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 22, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #12
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.
_______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > IN THIS ISSUE < < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________
==> Welcome
==> COPD News
==> Recalls/Warnings
==> Featured Articles - Pneumonia/Pneumonitis
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> Community Update
==> Link Directory
==> Just for Fun
==> Recipe
==> Closing Thought
==> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > WELCOME < < < < < < < < <
________________________________________________________________
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
Just the word "pneumonia" can strike fear in the hearts of those of
us with COPD because our impaired lungs put us at increased risk of
developing pneumonia. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are more
than 50 kinds of pneumonia that range in seriousness from mild to
life-threatening.
In many cases, pneumonia follows a common cold or the flu, but it
also can be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.
It's best to do everything we can to prevent pneumonia, but if we do
get sick, recognizing and treating the disease early offers the best
chance for recovery.
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.
________________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < <
________________________________________________________________
MEET AMERICA'S 100 "ASTHMA CAPITALS" FOR 2004
Springtime and the breathing isn't easy - particularly if you have
asthma and live in Knoxville, Tenn.; Little Rock, Ark.; St. Louis;
Madison, Wisc.; or Louisville. That's the conclusion of a new survey
from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America that ranks the
100 largest U.S. cities by asthma risk. The just-mentioned cities
occupy the top five slots. Daytona Beach, Fla.; Miami; and San
Francisco conclude the list. See Complete List:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/asthma-hot-spots_2004.htm
NEW EXAM MY IMPROVE COPD TREATMENT
An exam that looks at the whole patient, not just the lungs, can
refine treatment and may prolong the lives of those with COPD, a
study finds. The new study of 625 patients shows that an exam scale
called the BODE index can pick out patients at highest risk of
deterioration and death. See Details:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/517721/main.html
Editor's Note: The above information appeared in an abstract in a
previous newsletter. This version is easier to understand.
NEW COPD DRUGS IN THE WORKS
This article states that therapists need to stay abreast of new drugs
in the respiratory arena. Today there is a dizzying array of
medications. Just keeping up can be a challenge sometimes. This
article addresses what's available and some of the latest and
greatest that may be coming to a drugstore near you. See Story:
http://www.advanceforrcp.com/common/Editorial/Editorial.aspx?CC=30967
ACCESS TO CARE STUMBLING BLOCK IN ASTHMA
With all the improved drugs and therapies available for treating
asthma today, we should have improved mortality and morbidity rates.
This isn't happening. Stumbling blocks hinge on a key issue: access
to care. See Full Story:
http://www.advanceforrcp.com/common/Editorial/Editorial.aspx?CC=30963
ASTHMA EXACERBATIONS IN ADULTS
The severity of exacerbations may range from mild to
life-threatening, and mortality is most often associated with failure
to appreciate the severity of the exacerbation, resulting in
inadequate emergency treatment and delay in referring to a hospital.
See Abstract:
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/125/3/1081
STUDY: MOXIFLOXACIN FOR ACUTE EXACERBATIONS
Five-day treatment with moxifloxacin HCl (Avelox, Bayer) provided
a greater clinical cure rate for acute exacerbations of chronic
bronchitis (AECB) compared to seven-day treatment with standard
antibiotic therapy, according to a study in the March issue of Chest.
The shorter moxifloxacin treatment regimen resolved or improved AECB
signs and symptoms (coughing, phlegm production and shortness of
breath) at a higher rate (70.9 percent vs. 62.8 percent) than the
week-long treatment with other commonly used antibiotics such as
clarithromycin, amoxicillin and cefuroxime-axetil.
Additionally, moxifloxacin treatment was associated with higher
eradication rates of the bacteria causing the infection, a reduced
need for additional antibiotics to improve or resolve symptoms and an
average of two additional AECB-free weeks between AECB episodes
compared to patients who took standard therapy.
(Advance News)
YOUR NOSE: GUARDIAN OF YOUR LUNGS
You might not think your nose is a "vital organ," but indeed it is!
To understand its importance, all that most people need to experience
is a bad cold. Nasal congestion and a runny nose have a noticeable
effect on quality of life, energy level, ability to breathe, ability
to sleep and ability to function in general. More About the Nose:
http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/nose/Nose.cfm
EPA STUDYING EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE POPCORN
According to the Washington Post, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is studying the chemicals released into the air when
a bag of microwave popcorn is popped or opened since exposure to
vapors from the butter flavoring has been linked to lung disease.
According to the article, the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health has linked diacetyl to respiratory illnesses found
in workers who mix the microwave popcorn flavorings. The article says
that investigators believe the chemical becomes hazardous when it is
heated and there is repeated exposure to large quantities over a long
time.
RECRUITMENT COMPLETE FOR SPIRIVA STUDY
Boehringer Ingelheim announced completion of patient recruitment for
the company's large-scale, Phase IV, four-year study to evaluate the
potential long-term impact of Spiriva (tiotropium) on lung function
decline and disease progression in patients with COPD. Understanding
Potential Long-term Impacts on Function with Tiotropium (UPLIFT) is
the largest study of its kind and the most globally inclusive:
involving approximately 6,000 COPD patients in 37 countries.
The primary objective of UPLIFT is to determine whether tiotropium
reduces the rate of lung function decline (as measured by FEV1) over
time in COPD patients. Other important outcome measures - including
health-related quality of life, exacerbations of COPD and mortality -
will also be assessed. The first results of the double-blind
controlled clinical trial are expected in 2008.
