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, April 5, 2004                                  Volume #3 -- Issue #14
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 - How Our Lungs Work
==> 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
When dealing with our COPD, we hear many medical terms used to
describe the anatomy of our lungs. Alveolus, bronchioles, diaphragm
and pulmonary capillaries are just a few of the words we hear when
discussing diseases of the lungs. But what do they really mean and
how do our lungs really work?

This week's issue provides links to easy to understand explanations
of the anatomy of our lungs and how they work.

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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CONGRESSIONAL COPD CAUCUS FORMED
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced the founding of the Congressional
COPD Caucus. The group will be dedicated to furthering awareness of
COPD risks and promoting policies that improve the lives of COPD
patients. The caucus, which Sen. Crapo will chair, will partner with a
broad coalition of physician, patient and homecare organizations to
educate members of Congress on COPD and advocate policies to encourage
prevention and early detection.
(Press Release)

MIND-BODY CONNECTION: EXERCISE AND STRESS
Exercise and physical activity are powerful and readily available
tools for preventing and treating symptoms of stress. The old adages
"run for your life" and "burn off some steam" merit serious
consideration. It is truly possible to walk, bike, run, lift and
stretch your way to a happier less stressful lifestyle. The first step
is up to you: make a realistic activation plan for being more active.
See Tips: http://www.hooah4health.com/mind/stressexercise.htm

NEW ASTHMA SITE LAUNCHED
The Respiratory Institute established by GlaxoSmithKline, a
pharmaceutical company, has launched a new Web site on asthma.
See New Site: http://www.respiratoryinstitute.com/

FIRST IN NEW CLASS OF ANTIBIOTICS APPROVED
Doctors are about to get the first in a new class of antibiotics to
treat patients with a type of drug-resistant pneumonia, as well as
those with sinusitis and bronchitis. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved Ketek. It's the first ketolide, a new
family of antibiotics structurally similar to drugs like that old
standby erythromycin - but different enough to offer an alternative
that could prove important for certain patients, said the FDA. See
Details: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4648834/

BENEFITS OF EARLY PNEUMONIA THERAPY
Older patients with community-acquired pneumonia fare much better
when antibiotics are given within four hours of arrival at the
hospital, new research suggests. Compared with more delayed therapy,
antibiotic treatment within four hours of hospital arrival was linked
to a 15 percent reduction in the risk of in-hospital and 30-day
mortality. The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates for patients
treated early were 6.8 percent and 11.6 percent, respectively. See
Story: http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2004/03/22/eline/links/20040322elin022.html

EXPERIMENTAL SARS VACCINE SHOWS PROMISE
An experimental vaccine prevents the SARS virus from replicating in
laboratory mice, according to a new report in the April 1 issue of
"Nature." Scientists at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) of the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of
the National Institutes of Health, developed the vaccine. The vaccine
was tested in a mouse model of SARS infection recently validated by
other NIAID investigators.

The VRC scientists are preparing further experiments to evaluate the
vaccine's safety and potential to induce similar immune responses in
humans. The vaccine contains a small piece of SARS virus DNA,
insufficient to reproduce the SARS virus, yet able to stimulate a
protective immune response.

(NIAID Press Release)

HIGH-DOSE STEROIDS MAY INCREASE FRACTURE RISK
COPD patients who were current high-dose users of inhaled
corticosteroids (ICS) - more than 700 micrograms per day - had an
increased risk of nonvertebral fractures compared with those who had
no exposure, according to a study in April's American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Todd Lee, PharmD, PhD, of Hines Veterans Administration Hospital,
Hines, Ill., along with an associate, studied 1,708 COPD cases
with nonvertebral fractures that were matched with 6,817 COPD
control subjects without a fracture. Patients classified as
current users with exposure to ICS at high daily doses were at the
highest risk for nonvertebral fractures. In the highest dose
category, the average daily dose was 1,616 micrograms per day.

"The increase in the risk of fracture associated with ICS use
found in the study does not by itself warrant the stopping of
treatment in patients with COPD," Dr. Lee said. "However, evidence
from this and other epidemio-logical studies of ICS dose and the
risk of fractures indicate that providers should consider
prescribing the lowest effective dose of ICS in the management of
COPD."

(ADVANCE Newsmagazine)

SMOKING: FOREVER FREE BOOKLETS NOW ONLINE
Dr. Thomas Brandon says lots of people can quit smoking short term,
but about 90 percent of self-quitters will start up again within a
year. At Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center, Dr. Brandon developed a
series of booklets to help quitters stay smoke-free. Research shows
using them during the first year significantly reduces relapse. The
National Cancer Institute recently put the Forever Free booklets
online. Now tips to "stay quit" are a mouse-click away. To view the
booklets, go to http://www.smokefree.gov/pdf.html

CARBON DIOXIDE REACHES RECORD LEVELS
According to the Associated Press, carbon dioxide has reached record-
high levels in the atmosphere after growing at an accelerated pace in
the past year. The article explains that carbon dioxide is produced
mostly by burning coal, gasoline and other fossil fuels. It works by
trapping heat in the atmosphere that would otherwise radiate into
space thus producing what is known as "global warming." According to
the article, global temperatures increased by about one degree
Fahrenheit during the 20th century and climatologists say that
continued temperature rises will likely "disrupt the climate, cause
seas to rise and lead to other unpredictable consequences."
(American Lung Association)

COPD PATIENTS AT RISK OF VENOUS EMBOLISM
Patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD appear to be at major
risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a new study suggests. Previous
research suggests that patients admitted for acute exacerbations of
COPD may be at moderate risk for the development of VTE because of the
presence of concomitant risk factors. However, little attention has
been given to VTE as a cause of morbidity and mortality in this
patient setting. See More:  http://tinyurl.com/2hzrh

