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, January 27, 2003                        Volume #2 -- Issue #4
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004   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 - Weight/Eating
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> COPD Community Update
==> 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
Yes, those of us with COPD come in all sizes and shapes, but
maintaining a healthy weight for us may be a lot harder than for
are healthier counterparts.

You can check with your doctor on what is a healthy, normal
weight to maintain and a good nutritionist can help up you get
on the right path to weight control.

We COPDers seem to fall into a 1-or-10 category - we are either
too thin or too heavy - and both can make living with COPD harder
than it already is.

This issue focuses on maintaining our weight and diet tips to make
eating easier.

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 < < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________

-----HOT TUB LINKED TO STRAIN OF PNEUMONIA
According to a clinical infectious diseases case, a patient developed
severe necrotizing pneumonia due to community-acquired Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. Cultures of fluid obtained from the filter of the patient's hot
tub grew the same P. aeruginosa strain as that grown from culture of the
patient's sputum.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines should
be strictly followed for hot tub maintenance to prevent P. aeruginosa
overgrowth: the range of free chlorine levels in the water should be kept
at 13 mg/L, and the pH should be kept at 7.2 to 7.8 (Source:
PulmonologyLinx Newsletter - 1/21/2003)

-----RESPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING BENEFICAL
This study has demonstrated that high-intensity, interval-based
respiratory muscle training is feasible in patients with moderate-
to-severe COPD, resulting in significant improvements in respiratory
muscle strength and endurance when performed three times a week
for eight weeks. See Details:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/1/142

-----ARTICLE ADDRESSES ALL ASPECTS OF ARDS
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a manifestation of
acute injury to the lung, commonly resulting from sepsis, trauma and
severe pulmonary infections. See Article:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030115/315.html

-----UK RESPIRATORY PATIENTS "2ND-CLASS CITIZENS"
Donna Covey, chief executive of the National Asthma Campaign,
said 5.1 million people with asthma in the UK were not getting the
support and care they needed from the NHS. See Story:
http://www.health-news.co.uk/showstory.asp?id=104896

-----NATIONAL JEWISH TO MANAGE MEDICAID PATIENTS
In an effort to control burgeoning Medicaid costs, the state of Colorado
has contracted with National Jewish Medical and Research Center to
provide disease management services for its Medicaid patients with
asthma.

The goal of the program is to establish ongoing relationships with patients
that result in better understanding and management of the disease, and thus,
lower costs. In addition to Colorado, National Jewish provides Medicaid
recipients in California and Minnesota with asthma disease management
services. See Story: http://www.nationaljewish.org/news/medicaid_co.html

-----STUDY LOOKS AT BENEFITS OF AIR FILTERS
Clinical effects of air filters in homes of asthmatic adults sensitized
and exposed to pet allergens proved beneficial in this recent study.
http://www.pulmonologylinx.com/thearts.cfm?artid=492344&specid=14&ok=yes

-----THE "S" WORD AND COPD
This feature article answers many questions those with COPD
have concerning intimate physical relationships.
http://www.lung.ca/copd/management/living/sexuality.html

-----BE NET SAVVY
Six million Americans are going online daily to search for information
about health and diseases, according to the Pew Research Center -
and they're taking that information with them when they go to doctors'
offices. But is the information they are getting good or bad? See Story:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/4876508.htm

-----OVERALL, MEDICARE PATIENT GETTING BETTER CARE
This report finds Medicare patients are getting better treatment than they
did just a few years ago for such ailments as heart attacks, pneumonia,
breast cancer and diabetes, but the quality of care still varies widely by
region and state, a government report card says. See Report:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/859270.asp

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 < < < < < < < < < <
______________________________________________________________

-----STUDY OF SEREVENT HALTED
The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some
patients using the popular asthma medication Serevent are more
likely to face life-threatening complications and more likely to die
from their symptoms than those who are not taking the drug.

