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, March 8, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #10
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
FREE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY! Subscription information is at
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 - Early Allergy Season
==> Guest Editorial Update
==> 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
Spring allergy season typically begins at the end of March or start of
April. This year many folks are already sneezing and wheezing as the
allergy season has arrived early in many regions of the United States.
The allergy season arrived early last year, too, due to heavy rainfall
and unseasonably warm temperatures. Last year, there also were
unusually high levels of pollen.
Doctors are urging people with allergies to get medications
immediately because symptoms can be better controlled the sooner
treatment starts.
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
Editor's Note: There are several exceptionally long links in this
edition. Please cut and paste the entire address
into your browser if you have trouble opening the page.
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COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < <
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CANADIAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL - COPD GUIDELINES
COPD is becoming an increasing problem for health care workers. The
World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that in the year 2020 this
disease will be the fifth most prevalent disease worldwide. This
editorial addresses the burden of COPD on Canadians and the steps that
can be taken to ease this burden and help those with COPD lead the
best quality of life possible. Editorial:
http://www.pulsus.com/Respir/11_01/pree_ed.htm
NHS "SHOULD DO MORE" FOR COPD PATIENTS
The NHS should devote more resources to ensure that hundreds of
thousands of people with a potentially fatal lung disease do not miss
out on vital rehabilitation, a health group said. Many of the 900,000
people in the U.K. who have COPD do not have access to pulmonary
rehabilitation classes, which could dramatically improve their quality
of life.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which is
responsible for providing guidance on treatments and care for those
using the NHS in England and Wales, published new advice for the
treatment of COPD. See Story:
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2575498
RETINOIC ACID FAILS TO REVERSE EMPHYSEMA IN MICE
Previous work has shown that all-trans-retinoic acid reverses elastase
induced emphysema in rats. A study was undertaken using two murine
models of emphysema to evaluate the effect of retinoic acid.
In these models, retinoic acid did not show positive effects on
emphysema. The effect of retinoic acid in the treatment of pulmonary
emphysema remains controversial, and further studies are required to
determine its physiological effects under a variety of experimental
conditions. See Abstract:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/59/3/224
REVIEW: ABCS OF SMOKING CESSATION
The most effective methods of helping smokers to quit smoking combine
pharmacotherapy (such as nicotine or bupropion) with advice and
behavioral support. These two components contribute about equally
to the success of the intervention. Doctors and other health
professionals should therefore be familiar with what these strategies
offer, encourage smokers to use them, and be able at least to provide
simple advice and behavioral support to smokers. See Review:
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/328/7436/397
STUDY: SMOKING CESSATION, LUNG FUNCTION
A new study shows how smoking cessation affects lung function in both
the "healthy" smoker and those who have developed disease. Around half
of people who smoke can expect to develop chronic bronchitis and one
in five will go on to have COPD. Smoking is, in fact, the major cause
of COPD and the best treatment is to quit.
Researchers at the University Hospital of Groningen, The Netherlands,
have reviewed evidence of the impact of smoking cessation on the
lungs. They find that quitting improves respiratory symptoms and
prevents further deterioration of lung function in all groups of
smokers. However, when it comes to airway inflammation, quitting
brings about an improvement in so-called healthy smokers, but not in
those with bronchitis or COPD.
This is interesting, given that giving up smoking does stop
progression of COPD. Evidently there's a need for more research into
how smoking cessation really affects the lungs of those who have COPD.
(European Respiratory Journal March 2004)
RESEARCH: VITAMIN C KEEPS LUNGS HEALTHY
An orange a day may help keep lung disease away, new research from
the U.K. suggests. In the study, researchers confirmed that people
who consume high levels of vitamin C and magnesium tend to have
healthier lungs. And for the first time, the research showed that
people with high levels of vitamin C intake experience less decline in
lung function over time. See Story:
http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=55899
IS IT ASTHMA?
What do you do if you or someone you know suspects they might have
asthma? It could be that you're coughing or wheezing a lot when you're
around a friend's perfume or one of your children keep getting
frequent colds that seem to last forever. Wheezing, coughing,
shortness of breath and noisy breathing are all signs of asthma. See
More: http://asthma.about.com/cs/support/a/aa020404a.htm
NEW SLEEP AID GETS CONDITIONAL APPROVAL
Sepracor Inc. said it received conditional U.S. approval for its
experimental insomnia treatment Estorra, a potential improvement
on drugs currently on the market. See Full Article:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4460982&
section=news
ADVICE TO DRINK LIQUIDS DURING COLD QUESTIONED
There is no evidence to support the common wisdom that drinking
plenty of fluids helps someone with a cold or flu, according to
Australian researchers. Instead, some research suggests, downing lots
of fluids during an illness may even be dangerous in some cases. See
Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4457914
§ion=news
SURVEY: SLEEP OFTEN SABOTAGED BY BEDMATE
For many Americans, simply sharing a bed may cause or worsen their
sleep problems. According to a new Harris Interactive survey of adult
Americans who share a bed with a spouse or partner most nights,
approximately one in four (24 percent) of those surveyed reported that
their partners' sleep problems interfere with their own sleep. This
link leads to tips on how be get better sleep.
http://www.sanofi-synthelabous.com/news/2004/20040224.html
STUDY: MONITORING COPD PATIENTS AT HOME
The Going Home, Staying Home demonstrator project was established by
Fold Housing Association, Foyle Health and Social Services Trust and
the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to test the effectiveness of
medical telemonitoring equipment in managing the effects of COPD.
Fifteen COPD sufferers are taking part in the three-year trial, due to
conclude in March 2005. See Study Details:
http://www.bjhc.co.uk/issues/v21-1/v21-1rice&doughty.htm
MOM'S SMOKING TIED TO ADULT CHILDREN'S LUNG DISEASE
The effects of a mother's smoking on her children's lungs may be
permanent, possibly furthering the risk of serious lung disease in
children who take up the habit themselves, new research suggests.
