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, October 13, 2003                          Volume #2 -- Issue #41
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 - Respiratory Care Week
==> 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
Respiratory Care Week, October 19-25, touts the work of respiratory
therapists (RTs) in all care settings. This year's slogan is "RTs:
Working for Every Breath."

Most, if not all of us with COPD have come into contact with
respiratory therapists. These are the practitioners who help us
every step of the way to learn more about our disease, as well as
breathe easier. Working with a good RT can make all the difference
in the world to those of us struggling with COPD.

This issue focuses on RTs and the vital role they play in the care
and education of patients 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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HOW CONSUMERS SHOULD CHECK DRUGS
Counterfeit medicine can be difficult to detect because of
sophisticated packaging and strong similarities to genuine drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says consumers can
protect themselves by looking for certain telltale signs. See Tips:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/03/health/03PROT.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: VIRUSES TRIGGER COPD FLARE-UPS
Among patients who have to be hospitalized because of severe
asthma and/or COPD, more than half have viral infections of the
lungs or airways, researchers in Singapore report. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=
3581042

FLU VACCINE SAFE FOR ASTHMA PATIENTS
A shot of the flu vaccine doesn't seem to cause serious side effects
in patients with asthma or with COPD, new research suggests. Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=
3556372

LONG ACTING BETA-AGONISTS VS. THEOPHYLLINE
This review concludes that long-acting beta-2 agonists are at least
as effective than theophylline in reducing asthma symptoms including
night waking and improving lung function. Fewer adverse events
occurred in subjects using long-acting beta-2 agonists (salmeterol
and formoterol) as compared to theophylline. See Review:
http://www.update-software.com/abstracts/AB001281.htm

UNDERSTANDING SINUSITIS
We've all had cold symptoms that linger on for weeks, leaving us
wondering if we'll ever feel healthy again. Most of the time it's
just a bad cold caused by a virus or allergies. But nasal congestion
that prevents the sinuses from draining properly can create a
perfect environment for a bacterial infection and the development of
sinusitis. See More:  http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=
xmlpressfeed&c=xml_sinusitis&b=healthology&spg=NWL

EPA EXPANDS AIR QUALITY ALERTS
According to a recent Associated Press story, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) will start issuing expanded daily smog and
soot pollution alerts on its Web site. The article says that in the
past the EPA's "Air Quality Index" has been used to indicate
summertime smog, but now a new, expanded version is available
year-round coverage.

The article says that the EPA hopes the forecasts - for both smog
and soot - will help millions of people with heart or lung disease
to protect their health. According to the article, the new system
will provide almost real-time measurements, and is enabled by new
computer modeling systems and improved air monitoring machines. EPA
Site: http://www.epa.gov/airnow/

ADA CALLS FOR EARLY ORAL CANCER DETECTION
The American Dental Association (ADA) has launched a new campaign
urging dentists to examine patients for signs of early oral cancer.
See More: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030925/cgth036_1.html

MYTH ABOUT LUNG CANCER CAN BE DEADLY
Some medical myths have been passed on through so many generations
that quashing them can seem next to impossible. One such myth, that
lung cancer tumors spread when exposed to air, remains popular and
could stop some Americans from agreeing to potentially lifesaving
surgery, according to a study published in The Annals of Internal
Medicine. See Story:  http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=
healthNews&storyID=3566367

BONE DISEASE WORRY FOR FORMER SARS PATIENTS
Dozens of former severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients
in Hong Kong are suffering from bone degeneration, known as
avascular necrosis, sources said recently. Almost all SARS patients
in Hong Kong were treated with the anti-viral drug ribavirin and
steroids earlier this year. See Story:  http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.
jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3591683

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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RECALLS
To view U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Recalls.htm
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     > > > > > > > >      FEATURED ARTICLES      < < < < < < < < <
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ABOUT RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS
Respiratory Care Week celebrates one of the most important members
of our healthcare team, respiratory care practitioners. See More:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa091100a.htm

RTS RECOMMEND SPIROMETRY TESTING
During the week of October 19-25, 2003, respiratory therapists all
across the United States will be encouraging those who are over 45
and who are current or former smokers to have a spirometry test.
See Press Release: 
http://www.aarc.org/headlines/lung_health_day/breathing_test.asp

RTS LAUNCH NEW PATIENT EDUCATION WEB SITE
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the American Association for Respiratory
Care (AARC) launches its new Web site, http://yourlunghealth.org/
This new patient education site features information on respiratory
diseases, conditions and medications.