APRIL IS CANADIAN ORAL HEALTH MONTH
A visit to your dentist could save your life. That is the message
being delivered to Ontario communities during Oral Heath Month by the
Ontario Dental Association. The purpose of the public campaign is
to demonstrate that the oral cancer examination performed by your
dentist during a routine dental visit is a fast, easy and painless way
to detect cancer early and save your life. See More:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2004/31/c6393.html

ASTHMA DEATH RATE CONTINUES TO FALL IN U.S.
After stabilizing in 1989, asthma death rates have continued to drop
in the United States since 1999, new research shows. "It is most
likely that improved management of asthma has been responsible for
much of the improvement in mortality," notes the study author. The
decline in death rates has been accompanied by an increase in
prescriptions for a variety of asthma drugs, he points out. See
Details: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4704086&
section=news

GLOVES PUT DEATH GRIP ON GERMS
Health-care workers may soon be equipped with the hands of death.
A new kind of disposable glove emits a gas harmless to humans, but
deadly to bacteria and viruses. The gloves' magic ingredient is
chlorine dioxide, a gas commonly used in water purification. The main
talent of the gas lies in its ability to wipe out any bug that crosses
its path. See Story:
http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,62629,00.html

NEW VIRUS TIED TO RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Dutch researchers have identified a new virus in a 7-month old child
hospitalized because of acute nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and
fever. Since it was discovered, the virus has also been found in
other patients with respiratory ailments. The virus belongs to the
family of so-called coronaviruses. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4675169&
section=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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RECALL OF MAJOR NASAL SPRAY
Propharma Inc., Miami, Florida, issued a recall of Major Twice-A-Day
12 Hour Nasal Spray (Lot #K4496, Exp 10/06) because the lot was
contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia bacteria. This product is a
nasal decongestant containing the ingredient oxymetazoline
hydrochloride 0.05%. See Details:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/propharma03_04.html

Recall Extension:
http://www.safetyalerts.com/recall/f/02.2/f0003762.htm

OTHER 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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HOW OUR LUNGS WORK
The lungs are complex organs, but what they do is take a gas that your
body needs to get rid of (carbon dioxide) and exchange it for a gas
that your body can use (oxygen). How Stuff Works takes a close look at
how your lungs work and how they keep your body's cells supplied with
oxygen and get rid of the carbon dioxide waste. The link below leads
to easy to understand information on:

-- How You Breathe
-- Where the Air Goes
-- How Do You Know How Often to Breathe?
-- When Lungs Fail
-- Lots More Information

There is also a glossary of terms used to describe the anatomy of
the lungs at http://health.howstuffworks.com/lung.htm

IMAGES OF HUMAN LUNGS
You can learn more about how your lungs work at the American Lung
Association's site at http://www.lungusa.org/resp_fl/lungsfinal.html
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        > > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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SPRING ALLERGY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
While most people gratefully welcome the longer days and warmer
weather of spring, more than 35 million people in the United States
dread the itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that comes with the
season. National Jewish allergist Dr. Richard Weber answers several
common questions about seasonal allergies and what can be done to
ease the discomfort. See Q&A:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/news/healthtips/spring_allergies.html

WATER WORKS: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
In an age when many people are armed with a bottle of spring water
at all times, it's generally thought that the more water you drink,
the healthier you are. But new research suggests that most people,
including the elderly, meet their hydration needs simply by drinking
when they are thirsty. See More:
http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=nutrition&c=nutrition_water&b=
healthology

HOW DOES GREEN TEA WORK?
Japanese scientists may have explained why green tea stops the
progression of cancer. They report that the active component
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) binds to a receptor thought to be
behind the spread of cancer. EGCG has been found to protect against a
range of cancers, including lung, prostate and breast cancer,
but the mechanism behind this has been unclear. See More:
http://foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=wh14&c=wygrmhagfumfufy&id=50983
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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

NEW ONLINE FEATURE ON HOSPICE CARE
One of our most delicate and tough areas of discussion are those
centering around the decisions about the Hospice program and
other related end of life issues. Betty Baareman, one of our
subscribers and chatterers, is writing about her daily experiences,
which is available in our library so that we all may gain a greater
understanding. To follow her and Ken's story, please go to
http://www.copd-international.com/library/hospice-story.htm

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/

-- 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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A VERBAL TASTE OF THE SATS
Every year, a new crop of college-bound students must endure the
SATs. Below is a link to a SAT sampler so you can get a taste of
the SATs. See Quiz: http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=24
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                 > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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ANGEL HAIR PASTA CHICKEN
Sautéed chicken breast stir fried with carrots, broccoli and garlic
then simmered in broth with basil and Parmesan cheese. This mixture
tops a bed of angel hair pasta for a springtime favorite.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 30 Minutes
Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
12 ounces angel hair pasta
1 carrot, sliced diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices
1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add
chicken and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked
through (no longer pink). Remove from skillet and drain on paper
towels.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta
and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until al dente; drain and set
aside.
3. While pasta is cooking, heat 2nd tablespoon oil over medium
heat in same skillet used for chicken. Stir fry carrots for about
4 minutes, then add broccoli and garlic and stir fry for another 2
minutes. Finally, stir in broth, basil and cheese and return
chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4
minutes.
4. Place drained pasta in a large serving bowl. Top with
chicken/vegetable mixture and serve immediately.

(Allrecipes)
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            > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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    "Nothing, of course, is a cure-all. But, walking has a special place
    in the world of preventive medicine because it is the most natural of
    all human physical activities.

                             Mark Bricklin -- Health Writer/Author

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Thank You For Your Readership
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