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, February 17, 2003                        Volume #2 -- Issue #7
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004   COPD-International.com   All rights reserved.

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            > > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE < < < < < < < < < <
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==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Doctor/Patient Relationships
==> 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
Doctors - can't live with them - can't live without them. At least
that's what it seems like at times. One of the best things we can
do for ourselves is to get a good primary care physician (PCP)
and a good pulmonary specialist

That's not always easy and much depends on where we live. But,
the fact is COPD is not curable; therefore, it is important that we find
health-care providers that are well-informed and stay current with
new treatments and medications.

Being an informed patient is one key in developing a working
relationship with your doctors. Most appreciate patients who
take an active approach to their care.

This issue focuses on doctor-patient relationships and what we can
do on our end to maintain, improve and make the most of doctors'
visits while getting all our questions answered in a manner in which
we can better understand our disease and exact diagnosis.

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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-----KEY FACTORS LISTED IN EVALUATING COPD
This study concludes that pulmonary function, clinical ratings of dyspnea
and laboratory ratings of dyspnea are three separate and independent
factors and should be included in the routine clinical evaluation of
patients with COPD. See Article
http://www.elsevier.nl/gej-ng/10/28/44/83/47/30/abstract.html

-----ABSTRACT - EARLY COPD DETECTION URGED
The majority of COPD patients seek medical advice at advanced
disease stages, and smoke actively despite severe symptoms and
functional impairment. However, nearly every second patient presents
at stages 0-1, thus opening a window for therapeutic or behavioral
intervention. See Abstract:
http://www.pulmonologylinx.com/thearts.cfm?artid=513832&specid=14&
ok=yes

-----POOR SLEEP CAN LEAVE YOU MORE THAN TIRED
Elderly people who don't sleep well may have more than mental alertness
to worry about: They are also more likely to die sooner than their sound
-sleeping counterparts, a new study suggests. And for those of us with
COPD, sleep difficulties are common. If you are having trouble getting
enough sleep, speak with your doctor, as not getting enough rest can
affect all areas of our health. See Study:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=
511646

------BATTLE OVER INTERNET DRUG SALES HEATS UP
An intense battle has erupted over drug giant GlaxoSmithKline's decision
to cut its supply of prescription medications to online Canadian pharmacies
that sell the drugs at discounted prices to U.S. citizens. See Update:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=
511679

-----COP A HEALTHY ATTITUDE!
Can a simple change in attitude improve quality of life or asthma
treatment plan? Yes. Your attitude toward asthma, medication, dealing
with health professionals and even your family can have an enormous
affect on your ability to control asthma and improve your quality of life.

It has been known for some time that having a positive attitude can be
beneficial in number of acute and chronic diseases including COPD,
cystic fibrosis and cancer. See Story:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa021003a.htm

-----MENTHOL CIGARETTES MAY POSE MORE RISKS
Smoking menthol cigarettes may pose even more health risks than
smoking regular cigarettes. A new study shows that a byproduct of
nicotine stays in the body longer in women who smoke menthol
cigarettes than in those who smoke non-menthol cigarettes. See
Story: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/57/66007.htm

-----VITAMIN A STUDY HOLDS HOPE FOR EX-SMOKERS
A vitamin A derivative has been shown to reverse the genetic damage
caused by smoking. These finding have scientists speculating about the
possibility of preventing lung cancer in ex-smokers, who risk developing
lung cancer because damage caused by smoking does not immediately
disappear. See Details:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/02/05/1044318670342.html

-----SUPPORT HELPS TO QUIT SMOKING
Older smokers who have tried to give up before are more likely to be
successful in quitting smoking than younger people trying for the first
time, according to Spanish researchers.

Their study also showed that patients who are offered the most intensive
support in giving up smoking are 13 times more likely to succeed than
patients left to their own devices. See Study:
http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=2504

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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-----MEDWATCH ALERT
Bristol-Myers Squibb notified health-care professionals of medication
errors due to name confusion between Serzone, indicated for the treatment
of depression and Seroquel, a product of AstraZeneca, indicated for the
treatment of schizophrenia.

The overlapping strengths (100 mg and 200 mg), the dosage form (tablets)
the dosing interval (BID) and the fact that these two products are stocked
close together in pharmacies were critical in causing these medication
errors. Medwatch Alert:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/safety03.htm#serzon

To view drug recalls, please go to our Library section
at http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
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       > > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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-----HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Good communication between your doctor and you is critical to
getting good care. The wealth of information now at our fingertips
has made it much easier to take charge of our own health. Educating
ourselves about illnesses, diseases and treatment options can help us
work more effectively with our doctors to restore and maintain health.

