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 15, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #11
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 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 - Exercise: Spring Into Action
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> Calendar of Events
==> 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
With spring around the corner, now is a good time to give thought to
starting an exercise program or giving new life to your regular
routine. If you're like most people with COPD, exercise can be a
Catch-22 - you don't exercise much because you get tired and short
of breath. But part of the reason you get tired and short of breath
may be that you don't exercise.
In the long-term, exercise will make you less short of breath. It
will also keep your muscles from getting tired as quickly. This
means you'll have more energy. As an added bonus, exercise will keep
your spirits up and improve your sense of well-being.
Before starting any type of exercise, check with your doctor. You
may also want to ask about enrolling in a pulmonary rehabilitation
program, where you can exercise under medical supervision, as well
as learn more about living with COPD.
In honor of the impending arrival of spring, this issue features
information on exercise and how beneficial it is for those of us
with lung disease.
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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PREDICTING DEATH RISK IN COPD PATIENTS
The Body-Mass Index, Airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise
Capacity Index (BODE), a simple multidimensional grading system,
is better than the FEV1 at predicting the risk of death from any
cause and from respiratory causes among patients with COPD.
Abstract: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/350/10/1005
STUDY: ASTHMA TREATMENT PREFERENCES
This study concluded that symptom-free days (SFDs) were the most
important attribute in asthma treatment. Patients were willing to
pay for a switch to their preferred treatment. The most favored
treatments were a reliever therapy that is both rapid and long
acting and a combination inhaler for both maintenance and as-needed
use. See Abstract:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/125/3/916
CORTICOSTEROID THERAPY REMAINS GOLD STANDARD
Inhaled corticosteroid therapy remains the gold standard of asthma
treatment, according to a new report. The medical panel concluded
that the benefits associated with inhaled corticosteroid therapy
greatly exceed the risks. See Abstract:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040301/clinical.html#9
DRUG SHOWS PROMISE FOR OBESITY, SMOKING
Researchers said Sanofi-Synthelabo's experimental drug rimonabant,
or Acomplia, helped people lose weight and quit smoking and had
limited side effects. The French drug maker highlighted its new drug
by presenting the early results of two Phase III studies at a
meeting in New Orleans. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4529941§ion
=news
SLEEP APNEA HAS IMPACT ON BED PARTNERS
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common problem, with an estimated
prevalence of 2 percent in women and 4 percent in men. Multiple
studies have shown that those who suffer from obstructive sleep
apnea have a decrease in their quality of life. The latter improves
with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Bed partners of patients with sleep apnea also have problems with
disruption of sleep because of their partner's snoring, gasping, or
choking sounds. In addition, concerns about their bed partner's
breathing pauses or other abnormal breathing sounds can cause sleep
disruption.
This study concludes that obstructive sleep apnea has a significant
negative effect on patients and their bed partners. Treating these
patients with CPAP improved the bed partners' quality of life and
their perception of their health status. See Story:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040301/tips/12.html
RESTRICTIVE VS. OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE
What is the difference between restrictive and obstructive lung
disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, restrictive lung disease is caused by
a decrease in the amount of air that your lungs can hold. Your lungs
become "stiff," which reduces their ability to expand when you
inhale. Restrictive disorders include sarcoidosis and pulmonary
fibrosis.
Obstructive lung disease is due to a decrease in the amount of air
that you can exhale from your lungs. This is caused by narrowing or
blockage of the airways. Obstructive disorders include emphysema and
asthma.
Breathing tests (pulmonary function tests) help diagnose restrictive
and obstructive lung diseases.
EMPHYSEMA: SELF-CARE INFORMATION
If you have emphysema, you can take a number of steps to halt its
progression and to protect yourself from complications. See Steps:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=C585E4B1-9390-48CE-8A709FFA1BF
33DF7&dsection=9
SOAP DOESN'T PREVENT VIRAL INFECTION
Using antibacterial soaps and cleansers at home may not necessarily
reduce your risk of getting sick, researchers report. In a new
study, people who used antibacterial soaps and cleansers developed
cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other
symptoms just as often as people who used products that did not
contain antibacterial ingredients. Consumers need to know that it is
more important to keep clean than it is to use a specific
antibacterial product," the researchers said. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4481164§ion
=news
HEALTHY BODIES FIGHT STRESS BETTER
Everyone gets stressed. When stress strikes, you want your body to
be able to handle it. Stress can wear your body down, mentally and
physically. But a healthy body can cope with stress better than an
unhealthy one. There are several important things you can do to keep
your body healthy. Basically, it boils down to living a healthy
lifestyle. See Tips:
http://www.aarp.org/health/Articles/a2003-03-11-care.html
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER - THE BASICS
It is estimated that 3-4 percent of the general population suffers
from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by
excessive worry that occurs more often than not for a period of at
least six months. The person usually has a specific fear that has
become generalized to cover many different areas and the person
finds it difficult to control or manage the worry. See Story:
http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/anxietypanic/a/ytrussina.htm
RELIEF FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Empowering Caregivers, http://www.care-givers.com/ was created to
provide a safe, nurturing place for all family caregivers as well as
professionals on an emotional and spiritual level. Expert columns
feature well-known individuals in the fields of caregiving,
self-help and empowerment. The site also offers a monthly
newsletter. Empowering Caregivers is now under the umbrella of the
National Organization For Empowering Caregivers (NOFEC) at
http://www.nofec.org/
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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IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR COPDERS
Why should you exercise? Exercise and staying active are an
important part of rehabilitation for chronic lung disease. You may
believe that people with chronic lung disease are too short of
breath to exercise. This is a myth. The truth is that regular
exercise can help you feel less short of breath. Regular exercise
improves your heart and muscles. See Exercise Tips:
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/
EXERCISES FOR THOSE WITH BREATHING PROBLEMS
Research has shown that daily exercise for people with COPD will
greatly improve their level of leg muscle fitness. As a result, this
increased fitness can lead to improved quality of life,
self-confidence and hopefully reduce or eliminate hospital
admissions. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~huffpuff/exercise2.htm
EXERCISING SAFELY WITH COPD
http://www.aarc.org/patient_education/tips/exercise.html
HI-STEPPING THROUGH THE GOLDEN YEARS
Cardiovascular and orthopedic benefits await seniors who exercise.
