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, September 15, 2003                      Volume #2 -- Issue #37
Susie Bowers, Editor  --  Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003   COPD-International.com       All rights reserved.

FREE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY! Subscription information is at
the end of this newsletter. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY. This newsletter is published on Mondays.
_______________________________________________________________

       > > > > > > > > > >      IN THIS ISSUE      < < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________

==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Fall Allergy Season
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> Community Update
==> Link Directory
==> Just for Fun
==> Recipe
==> Closing Thought
==> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
___________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > WELCOME < < < < < < < < < <
___________________________________________________________
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
The fall season is not an enjoyable time of year for those allergic
to weeds and molds. Fall is actually the worst season for allergy
symptoms, more so than spring, according to the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

The main fall allergy triggers are ragweed pollen and mold spores,
although other weeds may also contribute. This allergy season is
expected to be longer than usual due to the fact that ragweed and
other similar plants are larger and denser compared to previous fall
allergy seasons.

This issue features information on fall allergies and steps you can
take to avoid and relieve symptoms.

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
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________

SMOKING VACCINE "STEP CLOSER"
Early trials of a vaccine which could help people to give up smoking
are proving promising, say scientists. See More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3092690.stm

STUDY: SMOKING AFFECTS PERIPHERAL ORGANS
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven
National Laboratory, who previously found reduced levels of the
enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) in the brains of smokers,
now provide compelling evidence that MAO in peripheral organs -
the kidneys, heart, lungs and spleen - is also affected by smoking.
See News Release: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Newsroom/03/NR9-08.html

ASTHMA PATIENTS: AVOID MELATONIN SUPPLEMENTS
People with asthma might be well advised to steer clear of melatonin
supplements, a popular sleep aid. Findings from a new study suggest
that increased melatonin levels may play a role in causing nighttime
asthma, so adding more could make things worse. See Article:
http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3407000 

ROLE OF MORPHINE STUDIED IN DYSPNOEA
This is the first adequately powered randomized controlled trial
that showed the superiority of oral morphine for relief of the
sensation of dyspnoea (breathlessness). See Study:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bmj;327/7414/523

SINGAPORE REPORTS SARS CASE; WHO SKEPTICAL
Singapore said last week that tests had shown a 27-year-old medical
researcher had SARS in what could be the world's first case since a
global outbreak was declared over in July. But the World Health
Organization (WHO) said the case did not fit the WHO's definition
of the disease under its new guidelines. Singapore will send the
samples of the man's tissue to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) for further testing. (Reuters)
http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3414389

U.S. IDENTIFIES NEW FOOD GROUP - EXERCISE
The U.S. government has moved forward with its plan to refashion its
well-known Food Guide Pyramid to help pear-shaped Americans eat
less and exercise more. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3422621

IVAX SUBMITS NEW INHALER FOR FDA APPROVAL
The IVAX Corp. has submitted a new drug application to the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to market a
CFC-free formulation of albuterol in IVAX' patented Easi-Breathe
inhaler. See Details:
http://www.lunglifecenter.com/engine.cfm?domain=www.lunglifecenter.com&feature=vm6305

PULMONARY STENT APPROVED IN EU
Alveolus, a leading provider of non-vascular interventional stent
technology, has received regulatory approval in the European Union
(EU) on a new implantable device to be used in Non-Vascular
Interventional Pulmonary Stenting. Alveolus received U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) approval earlier this year.
(PRNewswire)

COPD STUDY LOOKS AT NUTRITION, EXERCISE
This study concludes that when universally prescribed, carbohydrate
supplementation does not enhance the rehabilitation of patients with
COPD. The study suggests that exercise training results in negative
energy balance that can be overcome by supplementation and that,
in selected patients, this may improve the outcome of training. The
finding of benefit in well-nourished patients may suggest a role for
nutritional supplementation beyond the treatment of weight loss in
COPD. http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/58/9/745

REPORT: DIABETES DRUGS MAY CAUSE HEART FAILURE
Two popular drugs used to treat type-2 diabetes can cause fluid
buildup and heart failure in some patients, U.S. doctors said
recently. Story:
http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3415940

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/
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > RECALLS / WARNINGS < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________

WARNINGS ADDED TO ASTHMA DRUGS
GlaxoSmithKline Plc's asthma drugs Serevent and Advair will carry
new warnings about a higher, though small, risk of life-threatening
asthma attacks and deaths, U.S. regulators said. The Food and
Drug Administration stressed that the benefits of Serevent or Advair
continue to outweigh risks when used properly. Patients should not
stop taking either drug without consulting a doctor because abruptly
halting treatment could lead to dangerous disease flare-ups, the FDA
said.

