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 12, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #15
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 - Coping With Stress
==> 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
Stress is a normal part of life and cannot be avoided. But for those
of us with COPD, stress can hamper our breathing and aggravate our
COPD symptoms. Just dealing with a lung disease creates stress in of
itself, so it is important for us to learn how to relax and keep
stress to a minimum.
This issue features information on stress: how to avoid it and how
to get relief from daily stressors through exercise, support and
relaxation. Also take note of the Chat Schedule below. Sharing our
thoughts and feelings with one another can relieve some of the
stress associated with our 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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WORLD COPD DAY 2004 SET FOR NOVEMBER 17
World COPD Day 2004, organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic
Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), will be held November 17, 2004.
The event represents a partnership between health care groups and
respiratory educators to raise awareness about COPD. World COPD Day
has sparked international media attention, helped educate health
care professionals about diagnosis and treatment of COPD and induced
thousands of patients to seek medical attention. More information
will be included in future newsletters.
ALLERGIC ASTHMA: MANY AMERICANS UNINFORMED
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects more than 20 million
Americans, yet many people are unaware of its causes and severity.
That's the finding of a new national survey released by the Allergy
and Asthma Foundation of America. It was conducted in February, and
included 1,011 men and 1,023 women, aged 18 and older. See Story
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?ap=1&page=newsdetail&id=517997
SLEEP APNEA: ACHIEVING CPAP COMPLIANCE
Dealer commitment, patient education and communication are vital to
achieving positive sleep therapy treatment outcomes. See Story:
http://www.advanceforrcp.com/common/Editorial/Editorial.aspx?CC=32269
SMOKING BAN LINKED TO DROP IN HEART ATTACKS
Ireland's ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants could have added
health benefits if research in the United States is anything to go
by. Nearly two years before the emerald isle became the first
country to outlaw smoking in public places, the city of Helena in
Montana passed similar legislation and saw a sharp drop in heart
attacks. Opponents subsequently had the U.S. law overturned but in
the six months it was enforced, hospital admissions for heart
attacks fell by 40 percent in the city. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4745264&
section=news
DRUG GIVES HOPE IN FIGHT AGAINST SMOKING, OBESITY
A new agent helps some stop smoking without weight gain and aids
others in dropping pounds, but it's not a magic bullet. Last month,
there were health news headlines that seemed to offer a bright ray
of hope for defeating difficult bad health habits. A new pill,
rimonabant, demonstrated promise in helping people both to lose
weight and to quit smoking. But the scientists who authored the two
key studies say that, although this drug could become a useful
addition to these fights, the battles will not be easy. See More:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/04/12/hlsc0412.htm
VIAGRA MAY HELP PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Viagra can do more than help with erections. The drug is basically
a blood-vessel dilator, and this has proven beneficial to people
with pulmonary hypertension - a condition in which pressure buildup
in the lungs' circulation can ultimately cause the heart to fail.
Viagra significantly improved exercise capacity, the pumping
strength of the heart and quality of life for patients with
pulmonary hypertension, according to the results of the first
strictly scientific study to examine the drug's effect on the
condition. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4777332
SCREENING FOR LUNG CANCER URGED
This year more people will die of lung cancer than breast, colon and
prostate cancer combined, making it the deadliest cancer there is.
But there is good news. Lung cancer does not have to be a death
sentence. If it's detected early, it can often be treated
successfully. Here's how one simple test can potentially save
thousands of lives.
See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/8008122/main.html
ACETAMINOPHEN USE LINKED TO ASTHMA IN WOMEN
Use of acetaminophen (Tylenol and other similar products) has been
linked to asthma in several cross-sectional studies, but now
findings from a forward-looking study provide further evidence to
support this association. To evaluate the effect of acetaminophen on
asthma risk, researchers analyzed data from the Nurses Health Study,
which has been following more than 120,000 women. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4741147&
section=news
TIPS ON RECORDING YOUR HEALTH HISTORY
Do you know the last time you had a tetanus shot? Or all the doctors
you've seen in the past five years? It's easy to lose track of shots
and tests you've had, doctors you've seen and illnesses you've been
treated for. But there's also an easy solution - write it down! See
Tips:
http://www.aarp.org/Articles/a2004-03-01-healthhistory.html
NEW DEVICE FOR ASTHMA SUFFERERS
Asthmatics living in polluted cities could finally get a breath of
fresh air through a gadget developed by a U.K. sports scientist.
