
8005489
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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.

-----ONLINE DIARY ON LUNG TRANSPLANT
Community member Lance Woodard has been keeping an ongoing
diary of his recent lung transplant experience. To access "On the
Road Again," which Lance continually updates, go to
 

-----DAILY CHATS
Scheduled chats with hosts are held daily and we invite everyone
to stop in and visit. Also during the week, special on-topic chats
are held. Unlike our open chats, we ask that these chats stay on
topic. We look forward to seeing you. The chat room schedule can
be accessed at http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm

-----LUNG TRANSPLANT CHAT
On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EDT), Tony Hamel, who had a single
lung transplant February 2001, hosts a special on-top chat. This chat
is held in the COPD Community Room. Access the COPD room
through the COPD community link off the Home Page or directly at
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm

You can read more about Tony and his story in our library. The
direct link is http://www.copd-international.com/Library/lungtx.htm

-----EXERCISE CHAT RESCHEDULED
The weekly Exercise Chat is now held on Mondays at 2 p.m. (EDT)
in the Exercise Chat Room. Join Host Billie in this informal chat
setting to discuss exercise, getting started, motivational tips,
advanced tips and much more. All are welcome who have an interest in
any type or level of exercise. Exercise Chat Room:
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/chat.htm

-----WEEKLY CAREGIVERS CHAT
On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EDT), 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.)

-----*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. (EDT). The chat room can be
accessed at http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm

For more information on our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at Chat@COPD-International.com

-----VISIT THE BILL HORDEN LIBRARY
In addition to the "COPD Survival Guide," our Library includes the
other works of the late 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 - LEND A HAND
This site is supported and maintained by COPDers. It is not
uncommon for us to have severe bouts with our illness. Due to
our health issues, many of us need downtime to recuperate and
get back on our feet.

Therefore, a strong team of volunteers is most important. If you
want 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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-----ARE YOU A BRAINIAC?
How much do you know about English? Where did all of the words
come from? What is the difference between whose and who's? And
what is wrong with Britney Spears' grammar? Have fun with these
quizzes and articles, starting with a spelling quiz.
http://encarta.msn.com/guide/netcal_home.asp
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                 > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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CHICKEN AND NOODLES
Serve a down home favorite that's made in just minutes

Prep/Cook Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:
      1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Cream of Chicken
         OR 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
      1/2 cup milk
      1/8 tsp. pepper
      1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
      2 cups cubed cooked chicken OR turkey
      3 cups cooked medium egg noodles OR bow tie pasta
      Chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

MIX soup, milk, pepper, cheese, chicken and noodles in saucepan.
Heat through. Garnish with parsley.

For 2 cups cubed cooked chicken, in medium saucepan over
medium heat, in 4 cups boiling water, cook 1 lb. skinless, boneless
chicken breasts or thighs, cubed, 5 min. or until chicken is no longer
pink. Serves 4.

Chicken Tip: Chicken can be made ahead - as described in this recipe -
using boneless (or bone-in, if more economical) chicken parts. Cool
and store recipe-ready quantities in a self-sealing bag(s) in the
refrigerator for 2-3 days, or in the freezer up to one month.
(Campbell's Kitchen)
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       > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look
so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened
for us."

-- Helen Keller --

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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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All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided in this
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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.