COPD News from COPD-International -- Vol #2

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 18, 2003                         Volume #2 -- Issue #33
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 - Emergency Tips Update
==> 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
Parts of the United States and Canada are recovering from the
largest power outage in North American history that struck last
week. Just as many of the major cities affected had efficient
emergency plans in place, so must we have personal plans of action
in case of emergencies.

For those of us with COPD, power outages can be a manner of life or
death, especially for those on oxygen life-support systems. If you
don't have a backup plan in place for such emergencies, now is the
time to devise a plan for you and your family.

Once you have a detailed plan, run a few "trial tests" to make sure
you have a workable plan that meets all your family's personal and
medical needs.

In a previous newsletter, tips were given on how to prepare for
weather-related emergencies and outages - all worth reviewing again
in light of recent events.

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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MEDICARE FACES DECISION ON LUNG SURGERY
The Medicare program is expected to decide this week whether to pay
for an aggressive and expensive lung operation that could offer a
lifeline to tens of thousands of patients. See News Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/17/health/17LUNG.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.

ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION: TRIUMPHS, TRIBULATIONS
This is an interesting article on the history of organ
transplantation and what the future may hold. See Story:
http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/june03/transplants.htm

SCIENTISTS STUDY ROLE OF GENDER IN LUNG CANCER
Women are more prone to develop lung cancer, even if they don't
smoke or smoke less than men. But women are also more likely to
beat the disease, doctors say. See Story:
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/08/12/lung_gender030812

STUFFY NOSE CAN MEAN MANY THINGS
Nasal congestion goes by many different names, including stuffy nose
and nasal obstruction - and has many causes. Most cases of nasal
congestion are caused by a virus and the congestion typically
disappears within a week, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine
(NLM). See More: http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=
newsdetail&ap=1&id=510221

ABSTRACT: LVRS REDUCES ENERGY EXPENDITURE
This abstract concludes 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

ABSTRACT: EXERCISE IMPROVES DYSPNEA
This study concludes that exercise training improves exertional
dyspnea - shortness of breath or air hunger - in patients with COPD.
See Abstract: http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/6/1794

U.S. PANEL AGAINST SMALLPOX SHOTS FOR PUBLIC
A scientific panel in the United States has recommended against
smallpox vaccinations for the general public because of concerns
about side effects - both for those receiving the shots and those in
contact with them. The panel, from the Institute of Medicine, says
the emphasis should move away from the number of people vaccinated
to identifying who needs to be prepared for a possible smallpox
attack and how communities should respond. (Associated Press Online)

STUDY: SMOKING, TB DEADLY COMBINATION
The combination of cigarette smoking and tuberculosis appears to be
far deadlier than previously believed, according to a large study
conducted in India. The finding has important public health
implications in developing countries where both are major public
health problems. At every age, smokers in the study had twice the
risk of dying as nonsmokers. The study also found that Indian
smokers, on average, die about 20 years earlier from all causes than
they would if they did not smoke. See Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/15/health/15TB.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.

LUNG CANCER PATIENTS FIGHT STIGMA OF DISEASE
Just 14 percent of lung cancer patients on this continent survive
for five years and if those odds aren't bad enough, patients also
face the perception they have no one to blame but themselves,
according to experts attending a Vancouver conference. Even though
lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, the lack of
compassion being afforded such patients is contributing to its low
profile in the media, its low level of funding relative to other
cancers and even its marginal treatment success rates, said Lynne
Robertson, a patient advocate from the United Kingdom.
See Story: http://www.newswire.ca/releases/August2003/14/c0317.html

EDITORIAL: THE SIMPLE FACTS ABOUT TOBACCO
This is a simply written and direct column about tobacco and the
facts that surround its use. See Column:
http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2003/08/15/news/opinion/opinion3.txt

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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FDA ISSUES WARNING ON ASTHMA, COPD DRUG
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the addition
of new safety information and warnings to the labeling for drug
products that contain salmeterol, a long-acting bronchodilator used
to treat asthma and COPD. The products affected by these changes are
Serevent Inhalation Aerosol, Serevent Diskus and Advair Diskus. See
FDA Release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01248.html