Officials emphasized that problems from the drug Serevent were rare,
and they said the drug's benefits outweigh the risks. They cautioned
that it is dangerous to abruptly stop taking the drug and recommended
that concerned patients talk with their doctors. See FDA Release:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Serevent-warning.htm

To view drug recalls, please go to our Library section
at http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
______________________________________________________________

       > > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
______________________________________________________________

-----ATTACKING THE OVER/UNDER WEIGHT PROBLEM
COPD Advocate Bill Horden has written extensively on diet, nutrition
and weight issues. His "SOB in the Kitchen - A Survivor's Guide
Through a Healthy Kitchen" features a section on over and under weight
problems. See Tips:
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/kitchen.html

-----EATING AND COPD
There are often questions about eating well with pulmonary disease.
Nutritional requirements, diet plans, weight gain, weight losses all are
questioned on an individual basis.

First let's outline some reasons why we are having difficulty eating
with COPD.

-- Eating involves many muscles and when muscles work they
require oxygen. A person who is already short of breath may feel
more so while eating.
-- Your body uses food for energy as part of a process called
metabolism. During metabolism, your body needs oxygen to change
the food into energy and carbon dioxide, so we need to exchange
more air.
-- The diaphragm is a muscle between the lungs and the
abdomen and it needs to move up and down to exchange air in the
lungs. A full stomach pushes against the diaphragm which restricts its
movement.
-- Bronchodialators can cause a feeling of nausea for a short time
after taking the medication. Excess mucus or sputum, some medications,
and even the use of oxygen can alter your taste and smell of food. This
can lead to a decrease in appetite and result in weight loss.
-- Weight loss will also occur when the body does not receive the
extra energy (calories) it needs to breathe harder when breathing is
difficult. People with lung disease often need more energy from food
than normal because of their increased work to breathe.
-- People taking steroids to help control their breathing can have
problems with loss of muscle and calcium from bones. These are
nutritional concerns, which need to be addressed. Fluid retention and
weight gain can also be problems with steroid use.

Now let's address some things we all can do to make eating less difficult.

-- Eating a well balanced diet is essential to maintaining proper
metabolism, controlling body weight and developing an efficient immune
system. A well balanced diet means eating a variety of foods from all
food groups each day.
-- Drink plenty of fluids (8 cups) each day to help thin mucus and
maintain proper hydration, which enhances metabolism.
-- Eat six small meals during the day instead of three large ones to
avoid fullness in the abdomen. Also avoid foods that may cause gas or
bloating which may include beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and carbonated
beverages.
-- Try to keep your breathing even while you chew and use your
oxygen if continuous O2 is prescribed to help with digestion. Stop eating
during the meal if you need to and take a few breaths before continuing.
-- If you use all your energy preparing the meal, you may feel too
tired to eat. It is better to rest before eating.
-- Avoid filling up with foods, which have no nutritional value.
Snack foods will only serve to waste your energy reserves and make
your heart and lungs work harder.
-- Don't skip meals and try to be consistent. For instance, if you
are very short of breath or too busy in the morning, have a liquid instant
breakfast or a piece of fruit.

Eating well with pulmonary disease will make it easier for you to breathe
and is an important part of managing your condition. Remember to eat
well-balanced meals, eat small frequent meals and try to be consistent.
Good nutrition helps to keep your breathing muscles fueled, help fight
infections, keep your muscles and bones strong and control weight.

Consult your doctor about specific dietary concerns and weight control,
especially if you have other dietary restrictions such as diabetes, ulcers,
high cholesterol, blood pressure complications or heart disease.
(Courtesy of COPDer Steve Knight)

-----ABSTRACT TARGETS MALNOURISHED COPDERS
This medical abstract suggests that malnourished elderly COPD
patients could improve not only with supplementation of total caloric
intake, but also with sufficient protein intake. See Abstract:
http://www.pulmonologylinx.com/thearts.cfm?artid=482767&specid=14&ok=yes
______________________________________________________________

      > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
______________________________________________________________

-----STUDY TIES DEPRESSION TO BONE LOSS
Growing evidence suggests that depression, one of the most common
diseases of the brain, is so powerful it can actually erode bones in the
body. See Story:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/depression_osteoporosis030113.html
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.