YourLungHealth.org is the only lung health-related Web site
written by respiratory therapists, the primary caregivers for
patients with breathing problems. See Press Release:
http://www.aarc.org/headlines/lung_health_day/pt_website.asp

Editor's Note: YourLungHealth.org will not be officially launched
                     until Wednesday, October 22.

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   > > > > > > > > >     NUTRITION/WELLNESS      < < < < < < < < <
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NASAL WASH TREATMENT
Why should you do a nasal wash? Many people with asthma, or
other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage
from your nose and sinuses can make asthma worse, especially at
night. A salt-water nasal wash, or nasal irrigation, can help reduce
this. See Nasal Wash: http://nationaljewish.org/medfacts/nasal.html

YOGA NOT PASSING FITNESS TREND
The yoga craze may have taken the United States by storm, but
experts say it's not likely to be another passing fitness trend. Why
has this 5,000-year-old Eastern discipline grown so popular? The
simple reason is that it works, says those who have been practicing
and teaching yoga for many years. And medical studies report the
health benefits of yoga, particularly in easing pain, stiffness and
other symptoms of chronic illnesses like arthritis. See More:
http://www.aarp.org/health-active/Articles/a2003-03-07-yoga.html

EXPERTS CALL FOR NEW FOOD PYRAMID
Health experts on nutrition and diet have called on the government
to overhaul its public dietary guidelines, charging that heavy
reliance on carbohydrates and fear of all fats has left the nation
seriously overweight. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3536193

HOW TO SPOT A STROKE
While many Americans are familiar with the long-term effects of
a stroke, such as its effect on speech and balance, they may not
realize that immediate treatment is crucial to minimizing the impact
of a stroke on the body. The link below leads to a review of risk
factors and early warning signs of strokes and discusses the many
benefits of rehabilitation.
http://healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=xmlpressfeed&c=xml_spotstroke&b=
healthology&spg=NWL
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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. For new subscribers, archives of back
issues of the newsletter can be accessed at
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/newsletters/archives.htm

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/

New Loving Thoughts Pages

-- Minna (Melinda), one of our chatterers and list members,
   has just been diagnosed with cancer.

-- Danny (Host Danny) underwent an emergency appendectomy,
   and is now back home. He is feeling much better now.

Updates

-- Bill Lyons is now home after an extended hospital stay, and in
   hospice care. His wife, Linda, says his spirits are good.

-- William Woods (Woody) now home after his stay in the hospital for
   pneumonia.

--Tim Cochran is still in the hospital from receiving a double-lung
   transplant in June.

-- Dorothy, one of our founders, is still going through some tough
   medical problems and testing.

-- John Peterson of Cape Cod has been in and out of the hospital
   after his lung transplant and is now home and doing much better.

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)

-- 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!
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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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HOW SPACED OUT ARE YOU?

Space is big. Really big. That's certainly true, and it means there's a lot to know
about space. How much do you know? See Quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=42
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            > > > > > > > > > >      RECIPE      < < < < < < < < < <
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EASY, QUICK BROCCOLI BEEF
Round steak and broccoli are quickly cooked in a soy ginger
sauce. Serve over hot over rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Ready in: 30 Minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 pound boneless round steak, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups chopped fresh broccoli

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, broth, sugar and soy sauce. Stir
   until sugar and flour are dissolved.

2. In a large skillet or wok over high heat, cook and stir beef 2 to 4
   minutes, or until browned. Stir in broth mixture, ginger, garlic
   and broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 5 to 10
   minutes, or until sauce thickens. Makes 4 servings.

(Allrecipes)
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     > > > > > > > > > >      CLOSING THOUGHT      < < < < < < < < <
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There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

-- Source Unknown --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided in this
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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.