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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BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
The December 16, 2002 newsletter included several links to
information on how to prepare for any type of emergency.
The links are listed below:

-- CDC Emergency Prevention Guide
   http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/emergency/weather/default.htm

-- Weather-related Emergencies
   http://www.copd-international.com/library/emerg_prep-for.htm

-- Emergency Checklist
   http://www.copd-international.com/Library/emerg_chk.htm

-- Disaster Supply/First Aid Kits
   http://www.fema.gov/library/diskit.shtm

TIPS FOR OXYGEN USERS
Powers outages can occur anytime of the year, so it is important for
persons relying on electricity to power a life-support system to be
prepared in case of outages. If you have life-support systems that
rely on electrical power, you should have an emergency plan to
follow when there is a power outage. If you are dependent on
supplementary oxygen and you don't have such a plan, here are some
suggestions: http://www.copd-international.com/Library/oxygen_emergency_
tips.htm
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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WHAT DO FOOD CRAVINGS MEAN?
Many people struggling to lose weight or eat more healthfully feel
discouraged by food cravings that seem to undermine their good
intentions. What causes these urges to eat and how can they be
controlled? See More: http://www.msnbc.com/news/914534.asp

MEDITATE YOUR WAY TO FEELING BETTER
A daily dose of meditation may be just the mental medication you
need to combat fatigue and stress. Studies have shown meditation can
be beneficial to your health, says a recent issue of Mayo Clinic
Women's HealthSource. It can help you relax, slow your breathing and
heart rate and decrease muscle tension. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=514034

DANGER OF HEALTH FOOD ADVICE
Women with breast cancer were urged recently to be wary of advice
from health food shop assistants, after a study showed their
products have no proven benefit. Researchers say many of the
products are expensive and potentially harmful, while others could
interact with prescribed medicines. The study was undertaken in
Canada by the University of Toronto in collaboration with the
University of Exeter.
(The Daily Telegraph)

TIPS ON LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS
If you have arthritis, everyday household tasks can be a challenge.
Make your life easier with these suggestions from the Rheumatoid
Arthritis Academy: (Note: These tips also apply to those of us with
COPD.)

-- Store things that you use often in easy-to-reach places.

-- Replace small handles on drawers and cabinets with larger ones.

-- Install a raised toilet seat.

-- Get an electric can opener.

-- Use an electric shaver.

-- Use liquid soap instead of bar soap.

-- Wear clothes that are easy to take on and off, such as pants with
elastic waists.

-- Attach Velcro fasteners to blouses and shirts.

-- Wear slip-on shoes.

-- Sit on a bar stool when ironing or chopping vegetables.

(HealthDayNews)

DO DOCTORS REALLY USE THE INTERNET?
Nearly 10 years after healthcare professionals first started using
the Internet, its full potential, through a combination of human and
technical shortfalls, remains unfulfilled. See Story:
http://www.pharmafocus.com/pharmafocus/Features/feature.asp?fID=375&m=8
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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.

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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LIVE AND LEARN
A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day. "In
English," he said, "A double negative forms a positive. In some
languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a
negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive
can form a negative."

A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."
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            > > > > > > > > > >     RECIPE     < < < < < < < < < <
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KEY WEST CHICKEN

This recipe from the Florida Keys is a very good marinade for
chicken, and it only takes 30 minutes from prep till you can grill!
It's a great blend of flavors with honey, soy sauce and lime juice.
If you have time, try marinating overnight for the fullest flavor.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 55 Minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

    3 tablespoons soy sauce
    1 tablespoon honey
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    1 teaspoon lime juice
    1 teaspoon chopped garlic
    4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions

    1. In a shallow medium dish, blend soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil,
        lime juice and garlic. Place chicken breast halves into the mixture.
        Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.

    2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate
.
    3. Place marinated chicken on the prepared grill. Cook 6 to 8
        minutes on each side, until meat is no longer pink and juices run
        clear.

(Allrecipes)
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         > > > > > > > > >     CLOSING THOUGHT     < < < < < < < < <
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Spent energy has no value in the here and now. It's over; it's done.
It got you where you are, good or bad, but where you go from here
is up to you.

-- Dr. Phil McGraw --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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All information provided should be judged as individual "opinions"
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