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, November 17, 2003                          Volume #2 -- Issue #46
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 - Great American Smokeout
==> 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
This issue features articles on smoking cessation in observance of
the American Cancer Society's 27th Great American Smokeout Day
Thursday, November 20. Since 1977, the Smokeout has challenged
Americans to quit smoking for a day - and, hopefully, forever.

Quitting smoking is on the top of the list of the things we can do
to slow further progression of our disease. Actually, it is the MOST
important thing we can do to live a longer, healthier life.

Quitting is VERY tough - no question about it. If you have quit
smoking, you are to be congratulated. If not, keep on trying as it
can take several attempts to finally conquer the smoking addiction.

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. Also, periodically we will
feature stories and information from guest writers. 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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WHAT IMPACT COULD SARS HAVE ON COPDERS?
As with the flu, the very young, elderly and those suffering from
chronic lung diseases such as tuberculosis, COPD and cystic fibrosis
are very susceptible to respiratory infections, including SARS. What
is the impact of the emerging SARS epidemic on those with lung
disease? Answers to such questions are especially important to those
of us with lung disease. See More: http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/a
a042403a.htm

SCIENTIFIC REVIEW: MANAGEMENT OF COPD
This review concludes that a significant body of evidence supports
the use of long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids
in reducing exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Domiciliary oxygen therapy is the only intervention that has been
demonstrated to prolong survival, but only in patients with resting
hypoxia. See Review: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/17/2301

CLINICAL REVIEW: MANAGEMENT OF COPD
This clinical presentation states that COPD usually is insidious,
and many patients are undiagnosed until the disease is far advanced.
Therefore, the early use of spirometry is recommended for anyone
who is suspected to have COPD. In the early stages of the disease,
the patient is only mildly symptomatic (cough and sputum
production). As COPD becomes more advanced, functional impairment
in the form of chronic dyspnea occurs and acute exacerbations of
symptoms become more frequent, contributing to overall morbidity and
mortality. Details: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/17/2313

STUDY SHOW NASAL SPRAY IMPROVES SLEEP
Treatment with a nasal spray, known as Nasacort, before bedtime
improves sleep quality in patients with nasal allergies, new
research shows. See Story: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=
healthNews&storyID=3791857

GUIDELINE-BASED CARE SAVES LUNG FUNCTION
Patients with asthma who are treated according to clinical
guidelines have an excellent chance of maintaining good lung
function over the long term. See Full Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3791267

REVIEW: "HOSPITAL AT HOME" PATIENTS DO WELL
This review shows that one in four carefully selected patients
presenting to hospital emergency departments with acute
exacerbations of COPD can be safely and successfully treated at home
with support from respiratory nurses. See Review:
http://www.update-software.com/abstracts/AB003573.htm

PREDNISONE TREATMENT HELPFUL
The conclusion of this study shows that outpatient treatment with
oral prednisone offers a small advantage over placebo in treating
patients who are discharged from the emergency department with
an exacerbation of COPD. See Study: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract
/348/26/2618

PREVENTING COPD RELAPSE
Canadian researchers find patients with COPD are less likely
to relapse after an acute episode of the disease if they are sent
home with a prescription for an oral steroid. See Report:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&id=8006453

STUDIES: GO EASY ON STEROIDS FOR COPD
Three new studies have found a slight increased risk or almost no
increased risk of fractures in people with COPD who take inhaled
corticosteroids. Some evidence has suggested inhaled corticosteroids
can affect bone mineral density in asthmatics, but no one knows
what the effects might be in the COPD population. People with
COPD have different risk factors for fracture. See More:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/515778/main.html

STUDY: LIPITOR HALTS ARTERY DISEASE
The first study to compare two powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs
head-to-head in coronary artery disease finds that one appears to be
superior. In patients taking pravastatin, or Pravachol, made by
Bristol-Myers Squibb, atherosclerosis worsened slowly over 18
months. But the disease was halted in those who took the highest
dose of atorvastatin, or Lipitor, the drug made by Pfizer. See
Story: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID
=3809056

NASAL SPRAYS: SIMPLE TECHNIQUE CUTS NOSEBLEEDS
People with a troublesome runny nose may use nasal steroid sprays a
lot, but these can cause nosebleeds. The problem can be greatly
reduced, it seems, by a slight change in the way the spray is used.
See Tips: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&story
ID=3799982

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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RECALL - DISKUS INHALERS
GlaxoSmithKline, following discussions with Health Canada (HC),
has warned the Canadian public that certain lots of three products
prescribed for the treatment of asthma and/or COPD - Ventolin
Diskus, Flovent Diskus and Serevent Diskus - are being recalled. See
Details: http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/11/12/Consumers/inhaler_recall031112

To view current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls,
go to http://www.safetyalerts.com/
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   > > > > > > > > >       FEATURED ARTICLES       < < < < < < < <
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GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
Quitters across the nation will enjoy fanfare and public support on
Thursday, November 20, during the American Cancer Society's 27th
Great American Smokeout. Thousands of smokers will find the
motivation to quit for the day or for good - and they double the
chance for success by getting help or calling a quit line. Call
1-800-ACS-2345 to find support in your area.