-----CAREGIVERS ALSO NEED TLC
More than 20 million Americans take care of an older relative while
raising their own children at the same time. But who is taking care of the
caregivers? Gerontologist Alexis Abramson shares advice and guidance
to minimize the stress of these difficult responsibilities. See Advice:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/857151.asp?0pu=92

-----ALL STUFFED UP? NASAL WASH CAN HELP
Many people lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms.
Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make the conditions
worse, especially at night. A salt-water nasal wash, or nasal
irrigation, can help reduce this. See Treatment:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/nasal.html
______________________________________________________________

    > > > > > > > > > > COPD 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 and we invite everyone to
stop in and visit. We look forward to seeing you. The Chat Room
schedule can be accessed at
http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm

-----WEEKLY CAREGIVERS CHAT
On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EST), we invite all caregivers who are in
need of mutual support to join host Kitty in this weekly chat. You can
reach the Caregivers Chat Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm
(Note: Only caregivers in this chat please.)

For more information on our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at Chat@COPD-International.com

-----QUIT SMOKING NOW PROGRAM AND CHAT
If you want online support to quit smoking, join our interactive
Quit Smoking Now (QSN) Program, where community members
support one another in stopping smoking and remaining smoke-free.
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/

For more information on the QSN Program, contact Diane, program
coordinator, at Newsletter@COPD-International.com    Diane is also available
for scheduling one-on-one chats. This is in addition to the regularly
scheduled chat on Mondays at 9 p.m. (EST). The chat room can be
accessed at http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm

Editor's Note: Diane will be on vacation the month of February. For
quit-smoking support, please contact yours truly, Susie Bowers. I
also will be hosting the weekly chats in Diane's absence.

-----KEEP IN TOUCH PROGRAM
Our Keep in Touch Program (KIT) is a program set up for those of
us that live alone, or persons who desire a way to maintain daily
contact with a small group of people like themselves for reassurance.
For details, go to http://www.copd-international.com/Keep_in_Touch/

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

-----VISIT THE BILL HORDEN LIBRARY
In addition to the "COPD Survival Guide," our Library includes the
other works of COPD Advocate Bill Horden, a pioneer of online
support for those with COPD. To browse the Horden Library, go
to http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/

-----VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are always needed to maintain the various interactive
support programs. If you wish 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
_______________________________________________________________

             > > > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________

-----ARE YOU MENSA MATERIAL?

This quiz provided by Mensa is for entertainment purposes only; it is
not an IQ test. It takes about 30 minutes. See Test:
http://www.mensa.org/workout.html

Editor's note: No. I am never telling my score! However, I did get
the message "you must be having a bad day" along with my score.
_______________________________________________________________

               > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________

-----MINUTE TOMATO SOUP WITH TORTELLINI
This is a "doctored" version of your basic canned tomato soup. Some
dried herbs and half a package of frozen tortellini transform the simplest
lunchtime fare into something, well, almost sophisticated.

Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 20 Minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 1/2 ounces cheese tortellini

Directions

Prepare soup in a medium saucepan according to package
directions. Add the oregano, basil, parsley and ground black
pepper, stirring well, over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes,
reduce heat to low and add the tortellini. Continue to simmer for
5 more minutes, or until tortellini is cooked. (Source: Allrecipes)

Editor's Note: Amount of spices can be cut down if you don't like highly
spiced food. A nice touch is topping the hot soup off with grated
Parmesan cheese.
_______________________________________________________________

           > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________

"And life is what we make it, always has been and always will be."

                            -- Grandma Moses --
_______________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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.