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, June 14, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #24
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
FREE BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY! Subscription information is at
the end of this newsletter. THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE
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 - Understanding COPD Part II
==> 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
Last week's newsletter featured links to general information on
COPD. This issue features a few of the patient-created Web sites,
where we can get a true understanding of COPD from those who have
gone through similar experiences. It is these patient-driven sites
that offer support, hope and firsthand knowledge about our illness
from a patient's perspective.
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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ASTHMA: MEDICATIONS, IMMUNOTHERAPY
Several treatments are available to help you cope with your asthma.
Some therapies relieve symptoms, while others work to prevent
asthma attacks from occurring. Your doctor can help you decide
which option is best for you based on your age and on how persistent
your symptoms are. See Treatment Options:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=58BCFCCC-BB00-4E67-A29876A9D30
B65ED&si=2559
STEROID USE: BALANCING RISKS, BENEFITS
If you've heard about steroids from only the mass media, you may
think they're bad news. Sensational stories about athletes bulking
up on anabolic steroids - and experiencing side effects such as
aggressive behavior and infertility - abound. Others detail the
serious side effects - such as bone thinning and high blood pressure
- that can occur with use of prescription corticosteroid
medications. All of this may make you wonder why they're so commonly
prescribed. But the medications that make up this class of drugs
have great potential in the treatment of a variety of conditions,
from rashes to lupus and asthma. Working with your doctor, you can
take steps to reduce the medications' side effects so that the
benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. See Story:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=62F9388A-8A71-4B7D-B20684EA03D0
8889&si=2559
U.S. FDA PLANS TO PHASE OUT INAHALERS
According to a recent Associated Press article, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) proposed gradually phasing out four types of
albuterol inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are
known to deplete the ozone layer. The article reports that an
international treaty requires that they be phased out once
alternatives are available. According to the article, two such
alternatives are currently on the market: Proventil HFA and Ventolin
HFA. The article reports that the FDA will begin soliciting opinions
from asthma experts at a meeting of its independent scientific
advisers.
ORAL APPLIANCE HELPFUL FOR SLEEP APNEA
Some people who experience episodes of blocked breathing during
sleep - a condition called sleep apnea - can be helped with an oral
device that holds their jaw in a forward position and their airway
open. Now a French group reports a refinement of this strategy.
They say using the oral device to progressively increase the
advancement of the jaw can achieve optimal results in many patients
with sleep apnea who cannot tolerate other types of treatment. See
Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5339324&
section=news
SMOKING MAY BOOST DIABETES RISK
Smokers already worried about their risks for cancer and heart
disease now have another reason to quit: Tobacco may raise the risk
for type 2 diabetes, say two new studies. "This increased risk for
type 2 diabetes could be due to increased insulin resistance, which
has previously been shown to occur after an acute episode of
smoking," said a professor at the University of Science and
Technology in Norway. See Story:
http://www.healthday.com/view.cfm?id=519377
CYSTIC FIBROSIS: LUNG TRANSPLANTS MAY BUY TIME
Lung transplants increase survival for people with cystic fibrosis
(CF) by an average of nearly 4.5 years, says a U.S. study.
