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, August 11, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #32
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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the end of this newsletter. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE
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 - Flu/Pneumonia Shots
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> Community Update
==> Link Directory
==> 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
Even though summer is in full swing, flu season will be here in a
few short months. It is a good idea to schedule an appointment for
your flu shot in September. The best time to get a shot is before
the flu season - which runs from October to April.
Those with chronic illnesses are also urged to get both the flu and
pneumonia vaccinations. Under Featured Articles are links to
information on the importance of taking these preventive measures,
especially for those of us with lung disease.
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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GENE THERAPY SAFE FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS
A method of gene therapy used to treat cystic fibrosis seems to be
safe, says an American study. The gene therapy uses a common
harmless virus to insert corrective DNA into malfunctioning lung
cells of people with cystic fibrosis. The finding may be a major
first step in the process of developing a treatment for cystic
fibrosis. See Story: http://tinyurl.com/jnc2
QUICK OVERVIEW OF ARDS
This article reviews briefly the main points of adult respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS). Lung Injury can be divided into acute lung
injury (ALI) and ARDS. The review is a bit technical, but contains
good information on identifying ARDS and various treatments. See
Review: http://tinyurl.com/jnby
AIRWAY BUILDUP FOUND IN FATAL ASTHMA ATTACKS
Most people who die from an asthma attack have breathing passages
that are plugged with mucus and other debris, new research shows.
See Article: http://tinyurl.com/jnay
SYMPTOMS OF NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL
Nicotine withdrawal is the uncomfortable physical or psychological
process that occurs when the body is deprived of nicotine that it is
used to getting. Not smoking can change the level of some
medications in your bloodstream. If you are taking a medication for
depression or another psychiatric condition, your symptoms of those
illnesses may get worse. Here's a short list of associated problems:
http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/169/53619
BMJ EDITORIAL: COPD A GROWING BURDEN
COPD causes significantly more mortality and morbidity than other
causes of airflow limitation in adults, but is under-diagnosed and
under-recognized, according to this British Medical Journal (BMJ)
editorial. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that COPD
is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, with 2.74 million
deaths in 2000, and this burden is growing rapidly. See Editorial:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7398/1046
CLUSTER HEADACHES LINKED WITH SLEEP APNEA
This study confirmed the high percentage of cluster headaches (CH)
associated with sleep apnea (SA). Research suggests that oxygen
desaturation may be a trigger factor in some patients and play a
role in the pathogenesis of CH. See Abstract:
http://tinyurl.com/jnc9
NEW TEST MAY IDENTIFY VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES
A new screening test may identify people at high risk for vitamin
B-12 or folate deficiency, a problem common in older people. The
prevalence increases with age. See Article:
http://tinyurl.com/jnce
GRAPHIC IMAGES MAY CONVINCE SMOKERS TO QUIT
Graphic images on cigarette packs may be the best way to convince
smokers to quit, according to a new European study. The
investigation by the University of Strathclyde in Scotland looked at
images on Canadian cigarette packages, which include large photos of
yellowed teeth, diseased gums and a lung tumor. See Story:
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/08/05/Consumers/cigpacks_030805
DEBATE RESUMES ON SAFETY OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Warnings by drug regulators about the safety of Paxil, one of the
world's most prescribed antidepressants, are reopening seemingly
settled questions about a whole class of drugs that also includes
Prozac and Zoloft.
See Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/07/health/07DEPR.html
Editor's Note: The article above is available free of charge
for online subscribers. To access the article you need only
fill out a short user form.
REPORT: HORMONE THERAPY UPS HEART ATTACK RISK
Hormone therapy nearly doubles a woman's risk of having a heart
attack during her first year of treatment, according to a new
report, lending more weight to the idea that its use should be
limited to healthy middle-age women seeking temporary relief from
the symptoms of menopause.
See Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/07/health/07HEAR.html
Editor's Note: The article above is available free of charge
for online subscribers. To access the article you need only
fill out a short user form.
WARNING ON COMBINED HRT THERAPY
Using combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve
symptoms of the menopause can double a woman's normal risk of
developing breast cancer, health experts recently warned.
See story: http://tinyurl.com/jnco
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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FLU SEASON 2003-04: GET READY...GET SET
The flu vaccine is the single most effective means for preventing
infection with the flu virus and the complications associated with
the flu. But everyone who wants to be protected from the flu needs
to be re-vaccinated each year because the flu virus changes each
year. For best protection, immunization should occur in October and
November for those at high risk for complications of the flu, and in
November and December for all others. See More:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu/default.htm
INFLUENZA: FACTS AND MYTHS
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/influenza-facts_flu.htm
PNEUMONIA SHOTS
The pneumococcal vaccine can be given all year, but is most often
given during the fall. This vaccine provides protection against the
many types of the pneumococcal bacteria that causes the majority
of the community acquired pneumonia.
