COPD News from COPD-International -- Vol #3

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, May 17, 2004                                 Volume #3 -- Issue #20
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 - COPD: Avoiding Triggers
==> 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
Those of us with COPD are susceptible to many triggers that can make
our symptoms worse. The weather can take a toll on our breathing with
high pollen counts, high humidity, freezing temperatures that take
our breath away or sudden changes in the atmosphere. And infections
and colds can also take a toll on our breathing.

We may not be able to avoid all the triggers that make breathing more
difficult, but there are some things we can do to lessen our exposure
to these triggers. This issue features information on the triggers
that can make us feel worse and how to avoid them.

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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A REMINDER TO THOSE WHO USE LIQUID PORTABLES
This is a reminder to those who use Helios, Spirit, Escort, Companion
500/550, or other liquid portables. Summer is coming - with it heat
and humidity. Use care in filling your portables, so it does not
freeze up.

1. Wipe moisture from the valves of both the portable and the
reservoir before connecting.

2. When filled, close the fill valve and leave the two
connected for about 20-30 seconds.

Should the portable freeze up, move it to a less humid area where it
will recover more quickly.
(From Pete Wilson http://www.portableoxygen.org/)

STUDY: U.S. HEALTH CARE NOT ALWAYS THE BEST
A recent study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins, challenges
the widely held view that Americans have the best health care in the
world. According to an article, the study looks at the health care
situation in the United States and in four other industrialized,
English-speaking countries and found that the United States leads in
some areas, but is behind in others. The article reports that breast
cancer survival rates and cervical cancer screening rates were higher
in the US than in Australia, Canada, England and New Zealand. The
United States was the only country, however, that registered an
increase in deaths from asthma, and its rate of infection from
hepatitis B was the highest. See Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/health/AP-Health-Care-Quality.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.

FAST COURSE OF ALLERGY SHOTS HELP SOME
Rush immunotherapy, in which a course of allergen injections is sped
up so that tolerance develops over a shorter interval, can be useful
for patients who are allergic to airborne allergens. In the medical
journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Dr. David H. Khan
of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and
colleagues report outcomes of 65 patients who received rush
immunization against multiple aero-allergens. The strategy was
"fairly aggressive," according to the team's report, involving seven
injections given over a period of four hours. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5109468

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION CARDS FUEL CHAOS
Since the U.S. government rolled out a new discount drug program,
confusion has ensued with the 73 competing drug discount cards,
each providing different savings on different medications, and all
subject to change. The prescription drug discount cards are a prelude
to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization
Act, which will provide broad drug coverage starting in 2006. Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/12/national/12medicare.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=
1084745577-EaZa0zTvTHPzirDv24w6jA

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.

SIDEBAR: SCAM ARTISTS HIT NEW DRUG PLAN
Seniors are warned about ID theft, fraudulent cards.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4971039/?GT1=3391

STUDY: ERRORS FREQUENT WITH SPIROMETRY
Researchers in Pittsburgh found that errors frequently occur in
spirometry, which can lead to significantly elevated and inaccurate
test results. The study appears in the May issue of Chest. One common
error is caused at "zeroing," when the sensor measures an air
pressure gradient when there's actually no airflow. This causes
falsely elevated air volumes and shifts the entire volume-time curve.
Errors also can occur when the sensor is obstructed by condensation
of water vapor, mucus or a subject's fingers.

These two technical problems, which can occur even when the
spirometer is calibrated as recommended, are especially dangerous
because the high values they produce replace accurate but lower
values recorded during testing, leading technicians to believe a
patient's lung function has improved or is better than what it
actually is. Researchers advise that spirometry users be aware of the
potential for these errors and question unusually high results,
especially if the values increase in a short time period.
(Advance Newsmagazines)

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT SMOKING
Cigarette smokers who quit benefit almost immediately as levels of
nicotine, carbon monoxide and carcinogens in their blood drop. Blood
pressure improves, and ex-smokers begin to breathe easier. The health
benefits continue, as the body repairs damage and recovers from the
No.1 preventable cause of death in the United States. After 10-15
years, former smokers' risk of an early death drops almost to the
level of people who never smoked, according to the American Cancer
Society. See Story:
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040509/HEALTH/
205090340

COPD: EFFECT OF EXACERBATIONS ON QUALITY OF LIFE
This abstract concludes that frequent exacerbations significantly
impair health related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with
moderate COPD. A significant and independent effect of seasonality
was also observed. See Abstract:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/59/5/387

SLEEP APNEA LINKED TO STROKE PROBLEMS
Sleep apnea, a condition involving brief periods in which breathing
stops during sleep, is associated with worse outcomes after stroke
and with an increased risk of death, U.K. researchers report.
Researchers report that airway blockage, a problem that occurs
with sleep apnea, is associated with reduced blood pressure, oxygen
levels and blood flow to the brain. Their study was designed to
assess the impact on stroke outcomes. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5152212&
section=news