"Initially, the risks from lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis
patients are quite high, but the risk drops over time, and it
becomes worth the risk in the long run," a study co-author said. He
added CF patients who have lung transplants must have a double-lung
transplant for the surgery to be effective in treating their
disease. See Story: http://www.healthday.com/view.cfm?id=519214
CHEMO PROLONGS SURVIVAL AFTER LUNG SURGERY
Researchers recently reported brighter prospects for patients with
lung cancer. For the first time, a large clinical trial has shown
that combination chemotherapy given after complete surgical removal
of early-stage lung cancer significantly prolongs patients'
survival. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5384780&
section=news
EFFECT OF SALMETEROL DURING EXERCISE
Despite apparent "non-reversibility" in spirometric parameters,
long-acting bronchodilators can cause both symptomatic and
physiological improvement during exercise in severe COPD, according
to this study. (Among the drug products that contain salmeterol are
Serevent Inhalation Aerosol, Serevent Diskus and Advair Diskus.) See
Abstract:
http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/59/6/471
FRESH AIR BLOWS COLD GERMS AWAY
The more outdoor air is pumped into office ventilation systems, the
lower the inside levels of viruses that cause the common cold -
according to a new report. Few studies have considered the possible
link between the ventilation of buildings and respiratory illness in
their occupants, note the authors of the study. Researchers sampled
the workday air from three office buildings and used molecular
techniques to detect and identify rhinoviruses in air samples and in
nasal mucus from building occupants. The concentration of carbon
dioxide in the air was used as a measure of exhaled breath and the
supply rate of outdoor air. There was a significant relationship
between the detection of airborne rhinoviruses and the amount of
stale indoor air, they report. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5375509&
section=news
HEART QUIZ: WHAT KEEPS IT TICKING?
Your heart is a big powerhouse in a small package. It works hard and
steadily to pump blood to your body. Every cell in your body needs
the oxygen and nutrients carried by blood in order to live. But how
much do you really know about this vital little muscle? See Quiz:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=166DD365-53F5-45D1-A605F1
A091FAF747&si=2559
USDA: DRUG CARDS WON'T EAT UP FOOD STAMPS
Food stamp recipients will see no reduction in their monthly
allotments if they should get a Medicare drug discount card and $600
credit, the U.S. Agriculture Department said. The announcement was
made to clarify a disagreement between Medicare and state food stamp
officials about whether the drug card subsidy should be considered
when calculating food stamps. See Story:
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040612/D83568480.html
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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PART II: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DISEASE
One of the best sources of knowledge about COPD is from those who
suffer from the disease. Over the years, many COPDers have created
their own Web sites, formed online support groups and have become
advocates for those of us with COPD.
The sites listed below are a few examples of patient Web sites. We
take our hats off to all of those who have taken the time to share
their experience, strength and hope.
THE COPD ADVOCATE
The late Bill Horden, known as the COPD advocate, spent a good
part
of his life sharing his research and knowledge with others. His
work, which is timeless and has appeared in numerous medical
journals, is now permanently housed in our Library at
COPD-International. His positive outlook has inspired others to live
the best life possible.
-- COPD Advocate Bill Horden Library
His work is a must-read for those who are newly diagnosed,
especially the "COPD Survival Guide."
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDAdvocate/
-- COPD Library
The COPD International Library is a great place to begin
educating yourself on your disease. Many of the articles have
been compiled by fellow COPDers, who share their personal tips
and experiences on how to cope with COPD on a daily basis.
http://www.COPD-International.com/Library/
OTHER PATIENT-DRIVEN SITES FOR SUPPORT
-- Dedicated to "Living With COPD," this site was developed,
written and is hosted by patients with COPD. http://papapoo.com/
-- The Family of COPD Online Support Lists and Programs was
developed and is managed by patients with COPD in cooperation
with other COPD patients, caregivers and those interested in the
disease. http://copd-support.com/
-- Olivija's Place, designed by the late Olivija Gwynne, offers
a wealth of information, wisdom and inspiration.
http://www.olivija.com/
PATIENT-DRIVEN SITES FOR ADVOCACY
-- EFFORTS (Emphysema Foundation For Our Right To Survive) - An
internet advocacy/activist/support email discussion list that is
seeking more effective research and treatment for COPD, as well
as helping educate and inform the patient about managing their
disease. http://www.emphysema.net
-- COPD-ALERT, a nonprofit, Internet-based, support and advocacy
group for COPD patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and
other interested persons which provides information on
COPD-related activities in the US including clinical trials and
conferences. http://www.COPD-ALERT.com
PATIENT DRIVEN WEBSITE - SPECIAL INTEREST
-- A not-for-profit corporation founded in 1995 by John Walsh,
Susan Stanley and Sandy Lindsey, three individuals diagnosed
with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AAT Deficiency or Alpha-1)
which is dedicated to providing the leadership and resources
that will result in increased research, improved health,
worldwide detection, and a cure for Alpha-1.
http://www.alphaone.org
These are but a few of the websites to help you get started.