But how to you get them moving? This link leads to motivational tips
for physical therapists. Young or old, exercise is especially
important for those of us with COPD. See More:
http://www.advanceforrcp.com/common/Editorial/Editorial.aspx?CC=31007
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < <
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STUDY: STOMACH SIZE AFFECTS FOOD INTAKE
Although bigger people tend to have bigger appetites, the size of
the stomach - and not just the size of the body - appears to affect
the feeling of fullness, or satiation, during and after a meal, new
research shows. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4489337§ion=news
OBESITY GAINS ON SMOKING AS TOP CAUSE OF DEATH
Obesity is quickly catching up to smoking as the No. 1 cause of
death in the United States, government researchers said, and a
concerned federal government launched an advertising campaign aimed
at getting Americans to eat better and exercise more. See Report:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4533652§ion=news
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> > > > > > > > > > CALENDAR OF EVENTS < < < < < < < < < < <
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COPD/ALPHA-1 EDUCATION DAYS 2004 SCHEDULED
Two COPD/Alpha-1 Education Days are scheduled to be held in
geographically diverse regions of the United States on Saturday,
March 27. Each program will include speakers on a variety of
Alpha-1 related medical topics and research.
The Education Days will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Los
Angeles, California. The events are free to the public.
For more information on the Los Angeles event, or to register,
please contact Troy Overfield at (310) 206-6189 or e-mail at
toverfield@mednet.ucla.edu For the Cincinnati event, contact
Brenda Buenaventura 1-888-825-7421 ext. 242 or e-mail at
brendab@alphaone.org .
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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
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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
CONDOLENCES
Olivija Gwynne passed away on March 12. She will be sadly missed
by the COPD online support community. She was the creator of one
of the most extensive Web sites for those with COPD. To visit her
Web site, go to http://www.olivija.com/ . There you will find a
wealth of information on COPD.
To leave condolences for her family, please go to
http://members.tripod.com/~copd_tlc/olivija.html
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
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-- Continually Updated List of COPD Clinical Trials
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Don't forget to checkout all our support programs listed on our
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> > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < <
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HUNTING FLIES
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around
with a fly swatter.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Hunting flies," he responded.
"Oh. Killing any?" she asked.
"Yep, three males, two females," he replied.
Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell?"
He responded, "Three were on a beer can; two were on the phone."
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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EASY GARLIC CHICKEN
Simply dip the chicken in melted garlic butter, roll in bread crumbs
and bake for a moist, flavorful entree.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup butter
6 cloves crushed garlic
2 cups seasoned dry breadcrumbs
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a small saucepan melt butter/margarine with garlic. Dip
chicken pieces in butter/garlic sauce, letting extra drip off,
then coat completely with breadcrumbs.
3. Place coated chicken in a lightly greased 9x13 inch-baking
dish. Combine any leftover butter/garlic sauce with breadcrumbs
and spoon mixture over chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Makes 4 servings.
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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Last Friday, another true icon in our COPD world left on her final
journey. As her husband, Don Gwynne, said, so simply, yet so
eloquently, "Olivija has gone home."
Over the past years, I have made many visits to her website,
Olivija's Place, as it has always held a wealth of information for
the COPDer. Her devotion and dedication to helping others and
providing a great resource of information is the eternal legacy she
leaves for all of us with COPD.
Today, I made still another visit - to think, and to wonder.
This time, I was not on a quest for information. I just felt a need
to visit. This time, I saw more than files, facts and instructions.
I saw a different part of the Web site. I saw the emotions, thoughts
and philosophies of Olivija herself. As I read through her intro
page filled with sayings and poems, I realized the depth of her
commitments, her love of life and the importance of happiness.
On the Web site is the following quote:
A LIFESPAN IS: "Merely a blip on a screen, or a flash of light
across the scans of time and space. And in the twinkling of an
eye is gone forever."
Olivija, your "flash of light" has crossed this world of ours, and
helped light the way for so many COPDers and their families.
You have accomplished so much in the "twinkling of an eye" as
you phrased it.
To close, I want to refer to two other quotes from the website, for
they say it all:
"The only true disability is a bad attitude."
"Do all the good you can, for all the people you can,
while you can."
Olivija, You were an inspiration to so many, you will be missed.
We are so much richer for your presence here.
Rest well,
cg
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