It is recommended that all persons over the age of 65 receive a dose
of the vaccine. People under 65, who suffer chronic heart or lung
disorders (including asthma) or other chronic diseases, are also
urged to get vaccinated.
If you have already received a dose, it is recommended that you get
re-vaccinated every 5 to 10 years depending on your risk. You should
contact your physician for information about the flu and pneumonia
shots, specific to your individual needs.
(U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION TIPS
U.S. health officials, warning of a worse outbreak of West Nile
virus than last year, are urging people to protect themselves from
mosquitoes.
-- Use insect repellent with the chemical DEET.
-- Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outside
-- Avoid being outside during evening and early morning, peak
mosquito feeding times.
-- Elderly people and those with weak immune systems should be
particularly careful because they are more likely to become
seriously ill.
-- Get rid of containers that hold water outside the house.
(U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
See More:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
MORE BENEFITS TO GREEN TEA
The ability of green tea to fight cancer is even more potent and
varied than scientists suspected, according to research in the
United States. It is already known that green tea contains
antioxidants which may have a protective effect, but it appears that
chemicals in the tea also shut down a molecule called the aryl
hydrocarbon (AH) receptor, which can play a significant role in the
development of cancer. Researchers from Rochester University believe
two chemicals in green tea inhibit AH activity. Professor
Thomas Gasiewicz says, "Green tea may work differently than we
thought to exert its anti-cancer activity. It's likely that the
compounds in green tea act through many different pathways."
(BBC
News Online)
AVOID AFTERNOON EXERCISE WHEN AIR IS BAD
On days when there's lots of air pollution, the American Lung
Association (ALA) advises you:-- Avoid exercising at midday or in the afternoon.
-- Avoid congested streets and rush hour traffic
.
-- Listen for air-quality reports. They're often given with local
weather forecasts.
-- Watch the calendar. Ozone smog tends to be worse between May
and October, and can be particularly dense during hot weather.
(HealthDayNews)
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> > > > > > > > > > > > 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.
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/
-- Bill Lyons is back in the hospital after only being home a few
days. His Loving Thoughts page is still up, and he and his wife,
Linda, could really use good thoughts and well wishes.-- Sue Carlos (Shadow) is back in the hospital, according to her
husband, Iain Carlos.-- Cynde Heaton's mother, Bettie Easley, passed away on July 31
from COPD. Cynde has been a participant in our caregivers'
forum.
DAILY CHATS
Scheduled chats with hosts are held daily. We invite everyone to
stop in and visit. See Chat Schedule:
http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm
Also, the special weekly on-topic chats are listed below.
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 our chat rooms, please contact Deb, chat
coordinator, at Chat@COPD-International.com
We look forward to seeing you!
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> > > > > > > > > > > > > LINK DIRECTORY < < < < < < < < < < < < <
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SPECIAL-INTEREST PROGRAMS
-- Quit Smoking Support:
http://www.COPD-International.com/quit_smoking/
-- Exercise Forum:
http://www.COPD-International.com/exercise/
-- Caregivers Support:
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/
-- COPD Library:
http://www.COPD-International.com/Library/
-- Welcome Wagon:
http://www.COPD-International.com/welcome/
-- To Volunteer:
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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MORE MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONS
The following quotes were taken from actual medical records dictated
by physicians. They appeared in a column written by Richard Lederer,
Ph.D., for the "Journal of Court Reporting."
-- By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart had stopped, and he
was feeling better.
-- Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
-- On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it had
completely disappeared. .
-- Discharge status: Alive but without permission. The patient will
need disposition, and therefore we will get Dr. Blank to dispose of him.
-- Healthy appearing decrepit 69 year-old male, mentally alert, but forgetful.
-- The patient refused an autopsy.
-- The patient has no past history of suicides.
-- The patient expired on the floor uneventfully.
-- Patient has left his white blood cells at another hospital.
-- The patient's past medical history has been remarkably insignificant
with only a 40-pound weight gain in the past three days.
-- She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate
directions in early December.
-- The patient left the hospital feeling much better except for her
original complaints.
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> > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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SEASONED TURKEY BURGERS
A healthy turkey burger seasoned with onion soup mix, pepper and
soy sauce.
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 25 Minutes
Makes: 5 burgers
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground turkey breast
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 small egg, lightly beaten
5 hamburger buns
Directions
1. In a large bowl combine ground turkey, soup mix, pepper, garlic
powder, soy sauce and egg. Put mixture in the refrigerator for 5 to
10 minutes, then take it out and shape into patties.
2. Cook on medium-high heat on the barbecue for 20 to 40 minutes.
Cook until the inside of the burger is whitish in color.
3. Add the "works" - lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, onions,
mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup. (Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of
caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
-- Leo Buscaglia --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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