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 22, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #51
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2003 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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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 - Living Well With COPD
==> 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
As we approach Christmas, perhaps one of the best gifts we can
give ourselves is the power of a positive attitude. With a good
attitude, we can lead a happier and more productive lifestyle.
When we are in a good frame of mind it is easier to take care
of ourselves by getting enough rest, eating well, quitting smoking,
exercising and following our medication regime.
This issue features information on living well with COPD.
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
Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays!
Yours in health ...
Susie
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> > > > > > > > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < <
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2003 BEGINS WITH SARS, ENDS WITH FLU
Associated Press recently published a story on health in the year
2003, beginning with an account of the impact of the SARS virus in
2002. It compares the SARS outbreak with the current crisis
surrounding this year's influenza epidemic. The remainder of the
article talks about medical advances in other areas in an overall
summary of health landmarks and challenges in the year 2003. See
Story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57226-2003Dec11.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.
U.S. CDC ACTIVATES CENTER TO DEAL WITH FLU
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
activated its emergency operations center to deal with the flu
outbreak, CDC officials said.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC, said the agency has sent
out field teams to help states deal with the outbreak and evaluate
the effectiveness of this year's flu shot. At least 36 states have
been labeled by the agency as having widespread flu activity, and no
state has been untouched.
The operations center was used earlier this year to help the agency
manage SARS and West Nile virus activity in the United States. With
the flu season hitting early, many areas have reported shortages of
flu shots as demand outpaced supply. But the government has worked
to purchase remaining flu shot supplies for states.
Gerberding urged people not to crowd emergency rooms. The agency
posted information on its Web site to help people decide when they
need to go to the hospital and when they should stay home, according
to a CDC press release.
If, however, your flu symptoms are unusually severe (for example, if
you are having trouble breathing), you should consult your
health-care provider immediately. COPDers are at special risk from
complications of the flu; therefore, we should consult our
health-care providers at the first symptoms of the flu or cold.
For more on the flu, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
DEATHS FROM COPD ON THE RISE
Deaths from COPD are on the increase, prompting doctors world-
wide to alert smokers and non-smokers about the symptoms, effects
and treatment of the disease. See Story:
http://www.independent.com.mt/daily/
newsview.asp?id=22506
ANABOLIC STEROIDS HELPFUL IN LUNG DISEASE
The drugs notorious for helping bodybuilders pile on muscle can
improve the strength of people who have COPD. A short-term course of
treatment with nandrolone decanoate, an anabolic steroid, has a
positive effect on body composition in patients with COPD, according
to the results of a study in the medical journal Chest. More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4016469
HOLIDAY STRESS CAN TRIGGER ASTHMA
Stress can often peak during the holidays for a variety of reasons.
A commonly over looked asthma trigger, stress needs to be addressed
and managed. See More:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa122099a.htm
DIET MAY INFLUENCE HAY FEVER RISK
Getting a healthy dose of certain antioxidants and fatty acids from
oils, fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing
seasonal bouts of hay fever, new study findings suggest. Fatty acids
and antioxidants have been linked to a number of health benefits,
including keeping the heart healthy and preventing cell damage.
See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4003662
MOUTH MASK HELP SOME WITH SLEEP APNEA
An oral mask appears to be an effective way of delivering airway
therapy to patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder
that causes people to temporarily stop breathing many times a night,
new research suggests. The oral mask, which is produced by US-based
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare under the name Oracle, could
represent a viable option for patients who experience problems with
nasal masks. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=health
News&storyID=4003649
NONINVASIVE VENTILATION BENEFICAL
Patients admitted to the intensive care unit for acute exacerbation
of COPD or severe cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) had fewer
nosocomial infections and better outcomes when ventilatory support
initially consisted of noninvasive ventilation compared with
conventional mechanical ventilation. See Story:
http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/5EEE201FB2D5754085256DF9004DFD7F
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.
AIR POLLUTION: BAD FOR YOUR LUNGS, HEART
Air pollution in U.S. cities causes twice as many deaths from heart
disease as it does from lung cancer and other respiratory ailments,
a surprising new study suggests. The statistical analysis was
published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart
Association. See Details:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/16/health/main588941.shtml
PAYOFF FOR QUITTING SMOKING MAY TAKE YEARS
Smokers who quit still have higher health-care charges for a few
years after giving up. Researchers at the University of Michigan
have been looking at health-care costs among smokers. They have
concluded that having to consult for a medical condition often acts
as a "wake up" call that prompts a smoker to quit.