Building a successful partnership with your doctor and other health-care
providers takes time and effort. Here are some questions to ask
yourself about what kind of relationship you have with your doctor.

-- Do you feel rushed or uncomfortable during your visit?
-- Do you refrain from asking questions because you are
intimidated or feel there is no time?
-- Do you leave feeling confused about what your doctor has
just told you?

It's not uncommon to have some or all of these feelings at one time or
another. But overall, your relationship with your doctor should be a
positive experience rather than a frustrating one. Let your doctor know
when there is a problem. If you can't resolve things together, you might
need to entrust your care to someone else. You can take charge of your
health! See How:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/pubs/talking/index.htm#content

-----QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR
This checklist is a collection of questions gathered from a variety of
sources and people with COPD. More questions can be added to
fit your individual needs. These are suggestions designed to help
you prepare for your doctors' visits. See Suggestions:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/questions.htm

-----PATIENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has several useful consumer
guides, including, 20 Tips to Prevent Medical Errors, Questions To
Ask Your Doctor Before You Have Surgery and Personal Health Guide.

These publications are available online or you can order through AHRQ
Publications Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907,
or their toll free number 1-800-358-9295. Online Access:
www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/
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> > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----SMOKING, OBESITY STOKE HOT FLASHES
The most common complaint of menopause may be directly associated
to either of the most serious risks to overall health. A new study shows
that women who smoke or are obese are twice as likely to have earlier
and more severe hot flashes. See Details:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/60/67031.htm

-----TAKING HERB EPHEDRA RISKY
A new study concludes that the herb ephedra - a key ingredient
in weight-loss products like Metabolife 356 - is hundreds of times
riskier than other kinds of herbal supplements. See Report.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/60/67025.htm

-----MOLD MAKING HEADLINES
Mold is in the news. People are talking about its potential health
and economic impact. But what are the real risks and issues?
The available science is incomplete and sometimes controversial.
This brochure represents a consensus statement by a group of
experts and does not claim to be a definitive or comprehensive
position statement. See Brochure:
http://www.aiha.org/GovernmentAffairs-PR/html/oomold.htm
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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. Also during the week, special on-topic chats
are held. Unlike our open chats, we ask that these chats stay on
topic. We look forward to seeing you. The chat room schedule can
be accessed at: http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm

----- NEW! LUNG TRANSPLANT CHAT
Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. (EST), a special on-topic chat is held on
lung transplants hosted by Tony Hamel. Tony had a single lung transplant
February 2001. This chat is held in the COPD Community Room.
Access the COPD room through the COPD community link off the
Home Page or directly at:
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm

You can read more about Tony and his story in our library. The
direct link is http://www.copd-international.com/Library/lungtx.htm

-----EXERCISE CHAT
Sundays at 7 p.m. (EST) in the Exercise Chat Room, join Host Billie
in this informal chat setting to discuss exercise, getting started,
motivational tips, advanced tips and much more. All are welcome
who have an interest in any type or level of exercise. Exercise Chat
Room: http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/chat.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.)

-----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.

For more information on our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at Chat@COPD-International.com

-----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.

-- Stanley Tidwell's wife has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Stanley also is having some bad SOB attacks from the stress.
Most of us know Stanley by the nickname of "Friday."

To participate in this program of loving concern, please go to
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 - SUPPORT NEEDED
This site is supported and maintained by COPDers. It is not
uncommon for us to have severe pouts with our illness. Due to
our health issues, many of us need downtime to recuperate and
get back on our feet.

Therefore a strong team of volunteers is most important. If you
want 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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-----TOOL TIME!
You may be a genius with a hammer and nails, but how much do you
know about the more obscure tools at the home store? Take this quiz
and see if you're really as cool with tools as you think.
http://houseandhome.msn.com/Features/MensHomeLiving/FeatureMens
HomeLivingQuiz.aspx

Editor's Quiz Score: "Go to tool school. Buy some safety glasses first
of all, and then find a basic tool guide and stock up. Leave those kitchen
knives alone!
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> > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----BEEFY PASTA SKILLET

Prep/Cook Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Tomato Soup
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked corkscrew OR elbow pasta

Directions:

COOK beef and onion in skillet until browned. Pour off fat.
ADD soup, water, Worcestershire, cheese and pasta and heat
through. Serves 4.

Recipe Tip:

Save time by overlapping steps, cooking the pasta as the ground beef is
cooking. You can also cook the pasta in advance, and refrigerate in an
airtight container for 3-5 days. (Source: Campbell's Kitchen)

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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt,
kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.

-- Albert Schweitzer --

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> > > > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < < < <
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Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
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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.