DEPRESSION SELF-ASSESSMENT
This self-assessment can show if you may have depression. Answering
these 20 questions may be an important step on the path toward
effective treatment. See Quiz:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=3323EE4A-4AD6-4408-B82B7DDEB1
D2FEB6&si=2547

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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COPD: RECOGNIZE, AVOID TRIGGERS
Your ability to recognize and avoid those things causing you problems
may be the most important aspect of your self-care. This link leads
to tips that could help keep you out of trouble.
http://www.aarc.org/patient_education/tips/lesscopd.html

COPD: MORE ON AVOIDING TRIGGERS
What is a trigger? A trigger is any activity or substance that can
cause your COPD to flare up. It's important to take active steps to
avoid triggers. For more information, please go to (PDF format)
http://patienteducation.upmc.com/Pdf/COPDTriggers.pdf

HTML version:
http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:N8QxhZCG6J8J:patienteducation.upmc.com/Pdf/
COPDTriggers.pdf+COPD+and+humidity&hl=en

ASTHMA: REDUCING EXPOSURE TO TRIGGERS
Most people with asthma have few symptoms between attacks, but
some people have severe asthma and have symptoms all the time
(chronic severe asthma). In asthma, the inflamed air passages can be
irritated by lots of triggers. The triggers cause the airways to
narrow, which results in an asthma attack. These triggers include:

-- Viruses
-- Exercise
-- Cold air
-- Emotion
-- Pollution
-- Cigarette smoke
-- Substances in the workplace

You may already know there is no cure for COPD. However, it's
important that you know there is hope. Much can be done to lessen
the side effects and symptoms of the disease. You can lead active
and rewarding lives by following the advice of your physician and
by following some simple tips.

-- Stay active
-- Use pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing
-- Watch your diet
-- Drink plenty of fluids
-- Relax
-- Avoid problems

See More: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/asthma_triggers.htm
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < <
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ARTHRITIS: TOP 10 REASONS TO EXERCISE
"Unfortunately, many arthritis sufferers mistakenly believe that
exercise will worsen their condition," said Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief
exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
"The reality, however, is that a well-rounded physical activity
program of stretching, strength training and aerobic exercise can
help minimize many of the adverse affects of arthritis and improve
overall functional capacity." In conjunction with National Arthritis
Month, the ACE suggests 10 reasons for arthritis sufferers to start
an exercise program. See Tips:
http://walking.about.com/cs/healthbenefits/a/10arthritis.htm

CHOLESTEROL: WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?
The results of a blood cholesterol test include more than one number.
Do you know what the different measurements mean? When you get the
results of your blood cholesterol or serum lipids screen, you may
see some unfamiliar measurements. What do these numbers mean? Take
this quiz to fine out. See Quiz:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=B722B58C-66B2-4258-9368DFBC3D47
18D5&si=2541

FOOD POISONING OR FLU?
Even though food poisoning is common, it can be hard to recognize.
Find out how to distinguish between an illness from something you ate
and a flu that's settled in your gastrointestinal tract. See More:
http://www.healthology.com/focus_article.asp?f=gi&c=gi_foodpoisoning&spg=NWL
&b=healthology
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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

A MUST READ - PERSONAL JOURNAL 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,
has written about her daily experiences, which is available in our
Library, so that we all may gain a greater understanding. Her
husband, Ken, passed on April 30. To read Betty's heartfelt account
of Hospice care, 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/

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-- Welcome Wagon
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-- To Volunteer
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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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THE PAOMNNEHAL PWEOR OF THE HMUAN MNID
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer
in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is
taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be
a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is
bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the
wrod as a wlohe.

Amzanig huh?
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> > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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BAKED PORK CHOPS WITH STUFFING
Bone-in or boneless pork chops are excellent in this recipe.

Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 40 min.

Ingredients:

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup
3/4 cup water
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen vegetable combination (broccoli,
cauliflower, carrots)
1 tbsp. margarine OR butter
4 cups Pepperidge Farm Cubed Herb Seasoned Stuffing
6 bone-in pork chops, 3/4" thick

Directions:

MIX 1/3 cup soup, 1/2 cup water, vegetables and margarine in
saucepan.
Heat to a boil. Remove from heat. Add stuffing. Mix lightly.
SPOON stuffing mixture into greased 3-qt. baking dish. Arrange
chops over stuffing.
MIX remaining soup and remaining water. Spoon over chops.
BAKE at 400°F. for 40 min. or until chops are done. Serves 6.
(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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