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 19, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #16
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 - Pulmonary Hypertension
==> 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
It is not uncommon for those of us with COPD to develop secondary
health problems. One condition that is associated with COPD is
pulmonary hypertension. This issue features information on pulmonary
hypertension.
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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BEWARE OF MEDICARE DRUG-CARD SCAMS
Medicare drug-discount cards will save money for many, but for a few
crooks they're making money. The program to offer cards with
discounts on prescription drugs won't begin until May, but 11 states
have already seen cases in which con artists are targeting Medicare
beneficiaries.
Scams have involved phone calls or door-to-door solicitations
supposedly to register people for the new program. Those behind the
scams offer to enroll seniors in exchange for bank, Social Security
or credit-card numbers. In other cases, a caller already has some
of the individual's health history and tries to collect banking or
Medicare information.
Those on Medicare should be on guard against phone or personal
solicitations, officials warned. They stressed that Medicare
contacts its beneficiaries only by mail.
(Seattle Times News Services)
MEDICARE WEB SITE TO PUBLISH DRUG PRICES
Medicare will soon publish detailed information comparing the prices
of most prescription drugs, shining a light on some of the biggest
secrets in the health-care industry. Economists and federal
officials say the information, intended to help Medicare
beneficiaries, could also be immensely useful to other consumers, as
well as to private insurers and employers who provide drug coverage
to employees and retirees.
The data will be available late this month on the government Web
site, www.medicare.gov. The
site will list the prices charged for
various dosages of specific drugs at retail pharmacies in or near a
given ZIP code. If a brand-name drug has generic equivalents, their
prices will be displayed as well.
Medicare officials said the Web site would also show prices for
competing brand-name drugs used to treat the same condition. Web
site manager at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) said the main purpose of providing such information was to
help beneficiaries compare the merits of the drug discount cards
issued by private entities and approved by the government.
Beneficiaries will be able to sign up for the cards next month. Card
sponsors have negotiated discounts with drug manufacturers. The site
will list the retail prices for different drugs under different
cards, so beneficiaries can choose the card that best meets their
needs.
(New York Times)
U.S. WARNS DOCTORS ABOUT EXTRA CARE FEES
The government is warning doctors that they can be fined or expelled
from the Medicare program if they charge patients extra for
providing a deluxe version of services already covered by Medicare.
Some doctors, seeking extra income, offer special services and
amenities to patients who pay added fees or retainers.
In return for such fees, patients get round-the-clock access to
doctors, same-day appointments, counseling for healthy living,
special help with referrals and other customized services. In some
cases, patients who cannot afford the fees must find other doctors.
See More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/13/politics/13DOCS.html
Editor's Note: The article above is available free of charge
for online subscribers. To access the article you need only
fill out a short user form.
TACKLING PNEUMONIA PROVING TRICKY
The vaccine that prevents severe bacterial pneumonia in seniors
doesn't help reduce the overall burden of the disease in older
adults, a new U.S. study has found. That's not to say the shot
doesn't work - it does, at least in the narrow goal of preventing
severe and potentially deadly blood infections that often complicate
pneumonia. But experts say the study underscores the need for new
vaccines that can do a better job of blocking all sources of
pneumonia, one of the country's most prolific infectious killers.
See More:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/512947/main.html
ANOTHER SMOKING MYTH SNUFFED
One of the last smoking myths has been snuffed out by a study
showing it speeds mental decline in older people. A study in the
journal Neurology showed that smokers have a slow but significant
cognitive decline over time. Researchers followed 9,209 people ages
65 and up from several countries. All were free of dementia. Over a
two- to three-year period, tests showed that those who never smoked
showed a 0.03-point mental decline per year, a drop considered
normal with age.
In smokers, the decline was more than four times as much. Ex-smokers
had a decline of twice that of those who never smoked. "Many elderly
smokers think that at their age it doesn't matter much any more,"
said study author Alweijn Ott. "Our study shows that to stop smoking
does help."
(Seattle Times News Services)
SMOKELESS ALTERNATIVE?
The April 6, 2004 New York Times published an article on the debate
around whether smokeless tobacco is useful as a harm reduction
mechanism for people who smoke. The article takes a pro-smokeless
tobacco stance, but also presents the other side of the argument,
including a quote from an expert who said that using smokeless
tobacco is like "trading oral cancer for lung cancer." The article
quotes the Surgeon General, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, who told
Congress last year that "there is no significant scientific evidence
that suggests smokeless tobacco is a safer alternative to cigarettes."
U.S. REPORT: HEALTH INFO TOO COMPLEX
Drug labels, consent forms and other health information often
include too much jargon for most Americans to understand - a problem
that can lead to poorer health and higher costs, a panel of experts
said. As managed care continues to squeeze doctors and lump more
responsibility on patients, the ability to grasp medical data is
even more critical, according to an Institute of Medicine report.
