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, January 12, 2004                          Volume #3 -- Issue #2
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 - Taking Medications
==> 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 easy living with COPD. But, one thing that surely can make
life harder is not taking our medications as prescribed by our
doctors. Skipping our medications, self-medicating and playing
around with dosages can all have dire consequences to our health.

How compliant are you when it comes to taking your medications?

This issue focuses on the importance of being compliant when it
comes to taking prescription medications, which will not cure us,
but will help us breath easier.

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
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         > > > > > > > > >        COPD NEWS        < < < < < < < < <
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STEROID USE DOES NOT AFFECT COPD OUTCOME
The findings of a new study indicate that the regular use of inhaled
steroids does not improve survival or prevent disease flare-ups in
patients with COPD, contrary to some reports. The new study was
conducted to address possible bias in previous research. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4081311

COPD STUDY: BENEFITS OF EXERCISE REINFORCED
This study reminds those of us with COPD that once again physical
exercise holds the key to our well-being. You should take this study
to your doctor and ask him or her to work with you to develop a
program of physical activity that will eventually lead to an
activity level equivalent to walking 60 minutes a day or more. See
Study: http://www.coloradohealthsite.org/CHNReports/COPD_physicalactivity.html

GREEN TEA SEEN AS A BENEFIT FOR SMOKERS
Previous studies have indicated that green tea can protect against
cancer. But it may be even more beneficial to smokers. Make no
mistake, green tea is not an antidote for smoking. The best thing
for your health is to quit. But until then, researchers suggest
drinking three to four cups of green tea per day. A little
protection from lung cancer could be in the bag.
(CBS HealthWatch Report)

STUDY: NICOTINE LOZENGE HELPS QUITTERS
This study held at sites in the United Kingdom and the United States
included 1,818 smokers seeking smoking cessation treatment; 1,145
had had previous pharmacological treatment with nicotine polacrilex
lozenge.

The study concludes that smokers with a history of past failure of
pharmacological treatment have lower success rates without
pharmacological treatment, but equally good outcomes with active
lozenge treatment. Smokers who previously tried pharmacological
treatments, but resumed smoking should be encouraged to try quitting
again with the new nicotine lozenge.
(National Library of Medicine)

IRESSA MAY HELP COMBAT ORAL CANCER
The new drug Iressa, which is approved for treating a type of lung
cancer, may also be useful for treating oral cancers, Japanese
researchers report. The drug is an inhibitor of a molecule called
the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overactive in
several cancers.

The study, reported in the International Journal of Cancer, showed
radiation or Iressa alone slowed proliferation of the cancer cells,
and a cooperative anti-proliferative effect was seen when radiation
was followed by Iressa treatment.

SLEEP DISORDER CONFERENCE SET
The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR) is holding
a two-day conference - "Frontiers of Knowledge in Sleep and Sleep
Disorders: Opportunities for Improving Health and Quality of Life" -
March 29-30 at the Natcher Conference Center in Bethesda, MD.

Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the public
conference will include discussion on improving knowledge,
attitudes and sleep-related behaviors.

There is no registration fee, but it is essential to register in
advance. For more information go to
http://www.sleeptranslation.com/  or contact NCSDR at 301-435-0199.
Learn more about sleep and sleep disorders at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sleep

INTERFERON USEFUL IN ASTHMA TREATMENT
Treatment with interferon-alpha produces dramatic clinical benefits
in patients with asthma that is resistant to steroid treatment, new
research shows. Moreover, these benefits occur even in asthmatics
with Churg-Strauss syndrome - a severe allergy-related disease.

Inhaled steroids and drugs called beta-2-agonists are the first-line
therapy for patients with asthma. However, a subset of patients will
not respond to such drugs and will require steroid pills.  Unfortunately, of this group,
a few patients will develop steroid-resistant asthma for which no effective therapy
currently exists.

Interferon-alpha is a natural chemical with certain immune effects
that could be beneficial for patients with asthma. Based on a few
successful experiences with interferon-alpha at the University of
Bern in Switzerland, researchers found that after a few weeks of
interferon therapy there were dramatic improvements in lung function
and a reduction in the steroid dose needed to control symptoms, the
authors reported in the medical journal Allergy. Future clinical
studies are planned.
(Reuters)

AVENTIS SEEKS FDA APPROVAL OF ASTHMA DRUG
Aventis and Altana announced that a new drug application has been
submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Alvesco
(ciclesonide). The companies are seeking marketing approval of
Alvesco for the treatment of persistent asthma (regardless of
severity) in adults, adolescents and children 4 years of age and
older.