Purebreathe, created by Dr. Alison McConnell at the University of
Brunel, protects the user from dust particles and exhaust gases. She
produced it with the help of a product designer from the Royal
College of Art. It can trap particles as tiny as bacteria. See More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3525659.stm
STRESS MAY WEAKEN FLU SHOT PROTECTION
New research suggests that psychological stress may decrease a
person's response to the flu vaccine. In a study of college
students, those who experienced the most stress during the days
after getting a flu shot had lower levels of antibodies induced by
the vaccine. In the study, most of the highly stressed students
still gained adequate protection from the flu vaccine. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4740126
§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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"DIRTY DOZEN" DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS NAMED
Despite known hazards, many potentially dangerous dietary
supplements are readily available for purchase in stores and on the
Internet, according to a report from Consumer Reports. The magazine
released its "dirty dozen" list of dietary supplements that it says
are too dangerous to be sold. Researchers say the supplements are
sold under many names, which makes it hard for consumers to know
what they're getting. Many of the supplements have already been
banned in other countries. The supplements that made the list may
cause cancer, severe liver or kidney damage, heart problems, or even
death. See List:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/84/98372.htm
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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STRESS: MEDICAL HELP AVAILABLE
If you are frequently depressed, anxious or suffer panic attacks,
don't delay in seeking medical assistance. Speak openly and
honestly with your health care providers. There is no reason to
needlessly suffer from these debilitating illnesses, as they are all
treatable. You cannot avoid stress; it is part of daily life.
However, developing effective ways to manage stress and learning to
relax can help prevent shortness of breath and avoid panic.
MANAGING STRESS: ARE YOU STRESS FIT?
Are you stress fit? Take this stress test to find out. If you are,
there are quick tips for dealing with the stress. See Test/Tips:
http://www.lung.ca/copd/management/coping/stress.html
METHODS OF COPING WITH STRESS
In order to find an answer to relieving your stress, it's helpful to
know what the problem is - what causes your stress and how you feel
under stress. It is important to get to the root of your stress
reactions and modify/adapt them. See More:
http://www.lung.ca/copd/management/coping/stress2.html
TIPS ON DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL BLUES
http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2400/2401.asp?index=8702
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NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < <
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ARE YOU AN OWL OR A LARK?
Do you find that you're most alert after everyone else has turned in
for the night? Or are you the type to hit the deserted streets for a
run at 5:30 a.m.? While all humans are essentially programmed to
sleep at night and be active during the day, some people have a
marked morning or Researchers believe that owls - a term for people
who like to stay up late - and larks - people who like to get up
early - have their body clocks set to different schedules. See More:
http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=sleep_disorders&c=sleep_owlorlark
&spg=NWL&b=HEALTHOLOGY
DIP INTO HONEY POT FOR GOOD HEALTH
Adding a little honey to your diet may do more than satisfy your
sweet tooth. Honey may also boost levels of healthy antioxidants,
new research suggests. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4690251&
section=news
CDC: VALUE OF PRE-WORKOUT STRETCH UNCLEAR
Coaches and athletic trainers often recommend stretching before a
workout, but a new report suggests that there is not enough evidence
to prove that stretching can prevent injury. Stretching may turn out
to have benefits, but the jury is still out until additional studies
are performed, according to researchers at the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4702572
§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
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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POLITICS: A WORD QUIZ
German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck once confessed that, "Politics
is not a science ... but an art." Perhaps that explains some of the
colorful words and phrases used in politics. Take this quiz and see
how well you speak the language of politics. See Quiz
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=97
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE
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FRESH ASPARAGUS SOUP
A creamy asparagus soup accented with yogurt, lemon and Parmesan
cheese. You can substitute soy products to make this recipe vegan.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 30 Minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup soy milk
1/2 cup yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Place asparagus and onion in a saucepan with 1/2 cup vegetable
broth. Bring the broth to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer
until the vegetables are tender.
2. Reserve a few asparagus tips for garnish. Place remaining
vegetable mixture in an electric blender and puree until smooth.
3. Melt butter in the pan that was used for simmering the
asparagus and onions. Stir while sprinkling flour, salt, and
pepper into the butter. Do not let the flour brown. Allow the
mixture to cook only 2 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 1/4 cups
vegetable broth and increase the heat. Continue stirring until
the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Stir the vegetable puree and milk into the saucepan. Whisk
yogurt into the mixture, followed by lemon juice. Stir until
heated through, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with reserved
asparagus tips. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING
THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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"The only true disability is a bad attitude."
-- From Olivija Gwynn's Web Site --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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