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 15, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #50
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 - Coping With the Flu/Colds
==> 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
The Fujian flu is here and with it comes the prediction of a severe
flu season. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) says the flu vaccine will offer "some" immunity against the
Fujian flu, although some people are expected to get the flu even
though they got vaccinated.
The CDC says that those who got the flu shot won't get as sick as
those who didn't get the vaccine, but that is little comfort for
those of us with COPD, as we must be even more careful not to catch
the flu at all because even a mild case can set us back.
Washing one's hands frequently helps, while others of us also may
chose to stay close to home, avoiding large crowds and others who
are sick.
The issue features links to information on flu and cold prevention,
plus tips on how to care for ourselves if we do get sick. At the
first signs of illness, whether it is the flu or a cold, COPDers
should immediately contact their physicians.
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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NEW COPD SITE PROMOTES AWARENESS
There is a new Web site online called www.COPDCouncil.org.
The council is designed to provide a forum for all COPD support
groups to work together for the benefit of the COPD patient. The
council is set up to recognize that each group has a specific
function, be it educational, political, advocacy, support or
rehabilitation.
One of its main goals is to increase the awareness of COPD.
Hopefully, the increase in public awareness will help in a number of
ways - from increased funding to more research and prevention.
To help "spread the word", The council has formed a speakers
directory. If you would like to sign up, please go to
http://www.copdcouncil.org/Speaker-Info.htm
STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
The Stanford Patient Education Research Center (SPERC), part of the
Department of Medicine at Stanford, develops and evaluates self-
management programs for people living with chronic health
conditions.
SPERC has received a grant to study the quality of health data
collected on the Internet. They need people with ANY chronic disease
to fill out a questionnaire just once. You will be randomly assigned
to either fill out the questionnaire on the Internet or by U.S.
mail, and will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate.
This study will help Stanford learn more about conducting research
online for people with chronic health conditions. Participants must
live in the United States and not be a participant in any of their
other studies. If you are interested, please go to the Healthy
Living Web site: http://healthyliving.stanford.edu/qs/
OXYGEN IMPROVES EXERCISE ABILITY IN COPDERS
Supplemental oxygen improves performance during high-intensity
exercise in patients with COPD who have lower than normal levels
of oxygen in their blood (hypoxemia) and in COPD patients with
normal oxygen levels as well, rehab specialists report. Training
intensity is higher and exercise tolerance increases. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3964923
MEDICARE ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR LVRS
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued
guidelines to reflect an expansion in Medicare coverage for lung
volume reduction surgery (LVRS). See Details:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Medicare_LVRS.htm
IS ASTHMA A TYPE OF COPD?
Not always recognized as such, asthma fits into a category of
diseases known as COPD. While the most noted feature of
asthma is its reversibility, there is a chronic component that has
only recently gained in notoriety. See More:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa112999a.htm
TEST MAY PREDICT CANCER RISK IN SMOKERS
Certain changes in the genes of the breathing passages of heavy
smokers appear to be associated with a high risk of lung cancer, new
research indicates. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3933705
CORTICOSTERIOD ALLERGY IN ASTHMA
This abstract concludes that delayed allergy to corticosteroids
occurs occasionally in asthma, perhaps in the same frequency
as in dermatitis. A positive patch test reaction usually means
clinical allergy. Cross allergy between corticosteroids is common.
However, such patients usually tolerate some other common
corticosteroids. See Abstract:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1398-9995.2003.00297.x/abs/
STUDY: ANOREXICS RISK EMPHYSEMA
Starving the body may damage the lungs, researchers in Canada
reported in a study that showed anorexics who suffer from
malnutrition are at higher risk of developing emphysema. Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3931550
COPD: TREADMILL PROVIDES BETTER RELIEF
It is well known that regular physical exercise improves the
breathing of elderly people suffering from chronic respiratory
disorders. But which is better: an outdoor walk or a workout on the
treadmill? An international team found that patients exercising on
the treadmill received a more intense workout than that of
"walkers." See More:
http://www.treadmill-ratings-n-reviews.com/8459-treadmill-provides-better-relief-
than-a-walk.html
BAKERS FOUND TO BE AT HIGH RISK FOR ASTHMA
Bakers join cleaning crews and cabinet makers in having increased
risk for occupational asthma. See Story:
http://asthma.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/
health/3290187.stm
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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DRUG MAKER RECALLS ACETAMINIPHEN
An Oregon drug maker is recalling one lot of painkillers because the
tablets contain more of the drug than shown on the label. The recall
covers Dixon's APAP Acetaminophen tablets labeled 325 milligrams.