But they don't see the benefits right away. Smoking is linked with
an increased rate of three chronic conditions - arthritis, allergies
and back pain. Till now, these haven't been associated with smoking.
People who have any of these chronic conditions will have to wait
for 10 years after quitting before their health-care costs approach
those of non-smokers.
For those without any of these conditions, the wait is more like
five years. But, during the wait, the health-care costs of smokers
who quit may even be more than current smokers. See Story:
http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gm=1!gid1=5296;!-85677599!174479238!7537!7038
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.
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 current U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls, go to
http://www.safetyalerts.com/
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> > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < <
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LIVING WELL WITH COPD
For most people, living with COPD is not easy. It's a serious
illness that can greatly affect your entire way of life. But it
doesn't have to mean the end of enjoying your life. Together with
your doctor, you can learn ways to maximize your breathing and
fitness. It takes a commitment to improve your health, and it takes
effort to use your medicines and therapies correctly. You CAN live
well with COPD. See Story:
http://www.chestnet.org/education/patient/guides/copd/
ADJUSTING TO LIFE WTIH COPD
This link lead to things you can do for yourself to help stay
positive and active. If you feel you may be sinking into a
depression it is important that you see your doctor, who will
be able to help you overcome it. See Tips:
http://www.efanet.org/COPD/Managing_COPD/adjusting.asp
BILL HORDEN: COPD IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE
This is a reminder to check out the writings of the late Bill
Horden, a COPD patient advocate. Bill's positive approach to living
with COPD has given many people the hope and the will to live the
best live possible in spite of their illness. Horden Library:
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/
BUILD ANTIBODIES TO FIGHT THE FLU
The combination of the holiday season and cold weather can be
a double whammy on our immune system, which is often more
susceptible during the winter months. One doctor offers tips on
how to keep strong as the winter descends upon us. See Tips:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/03/earlyshow/contributors/emilysenay/
main586530.shtml
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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STUDY: COFFEE DOES NOT RAISE ARTHRITIS RISK
Drinking multiple cups of coffee every day does not appear to
increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), new
research suggests. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3985282
TOP NUMBERS IN BLOOD PRESSURE TELLS ALL
To the befuddlement of patients everywhere, blood pressure
measurements come in two numbers - one that's bigger and one
that's smaller, such as 120 over 80. Now, new research confirms
that the first number is the more important of the two, and suggests
the difference between them - the little-known "pulse pressure" -
doesn't mean much at all. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=515860
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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
OUR CONDOLENCES
Jo Von Tucker of Cape Cod passed away on December 17 from
complications following surgery. As many of you know, she was
very active at many levels of COPD advocacy. We send our
condolences to her family.
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 chat schedules (all Eastern Time)
are listed below.
-- QSN Holiday Chat Schedule
We hope all of you are enjoying your holidays. Because of the
busy holiday season, there will be no Monday night Quit
Smoking Now (QSN) chats for the next two weeks. They
will resume on Monday, January 5 at 9 p.m.
Also, we will not have a QSN daily 5 p.m. chat. We will have a
chat only at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays for the next two weeks. We will
resume our daily schedule on Tuesday, January 6.
However, if anyone needs help with their quit and wants to talk,
please write Don Soderstrom at Avoidcourt@aol.com or Dorothy
Williams at dwilyums@charter.net
-- 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
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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CAN YOU RECITE THE "TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS?"
Most of us know the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but how
many of us know what the gifts were? See how well you know this
classic ditty - and when you're done, learn a thing or two about the
gifts in the song. See Quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=29
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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SAUSAGE CASSEROLE CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
This is a tasty, easy breakfast casserole that is perfect to serve
as a special Christmas brunch.
Ingredients
3/4 pound ground pork sausage
1/2 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons milk
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high
heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Preheat oven
to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lay crescent rolls flat in
the bottom of the pan. Combine cooked sausage, cheese, eggs, milk,
salt and pepper; pour over crescent rolls.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, until bubbly and rolls are
baked.
Makes 6 servings.
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow --
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