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, July 21, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #29
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 - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
==> 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
It is a well-known fact that smoking is the main cause of emphysema
and chronic bronchitis, which often develop together and frequently
require similar treatments. Many COPDers also have an asthmatic
component to their disease.
However, there is also a lesser-known inherited form of emphysema,
known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, where both the walls of the
bronchioles and alveoli to which they connect, usually in the lower
lungs, are diseased.
People with familial emphysema have a hereditary deficiency of a
blood component called alpha-1 antitrypsin resulting in the loss of
a lung structural protein, elastin.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends that all
individuals with COPD be tested for Alpha-1. This issue features
links to information on this deficiency.
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 "MAY RETURN"
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the viral illness that
emerged in China in February, may return in the autumn, health
experts say. Enormous efforts by public health doctors succeeded in
interrupting the transmission of the virus, but the World Health
Organization (WHO) is asking whether the illness will return. Nine
expert opinions were recently published in the Journal of
Epidemiology and Community Health in response to the question: "Will
SARS recur?" Three said categorically yes, four were uncertain and
only two thought humans are safe from the virus. (The U.K. Guardian)
-----GENE INTERACTION MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK
Researchers have long sought to explain why some smokers get lung
cancer and others do not. In one of the first studies to suggest
that the interaction of two genes may play a role, researchers at
the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) have found that
inheriting alterations in both a DNA repair gene and a cyclin D1
gene may increase the risk of lung cancer in those exposed to
tobacco carcinogens. See Details:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-07/uopm-tgm071403.php
-----SMOKERS NEED MORE VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is important to healthy teeth, bones and iron absorption.
If you smoke, you - and those around you - may need more vitamin
C than you think. Smoking "uses up" vitamin C to clear out all the
free radicals smoking causes. Smokers need about 1.5 times the
amount of vitamin C as nonsmokers. New research shows that those who
live with smokers or those who are exposed to secondhand smoke also
need more vitamin C. See More:
http://www.nbc5i.com/health/2166011/
detail.html
-----PATIENTS "CONFUSED" BY MEDICAL JARGON
Research indicates that many people are confused by medical terms
used by doctors in cancer consultations. Terms including
"progressing tumour" and "remission" are poorly understood by the
public, according to Professor Lesley Fallowfield of the Cancer
Research U.K. Psychosocial Oncology Group at Sussex University.
She says, "Growing evidence suggests the majority of people with
cancer want to be fully informed about their illness whether the
news is good or bad. A clear understanding of the situation can
improve a patient's treatment, recovery and quality of life. So it's
crucial that doctors avoid ambiguous language or medical jargon in
consultations."
(BBC News Online)
-----BREATH MARKERS NOTED DURING EXACERBATIONS
There is evidence that recurrent exacerbations of COPD are
associated with increased airway inflammation, which in itself
contributes to disease progression. One way of assessing
inflammatory changes is by measuring inflammation markers and
markers of oxidative stress in induced sputum samples. However,
during an exacerbation, these markers are also present in increased
quantities in exhaled breath condensate.
In a paper, Biernacki et al, from London's Royal Brompton Hospital,
report the results of a study, which assessed markers of
inflammation and oxidative stress in the exhaled breath of COPD
patients both during an exacerbation and two weeks after treatment
with antibiotics.
They found that these markers were increased during an exacerbation,
and returned slowly to normal after treatment with antibiotics.
(Thorax 2003)
-----COPD STUDY SUPPORTS COMBINATION THERAPY
This study finds that combined therapies should be considered for
patients with moderate to severe COPD who have frequent
exacerbations of their disease. See Study:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/168/10/1296
-----PROSTATE CANCER LINKED TO SMOKING
Men who smoke seem to be more likely to develop aggressive prostate
cancer, according to doctors in Seattle, Washington. By quitting for
the long haul, however, men can reduce this heightened risk.
Details:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=
3087373
-----HEAD GAMES CAN REDUCE RISK OF DEMENTIA
This study is the longest study to date on age-related dementia,
including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers followed the
participants for 21 years. The researchers found that those who
participated in one or more of six leisure mental activities on most
days of the week had a 67 percent lower risk of developing dementia.
See Report:
http://www.coloradohealthsite.org/CHNReports/dementia_
leisureactivities.html
-----MRC OFFERS MEDICARE ASSISTANCE
The Medicare Rights Center (MRC), an independent source of health
care information and assistance for people with Medicare in the
United States, helps older adults and people with disabilities get
good, affordable health care.