The U.K. study found that the adult children of female smokers had
smaller lung volumes compared with the children of non-smokers,
regardless of whether they themselves smoked. What's more, among
adults who did smoke, those whose mothers smoked had a higher risk of
developing COPD. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=health
News&storyID=4447406§ion=news
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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WARM SPELL BRINGS EARLY ALLERGY SEASON
Suddenly tormented by a runny nose, stuffy head, scratchy throat and
itchy eyes? You've got lots of company. Across the United States, the
spring allergy season has hit extremely early due to spells of
unseasonably warm weather that has induced trees such as elm, maple
and oak to spew out pollen particles weeks ahead of schedule.
That's making seasonal allergy sufferers miserable, and doctors in
most regions are seeing a surge in patients seeking appointments or
prescription refills. "Normally, it wouldn't be until the end of March
or the start of April," said Dr. Leonard Bielory, director of the
Asthma and Allergy Research Center at the University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark.
He's also seen a recent increase in patients coming in with asthma
flare-ups and problems from mold allergies because balmy weather in
the Northeast melted snow and ice, freeing mold spores from decaying
leaves and twigs.
(Associated Press)
SIMPLE WAYS TO LIMIT ALLERGIES
Allergy symptoms send millions of people to doctors' offices each
year.
Here are some tips for limiting symptoms caused by pollen:
-- Close windows at night and car windows while traveling.
-- Limit outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest
(between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), and when conditions are humid
or windy.
-- Shower before you go to sleep so you don't bring pollen into
bed. If you have a pet, wipe down its fur when it comes in
for the evening.
-- Take medications prescribed by your doctor regularly and at
the recommended dosage. Doctors say steroid nasal sprays
bring the most relief for many people.
For people who are also allergic to molds:
-- Don't over-water indoor plants; limit their number.
-- Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry.
If symptoms worsen or change, consult your doctor.
(American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology)
ANSWERS TO COMMON ALLERGY QUESTIONS
This link leads WebMD's reference site on allergy information.
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/61/71448.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC
77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}
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> > > > > > > > > GUEST
EDITORIAL -- UPDATE < < < < < <
< < <
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COMPOSITE CYLINDERS UPDATE
From Pete Wilson
To date, nine oxygen users have received a total of 60 composite
cylinders from Luxfer Cylinders Inc. for their use and at no cost. The
weight of portable oxygen equipment was important to all, but duration
was more important. For example, one participant said the short
uration of even the largest aluminum cylinder he could carry reduced
the distance he usually walked for exercise. Another, who said she was
unable to carry a second aluminum cylinder along to socials, complained
about having to leave early.
The typical participant had 12 aluminum M-6 (or B) cylinders delivered
twice a month now has a delivery of 12 aluminum M-6 cylinders at the
beginning of a month and seven composite cylinders, which together
hold as much oxygen as the 12 aluminum cylinders, delivered mid-month.
Each composite cylinder has an empty weight of 2.6 pounds, as compared
with 2.2 pounds for the aluminum M-6 (or B) cylinder and each
composite cylinder has a duration that is 50 percent longer than the
aluminum cylinder.
So, for two weeks each month, these participants, who typically change
cylinders after two-hours use, now have cylinders that last three
hours.
The trial is half way along and there remain 140 composite cylinders
ready for distribution, so I am looking for folks who would like to
give them a try. Once you get them, they are yours for as long as you
want, and at no cost to either you or your provider.
If you are interested and you
* currently use aluminum M-6 (or B) or M-9 (or C) cylinders
* are on continuous flow or use pulse flow at setting 3 or
above when walking
* need to have a cylinder of greater duration but not
additional weight
* have an oxygen provider that is local and who does not offer
liquid oxygen
please email me. The only thing I ask is that you write a
paragraph
describing your experience with the cylinders. For more information,
please visit
http://www.portableoxygen.org/compressedo2.html
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NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < <
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NUTRITIONAL BOOST HELPS ELDERLY WARD OFF COLDS
A nutritional supplement containing antioxidants, vitamins and
minerals appears to boost immune system functioning in the elderly,
new research indicates. Elderly participants who downed the specially
formulated supplement for around six months experienced fewer days
with cold symptoms, and were more likely to show a strong immune
response to a flu vaccine - a sign their bodies were well primed to
fight off future infections. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=health
News&storyID=4448470§ion=news
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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/
-- Chat host Lynne had a seizure. The word we have now is that
she is going to be alright and should be home from the hospital
in a couple of days. Go to the link above to leave get-well
wishes.
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/
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http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/
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-- Welcome Wagon
http://www.COPD-International.com/welcome/
-- To Volunteer
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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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DO GREAT BOOKS MAKE GREAT MOVIES?
Some great novels have been made into fabulous movies. Others probably
should never have tried to make the leap to the silver screen. Test
your book-to-movie smarts. See Quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=105
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>
> > > > > > > > RECIPE
< < < < < < < < <
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LASAGNA
Mayo Clinic registered dietitians offer this baked lasagna recipe
tailored to fit a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons basil
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
3 1/2 cups water
3/4 pound uncooked lasagna noodles
3/4 pound low-fat mozzarella cheese
Directions
Brown meat, add onion and cook until onion is soft. Add spices
and sugar. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce and water. Bring to a
boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Put 1/2 cup sauce in the bottom
of a 9 by 13 pan. Cover with a layer of raw noodles, layer of
sauce and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat until ingredients are used
up. Noodles should be covered with sauce. Cover pan with aluminum
foil and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Yield: 8 servings
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CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < <
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A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at
night, and in between he does what he wants to do.
-- Bob Dylan --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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