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 9, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #23
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003 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 < < < < < < < < < <
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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 9, 2003 Volume #2 -- Issue #23
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003 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 - Diagnosis: COPD
==> 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
Fear is one of many emotional responses people experience when
first diagnosed with a debilitating, life-threatening disease, such as
COPD.
What to do? Where to go? Is my life over? Again, more fear and
apprehension, as a stream of endless questions enters one's mind.
It can take days, months and even years to reach the stage of
acceptance, which brings with it the reality that one can manage
COPD and enjoy a good quality of life.
This issue focuses on how to cope with the diagnosis of COPD
and move beyond the feelings of helplessness into the realm of
positive self-care.
As the late Bill Horden said, "COPD is not a death sentence." And
the sooner we realize that, the sooner we can take control of this
disease and begin feeling better emotionally and physically.
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 WINDING DOWN?
According to the June 6, 2003 New York Times, health officials
believe that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak
is under control. After two days of no new cases in China, the hardest
hit country, compared to about 100 per day a month ago, health
officials are hopeful, but still urge caution against the disease to
prevent any resurgence as there was in Toronto. The decline in new
cases shows that SARS can be contained despite having no test,
treatment or cure for the disease.
-----PARTIAL LUNG TRANSPLANTS POSSIBLE
Portions of lungs transplanted from living donors function as well
in the recipient as whole cadaver lungs, and should be considered
as an option for those waiting for an organ, a surgeon recently
reported. See Report:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=
2871308
-----ABSTRACT LOOKS AT CANDIDATES FOR LVRS
These results confirm that patients with large upper lobe lesions
respond better to lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) than
patients with small uniformly distributed disease. See Abstract:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/58/6/510
-----STUDIES OFFER HOPE FOR LUNG CANCER
Treatment advances ranging from drugs to surgery are prolonging
survival and improving quality of life for victims of lung cancer,
researchers report. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml
?type=scienceNews&storyID=2864638
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
-----CANCER TREATMENT SHOWS PROMISE
Two experimental drugs that fight cancer in novel ways have
succeeded in clinical trials, ending lingering doubts about their
effectiveness and promising a new era in the treatment of the
disease, doctors say. See Story
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/02/national
/02CANC.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.
-----DRUG COULD BEAT DRUG-RESISTANT TB
Scientists have found an antibiotic that could beat drug-resistant
tuberculosis (TB). Doctors in the United States have used linezolid
to save the lives of several people with the condition. Researchers
at New York University School of Medicine gave linezolid (Zyvox)
twice a day for between nine and 33 months, and following the
treatment, no patients showed any symptoms of TB, and no severe
side effects were seen. (BBC News Online)
-----NEW VIRUS MAY CAUSE INFECTIONS
It isn't SARS, but disease specialists are trying to learn more about
a recently discovered virus that some think may be the culprit in many
unexplained respiratory illnesses around the world.
According to CNN Online, U.S. researchers are trying to learn
more about a recently discovered virus Human metapneumovirus
was recently found in 6.4 per cent of lab samples from 296 children
with respiratory symptoms, according to a study in the journal
Pediatrics.
Researcher Dr. Jeffrey Kahn said, "It can be added to the list of
newly emerging human respiratory viruses and really represents another
challenge for the medical community."
-----ALLERGIES - PATIENT EDUCATION URGED
Doctors need to educate patients about dangerous side effects such
as sedation and impairment that can be caused by first-generation
antihistamines, say new recommendations from an expert panel. The
panel recommends non-impairing antihistamines for symptoms.
See Story
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=
newsdetail&id=513250
-----DRUG LAUNCHED FOR HEREDITARY EMPHYSEMA
Aralast, a new alpha-1 antitrypsin therapeutic, also known as Alpha
1 proteinase inhibitor (A1PI) for the treatment of hereditary
emphysema, will be available exclusively through specialty pharmacy
providers, including Accredo Health Inc., Caremark Inc. and Coram
Healthcare. See Details:
http://www.baxter.com/utilities/news/releases
/2003/05-30-03-aralast.html
-----STUDY LINKS CHEST PAIN, ASTHMA
According to Austrian researchers, some patients who present with
chest pain could actually have bronchial asthma. The findings of their
study are published in the European Respiratory Journal.
