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 23, 2003                           Volume #2 -- Issue #25
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 - Mold/Mould
==> 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
Just the mention of the word "mold" makes most folks cringe. Molds
can be harmful or helpful, depending on where it grows. For example,
the drug Penicillin is obtained from a specific type of mold, but
some of the molds that we find in our homes can be harmful to our
health, especially for those of us with lung disease.

This issue features information on molds and how to prevent, treat
and deal with harmful mold colonies that can have an adverse impact
on our health.

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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-----WHO DECLARES SARS "STOPPED DEAD"
According several recent news stories, the director-general of the
World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has been "stopped dead in its tracks."
WHO also removed the warning against nonessential travel to Taiwan
after numerous requests to be dropped from the travel-warning list.
But the travel advisory remains for Beijing; Beijing's travel
warning is the only one left. Though the disease seems to be
contained for the most part, experts believe that whether there is a
resurgence of the disease depends on China, where SARS originated.

-----FIRST BIOTECH ASTHMA DRUG APPROVED
Xolair, the first drug that short-circuits asthma attacks before
they start, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
June 20, opening up a new chapter in treatment of the disease. See
Details: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=
2965294

-----NASAL MIST FLU VACCINE APPROVED
The FDA also approved FluMist, an influenza vaccine that is the
first nasally-administered vaccine to be marketed in the United
States. It is also the first live virus influenza vaccine approved
in the U.S. See Press Release:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/FluMist.htm

-----PFIZER UNVEILS ANTI-SMOKING DRUG
Pfizer Inc. unveiled an experimental drug to help people quit
smoking that could become the drugmaker's next blockbuster. Half
those on Varenicline kick the habit in seven weeks, beating placebo
results. See Details: http://money.cnn.com/2003/06/17/news/companies/pfizer/

-----DISTRACTION THERAPY REDUCES PAIN
Reducing pain during a procedure that involves inserting tubes down
the nose or mouth to view the lungs may be as simple as showing
patients a colorful mural. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=8006371

-----RESPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING
Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the few interventions that can
improve symptom control and quality of life in COPD. However, there
is still much to be learned on how to optimize the exercise
component of such programs. The current evidence on specific
training of the respiratory muscles is equivocal, but a new study is
hoping to define its role. See Story:
http://copd.e-newsletter.com.au/index.php?type=0&cat=all&articleidn=159#159

-----EXERCISE IMPROVES EXTERTIONAL DYSPNEA
This abstract states that exercise training improves exertional
dyspnea, shortness of breath, in patients with COPD. See Abstract:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/6/1794

-----BIPOLAR GENE IDENTIFIED
A gene that causes manic depression has been identified, raising
the prospect of new treatments for one of the most common forms
of mental illness. Research in the U.S. has shown that a single
faulty gene is responsible for up to 10 percent of cases of the
condition - also known as bipolar disorder - which affects one in
200 people. The mutation, identified by scientists at the University
of California, makes carriers hypersensitive to signaling chemicals
in the brain that control mood, triggering the extreme highs and
lows that afflict manic depressive patients. (The Times)

-----DRINK, DRUG ABUSE "IN THE GENES"
People who take drugs, drink or smoke may be at the mercy of their
genes, according to a U.K. study. Research has shown that genetic
factors strongly influence personality traits linked to unhealthy
lifestyles. Scientists at Cancer Research U.K. and Oxford University
found that one version of the human serotonin transporter gene was
strongly associated with anxious personalities. People with this
gene variant were more likely to find social interaction stressful
and turn to drink, tobacco and drugs. (The Daily Telegraph)

-----NICOTINE PATCH AND RECOVERING ALCOHOLICS
Smokers with past alcoholism are more nicotine dependent than
smokers without a history of alcoholism. New research has found that
nicotine-patch treatment works as well for smokers with long-term
sobriety as it does for smokers without a history of alcoholism. See
Story:  http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E18
85256D47004F469C

          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.

-----MEDICARE TO COVER VEST CLEARANCE SYSTEM
Advanced Respiratory, manufacturer and distributor of The Vest
airway clearance system, reports that Medicare has adopted a
nationwide coverage policy for the use of durable medical equipment
that provides high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy.
See Details:
http://www.thevest.com/about/newsDetail.asp?article_id=11

-----ONE IN 5 SUFFER SEVERE DEPRESSION
Nearly one in five people suffer severe depression during their
lifetime, according to the results of a national survey from the
United States. The survey showed that major depression is common and
usually associated with substantial problems with work, home life
and relationships. Many find treatment inadequate. See Story:
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3215

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
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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-----MOLD - WHAT IS IT? HOW TO GET RID OF IT?
The following information was taken from Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corp. (CMHC) publications "The Homeowners' Guide To Mould"
and "Clean-Up Procedures For Mould In Houses."
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/mold.htm

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/mold_FAQ.htm

-----EPA GUIDE TO MOLD, MOISTURE IN THE HOME
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guide:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html
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       > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----MORE BENEFITS OF QUITTING SMOKING
In addition to slowing the progression of COPD, quitting smoking has
many more valuable health benefits, and it doesn't take years for
these benefits to happen. See Benefits:
http://quitsmoking.about.com/library/bllastoc.htm

-----THE BUZZ ON BEE STINGS
Flowers in bloom mean the bees are back. And so are the chances
of being stung. The main symptoms of a bee sting are pain, swelling
and redness at the sting site. But if you get stung, the Children's
Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle advises you call 911
immediately if you experience, such symptoms as difficulty
breathing: See Details:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=513629

-----AGING WELL LIKE A FINE WINE
So you think you get better with age? You may be right. You're more
caring, more generous, more responsible - and less neurotic. But not
all of your personality traits improve! See Article:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/64/72476.htm

-----WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO TREAT BACK PAIN?
According to U.S. researchers, no one treatment for back pain stands
out as being better than any other. However, the same researchers
concluded that massage may be beneficial for persistent back pain,
but that the jury is still out on the use of acupuncture. See
Report: http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3184
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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. For
details 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. - Host Tony Hamel
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm

-- Exercise Chat - Mondays at 2 p.m. (EDT) - Host Tonie
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/chat.htm

-- Caregivers - Sundays at 4 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Host Kitty (Note: Only caregivers in these chats please.)
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm

-- Quit Smoking Now (QSN) - Mondays at 9 p.m.
Host Diane - QSN program coordinator.
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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-----WHERE IN THE WORLD?
How much do you know about the world? Are you a geographic
genius? See Quizzes:
http://encarta.msn.com/guide/netcal_home.asp
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                  > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----JUICIEST HAMBURGERS EVER
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready in: 35 Minutes

Ingredients
      1-1/4 pounds ground beef
      2/3 egg, beaten
      1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
      2 tablespoons evaporated milk
      1-1/3 cloves garlic, minced
      1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
      1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
      1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil grate.
      2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs,
         evaporated milk, and garlic. Sprinkle with Worcestershire
         sauce, and season with cayenne pepper. Form the mixture into 4
         hamburger patties.
      3. Place patties on the prepared grill, and cook 3 to 5 minutes
         per side, or to desired doneness. Makes 4 servings. (Allspice)
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           > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

                                       -- Abraham Lincoln --
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