Go to the ACS link below to find out more about the Great American
Smokeout, as well has information and quizzes about quitting
smoking. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SPC/SPC_0.1.asp

CHART COMPARES QUIT-SMOKING AIDS
In this month's issue of the Harvard Health Newsletter is a detailed
table that compares stop-smoking aids - advantages, disadvantages,
dosage, availability and cost. The link below will take you to the
index page, then click on the November 2003 link.
http://harvardhealth.staywell.com/NewsletterArchive.aspx

QSN ONLINE COMMUNITY SUPPORT
If you want online support, go to the link below to 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 Dorothy,
program coordinator, at Newsletter@COPD-International.com She is
also available for scheduling one-on-one chats. This is in addition
to the regularly scheduled chats on Mondays at 9 p.m. (ET).

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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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HOW TO EAT RIGHT WITH COPD
For people with COPD, eating should be treated as importantly
as breathing, and shouldn't be taken for granted. A well-nourished
body helps the COPD patient fight infections, and so it can prevent
illness and cut down on hospitalizations. This "How-To" list is a
slightly edited version of one published by the American Association
for Respiratory Care (AARC). See List:
http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gm=20!gc=25!l=2!gid2=1774!gcamp=5115

DIET AND NUTRITION - FACTS AND FABLES
The fact that good nutrition and long-term weight management are
pretty much the same thing is one of life's pleasant surprises. The
better you eat, the more likely you are to have a stable weight over
time and to be generally healthier over time. It's too bad that
weight management and nutrition are so often surrounded by
misinformation that makes good eating seem mysterious or impossible.
Here's a look at some eating facts and fables from food experts'
perspectives. http://content.health.msn.com/content/Article/76/90083.htm

STUDY: EXERCISE GETS BLOOD TO YOUR BRAIN
Exercise fanatics may be right - getting out and moving increases
blood flow in the brain, U.S. researchers said. Tests on monkeys
show that exercise helps foster blood vessel development in the
brain, making the animals more alert than non-exercisers. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3781998
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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/

-- Saundra Roberts, well known for her entertaining short stories
of life with COPD, is in very critical condition, and not
expected to recover. To leave messages for Saundra, go to:
http://www.COPD-Internatinal.com/Loving_Thoughts/

-- Lance Woodard, who recently had a lung transplant, passed on
Saturday evening. To leave messages of support for his wife
Avice, and prayers for Lance, go to
http://members.tripod.com/~copd_tlc/LanceW1.html

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

-- General Information on Clinical Trials
http://www.COPD-International.com/Library/clinical_trials.htm

-- Continually Updated List of COPD Clinical Trials
http://www.COPD-International.com/Library/trials.htm

-- 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 Advocate Bill Horden Library
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/

-- 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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THANKSGIVING HISTORY AND CUSTOMS
From celebrating the autumn harvest to feasting on traditional
holiday menus. See History:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/refarticle.aspx?refid=761569242
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> > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < <
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BEEF AND BEER STEW WITH ONIONS
This is a hearty autumn stew. Beer adds a sweetness and
malty flavor to the beef.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 7 Hours
Ready in: 7 Hours 20 Minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1-1/2 pounds lean beef stew meat
3 cups sliced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
1/2 HERB-OX® Beef Flavored Bouillon Granules
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1 cup dark beer - with or without alcohol
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with equal parts water

Directions
Heat butter in a large skillet and brown the beef. Place browned
beef in a slow cooker. Add onions and garlic in the skillet to brown
lightly, and then place them into the slow cooker with the beef. Add
the water, beef granules, thyme, beer, brown sugar and mustard to
the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours. Add cornstarch
mixture to the stew and continue to cook until thickened, about 20
minutes. Serves 4. (HERB-OX® Bouillon)
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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

As I was reading this quote, my mind immediately went to thinking
about our latest sad loss to the COPD Community, Lance Woodard.
We have lost another truly caring person - a person who quietly, with
no fanfare, went about helping all that he could. Online, you would
find him hosting a chat room, or offering advice and knowledge
to newcomers. I have always heard stories about his having called
people, and even driven to their homes to offer comfort and support.

The number of people that this caring person has touched is
countless. The COPD Community is a poorer place today, for the loss
of Lance.

Rest well, my friend - you have set a fine example for us all.
cg

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