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 26, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #17
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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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 - Top 10 Causes of Death
==> 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
COPD ranks fourth in the list of the leading causes of death of
those over 65 years of age. By 2010, COPD may be the third leading
cause of death in the United States. This issue features a list of
the top 10 causes of death with a link to information on each
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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STUDY: INHALANT HELPS IN LUNG TRANSPLANTS
Scientists have created a way for transplant recipients to inhale an
anti-rejection drug deep into their new lungs - and a new study
suggests the therapy may increase patients' chances of survival
four-fold.
Organ-specific anti-rejection therapy is a novel approach, and this
inhaled version of cyclosporine remains experimental. Its creators
at the University of Pittsburgh are working with a drug company to
seek government approval for its sale. Doctors say the new approach
holds promise in battling a huge problem for lung transplantation -
a type of rejection that makes it a particularly perilous organ
transplant.
"It makes good sense to apply the immuno-suppressive agent right to
the location where the problem exists," said Dr. Ed Garrity,
director of lung transplants at Loyola University Medical Center.
Reviewing Pitt's research, Dr. Garrity said, "It looks like it
works."
(Associated Press)
COPD: THE FORGOTTEN LUNG DISEASE
The April 19, 2004 issue of Time Magazine published a story on COPD,
a disease that affects roughly 13 million Americans. The article
compares prevalence statistics for COPD to that of other lung
diseases, such as lung cancer, which it says is more deadly, but
also less common. The article points out that COPD is not curable,
but it is preventable, and although genes play some role in the
disease, 85 percent of all cases are linked to smoking.
According to the article, testing for COPD can involve the expensive
CT Scan, which is the most conclusive test; or, a spirometer, which
is reliable and significantly cheaper. The article points out that
most doctors do not test for COPD or own a spirometer. The article
then goes on to discuss treatment options for people with COPD. See
Article:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040419-610081-1,00.html
UPDATE: MEDICARE DRUG DISCOUNT CARD
Want to know more about the new Medicare law? Visit the Medicare
Rights Center Web site for the most recent information on the new
law, including a time line of scheduled changes at
www.medicarerights.org/newlawframeset.html
EDITORIAL: EVALUATING HEALTHY LUNGS
Numerous articles have been published recommending the use of
pulmonary function testing (PFT) as both diagnostic and management
tools for pulmonary disease. The machines in use today should meet
the American and European thoracic societies' current accepted
standards for measurement criteria. But the problem is there is not
a mandatory recommendation about the calculated predicted and
reference values to which we compare the measured results.
Editorial:
http://www.advanceforrcp.com/common/Editorial/editorial.aspx?CC=32423
SIDEBAR: NEW TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKS
Pulmonary diagnostics is on the cutting edge of new
technology. In fact, there are several new techniques and
modalities available to enhance patient care. Most are being
tested in Europe and may be coming soon to a lab near you. See
More:
http://www.advanceforrcp.com/common/Editorial/editorial.aspx?CC=32423&CP=3
DEVICE STOPS SNORING, AIDS BREATHING IN SLEEP
An orthodontic device, which holds the jaw in a forward position,
appears to help reduce breathing problems when worn while asleep, a
new study reports. The mandibular advancement device is individually
adjusted to each person's mouth and works by keeping the airway from
closing and lets sleepers breathe easier. All of the people included
in the study were being treated for snoring and sleep apnea, a
disorder that causes people to temporarily stop breathing many times
a night. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=486
8565§ion=news
STUDY: CASUAL SMOKERS FACE HIGH RISKS
A study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) last
year showed a significant rise in the number of people who can be
classified as "casual smokers." Casual smoking is defined as smoking
on many but not all days. The CDC study attributes the rise in
casual smoking to smokers who are cutting back on their smoking,
going from smoking daily to only smoking some of the time. However,
there are important health hazards that come with casual smoking.
The excuse "I only do it sometimes," or "I'm not addicted" may not
cut it anymore. See Story:
http://www.jhunewsletter.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/04/23/4088506608dfb
STUDY FINDS SMOKERS RISK FROSTBITE
Smokers, who already risk cancer and heart disease, are more
susceptible than others to frostbite because their blood vessels do
not expand fast enough to warm chilled fingers and toes, researchers
said.
The nicotine in cigarettes seems to be to blame, slowing the body's
normal responses to cold, a team at Yale University in Connecticut
found. Researchers immersed the hands of smokers and nonsmokers
in water at 41 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.
The blood vessels of the smokers were slower and less effective than
those of non-smokers at cold-induced vasodilation - a biological
response in which blood vessels expand in response to cold.
