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, February 3, 2003                        Volume #2 -- Issue #5
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004   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 - Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> COPD Community Update
==> 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
In a September newsletter, the featured articles were on the
importance of exercise, especially for those of us with COPD. I
must admit I don't exercise enough. Using every excuse in the book,
I tend to slack off even though I generally feel so much better when
I am on a regular routine.

Recently, I again have been avoiding exercise. Then this past week
several new studies were released reinforcing the benefits of regular
exercise for those with weakened lungs.

These articles were a great motivator for me to start exercising again
on a regular basis. Yes, our options for improving our health are limited,
but exercise is a pill that can ease many illnesses.

Therefore, exercise is again the topic of the day, as I hope that these
new studies will motivate others, as they did me, to get moving and
do one of the best things we can do to lessen COPD symptoms
and improve our overall health - exercise, exercise, exercise.

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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-----SPIRIVA INFORMATION ONLINE
Although Spiriva, a COPD-specific medication, has been approved
in several European countries, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has not yet approved Spiriva for the U.S. market, but is expected to
do so within the next few months.

For those of you interested in this new drug, the links below lead to
detailed information.

-- About Spiriva
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva..htm

-- Spiriva Update
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva-update.htm

-- Spiriva - Patient's Experience
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva_patients_perspective.htm

-- Exercise Study
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva-exercise.htm

-- Meerburg Pharmacy
http://www.meerburgpharmacy.com/spiriva.htm

Editor's Note: The last link above is to the online Meerburg Pharmacy
in the Netherlands. COPD International neither endorses nor opposes
ordering drugs online and does NOT endorse commercial sites. This link
is provided for informational purposes only.

-----NPPV FIRST LINE OF INTERVENTION
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) should be the first
line intervention in addition to usual medical care to manage respiratory
failure secondary to an acute exacerbation of COPD, according to this
report. http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7382/185

-----UNDERESTIMATING ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
Guidelines recommend that physicians classify asthma severity based
on pretreatment symptoms and titrate care as the disease changes in
the individual patient. This study evaluated the extent to which a
physician's estimate of underlying severity affects a patient's asthma
care. http://archinte.ama-assn.org/issues/current/abs/ioi20142.html

----- ATROVENT USERS ALERTED TO ALERGIC REACTIONS
Atrovent inhalers should not be ordered for patients with peanut/soy
allergies. This little known fact can put some asthmatics in danger,
especially if they're not under the care of an asthma specialist such as
a pulmonologist or allergist. See Story:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa012703a.htm

-----SCHERING-PLOUGH ENTERS ASTHMA MARKET
Schering-Plough announced that its inhaled asthma drug and device
Asmanex was approved in the European Union and launched in the
United Kingdom. This article reports that Asmanex has been approved
in 27 other countries, but has been awaiting clearance in the United States
since 1998 despite the fact that (in 1999) U.S. regulators said the drug
had cleared most regulatory hurdles. According to the article, Asmanex
contains a dry powder form of mometasone furoate, the same
corticosteroid used in Nasonox nasal spray for allergies. See Article:
http://www.forbes.com/home_europe/newswire/2003/01/21/rtr853280.html

-----EUROPE GRANTS POSITIVE OPINION FOR SERETIDE
GlaxoSmithKline announced that they have received a positive opinion from
the European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP) for
SeretideT (Seretide Diskus 500/50) as a new treatment COPD. This means
that European Marketing Authorization should be granted within the next few
months followed by launches across Europe in the first half of 2003.
(Source: GlaxoSmithKline Press Release)

-----REMINDER - CHECK OUT LATEST U.S. FLU UPATES
In the United States alone 65 million people annually fall victim to the flu
and complications of the flu such as pneumonia. Find out where flu
outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States and the status
in your community. Flustar: http://www.flustar.com/

-----COPDERS URGED TO GET PNEUMOCOCAL SHOTS
The pneumococcal vaccine may lower the risk of complications that
can result from pneumonia caused by many types of pneumococcal
bacteria. It is not effective at preventing complications of pneumonia
caused by other forms of bacteria or by viruses. Do not confuse the
pneumococcal vaccine with the influenza vaccine. See Advisory:
http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/25/6133