If you or someone you know with Medicare spends $200 a month or
more on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, call MRC at
1-800-333-4114 x. 26. MRC can identify options, including state
prescription drug assistance programs, veterans' benefits and
low-income programs that may help. MRC Web site:
http://www.medicarerights.org/
-----GENE LINKED TO DEPRESSION
Scientists have identified a gene that may help explain why some
people become depressed in response to the stresses of life and
others skate by relatively unscathed. The gene, which comes in two
forms, or alleles, can either protect people from depression or make
them more vulnerable, researchers reported recently in the journal
Science. Report:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/18/health/18DEPR.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.
-----CHOOSING A FINAL CARE PLAN
In order that patients get the health care they want if illness
prevents them from making decisions, doctors and organizations like
AARP, the American Medical Association and the American Geriatrics
Society recommend that people develop care plans. This means
drafting legal documents specifying their preferences and telling
their doctors and relatives their wishes. Details:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/19/nyregion/19BOXE.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.
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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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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-----ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all COPD
patients be tested for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. See Details:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/alpha-1.htm-----WHAT IS ALPHA-1?
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Alpha1-defined.htm-----ALPHA-1 DEFICIENCY TREATMENT APPROVED
Aventis Behring L.L.C. announced that ZemairaTM (alpha1-proteinase
inhibitor [human]) (A1-PI) has received approval from the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as chronic augmentation
and maintenance therapy in individuals with Alpha-1. See Story:
http://www.lunglifecenter.com/engine.cfm?domain=www.lunglife
center.com&feature=vm5563Editor'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.
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < <
< < < < < < <
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-----THE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE
Over the past year, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and
Sports has worked to create a new, more widely accessible
President's Challenge awards program. The council has set the goal
of attracting an additional 20 million Americans to physical fitness
and exercise. Using http://www.presidentschallenge.org/, the new
President's Challenge allows individuals to track weekly fitness
activities, and receive presidential fitness awards for achieving
defined fitness goals.
-----NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS HEART-FRIENDLY
Antioxidant vitamins not only may not help the heart, they may
actually hurt it. In a new study, vitamin E supplements did not help
prevent heart disease, and too much vitamin A increased the risk of
dying from a heart attack or stroke. See Story:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/66/79810.htm
-----JUNK FOOD "MAY BE ADDICTIVE"
Research shows that fast food can trigger chemical reactions in the
brain that lead to overeating, and suggests that the biochemical
changes caused by large quantities of fat and sugar are comparable
to the addictive reactions caused by taking hard drugs. Scientists
at Rockefeller University in New York say the finding explains why
many people struggle to revert to a healthy diet after eating fast
or processed food.
(The Independent Online)
-----ALL ABOUT CALCIUM
Calcium is one of the most important elements for the body. But the
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the claims of a type
of calcium supplement made from marine coral that its makers say is
a cure-all for all sorts of conditions.
Still, experts say it's important to remember that calcium has a
vital role to play in reducing risk of the bone condition
osteoporosis, and in the function of the heart, nerves and muscle.
More on Calcium:
http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=xmlpressfeed&c=xml_calcium&
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.
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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.
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm.
For more information on the interactive program, contact
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
To view the Library sections, including the works of the late COPD
Advocate Bill Horden, please go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/
-----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
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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-----COMMUNICATION
While attending a marriage seminar on communication, the husband
and his wife listened to the instructor declare, "It is essential
that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each
other."
He addressed the husband, "Can you describe your wife's favorite
flower?"
He leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered,
"Pillsbury All-Purpose, isn't it?"
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> > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----PROVINCAL TOMATOES
Delicious fresh tomatoes broiled with a tasty cheese topping.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Ready in: 15 Minutes
Ingredients
1 large tomato, cut into 1/4 inch slices
salt and pepper to taste
1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil, or as needed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons grated Asiago cheese
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Directions
1. Preheat your oven's broiler.
2. Place tomato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a
baking dish, season with a little salt and pepper and drizzle with
olive oil. Mix together the Parmesan cheese, Asiago cheese, bread
crumbs and parsley; sprinkle over the tomato slices. Drizzle a
little bit more olive oil over the top.
3. Broil for 5 minutes, or until the top is golden and toasty.
Makes 5 servings.
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT <
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The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.
-- Moliere --
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