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, June 2, 2003                           Volume #2 -- Issue #22
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 - The Magic of Walking
==> 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
Quitting smoking is the best thing we can do to slow the progression
of COPD. Exercise is second in line. Yes, it's hard for many us,
especially for those newly diagnosed, to believe that exercise can
improve our quality of life and help us breathe better.

Exercise can be the last thing on our minds when we are not feeling
well - and there are times when we need to rest and relax. But it
has been proven over and over again that a little exercise can go
a long way in making us feel better - emotionally and physically.

For those of us who cannot do strenuous exercises, walking on a
regular schedule at our own pace can do wonders for our overall
stamina and mood.

Get your doctor's okay before you begin a walking program and
he/she can help you devise a program that meets any other
special needs you may have.

This issue addresses walking - one of the most enjoyable and relaxing
exercises for COPDers.

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: ANTIVIRUS ARMS RACE HEATS UP
Viruses and bacteria are often lumped together as germs. But when
it comes to drugs to treat the illnesses they cause, the microbes are
worlds apart. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/27/science/27VIRA.html

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

-----CLUSTER HEADACHES LINKED WITH SLEEP APNEA
The conclusion of this study confirms the high percentage of cluster
headaches (CH) are associated with sleep apnea. The study
suggests that oxygen desaturation may be a trigger factor in some
patients and play a role in CH. See Abstract:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2003.
00561.x/abs/

Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut
and paste the entire address into your browser if you have
trouble opening the page.

-----STUDY OF COPD HOSPITALIZATIONS SHOWS HOPE
Mortality during hospitalization in this nationwide sample of patients
with acute exacerbations of COPD was lower than that of previous
studies of select populations. See Article:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/163/10/1180

-----ABSTRACT TARGETS EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF COPD
The Journal of Clinical Nursing reports that early detection of COPD
in primary health care by non-physicians is feasible and should be
considered for middle-aged, moderate and heavy smokers experiencing
breathlessness. See Abstract:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2702.2003.00736.
x/abs/

Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut
and paste the entire address into your browser if you have
trouble opening the page.

-----BMJ EDITORIAL: MAKING COPD A PRIORITY
Making COPD a priority needs leadership and cooperation, according
to this British Medical Journal editorial. The failure to make it
national priority should not prevent health care providers from
addressing this growing problem. See Editorial:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7398/1046

-----CARERGIVERS AT INCREASED RISK OF CHD
Women who care for a sick husband are at increased risk of
developing coronary heart disease (CHD), according to research
published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Story:
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3090

-----U.K. ADDRESSES ROLE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Failure to implement complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
into the U.K. NHS has led to patients being denied access to
treatments, say campaigners. See Report:
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3093

-----VACCINE TO HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING?
Although it has only been tested in rats and mice, a new nicotine
vaccine shows promise in ending nicotine addiction and helping
smokers kick the habit. See Story:
http://www.health24.co.za/news.asp?action=art&SubContentTypeId=42&
ContentID=22468

Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut
and paste the entire address into your browser if you have
trouble opening the page.

-----ASTHMA: COULD IT BE THE DOG?
People with asthma may be putting their health at risk by keeping
a dog, scientists have warned. The family dog is more likely to
cause health problems for asthmatics than a cat, according to this
study.
http://asthma.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://news.bbc.co.
uk/1/hi/health/3043173.stm

Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut
and paste the entire address into your browser if you have
trouble opening the page.

-----ASTHMA - STEPPING DOWN CORTICOSTERIODS
This study concludes that by adopting a step-down approach to the
use of inhaled steroids at high doses in asthma a reduction in the
dose can be achieved without compromising asthma control. See Details:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7399/1115

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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-- Ancom Tablets
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Ancom_recall4.htm

-- Bisoprolol Fumarate, Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Bisoprolol-Fumarate_recall.htm

-- Erythromycin
   http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Erythromycin_recall.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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-----NIA EXERCISE GUIDE
This link has been in earlier newsletters and still remains one of the
best sites for exercising tips. The guide was compiled by the National
Institutes on Aging (NIA). Under Chapter 5 is information on beginning
a simple walking program. See Guide:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/exercisebook/index.htm

-----TAKING THAT FIRST STEP
This link will lead you through a program for absolute beginners, with
the goal to have you walking comfortably for 30 minutes to an hour.
For those of us with COPD, this beginners program may have to be
scaled back a bit to accommodate our individual needs. The most
important thing is to "begin" - even if that means talking small steps
for short periods of time.
http://walking.about.com/library/how/blhowbeginner.htm

-----TIPS FOR COPDERS
http://gsk.ibreathe.com/ibreathe_pages/3_0_copd/3_3_5_exercise.htm

-----THE DREADED TREADMILLS
When the weather is nice, it is a real treat to walk outdoors.
Unfortunately, for many of us, hot, humid weather or extreme cold
weather can have adverse affects on our breathing. Having a motorized
treadmill can help you stay active on a daily basis regardless of the
weather. Treadmills are better yet if supplemental oxygen is needed.