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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To view drug recalls, please go to our Library section
at http://www.COPD-International.com/library/contents.htm
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         > > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < <
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Editor's Note: These are recently released studies on the benefits of
exercise for those with COPD. To view more information on exercise,
please see the September newsletter featured-articles section on exercise
at http://www.copd-international.com/Library/newsletters/1-2.htm

-----EXERCISE CUTS RISKS OF COPD FLARE-UPS
Regular physical activity can cut the risk of hospital re-admissions
for people with COPD, according to this Spanish study. In fact,
the patients who engaged in the equivalent of one hour's walking a
day reduced their risk of a hospital re-admission by almost half.
See Details: http://www.health-news.co.uk/showstory.asp?id=105607

-----EXERCISE IMPROVES MUSCLE CAPACITY
Training improves muscle oxidative capacity and oxygenation
recovery in patients with COPD, according to the European
Journal of Applied Physiology. See Abstract:
http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00421/contents/02/00743/

-----EXERCISE LINKED TO MENTAL ALERTNESS
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have
concluded that three key areas of the brain that area adversely affected
by aging show the greatest benefit when a person stays physically fit.
See Details:
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/style/packageold.jsp?name=mentallyalert
/mentallyalert

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

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       > > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----ACUPUNCTURE GAINING NEW RESPECT
Once thought of as quackery, acupuncture is making it's way from
alternative to mainstream medicine. Now, the U.S. National Institutes
of Health and the World Health Organization smile on certain uses of
acupuncture; it is part of the array of therapies offered at the Memorial-
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and other well-known hospitals.
http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/59/66714.htm

-----TIPS ON RECOGNIZING HYPOTHERMIA
Look for the "umbles"- stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles.
These show that the cold is affecting how well a person's muscles and
nerves work. See Tips:http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2003/nia-23.htm

-----SIZE DOES MATTER
Anyone who has visited the United States will have witnessed the
generous portions that regale the multitude of eateries. But according
to new research to come out of the States, this is in fact a new
phenomenon, and one, which has contributed to the increase in obesity.

In conjunction with a considerable increase in portion size, the scientists
highlighted the fact that the average American citizen is also doing far
less exercise than in times way in the past. See Story:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6816
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   > > > > > > > > > > COPD 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.

-----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.

-- A Loving Thoughts Page has been posted for Marie Fasano,
who is in the hospital. Her Loving Thoughts page is at
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 - LEND A HELPING HAND
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
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            > > > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < < <
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-----2002's BEST NEWS HEADLINES

"Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers"

"Iraqi Head Seeks Arms"

"Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over"

"Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says"

"Teacher Strikes Idle Kids"

"Miners Refuse to Work after Death"

"Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant"

"If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile"

"Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures"

"Enfield [London] Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide"

"Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges"

"New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group"

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              > > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----BACON AND POTATO SOUP
Onions, carrots, celery and potatoes are cooked in chicken broth
before grated cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon are added to this
hearty winter soup.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 35 Minutes

Ready in: 50 Minutes

Ingredients

4 thick slices bacon
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped carrots
2/3 stalk celery, chopped
2-2/3 cups low fat, low sodium chicken broth
2-2/3 cups cubed potatoes
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Cook bacon until crisp in 3-quart saucepan, remove and drain
    well on paper towels. Discard bacon grease and wipe pan thoroughly
    with paper towel.
2. Meanwhile, prepare vegetables. Add olive oil to saucepan and add
    onion, carrot, and celery as they are cut up. Sauté until onion is soft but
    not brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth, potatoes, and pepper; bring to a boil; reduce
    heat; and simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in cheese, heating just until melted--do not boil. Chop bacon and
    add to soup. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding salt, if desired. Serve
    at once. Serves 4 (Source Allrecipes)

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          > > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything
else."

-- Benjamin Franklin --

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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
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© 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.