The boxed warnings follow GlaxoSmithKline's January announcement
that it had halted a large trial in which more Serevent patients
experienced life-threatening asthma episodes, including deaths, than
patients on a placebo. (Reuters)

RECALLS
To view U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls for
COPD/asthma related drugs, go to the Library at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Recalls.htm
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________

FALL ALLERGY SEASON LINGERS
In some areas of the United States, allergists are reporting that
ragweed and other similar plants are larger than previous fall
allergy seasons. That is bad news for hay fever sufferers.
Allergists predict that pollen will be more bountiful and will
persist beyond the usual peak dispersal period of mid-August to
mid-September.

The allergists offered a variety of tips on reducing exposure to
pollen during peak dispersal seasons. They included:

-- keeping home and car windows closed;

-- using air conditioners;

-- avoiding outdoor exercise during the day, when
   evels are highest;

-- showering before bedtime

-- keeping clothing worn outdoors during the day away from
   the bedroom to avoid taking pollen into it;

-- brushing or wiping the fur of pets that have been outdoors
   before taking them indoors.

See Complete Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/10/nyregion/10ALLE.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.

FALL ALLERGY TRIGGERS
Weeds and molds are the main triggers. See More:
http://allergies.about.com/library/weekly/aa091399.htm

TOP 50 FALL ALLERGY CITIES NAMED
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has
released its list of the country's top 50 fall allergy cities. See List:
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/73/82077.htm?z=1757_00000_8200_ah_03

POLLEN COUNT IN YOUR AREA
http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp  or http://www.allernet.com/
___________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
___________________________________________________________

TEA IN THE MEDICINE CABINET?
More studies are finding an array of health benefits from tea.
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=514966

NO TIME TO EXERCISE?
Some of us don't exercise because we think we don't have time.
It seems as if we are always waiting for the right time. The truth
is, there's never a right time to get moving. It's now or never. See
Tips: http://exercise.about.com/cs/fittingitin/a/timetoexercise.htm

KEEP THOSE WATER BOTTLES CLEAN!
If you use a water bottle, wash it regularly with soap and water.
Soft plastic bottles tend to bend, which may create tiny crevices
in the plastic where bacteria can flourish. Rapid bacterial growth
is less likely in hard plastic bottles. However, bacteria can enter
and grow in any bottle, especially when the bottle is used
repeatedly without washing or if the water becomes warm.
(Johns Hopkins)

NIGHTCAPS CAN DISRUPT SLEEP
A nightcap or two may help you fall asleep more easily, but alcohol
too close to bedtime may also result in a more restless night,
according to Duke University. See Article:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=514721
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > > COMMUNITY UPDATE < < < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________


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.
Host Don from NM - Don is a smoking cessation counselor.
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!
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > > > LINK DIRECTORY < < < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________

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
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________

THINK YOU CAN FLY A HELICOPTER?
http://www.hurtwood.demon.co.uk/Fun/copter.swf
____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < < <
____________________________________________________________

PORK CHOPS AND CORN STUFFING BAKE
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 30 min.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Pepperidge Farm Cornbread Stuffing OR
Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing
1 can Campbell's Cream of Celery OR 98% Fat Free Cream
of Celery Soup
1/2 cup whole kernel corn
1 small onion finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
4 boneless pork chops, 3/4" thick
1 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. spicy brown mustard

Directions:

MIX stuffing, soup, corn, onion and celery. Spoon into greased
9" pie plate. Top with chops.

MIX sugar and mustard and spoon over chops.

BAKE at 400°F. for 30 min. or until done. Serves 4.

(Campbell's Kitchen)
_____________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
_____________________________________________________________


Knowing is not enough; We must apply.
Willing is not enough; We must do. -- Goethe
_______________________________________________________________

  > > > > > > > > >     SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE     < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________

TO SUBSCRIBE:
mailto: List-Admin@COPD-International.com ?subject=subscribe-news

TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
mailto: List-Admin@COPD-International.com ?subject=unsubscribe-news

ONLINE ACCESS: http://www.COPD-International.com/lists

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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.

"COPD-International Newsletter" is an opt-in ezine available by
subscription only. You must have sent an e-mail request or visited
our Web site to request this subscription. We neither use nor
endorse the use of "spam." This newsletter is never sent to anyone
who has not requested it and we NEVER share your e-mail address with
third-parties.

© 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.