COPD News from COPD-International -- Vol #2

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, May 5, 2003                            Volume #2 -- Issue #18
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 - Seasonal Allergies
==> 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
Yep, it's that time of year again when the warmer temperatures
spur flowers and trees to bloom and for springtime allergies to get
under way. But there's no need for allergy sufferers to tolerate endless
sneezing and sniffling. Treatment, ranging from over-the-counter
(OTC) products to allergy shots, can minimize symptoms.

This week's issue features topics on allergies and what we can do
to alleviate the itching, sneezing and wheezing that come along with
seasonal weather changes.

Also, included again are news links to information on Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which continues to be a serious health
threat worldwide.

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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-----SARS PROMPTS ADDED VIGILANCE
Doctors across the United States are taking steps to help contain a
virus that is continuing to create havoc in parts of Asia. Office-based
physicians are being urged to take 10 seconds to help stop a pandemic
and protect themselves, their co-workers and patients from SARS.
See Story: http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/amnews/pick_03/hll10428.htm

----SARS IS HERE, BUT WILL IT EVER LEAVE?
In a remarkable display of international cooperation and technical
expertise, scientists have already isolated the virus that causes SARS.
They know its genetic sequence. So now the question is can scientists
stop it? The answer, virologists say, is probably not, though prospects
for effective drugs and vaccines are good. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/weekinreview/27KOLA.html?fta=y

Editor's Note: This article is available free of charge for online
subscribers. To access the article you need only fill out a short
user form.

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

-- COPD International Site:
      News: http://www.copd-international.com/Library/SARS-news.htm
      Timeline: http://www.copd-international.com/Library/SARS-timeline.htm
      FAQs: http://www.copd-international.com/Library/SARS-FAQs.htm

-- U.S. CDC Site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm
-- WebMD Site: http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/62/71672.htm

-----BREATHING DIRTY AIR?
You can find out with the American Lung Association State of the
Air: 2003 Report. To find out about YOUR air and to learn how
ozone hurts your lungs, go to the link below and click on your state
on the map. http://lungaction.org/reports/stateoftheair2003.html

-----AIR POLLUTION MAY DAMAGE, BRAIN, HEART
Air pollution may cause brain damage similar to Alzheimer's disease,
as well as heart problems, two new studies suggest. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=512732

-----ASTHMA VACCINE SHOWS PROMISE
An asthma vaccine that reduces sensitivity to substances that trigger
asthma attacks shows promise, say scientists testing the vaccine at the
National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, England.
See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=1501221

-----PROTEINS MAY OFFER CANCER HOPE
Researchers at the Duke University Medical Center in the U.S. have
developed a method of identifying proteins involved in lung cancer.
The technique uses mass spectrometry to detect specific proteins that
are over-expressed in cancer cells, blood, urine and other substances.

The scientists have found two new proteins - called MIF and CyP-A -
whose levels are elevated in lung cancer cells but not in normal cells.
The ability to identify these may help lead to the development of drugs
that block the proteins' effects. (HealthScout)

-----HOW STAPH WORKS
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of
Medicine have shown how a staphylococcal infection shuts down
the body's immune response, corrupting the action of B cells that
should attack and destroy invading bacteria.

It appears that a staph protein called SpA launches a "pre-emptive
attack" targeting a specific antigen on B cell receptors, causing the
cells to die. This prevents the development of the "memory" B cells
needed to identify and combat future staph infections, which may explain
why they are so common and why so many people get them again and
again, say the authors. (HealthScout)

-----RECENT NHLBI WORKSHOP SUMMARY ON COPD
COPD is a common condition, and one difficult to manage. Available
treatments, other than smoking cessation, are only minimally effective,
and the knowledge basis for clinical decision-making is limited. To identify
areas in which further clinical research may lead to significant improve-
ments in the care of patients with COPD, the National Heart, Lung and
Blood (NHLBI) recently convened a Working Group, entitled "Clinical
Research in COPD: Needs and Opportunities." This group identified
important questions in the field and made recommendations. See
Abstract: http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/167/8/1142

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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-----RECENT RECALLS
      -- Allegra
            http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Allegra_recall.htm
      -- Ancom
            http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Ancom_recall3.htm
      -- Carisoprodol
            http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Carisoprodol_recall.htm
      -- Premarin
           http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Premarin_recall3.htm

To view earlier 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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-----ACHOO, ACHOO, ACHOO!
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (most of us call it hay fever) affects about 35
million people in the United States, says the American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The AAAI offers some
tips on how to reduce your springtime hay fever misery. See Tips
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=509977

-----SPRING: TIPS FOF ALLERGY
With spring rains, there's more mold growth inside and outside your
home. Flowers, trees, weeds and grasses also begin to blossom. And
spring cleaning will stir up dust mites throughout the house. Below are
tips from WebMD on how to keep pollen fallout to a minimum.