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3112
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
-- Mytussin AC Cough Syrup
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Mytussin_recall.htm
-- Premarin and Premphase Tablets
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Premarin_recall4.htm
-- Senokot Granules
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Senokot_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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-----COPING WITH A DISTURBING DIAGNOSIS
Without warning, you're suddenly battling a serious health problem.
What happens next? That depends partly on your individual situation.
But experts say there are basic steps that all patients should take,
no matter what illness they're facing. See 12 Steps:
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/Articles/a2003-04-18-mag-medical-
news.html
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.
-----RECLAIM YOUR LIFE AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
With a diagnosis of COPD, comes physical symptoms, changes in
energy and concerns for the future, which can make one feel angry,
depressed, worried or overwhelmed. These concerns and feelings
are normal.
As you begin to take charge of your health and make positive changes,
you will find these feelings start to fade. However, if negative
feelings continue and interfere with your ability to enjoy life, talk
to your doctor. Professional counseling might help as well.
Dealing with the emotional upheaval that comes with the diagnosis
of COPD is not easy. Below are a few tips to deal with the feelings
of helplessness and hopelessness.
-- Get dressed every day.
-- Go out and walk whenever possible.
-- Keep up with activities you enjoy.
-- Stay involved with others.
-- Share your feelings and concerns.
-- Get enough sleep, which may include daily naps.
-- Find a good proactive pulmonary specialist.
-- Follow your treatment plan.
-- Set a realistic daily schedule.
-- Join a support group.
-- Seek support from your family
-- Reduce daily stress.
Stress and anxiety can make you feel short of breath (SOB) and
cause COPD symptoms to worsen. SOB can lead to even more
anxiety, faster breathing and fear. Ways to manage stress:
-- Learn to change thought patterns that produce stress.
-- Reduce stressors (causes of stress).
-- Try to avoid situations that trigger stress.
-- Practice relaxation exercises.
-- Physical exercise.
(Compiled From Various Sources)
-----BILL HORDEN'S COPD SURVIVAL GUIDE
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/copdsurvival.html
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----DO BUDDHISTS KNOW SECRET OF HAPPINESS?
U.S. scientists have proved that Buddhists really do hold the key
to happiness. Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
has shown that in experienced Buddhists, the brain's "happiness
centre" is constantly alive with electrical signals. The positive
effects are seen all the time, not only during meditation, which
suggests that the Buddhist way of life may affect the way their brains
work. These findings may eventually allow researchers to develop
meditation techniques as treatments for depressive illnesses.
(The Times Online)
-----RX FOR COSTLY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Courtesy of the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) and a
program called BenefitsCheckupRX low- and middle-income
seniors can find cost-saving programs for prescription drugs. It's
a fast, easy-to-use online database devoted to helping reduce the
cost of drugs. See Benefits: http://www.benefitscheckuprx.com/
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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.
-----CHEER BEAR PROGRAM
Know someone who could use get-well wishes or is celebrating
a special occasion? Participate in our Cheer Bear Program by
requesting a visit from the Cheer Bear. To request a visit, please go
to 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 the special weekly on-topic chats are
listed below. 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 (All Eastern Time)
-- Lung Transplants - Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Tony Hamel,
who had a single-lung transplant, hosts this chat.
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm-- Exercise Chat - Mondays at 2 p.m. (EDT). Join Host
Tonie in this informal chat setting to discuss getting started
and motivational tips.
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/chat.htm
-- Caregivers - Sundays at 4 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
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 (QSN) - Mondays at 9 p.m.
Diane, QSN program coordinator, host this chat.
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm.
For more information on the interactive program, contact
Diane at Newsletter@COPD-International.com
For more information on our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at Chat@COPD-International.com
-----VISIT THE LIBRARY SECTIONS
In addition to writings of the late Bill Horden, including the "COPD
Survival Guide," our Library features topics on COPD. To view the
Library sections, please go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/
-----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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-----ZODIAC TRIVIA - KNOW YOUR SIGNS?
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/atplay/starsigntrivia.jsp
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> > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready in: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes
Ingredients
1 (8 inch) pie shell, baked
5 cups fresh strawberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
Directions
1. In a saucepan, mix together the sugar and corn starch; make sure
to blend cornstarch in completely. Add boiling water, and cook over
medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mix,
and stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Place strawberries in baked pie shells; position berries with
points
facing up. Pour cooled gel mixture over strawberries.
3. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.
Makes 8 servings
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < < <
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Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn
around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work
around it.
-- Michael Jordan
--
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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