After coming out of the cold water, the smokers' skin warmed up
more slowly than that of non-tobacco users. The effect held even
when the smokers avoided cigarettes for 16 hours. (Reuters)
EXERCISERS MUST ADJUST TO SUMMER WEATHER
As summer approaches, people who exercise outdoors can reduce the
risk of heat stroke by giving themselves a chance to adjust to
rising temperatures and humidity, according to a sports medicine
expert. "When it gets hot and humid, you see the risk go up," said
Dr. William O. Roberts of the American College of Sports Medicine
(ACSM). When people who are not accustomed to hot and humid weather
exercise outdoors, they run the risk of developing exertional heat
stroke, Roberts said. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4897726§ion
=news
SLIDE SHOW: FINGERNAILS AND YOUR HEALTH
Your fingernails can provide clues to your overall health. But do
you know how to read the signs? Learn about some nail conditions
that might require medical attention. If you have a nail problem
that doesn't seem to be going away, or it's associated with other
signs and symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get it
checked out. See what your fingernails can tell you about your
health at http://www.mayoclinic.com/popupinvoker.cfm?id=WO00055
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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TOP 10 CAUSES OF DEATH AMONG SENIORS
The leading causes of death among adults over the age of 65 are also
the among most common causes of death among the population as a
whole. Many of these conditions are also highly preventable and
treatable. It is important to understand these diseases, know when
and where to get treatment and know how you can live with them to
help prolong life and health. Many of these disease and conditions
are preventable or reversible with prevention and lifestyle changes.
The top 10 causes are:
1. Heart Disease
2. Cancer
3 Cerebrovascular Disease
4. COPD
5. Pneumonia
6. Diabetes
7. Accidents
8. Septicemia
9. Nephritis
10. Alzheimers
To learn more about these diseases, please go to
http://seniorhealth.about.com/cs/conditions/tp/cause_death.htm
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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HEART ATTACK: AN EMERGENCY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Here's the bottom line: If you're having uncomfortable pressure,
fullness or squeezing pain in the center of your chest for more than
a few minutes, call for emergency medical help immediately. You
could be having a heart attack. And each minute you spend debating
whether to seek treatment, more heart muscle may be damaged and your
risk of death will increase. See what to do to improve your chances
of survival and full recovery at
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=D0C17963-6480-4DAE-A5545B50195F
3156&si=2531
STUDIES CONFIRM BENEFITS OF VARIED DIET
Two studies presented confirm the benefits of a varied, wholesome
diet and call into question the wisdom of low-carb and other fad
diets that limit what kinds of foods people can eat. In one, a team
at cereal-maker General Mills found men and women who ate three or
more daily servings of whole grain foods were the least likely to be
overweight or obese.
In a second, university-based researchers found people who ate a
variety of foods were more likely to get the recommended levels of
vitamins and other nutrients than people who stuck to a few favorite
foods. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4857688§ion
=news
RELIEVE STRESS WITH DIET CHANGE
Feeling all stressed out? A few changes in your eating habits may
help,
according to Georgia State University. Here are some suggestions:
-- Boost your vitamin E levels by tossing some nuts in your salad or by adding
some wheat germ to your yogurt. Vitamin E is said to aid memory.
-- Increase your body's natural high by eating more carbohydrate-rich foods,
such as whole-wheat bread, baked potatoes, pastas and salads.
-- Eat a high-fiber breakfast.
-- Drink more fluids to enhance your memory and your senses.
-- Squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise a day
(HealthDayNews)
STUDY: EXERCISE BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
Older adults who do moderate resistance exercise over a long period
of time can boost their immune system, says a study by researchers
at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/518357/main.html
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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
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/
--Lorna from Texas, an active chat room member and list subscriber
is in the hospital. Please go to the link above to leave messages.
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
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-- 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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CITY NICKNAMES
Do you know the nicknames for cities? Give it a try! See Quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=113
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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PAPRIKA CHICKEN WITH SOUR CREAM GRAVY
Prep/Cook Time: 20 min.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
4 boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup butter OR margarine
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Cream of Chicken Soup OR 98%
Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 container (8 oz.) sour cream
Directions:
MIX flour and seasonings. Coat chicken with flour mixture.
HEAT butter in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned.
ADD soup and onions. Cover and cook over low heat 10 min. or
until done. Stir in sour cream. Serve with mashed potatoes or
rice, if desired.
Serves 4.
(Campbell's Kitchen)
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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I have learned from experience
that the greater part of our
happiness or misery
depends on our dispositions
and not on our
circumstances.
-- Martha Washington --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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