-- Keep pollen under control.
        Wash bedding every week in hot water. Wash your hair and shower
        before going to bed, since pollen can accumulate in hair.
-- Clean every surface.
        Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming, or painting to
        limit dust and chemical exposure. Vacuum twice a week.
-- Wash rugs.
        Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. If you do have rugs, make
        sure they are washable.
-- Keep indoor air clean.
       Change filters in air conditioning units and vents frequently this time
       of year.

-----NEW INSIGHTS INTO ALLERGY RELIEF

What Works:
      -- Patient Education,
      -- Frequent House Cleaning
      -- Mattress Covers
      -- Injections
      -- Combination Allergy Medications

See Story: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/62/71778.htm

-----ALLERGY SUFFERERS, LISTEN UP!
Allergies can wreak havoc on the best of us, especially those of us with
COPD. Want to make your home an itch- and sneeze-free zone? See
Tips: http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/63/72158.htm

-----POLLEN COUNT - GOOD DAY OR BAD DAY?
Below is a link to a site where you can get accurate allergy/pollen
forecasts for the entire United States, including your local area. Pollen
Count: http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----POPPING TOO MANY PILLS?
A growing number of medical experts are concerned that Americans are
overdoing their vitamin consumption. As many as 70 percent of the population
is taking supplements, mostly vitamins, convinced that the pills will make
them healthier. But researchers say that vitamin supplements cannot correct
for a poor diet. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/29/health/nutrition/29VITA.html

Editor's Note: This article is available free of charge for online
subscribers. To access the article you need only fill out a short
user form

SCHEDULED FOR A NEW MEDICAL TEST?
The Medical Tests Encyclopedia is a site where you can learn about a
broad range of tests. Learn how to prepare for your test, what to expect
during the procedure and what the results mean. To find your subject,
either browse through the A to Z drop-down menu or search the site by
typing in your term in the search box below.
http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/medical/medical.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.

-----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
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Lungtx-Lance.htm

-----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
The weekly Exercise Chat is held on Mondays at 2 p.m. (EST) in
the Exercise Chat Room. Join Host Tonie 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

-----NEW! SECOND CAREGIVERS CHAT ADDED
On Sundays, an additional caregivers chat is scheduled at 4 p.m.
(EDT) also hosted by Kitty. This is in addition to the 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 these weekly chats.
You can reach the Caregivers Chat Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm
(Note: Only caregivers in these chats 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

-----LOVING THOUGHTS
Express your loving thoughts, get-well wishes and prayers for
our fellow community members, who are very ill or hospitalized.
To participate in this program of loving concern, please go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Loving_Thoughts/

-- Sue, Shadow Wolf to our chatters, is in the hospital, according
to her husband, Iain Carlos. To post get-well wishes for Sue, please
go to the link above.

-----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 - PLEASE 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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-----HOW SPACED OUT ARE YOU?

How much do you know about space? Take this quiz and find out.
http://encarta.msn.com/quiz/quiz.asp?QuizID=42
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         > > > > > > > > > >     RECIPE     < < < < < < < < <
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-----CAVATELLI WITH BROCCOLI AND SAUSAGE

Hot and spicy crowd pleaser!

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 35 Minutes
Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients
      1 pound spicy Italian sausage
      1/2 cup olive oil
      4 cloves garlic, minced
      1 (16 ounce) package cavatelli pasta
      1 pound frozen broccoli
      1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
      1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
      1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, fry sausage until no longer
         pink; drain and reserve.
      2. In a small skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté garlic
         until golden.
      3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cavatelli and
         cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Three minutes before
         the end of the cooking time, add broccoli; drain with pasta.
      4. In a large serving bowl, place pasta and broccoli and mix in sausage
         mixture and red pepper flakes. Toss with cheese; serve. (Allrecipes)
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      > > > > > > > > > >    CLOSING THOUGHT    < < < < < < < < <
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"Regardless of what you have come to believe, you are in control You
are the manager of your own life."

-- Dr. Phil McGraw --

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> > > > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < < < <
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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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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.