(Boehringer Ingelheim Press Release)
INFORMATION ON MEDICARE DRUG CARDS
Dear Marci is a service of the Medicare Rights Center (MRC)
(www.medicarerights.org), the largest independent source of health
care information and assistance in the United States for people with
Medicare. New Medicare-approved prescription drug discount cards
will be available in June. Before you buy a card, explore all your
options. See MRC Information:
http://www.medicarerights.org/rxcardhandoutframeset.html
TAKING FITNESS PERSONALLY
If the idea that physical activity can instill anything other than
dread seems shocking, it may be time to reconsider your exercise
choices. "The most important thing about exercise is consistency,"
says Bryant Stamford, PhD, a professor and director of the Health
Promotion Center at the University of Louisville. "So you need to
choose things that are realistic, comfortable and that are going to
inspire you to keep coming back." See Suggestions:
http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=fitness&c=fitness_personally&
spg=NWL&b=healthology
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/
_____________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > RECALLS / WARNINGS < < < < < < < < <
_____________________________________________________________
RECALLS
To view current U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls, go to
http://www.safetyalerts.com/
_____________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < <
_____________________________________________________________
ALL ABOUT PNEUMONIA
Below is a link to the Mayo Clinic site were you can find the
following information on pneumonia and your lungs:
-- Overview
-- Signs and symptoms
-- Causes
-- Risk factors
-- When to seek medical advice
-- Screening and diagnosis
-- Complications
-- Treatment
-- Prevention
-- Self-care
Mayo Clinic Site:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=101586DD-4780-4B53-9AA9C9010C
842DAA
ADVANCEMENT IN DIAGNOSING PNEUMONIA
Diagnosing and treating pneumonia in patients who are receiving
mechanical ventilation is a challenge for physicians. For example, if
the patient has a fever, it could be pneumonia or it could be a
noninfectious problem. Now, new research finds certain cells in the
patient's fluid may be helpful in diagnosing bacterial or fungal
pneumonia. See More:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/8007895/main.html
WHAT IS PNEUMONITIS?
Pneumonitis is a general term for inflammation of lung tissue. There
are nearly 200 types or causes of pneumonitis. To see types, causes
and treatments, go to
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=CBAFC874-BD0E-4728-9C3AE76F2F
533C95
WHAT IS HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS?
Farmer's lung is a hypersensitivity reaction in the lungs. It's
caused by inflammation in the lungs (pneumonitis) after inhaling dust
from moldy hay, straw or grain. Fewer than 20 percent of people
exposed to moldy hay develop this disease. But, farmers aren't the
only people at risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It can also
occur after exposure to molds in hot tubs, humidifiers and heating
and cooling systems. Bird owners are also at risk. See Symptoms,
Treatment: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=AN00267&si=2444
_____________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
_____________________________________________________________
TIPS ON "HEART-HEALTHY" EATING
Ready to adopt a heart-friendly diet? Here are five strategies to get
you started from the Mayo Clinic. See Tips:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=NU00196&si=2485
WHOLE GRAINS: REAP THE REWARDS
From buckwheat to barley, brown rice to bulgur, whole grains offer
many options for eating well. Learn more about your whole-grain picks
by going to the link below.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=NU00204&si=2485
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
Attention toe tappers: your impatience could lead to heart problems
and depression. The good news? Patience is learned and the more you
practice, the more you get. Here's how:
http://women.msn.com/557924.armx
______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > COMMUNITY UPDATE < < < < < < < < < <
______________________________________________________________
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/
-- LE Wilson died quietly in his sleep, according to his wife.
To send condolence, please go to the link above.
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!
______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > > > LINK DIRECTORY < < < < < < < < < < <
______________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________
A WORD-ORIGIN QUIZ
Even the most ordinary words often have extraordinary histories. Take
this quiz and find out how much you know about the words we use every
day. See Quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=81
_______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________
TUNA PASTA SALAD
This is an easy salad to make, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic
nutritionists. This recipe makes four servings.
Ingredients
12 ounces tuna, packed in water, low sodium
2/3 pound Farfalle pasta (or small pasta)
2/3 cup Onion
2/3 cup Peas
2/3 cup Miracle Whip Light
Directions
Prepare pasta as directed on the box.
While pasta is cooking, chop onions.
In a bowl, combine onion, tuna, green peas and pasta.
Once mixed, add the salad dressing. Mix well. It is best chilled
in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Another option is to
make it the night before.
_______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of
caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
-- Leo Buscaglia --
_______________________________________________________________
> > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < <
_______________________________________________________________
TO SUBSCRIBE:
mailto:
List-Admin@COPD-International.com?subject=subscribe-news
TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
mailto:
List-Admin@COPD-International.com?subject=unsubscribe-news
ONLINE ACCESS:
http://www.COPD-International.com/lists
You can also subscribe to all our lists
(COPD, Caregiver's, and the Quit Smoking Tips)
at this link
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
-----------------
Notes
-----------------
Newsletters are archived in the COPD-International online Library.
However, links to outside sources cannot be guaranteed after
publication date.
"COPD-International Newsletter" is an opt-in ezine available by
subscription only. You must have sent an e-mail request or visited
our Web site to request this subscription. We neither use nor
endorse the use of "spam." This newsletter is never sent to anyone
who has not requested it and we NEVER share your e-mail address with
third-parties.
© 2002-2004 COPD-International.com, except where otherwise indicated.
All
rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from
copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of their respective
owners. All content provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.
All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided in this
newsletter should never be interpreted as a diagnosis, treatment
plan or any other form of professional service.
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.
Links in this newsletter to other Internet sites are not
endorsements
of any products or services associated with such sites.