Getting on the darn thing can be tough, but once you start and stick
to a regular schedule it will become easier and more enjoyable as you
begin to feel better. Charting your progress also will give you the
incentive to continue. Safety is also a concern, so make sure your
tubing is secure and well out of the way of any moving parts.

An oximeter is a good tool to have, especially while walking outdoors.
Talk to your doctor about your oxygen needs and ask for his/her
advice. Respiratory therapists are also a good source of information
when planning a walking program.

There are also personal trainers who specialize in those with
disabilities. The long-term cost can be prohibitive, but in two or
three at-home sessions, they can help work with you to get a basic
walking/stretching program in place that you are comfortable doing on
your own.

Walking is a great, natural way to achieve daily physical activity.
Some even say it is magical.

Editor's Note: To learn more about oximeters, see link below.
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/oximeter.htm
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      > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----ARE YOU AMONG THE FOOD TRENDSETTERS?
Heat-and-eat, fresh, healthy and slightly exotic food is the fare on
many of America's dinner tables these days. But nutrition bars and
designer yogurts are also popular foods. Top food trends in America
are listed in a recent Food Technology magazine.
See Trends. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/64/72280.htm

-----OPEN SESAME!
It's tasty. It's good for you. Now there's another sesame oil benefit:
It may lower high blood pressure. Sesame oil is one of those vegetable
oils that are good for you. See Story:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/64/72269.htm
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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.

-----NEW! CHEER BEAR PROGRAM
Our Cheer Bear Program is staffed by volunteers from our
various programs. It is designed to anonymously send cards and
caring thoughts to those subscribers and caregivers who may be
going through tough times or celebrating the good times. To
request a visit from the Cheer Bear, please go to the link below.
http://www.copd-international.com/cheerbear/

-----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. We look forward to seeing you.

The complete chat room schedule can be accessed at
http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm

-----ON-TOPIC CHATS
-- Lung Transplants
On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EDT), Tony Hamel, who had a
single lung transplant February 2001, hosts this on-topic chat.
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm

-- Exercise
An Exercise Chat is held on Mondays at 2 p.m. (EST). Join
Host Tonie in this informal chat setting to discuss exercise,
getting started and motivational tips. Exercise Chat Room:
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/chat.htm

-- Caregivers
On Sundays at 4 p.m. (EDT) and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EDT),
caregivers chats are hosted by Kitty. We invite all caregivers who
are in need of mutual support. (Note: Only caregivers in these
chats please.)
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm

-- Quit Smoking Now
If you want online support to quit smoking, join our interactive
Quit Smoking Now (QSN) Program. For more information on
the program, contact Diane, program coordinator, at
Newsletter@COPD-International.com

The QSN chat is held on Mondays at 9 p.m. (EDT) 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

-----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
This site is supported and maintained by COPDers and volunteers
are always needed. 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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-----"DOC-ISMS"

What doctors say, and what they're really thinking:

-- "Welllllll, what have we here...?"
He has no idea and is hoping you'll give him a clue.

-- "Let me check your medical history."
I want to see if you've paid your last bill before spending
any more time with you.

--"Let's see how it develops."
Maybe in a few days it will grow into something that can
be cured.

-- "If it doesn't clear up in a week, give me a call."
I don't know what it is. Maybe it will go away by itself.

"Let me schedule you for some tests."
I can't figure out what's wrong. Maybe the kid in the lab can
solve this one.

-- "I'd like to prescribe a new drug."
I'm writing a paper and would like to use you for a guinea pig.

"That's quite a nasty looking wound."
I think I'm going to throw up.

-- "This may smart a little."
Last week two patients screamed bloody murder.

-- "Well, we're not feeling so well today, are we...?"
I'm stalling for time. Who are you and why are you here?

"Do you suppose all this stress could be affecting your nerves?"
You're crazier than an outhouse rat.

-- "There is a lot of that going around."
My God, that's the third one this week. I'd better learn something
about this.

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                  > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----GRILLED POTATOES
These potatoes will melt in your mouth.

Ingredients
    4 medium to large cleaned, unskinned potatoes (preferably red
      or Yukon gold)
    1 Vidalia onion, sliced
    1/2 stick butter, sliced into 4 tablespoons
    Dill weed
    Salt
    Freshly ground black pepper
    4 sections of aluminum foil (12 to 14 inches each)

Preparation
-- Pre-heat grill.
-- Slice potatoes into 6 to 8 pieces each.
-- Place potato wedges onto open aluminum foil sections; top
     with onions.
-- Sprinkle with dill, salt, and pepper to taste.
-- Top each with a slice of butter.
-- Fold over top of aluminum foil loosely and crease, then fold up
     ends of foil.
-- Place on medium-hot grill.
-- Cook for 8-10 minutes. Check 1 packet after 8 minutes. If the
     potatoes are not slightly browned, cook longer. Potatoes taste
     best when slightly browned.
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           > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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                           "Of all exercises, walking to the best."

-- Thomas Jefferson --
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Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
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