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 24, 2004                                 Volume #3 -- Issue #21
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 - New COPD Publications
==> 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 can be discouraging when we hear that not enough is being done in
the area of COPD prevention, education, research and management.
There are, however, several organizations, professional and patient-
driven, that continually work to promote COPD awareness and provide
support for those with COPD and their families.

This issue features the announcement of two new COPD publications.
We here at COPD-International are starting publication of a
multi-page monthly newsletter called "COPD News" that is designed as
a mailer to reach those who do not have Internet access. The
COPD-International Newsletter will continue to be published online
weekly.

Also making its debut is the "COPD Digest," a magazine published by
the COPD Foundation with the support of the Alpha-1 Foundation.

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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MERCK PUBLISHES NEW MANUAL ON AGING
The Merck health-care manual, revered as a physician's bible for
comprehensive medical information, is launching an official "Old
Testament" of sorts. With increased focus on medical care for the
aging baby-boomer and elderly populations, drugmaker Merck &
Co. Inc., whose publications include the flagship "The Merck Manual
of Medical Information," is introducing "The Merck Manual of Health
& Aging." Rather than simply reworking the existing "The Merck
Manual for Geriatrics," which targets health care professionals, the
editors of the manuals decided to take a wider approach beyond the
conventional medical, nutritional and fitness issues.
See Manuals:

-- Health, Aging:
http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/contents.html

-- Geriatric:
http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mm_geriatrics/contents.jsp

HOW CLEAN ARE YOUR LUNGS?
The airways that conduct air into and out of the lung contain
secretions - mucus - that trap inhaled particles. These are removed
from the lung by a process called mucociliary clearance that moves
the mucus, dead cells and inhaled particles and microorganisms
towards the throat from where they are swallowed.

Patients with COPD typically have more secretions and products
of infections in their airways. Mucociliary clearance, an important
component of lung function, has usually been measured using a
technique that determines the rate of removal of inhaled
radiolabelled aerosols from the lung. However, it can only be
carried out in medical facilities that have specialized equipment.

Now researchers have set out to develop a simpler technique that
could be used in any nuclear medicine department. This new technique
uses a much lower dose of radioactivity and takes much less time and
equipment. See Story: http://www.news-medical.net/view_article.asp?id=903

NEW WAY TO KILL LUNG, COLON TUMORS
A genetically engineered virus can selectively kill cancerous cells
in the lung and colon while leaving healthy cells intact, according
to new research recently published. The research could lead to a new
class of cancer therapies that selectively kill cancer cells. See
Story: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/index.php?newsid=8340

HHS LAUNCHES PILOT PROJECT WITH WEBMD
The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the launch of a
nine-month pilot project with WebMD Health to make HHS consumer
health information more widely and more rapidly available to the
public on a new HHS "channel" on WebMD. The partnership will also
accelerate the ability of HHS to disseminate life-saving information
to the public in the event of a major public health emergency. The
new HHS channel on WebMD is available at http://hhs.webmd.com.
(HHS Press Release)

NEW STUDY ON CORTICOSTEROIDS, COPD
A new study shows inhaled corticosteroids may not significantly help
patients with COPD. Previous studies have shown inhaled
corticosteroids can reduce the mortality rate and number of
exacerbations COPD patients experience. However, results from a
study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington
show otherwise. See More: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/8007699/main.html

DIAGNOSING, TREATING PNEUMONIA
Diagnosing and treating pneumonia in patients who are receiving
mechanical ventilation is a challenge for physicians. For example,
if the patient has a fever, it could be pneumonia or it could be a
noninfectious problem. Now, new research finds certain cells in the
patient's fluid may be helpful in diagnosing bacterial or fungal
pneumonia. See Story: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/8007895/main.html

SPRING ALLERGIES WREAKING ANNUAL HAVOC
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Why, allergies, of course. That's not precisely true. Many flowers
don't release the kind of pollen that irritates sensitive
constitutions. But their appearance in the spring marks the
presence of other, more aggravating pollens that do spark allergies,
those from trees, grasses and other plants. Fittingly, May is
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The link below lead to
tips on preventing severe reactions to allergies. See More.
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/518539/main.html

CANADIAN COPD GUIDELINES UNIQUE
The new Canadian COPD guidelines offer a fresh perspective on the
modern day management of COPD. The unique features described in
this brief commentary are a credit to the numerous individuals who
generously participated in the development process. The main message
permeating the entire document is that COPD is a preventable and
treatable disease. See More: http://www.pulsus.com/Respir/11_03/odon_ed.htm

CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE ON RISE IN WOMEN
More Canadian women die of COPD than of breast cancer each year.
The numbers are rising, yet scientists are worried that there still
isn't enough screening for the condition. Doctors have seen a
50-percent jump in the number of women hospitalized, and a doubling
of their rate of death. See Story:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1084575910245_6/?hub=Health

STUDY: PRESCRIPTION USE DOWN WHEN CO-PAYS RISE
Sharp increases in out-of-pocket prescription drug payments could
cause people to cut use of medications for chronic diseases like
asthma and diabetes and may lead to more costly medical problems, a
study found. Doubling co-payments, the amount paid by patients, was
linked to reduced use of eight types of drugs for problems like
asthma, depression and allergies, according to a study by a unit of
the nonprofit research organization RAND Corp. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5183129

