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 30, 2003                           Volume #2 -- Issue #26
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003   COPD-International.com     All rights reserved.

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PLEASE DO NOT REPLY. This newsletter is published on Mondays.
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         > > > > > > > > > >    IN THIS ISSUE    < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - COPD International Anniversary
==> 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
COPD International went online a year ago on June 26, 2002. The
vision for the support site began months earlier when seven COPDers
joined forces with the intent of offering a free "full-service" support
Web site, where those living with COPD could find a place - not only
for support, but also for information and interactive guidance in dealing
with lung disease.

This special anniversary issue features a brief history of COPD
International, the milestones in its first year online and a vision for
the future.

The success of the Web site is - and always will be - a reflection
of its caring and supportive community members, who give freely
of their time and personal knowledge to help others learn how to
cope with their illnesses.

To each and every member we send a heartfelt "thank you" for
making life better for all of us with COPD by unselfishly sharing
your compassion, experience, strength and hope.

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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-----ENZYME MAY PLAY ROLE IN ASTHMA
Researchers funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID) have discovered novel sets of genes possibly
involved in the disease. Their study has also revealed what the scientists
believe is a key role for the enzyme arginase in causing asthmatic
symptoms. See Press Release:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/asthma-june03.htm

------ABSTRACT - EFFECTS OF LVRS ON EMPHYSEMA
The conclusion of this study shows that Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
(LVRS) reduces energy expenditure of respiratory muscles especially
during exercise by decreasing small airway obstruction and hyperinflated
lung volume. This may reverse the malnourished state in end-stage
emphysema. See Abstract:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/6/1847

-----FDA GIVES NOD TO OTC HEARTBURN DRUG
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved
the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of Prilosec. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=1502278

-----FDA TELLS GLAXO TO YANK FLONASE ADS
U.S. regulators ordered GlaxoSmithKline to pull radio and print
advertisements for its Flonase prescription nasal allergy spray that
the FDA deemed misleading. See Story:
http://reuters.com/financeNewsArticle.jhtml?type=governmentFilingsNews&
storyID=2980735

     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.

-----CIGARETTE SMOKE LINKED TO LOW FOLATE LEVELS
Exposure to cigarette smoke may rob people of folate, an important
vitamin that helps protect against a variety of diseases, including a
number of birth defects, a large nationwide study concludes. Details:
http://www.hbns.org/news/folate06-25-03.cfm

-----GETTING THE RIGHT HELP FOR DEPRESSION
Only about 40 percent of people in treatment for depression get adequate
care, according to a recent survey of more than 9,000 Americans that was
sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study
defined "adequate treatment" as a course of at least 30 days on an anti-
depressant or a mood stabilizer, along with four visits to a doctor or at
least eight 30-minute psychotherapy sessions with a mental health
professional. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/24/health/psychology/24DEPR.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.

----EXERCISE - INDOORS OR OUT?
Working out indoors or out each has pros and cons, experts say.
Indoor exercise requires little forethought about the weather, but choose
an area that's well ventilated and humidified. You'll breathe easier,
especially if you're an asthmatic. If you prefer to get your heart rate
going in the great outdoors, weather extremes don't have to deter you.
See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=510233

-----NAPS GET A GOOD RAP
An hour-long nap can be as beneficial as a whole night's sleep, a
study has suggested. Scientists who tested the visual learning ability
of volunteers found that dozing off for 60-90 minutes improved
performance as much as sleeping for eight hours. But having a nap
worked only when it included slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement
(REM) sleep. Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep. The psychologists
from Harvard University said that from the perspective of behavioral
improvement, "a nap is as good as a night of sleep". (The Times)

-----HOW TO ALLERGY PROOF YOUR ENVIRONMENT
The following tips can help you avoid allergy triggers whether you're at
home, outdoors or out on the town.
http://my.webmd.com/content/pages/10/1625_50530

-----LUNG FUNCTION LINKED TO CANCER INCIDENTS
The conclusion of this examination survey indicates the presence of
moderate or severe obstructive lung disease is a significant predictor
of incident lung cancer in long-term follow-ups. This finding may be
useful clinically and in studies evaluating the utility of new tools for the
early detection of lung cancer. See Abstract:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/163/12/1475

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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-----MEDWATCH SAFETY WARNING
Health Nutrition (RMA Labs) warned consumers not to purchase or
consume the products known as Viga or Viga for Women Tablets.
These products, which are being marketed as dietary supplements,
contain the unlabeled drug ingredient sildenafil, which may pose possible
serious health risks to some users. See Details:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/safety03.htm#vigarma

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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-----COPD INTERNATIONAL DEBUT
On June 26, 2002 at 1:07 a.m. (EDT), COPD International opened its
online doors to the public.

The support site was conceived and developed by a group of fellow
COPDers, who - through their own positive experiences - recognized
the value of positive patient-to-patient support.

In addition to support, the group also envisioned a COPD Library;
chat rooms for caregivers and sufferers alike; and interactive programs
to meet the needs of those afflicted with COPD.

Within a few months, the site quickly took shape under the guidance
and expertise of its "webmaster team".. The group of seven
worked extremely hard during those first few months, as the site
began to take on a life of its own.