The tablets contained in the bottle, however, contained 500
milligrams. Buyers of the pills are urged to stop using them
immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Those needing more information can call 1-800-935-6737. See Details:
http://www.epiconsults.com/news/linktopstorycontext.php?id=000000131
U.S. FDA RECALLS
To view current U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls, go to
http://www.safetyalerts.com/
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> > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < <
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EXPERTS: FLU SEASON TO BE BAD, BUT NOT PANDEMIC
The current U.S. influenza outbreak may be unusually early and
somewhat more severe than usual, but health experts said it is not
the killer pandemic that they have been warning will eventually
come. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3957708
CHECK OUT OUR COPD LIBRARY
Our Library contains several stories on infections and the flu -
specifically for COPDers. Below are direct links to the information.
-- Infection Prevention Guidelines
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/infection-prevention.htm-- Cold or Flu?
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/cold-flu-symptoms_treatment.htm-- Influenza General
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/influenza_flu.htm-- Influenza Facts/Myths
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/influenza-facts_flu.htm
COLD, FLU SURVIVORS' GUIDE
This updated guide is a collection of WebMD's best original news
and feature articles, plus reference information selected by its
medical editors. See Updated Guide:
http://content.health.msn.com/content/pages/5/4068_101
TRACT THE FLU IN YOUR AREA
FluSTAR.com gives you the most accurate, up to date flu information
for the United States. Find out where flu outbreaks are occurring,
and what you can do to prevent yourself from getting the flu. Just
enter your zip code to find out the status of the flu outbreaks in
your area. Not sure if you have the flu or a cold? You can also
take a flu quiz to find out more. http://www.flustar.com/
FLU EASILY CAUGHT, EASILY PREVENTED
Want to avoid the flu? Go wash your hands right now. Influenza is
one of the most easily transmitted diseases, caused by a range of
related viruses. It relies on human habits - most notably the
tendency to rub a runny nose. The virus can live on a plastic or
metal surface for hours or even days. When a patient touches a
drippy nose and then pushes a button or uses a telephone, the virus
sits there, ready to be picked up by the next unwary person. Simply
touch the nose, mouth or even the eye, and you, too, can have the
flu. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3958293
DITTO ON CATCHING A COLD!
http://health.discovery.com/news/healthscout/article.jsp?aid=516121
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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STUDY: FEAR OF NEW THINGS MAY SHORTEN LIFE
Being afraid of new experiences may lead to a shorter life, new
research in rats suggests. Rats that were more fearful produced more
stress-related hormones when exposed to new experiences and they
tended to live shorter lives than less adventurous rats, researchers
report. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3958248
FINDING A MATTRESS THAT'S JUST RIGHT
People waking up in the morning with back pain often curse their
mattress. And for years most orthopedic surgeons have been
recommending a firm mattress to their back patients. But a new
Spanish study suggests that a medium-firm mattress might be the
best choice for the many people who suffer from low-back pain.
See Story:
http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=xmlpressfeed&c=xml_matress&spg=
NWL&b=healthology
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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/
-- Roger Lindberg, who recently had lung surgery,
is now home and doing well.
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.htmFor 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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SHAKE THE CHRISTMAS SNOW GLOBE
http://ww10.e-tractions.com/snowglobe/globe.htm
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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CHRISTMAS CRUNCH
This is a great snack that can make a great quick Christmas gift.
Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup cashews
Directions
1. Grease one 10x15 inch baking pan.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn
syrup and water; bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is
dissolved.
3. Continue to cook, without stirring until a candy thermometer
reads 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
4. Remove from heat; stir in butter, vanilla and baking soda. Add
cereal and cashews; pour into prepared pan and allow to cool. Break
into pieces and store in airtight container. Makes 12 servings
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances,
but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
-- Hugh Downs
--
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