MAKER TO PULL ANTIDEPRESSANT OFF MARKET
The maker of Serzone will pull the controversial antidepressant off
the U.S. market next month, blaming a decline in sales rather than
concern about a risk of liver failure. The end to U.S. sales comes
after Serzone was pulled off the market in many other countries, and
as maker Bristol-Myers Squibb was under mounting pressure from
lawsuits. Serzone has been linked to dozens of cases of liver
failure and injury, including at least 20 deaths. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=K3EXEAZITJZU2CRBAEZSFEY?
type=healthNews&storyID=5198287

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 (FDA) recalls,
go to http://www.safetyalerts.com/
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> > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < <
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TWO COPD PUBLICATIONS DEBUT
-- "COPD News" --
COPD-International is starting publication of a multi-page monthly
newsletter called "COPD News." Its primary goal and purpose is to
provide support, understanding, information and encouragement for
all our subscribers.

It will feature monthly articles and information on COPD;
caregiving; exercise; smoking cessation; kids and teens support;
oxygen; and Alpha-1. There will also be special reports, guest
articles, current news and a calendar of COPD related events

Published monthly, this free multi-page newsletter is designed
primarily for direct postal mailing to interested parties who:

-- have no Internet access;
-- can no longer surf the Internet due to medical issues;
-- can not receive e-mail newsletters due to ISP filters;
-- want a hard copy newsletter for ease of reading;
-- want to have information sent to others.

Do you know a COPDer who needs offline support?
You can sign them up - we will send them your special
message with their first issue.

To subscribe, send your name and address (including ZIP code) to:
COPD-International Association
131 DW Highway #627
Nashua, NH 03060
Attn: COPD News

To subscribe online, go to http://www.COPDNews.com

-- "COPD DIGEST"
The "COPD Digest," published by the COPD Foundation, is a new
magazine also devoted exclusively to people with COPD. This is a
relevant resource for research, reports and advice for people with
COPD.

The digest, in addition to providing inspiration and support for
COPD patients, will:

-- broaden the identity of the COPD community, increasing
   public awareness;
-- provide resource information for COPD patients;
-- inform COPD patients of research breakthroughs;
-- inform on advocacy and policy issues;
-- provide a method for product and service advertisers to
   reach a greater community of COPDers who need their
   services.

To subscribe, send your name and address (including ZIP code) to:
COPD Digest
P.O. Box 34107
Washington, DC 20078-8513

To subscribe online, go to www.COPDdigest.org

LEADERSHIP FORUM
The COPD Patients Leadership Council, comprised of leaders of
support groups on all levels, is designed to provide a forum for the
leadership of COPD support groups to work together for the benefit
of the COPD patient. The council addresses educational, political,
advocacy, support and rehabilitation issues. See More:
www.COPDCouncil.org
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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FIVE ESSENTIAL HABITS FOR STRESS CONTROL

-- 1. Develop your relaxation skills.
-- 2. Pay attention to physical health.
-- 3. Become a time management expert.
-- 4. Exercise regularly.
-- 5. Prioritize commitments and responsibilities.

To see more about these tips, please go to
http://stress.about.com/cs/copingskills/a/fivesteps.htm

12 TIPS WHEN YOUR INSURANCE WON'T PAY
If you're having a tough time getting your health insurance to cover
legitimate expenses, here are 12 tips that will help you make sure
you get the reimbursement you deserve. See Tips:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/newsresearch/a/insurancepay.htm

FOOD DISPLAYS, COLORS AFFECT HOW MUCH WE EAT
Variety may be the spice of life - and a key contributor to an
expanding waistline. Research challenges the conventional notion
that a person's ability to control eating and stick to a successful
diet has solely to do with willpower. Little-understood contextual
cues - such as how food is displayed and its variety of colors - can
lead people to overindulge and unknowingly bulk up, according to new
research. See Story: http://www.news.uiuc.edu/news/04/0510food.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

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 v < < < < < < < < < <
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WHAT'S BUGGING THE EAST COAST?
The U.S. East Coast is enduring an onslaught of cicadas. The
thumb-sized insects emerge every 17 years and fly around in a
noisy, mating frenzy before dying weeks later. Mistakenly called
locusts by early settlers, they are distinguished by their beady red
eyes. More on Cicadas: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4638582/?GT1=3391

JOIN THE CICADA MANIA!
http://cicadamania.com/
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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HAM ASPARAGUS GRATIN
This savory dish can be made up to 8 hours ahead, covered and
refrigerated until ready to bake.

Prep Time: 20 min.
Cook Time: 30 min.

Ingredients:

1 can Campbell's Cream of Asparagus Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3 cups hot cooked corkscrew pasta
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked ham
1 1/2 cups cooked cut asparagus
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese OR Swiss cheese

Directions:

MIX soup, milk, onion powder and pepper in 2-qt. baking dish.
Stir in pasta, ham, asparagus and 1/2 cup cheese.

BAKE at 400°F. for 25 min. or until hot. Stir.

SPRINKLE with remaining cheese. Bake 5 min. or until cheese
melts.

Serves 4.

(Campbell's Kitchen)
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    > > > > > > > > >         CLOSING THOUGHT         < < < < < < < < <
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    Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could;
    some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as
    you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with
    too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson --
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> > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < <
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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