See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4790499&
section=news
OXYGEN THERAPY IN ACUTE MEDICAL CARE
Oxygen is cheap, widely available and used in a range of settings
and conditions to relieve or prevent tissue hypoxia. Since its
discovery by Scheele and Priestley in the 1770s, it has remained one
of the most effective therapeutic agents available. However, as a
result of poor prescribing and monitoring, inappropriate doses are
often given. The potential dangers of hyperoxia need to be
recognized. See Story:
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/324/7351/1406
CDC: FLU SEASON WORST IN FOUR YEARS
According to the April 9, 2004 Reuters, the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the 2003-2004 flu season
was the worst in four years because of the presence of a more
virulent strain. The article reports that this year the flu struck
earlier than usual, before many people were vaccinated. The CDC said
that as of March 27, it had received reports of 142 flu-related
deaths in the U.S. of people younger than 18. In addition, the
article reports, drug makers produced 83 million doses of vaccine
for the flu season, which was fewer than in the previous year.
BREATHING, HEART PROBLEMS LINKED
A breathing problem called sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) seems to be
common in patients with a heart condition called atrial
fibrillation. Still, it is unclear whether the rate of SAS is any
higher than that seen in healthy people. SAS is a potentially
serious problem that involves brief periods of absent breathing
during sleep. Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm problem of the heart
in which the upper chambers, or atria, beat fast and irregularly.
According to several studies, SAS predisposes patients to heart
rhythm problems, but the rate of SAS in specific conditions has
not been determined, researchers report. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4795340
DEBATE CONTINUES OVER MITE-PROOF BEDDING
In search of a better night's sleep, many Americans have purchased
impermeable bedding covers for mattresses, pillows, blankets and
duvets. Otherwise known as mite-proof covers, these products do
significantly reduce the number of dust mite allergens in the
bedding. Unfortunately, new research findings make it clear that the
covers don't significantly improve the respiratory health of people
with allergic rhinitis or asthma. See Story:
http://www.advancefornp.com/common/Editorial/Editorial.aspx?CC=31150
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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PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
About 50 million Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension),
a condition in which blood travels through the body's arteries at a
pressure too high for good health. A far less common type of high
blood pressure affects only the arteries in the lungs. Known as
pulmonary hypertension, it's a serious illness that becomes
progressively worse.
The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are subtle in the
early stages of the disease and may not be apparent for months or
even years. As the disease progresses, signs and symptoms become
more noticeable. They include:
-- Shortness of breath (dyspnea). Initially, you may notice
that you're short of breath only when you exert yourself
physically, but eventually you may be short of breath most of the time.
-- Fatigue.
-- Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope).
-- Chest pressure or pain.
-- Swelling (edema) in your ankles, legs and eventually in your abdomen.
-- Bluish color to your lips and skin (cyanosis).
-- Racing pulse or increased heart rate.
To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, go to the link
below.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=502E2D0B-7233-4C92-8FC84A836
BF3811D&si=2522
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < <
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SPIRITUALITY HELPS ADULTS COPE WITH ILLNESS
Perhaps faith is outside the realm of science, but new research
indicates older adults who are religious or spiritual tend to fare
better when they're hospitalized with an illness. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4804784&
section=news
DOES TAI CHI HEAL ILLS?
Often called meditation in motion, tai chi is the centuries-old
Chinese Taoist martial art form. Tai chi first gained adherents in
the United States in the late 1960s. The practice is said to enhance
balance, flexibility, gait, posture, digestion, concentration,
memory and overall physical and mental well-being. Its proponents
say it is especially beneficial for the elderly and for people with
chronic medical disorders. See More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/13/health/nutrition/13MART.html
Editor's Note: The article above is available free of charge
for online subscribers. To access the article you need only
fill out a short user form.
GET ACCURATE ALLERGY FORECASTS FOR U.S.
This is a great Web site where you can enter your location or ZIP
code to find out what the pollen count is in your area. See Site:
http://www.pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp
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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
CONDOLENCES
We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Gil Langdon, a
newsletter subscriber. He died of complications of COPD March 5.
ONLINE FEATURE ON HOSPICE CARE
One of our most delicate and tough areas of discussion are those
centering on 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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> > > > > > > > > JUST FOR FUN < < < < < < < < <
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HOW WELL CAN YOU SPELL?
The English language is filled with exceptions to spelling rules.
Test your spelling skills with this quiz at
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=36
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> > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < <
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CREAMY IRISH POTATO SOUP
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cook Time: 30 min.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. butter OR margarine
4 green onions, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 can (14 oz.) Swanson® Chicken Broth (1 3/4 cups)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
3 medium potatoes (about 1 lb.), peeled and sliced 1/4" thick
1 1/2 cups milk
Directions:
1. HEAT butter in saucepan. Add onions and celery and cook until
tender.
2. ADD broth, pepper and potatoes. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook
over low heat 15 min. or until potatoes are tender.
3. PLACE half the broth mixture and half the milk in blender or
food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Repeat with
remaining broth mixture and remaining milk. Return to saucepan.
Heat through.
Serves 5
(Campbell's Kitchen)
Note: To save time, use peeled and diced fresh potatoes from the
produce section. Serve with a spinach salad with honey mustard
vinaigrette and warm crusty rolls.
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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I am not afraid of storms for I
am learning how to sail my ship.
-- Louisa May Alcott, Novelist --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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