Alvesco is a new generation inhaled corticosteroid with novel
release and distribution properties. Inhaled corticosteroids are
considered to be the foundation of asthma treatment, and they work
by reducing inflammation - the underlying disease process - in the
lungs and airways, according to an Aventis press release.

The most frequently reported adverse events seen in Alvesco U.S.
clinical trials were nasopharyngitis, headache and upper respiratory
tract infection.

HOTLINE FOR AIR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a
toll-free hotline to assist travelers with disabilities. See DOT
Site: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/hotline.htm

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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TAKING OUR MEDICATIONS AS PRESCRIBED
By Susie Bowers

Taking multiple medications daily with varying delivery methods can
be a real nuisance. Many of us with COPD are on such medication
regimes, ranging from inhalers, nebulizers to oxygen.

Although the damage that has been done to our lungs is irreversible,
with proper compliance to treatment, a fulfilling life can be
maintained. It is important to take care of the lungs by decreasing
the chance of infections by obtaining the proper vaccines
(pneumococcal vaccine and yearly flu shots) and taking medications
as prescribed.

If our compliance is poor, we can expect worsening breathing
problems. And, by not taking or medications as prescribed, we can
further compromise our health.

Yes, being a compliant patient can be hard, especially with the
number of drugs we must take on a daily basis. But once we establish
a routine, taking our daily meds can become a healthy habit that
allows us to live a better quality of life.

COMPLIANCE KEY TO COPD MANAGEMENT
Any successful COPD management program depends upon the patient's
ability and willingness to follow it. One of the hardest things for
people to do is to break old habits and instill new ones.

There have been many studies on the dynamics of change and the
resistance most people have to it. Patients need to see the need for
change, be willing to make the effort to change and have the support
to keep forward momentum going to form new and effective habits.
See More: http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa033098.htm

COMPLIANCE ISSUES
Compliance - Basically, it is doing what we've been told to do. When
it comes to COPD, it is following doctor's orders. People don't
follow doctor's orders for many reasons. See More:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa052499.htm
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   > > > > > > > > >      NUTRITION/WELLNESS      < < < < < < < < <
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CHECKLIST FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
It may be a cliché, but it's true: When it comes to digestive
diseases, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. According
to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, approximately 70 million Americans suffer from
gastrointestinal disorders, ranging from the relatively manageable
constipation to the more serious colon cancer. You may be able to
avert many of these conditions if you make a few lifestyle changes.
Here are a few tips on keeping your digestive system in top shape:
http://www.gerd.msn.com/GERDUp9TenTips.asp

STUDY: COFFEE DOES NOT RAISE ARTHRITIS RISK
Drinking multiple cups of coffee every day does not appear to
increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), new
research suggests. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=3985282

KITCHEN FACET VEGGIE'S BEST FRIEND
Produce should be washed before being eaten. Only recently has it
become clear that fruits and vegetables have been responsible for
about as many reported cases of food poisoning as beef, chicken,
fish and eggs combined. Scientists say all produce, including
triple-washed salads, should be thoroughly washed with water.
(New York Times)
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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

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-Interanational.com/Library/clinical_trials.htm

-- Continually Updated List of COPD Clinical Trials
http://www.COPD-Interanational.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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MODERN PROVERBS

-- If you're too open minded, your brains will fall out.

-- Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.

-- Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than
   going to a garage makes you a mechanic.

-- A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

-- If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never
   tried before.

-- My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

-- Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is
   serious.

-- For every action, there is an equal and opposite government
   program.

-- If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the
   trip.

-- Always yield to temptation, because it may not pass your way
   again.

-- Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

-- Men are from Earth. Women are from Earth. Deal with it.

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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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EASY BAKED SALSA CHICKEN
This chicken dish is seasoned with taco seasoning, topped with
salsa and baked.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 teaspoons taco seasoning mix
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)

2. Place chicken breasts in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken breasts, and pour
salsa over all.

3. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or
until chicken is tender and juicy and its juices run clear.

4. Sprinkle chicken evenly with cheese, and continue baking for an
additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top
with sour cream if desired, and serve.

(Allrecipes)
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     > > > > > > > > >      CLOSING THOUGHT       < < < < < < < < <
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                             Don't be afraid your life will end;
                              be afraid that it will never begin.

                                     -- Grace Hansen --
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