The first hosted chat began three days after the site officially went
online. Under the direction of the chat coordinator, Deb Hannigan,
there are now 33-hosted chats, including special on-topic sessions.

The Library grew in leaps and bounds, especially when COPD
International was given the rights to post the works of the late Bill
Horden. Known as the "COPD Advocate," Bill's invaluable writings
continue to be an inspiration to all those interested in COPD.

Slow, but sure, the message boards became active and the e-mail list
subscriptions increased, providing a daily exchange of support and
information among the membership and newcomers.

In September 2002, the first newsletter was published, which continues
to gain readership.

During the year, new interactive support programs were continually
added and/or expanded. To view all the current programs, please go
to our Home Page at www.COPD-International.com    Additional
programs will continue to be added to meet the needs of the
growing membership.

Today, we have visitors to the Web site at a rate that will far exceed
250,000 per year, representing visitors from over 100 countries.
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        > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----SKIN CANCER DETECTION
Melanoma is a rare but potentially serious form of skin cancer. It is
treatable in its early stages, usually by cutting out the tumor, but if the
cancer has spread the patient's long-term outlook can be poor.
Bleeding, painful and itchy moles may a sign of cancer. See Story:
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3223

-----THE GOODS ON GARLIC
Garlic does more than add flavor to your food. The pungent herb also
has antibacterial and antiviral effects, as well as cancer and heart
disease-fighting properties. But to reap its benefits, you need to eat one
pound of garlic foods a week, or one-third teaspoon of powdered garlic
a day, says Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Also, the more garlic is chopped or pressed, the greater the amount of
allicin - the chemical responsible for killing bacteria - that's produced.
Although cooking decreases the amount of allicin available, it doesn't
destroy the garlic's SAC, which is a compound that helps bolster the
body's defenses in detoxifying cancer-causing agents.

But be wary of garlic supplements. There is no guarantee for the quantity of
allicin or SAC they contain. (HealthDayNews)

----STAYING YOUNG - KEEPING FIT AFTER 60
Although gyms are sometimes thought of as the domain of the younger
set in spandex, more and more fitness centers are offering programs
tailored to people over the age of 60. Older adults tend to be less
physically active than younger people, but they can still reap many
immediate and long-term benefits from exercise. See Tips:
http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=xmlpressfeed&c=xml_fitnessat60&b
=healthology&spg=NWL

     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.

-----FISH OILS AND OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
What are they and what do they do? It is widely known that oily fish and
omega-3 fatty acids are good for you and your heart, but not so widely
known is what they do and how they do it. See Review:
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3228
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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.

-----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

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

      -- George, husband of caregiver chat host Kitty, remains
         in the hospital and is undergoing further tests.

     -- Bill Lyons, one of our chatters, is back in the hospital.
       Many of you also know Linda, his caregiver. Linda has
       been filling in for Kitty as host in the caregivers chats.

-----VOLUNTEERS
This site is supported and maintained by COPDers. Volunteers
are always needed. If you want to volunteer, please contact us at
http://www.copd-international.com/volunteer.htm
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           > > > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < < <
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-----FRIENDSHIP
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the
years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures.

Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week
to play cards. One day they were playing cards when one looked at the
other and said, "Now don't get mad at me...I know we've been
friends for long time...but I just can't think of your name! I've thought
and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."

Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and
glared at her. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?"
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               > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----CAPPUCCINO COOLER
The combination of coffee, chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup
and whipped cream makes this a perfect pick-me-up drink!

Makes 4 (6 ounce) servings
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Ready in: 5 Minutes

Ingredients
     1 1/2 cups cold coffee
     1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream
     1/4 cup chocolate syrup
     crushed ice
     1 cup whipped cream

Directions
In a blender, combine coffee, ice cream and chocolate syrup. Blend
until smooth. Pour over crushed ice. Garnish with a dollop of whipped
cream and serve.
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        > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHTS < < < < < < < < <
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A time for reflecting.

A year ago, COPD-International changed from the dream of the seven
founders to reality. From the opening day to this day, it has
provided support and information to visitors from the four corners
of the world - in numbers that far exceeded expectations.

It has been a year of extreme highs. We have seen scared, newly
diagnosed COPDers gain the knowledge and confidence to take control
of their lives. Caregivers, families and friends have also found a
place for guidance and support. Some have stepped up as volunteers
to help others.

The year has not been without low points as well. COPD and its
related conditions has taken many from us, most notably one of our
founders, Billie Mahaffey and Bill Horden (The COPD Advocate), whose
works are a permanent part of the website. There are countless more
as well, -- many we knew and many others who quietly visited the
site in search of information and support Yes, we are saddened by
the losses of each and every one, but we have truly been blessed as
well to have had whatever time we did have with them all.

The staff, volunteers, list subscribers and yes, even the casual
visitor all deserve thanks for being a part of the successes here,
for each, in his or her own way have contributed - helping
COPD-International to provide its services to the COPD community.

To all, Happy Anniversary!

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Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!

Thank You For Your Readership
-----------------
Notes
-----------------
Newsletters are archived in the COPD-International online Library.
However, links to outside sources cannot be guaranteed after
publication date.

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© 2002-2003 COPD-International.com, except where otherwise indicated.
All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from
copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of their respective
owners. All content provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.

All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided in this
newsletter should never be interpreted as a diagnosis, treatment
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.