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, December 8, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #49
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 - Caregivers: Coping With the Holidays
==> 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
Our caregivers certainly have their hands full year-round taking
care of our needs. With the holidays, comes even more responsibility
and stress for those who care for us. There are many ways in which
we can take care of our caregivers over the hectic holiday season.
According to the experts, scaling back expectations and simplifying
holiday preparations are the best ways for caregivers - and those
they care for - to enjoy the season.
Under Featured Articles are links to tips on how caregivers can
better cope with the hectic holiday season.
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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STEM-CELL BREAKTHROUGH
A breakthrough in stem-cell research promises a cure for lung
diseases that kill tens of thousands of Australians - and millions
more around the world. Melbourne scientists have turned human
embryonic stem cells into lung cells. The revolutionary development
is a step towards coaxing damaged lungs to repair themselves. The
technique could yield cures for cystic fibrosis, mesothelioma,
emphysema, chronic bronchitis and, eventually, lung cancer. See
Story:
http://heraldsun.news.com.au/printpage/0,5481,7044632,00.html
HOLIDAYS NO EXCUSE NOT TO EXERCISE
For those of us with COPD, exercise is one of the most important
things we can do to improve our general well-being. No matter how
mild or severe your COPD is, exercise is still possible in some
shape or form. You'll be surprised how much a few moments of
movement a day can help your mood and your well-being. See More:
http://www.healthsmart.org/ibreathe/3_0_copd/3_3_5_exercise.htm
WATER EXERCISES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
A new study shows hydrotherapy, or water exercise, may improve
strength and mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=8007465
TIPS TO STAY ON THE EXERCISE TRACK
Are you struggling with your exercise program? If so, you may be
overdoing it. Inability to finish a workout, nausea and trouble
sleeping are all signs that you could be pushing yourself too hard.
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center offers these tips to help you
stay on track:
-- Choose an activity that you enjoy.
-- Exercise with a friend. This will help you stick to a routine.
-- Make exercise a priority rather than an extra.
-- Work out only when you feel well.
-- Wait at least one hour after eating before exercising.
-- Adjust to changing weather conditions.
-- Vary your workout. Variety is key to combating burnout.
CANADIAN GUIDELINES FOR COPD TREATMENT UPDATED
Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) account for over
1.5 million physician visits annually in Canada and are a cause of
significant morbidity and mortality. Canadian guidelines for the
management of chronic bronchitis were published in 1994. The new
document is an update of the original guidelines, and is a joint
effort by the Canadian Thoracic Society and the Canadian Infectious
Disease Society. See Guidelines:
http://www.pulsus.com/Respir/10_05/balt_ed.htm
TRIALS: NEW INHALER REDUCES ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
Sepracor Inc. said its new pocket-sized inhaler reduced symptoms
of asthma in late-stage clinical trials, and it plans to file an
application for marketing approval in the first quarter of 2004. The
Xopenex HFA metered-dose inhaler is a more convenient version of
Sepracor's existing Xopenex nebulizer. The inhaler is a hand-held
device, compared to the large, non-portable nebulizers that are used
mainly at home or in hospitals. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3927000
"EASY" INHALER DEVISED FOR ASTHMATICS
Scientists have devised a type of inhaler which they say is easier
for asthmatics to use correctly. See Report:
http://asthma.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/
health/3236985.stm
ABSTRACT: SMOKING IMPAIRS STEROID EFFICACY
This abstract concludes that active smoking impairs the efficacy of
short-term oral corticosteroid treatment in chronic asthma. See
Abstract:
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/168/11/1308
YEAST IN ESOPHAGUS COMMON WITH STEROID DRUG
Patients treated with fluticasone, an inhaled steroid usually
prescribed for asthma, often develop a yeast infection in the
esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, new
research shows. See Story:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20031124/hl_nm/yeast
_esophagus_dc_1
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
Respironics recalls ComfortGel nasal masks. See Details:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/ComfortGel_mask_recall.htm
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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CAREGIVERS: COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS
To keep the stress level as low as possible, caregivers need to plan
for the holidays and delegate tasks as much as possible, say
elder-care specialists. They suggest making a checklist and then
paring it down to the essentials. Relinquishing some holiday
traditions can be sad, but will make life easier.
Caregivers often feel guilty and frustrated because they think
they're not doing enough. The holiday season creates more stress -
there are more things to get done, and a greater sense of loss of
the things you and your loved one used to do.
Studies show that the majority of those who provide major care for
others experience stress. This is a serious concern because
prolonged stress can have serious physical and emotional
consequences. But, there are many things caregivers can do to make
the holiday season less stressful. See Tips:
http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/topics/caregiving/holidays.htm
5 MORE TIPS TO CREATE LESS STRESS
The editor-in-chief of Today's Caregiver magazine offers five tips
for helping caregivers have a less stressful holiday. See List:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2001/11/prweb30009.htm
JOIN OUR CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Caregivers who find themselves in the need of a little peace, love
and understanding can join our caregiver support group. We have
special scheduled chats for caregivers only on Sundays at 4 p.m. and
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (Eastern Time) hosted by Kitty. You can chat
with other caregivers, participate in a message board and get e-mail
support. To access our caregiver support programs, go to
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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HOT COCOA BURSTING WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
A hot cup of cocoa - that stalwart of cold winter nights and an all
time favorite for children - could actually boast more antioxidants
than green tea and red wine, say U.S. researchers. See Report:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news-NG.asp?id=47809
EXCESS WEIGHT AFFECTS LATER YEARS
New research gives another incentive for individuals to maintain
a healthy weight. See More:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/8007412/main.html
IT'S THAT TIME FOR SEASONAL DEPRESSION
'Tis the season to be depressed. That seems to be true for a segment
of the population who become depressed as the days get shorter.
See the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD):
http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/depression/a/seasonal.htm
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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/
-- Minna, a chat regular and list subscriber, has been diagnosed
with cancer.
-- William Woods, "Woody" as we know him in chat, is back in the
hospital.
-- Roger Lindberg recently had lung surgery and his prognosis is
excellent.
-- Tim Cochran, who recently received a double-lung transplant, was
readmitted to the hospital.
-- Good news for John Peterson on Cape Cod who had a double-lung
transplant. He does not have to be readmitted to the hospital at
this time.
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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NEWS BULLETIN
Doctors at a hospital in Brooklyn, New York, have gone on strike.
Hospital officials say they will find out what the doctors' demands
are as soon as they can get a pharmacist over there to read the
picket signs.
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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COUNTRY TURKEY CASSEROLE
Your favorite mixed vegetables join turkey and stuffing in a
creamy sauce in this no-hassle casserole.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 25 min.
Ingredients
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Cream of Celery OR 98%
Fat Free Cream of Celery Soup
1 can Campbell's Cream of Potato Soup
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/8 tsp. pepper
4 cups cooked cut-up vegetables *
2 cups cubed cooked turkey OR chicken
4 cups prepared Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing
Directions:
MIX soups, milk, thyme, pepper, vegetables and turkey in 3-qt.
shallow baking dish. Top with stuffing.
BAKE at 400°F. for 25 min. or until hot
*Use a combination of cut green beans and sliced carrots.
Serves 5.
(Campbell's Kitchen)
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about
to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one
of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand
on, or you will be taught how to fly.
-- Barbara J. Winter --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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