To
find more, simply go to your favorite search engine such as
www.Yahoo.com , and type in the word "COPD", or the phrase "what is
COPD" to get a very long list of web pages and websites
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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STUDY: SINUS HEADACHES OFTEN MIGRAINES
If you think you have a sinus headache, think again, according to an
Arizona headache specialist. You may have a migraine. In a new
study, almost nine out of 10 people who thought they had sinus
headaches actually had migraines, according to Dr. Eric J. Eross, an
associate consultant in neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.
See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=5403067&
section=news
YO-YO DIETING MAY WEAKEN IMMUNE SYSTEM
Yo-yo dieting, in which a person repeatedly loses and regains
weight, may have a lasting negative impact on immune function,
according to new findings by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center. Conversely, maintaining the same weight over time
appears to have a positive effect on the immune system, reports
researchers in the June issue of the Journal of the American
Dietetic Association. See Reports:
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportsnutrition/a/060304.htm
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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
RECEIVE COPD NEWS BY MAIL
-- "COPD News" - a monthly newsletter from COPD International
To subscribe, send your name and address to:
COPD-International Association
131 DW Highway #627
Nashua, NH 03060
Attn: COPD News
Subscribe online at http://www.COPDNews.com
-- "COPD DIGEST" - a quarterly magazine from COPD Foundation
To subscribe, send your name and address to:
COPD Digest
P.O. Box 34107
Washington, DC 20078-8513
Subscribe online at www.COPDdigest.org
CONDOLENCES
We send our condolences to the family of John Peterson. John of
Cape Cod died peacefully June 10 at home. His wife, Lilli Clabby,
and a close family friend were by his side. John lived with severe
emphysema for many years. Last August, he received a lung transplant
at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. To post condolences,
please go to
http://members.tripod.com/~copd_tlc/JohnPeterson1.html
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/
-- Chatterer and subscriber Patz is fighting a heavy infection.
To leave get-well wishes, please go to the link above.
-- Our chat host Terri had surgery for a compound leg fracture,
which she suffered in a recent fall. Please go to the link above
to leave get-well wishes.
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/
-- 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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TEST YOUR REAGAN KNOWLEDGE
Test your knowledge of the life of America's 40th president
Ronald W. Reagan. Quiz:
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/interactive.asp?id=/d/quiz/Reagan_quiz/data.js&
navid=3294093>1=3584
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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CREAMY PORK AND RICE
Prep/Cook Time: 25 min.
Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless pork loin
2 tbsp. Crisco Vegetable Oil
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Cream of Celery Soup OR
98% Fat Free Cream of Celery Soup
1/4 cup water
4 cups hot cooked rice
Directions:
SLICE pork into thin strips.
HEAT 1 tbsp. oil in skillet. Add pork and cook until browned,
stirring often. Remove pork.
HEAT remaining oil. Add celery, onion and thyme and cook until
tender, stirring often.
ADD soup and water. Heat to a boil. Return pork to pan and
heat through.
Serve with rice. Serves 4.
(Campbell's Kitchen)
Note: Instead of boneless pork loin, try using boneless pork chops
to slice into stir-fry strips.
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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Words to live by!
As COPDers, we have been blessed by having help, support and
guidance from some very remarkable people. Many of these have left
a lasting impression on our community with a simple phrase, long
after they have left us.
Bill Powell, in a letter to Bill Horden in 1998 said very simply
"I'm an addict." He went on to say "Ever since the doctor whapped
me on the butt almost 65 years ago, I have been addicted to oxygen."
But in reality, this was the beginning of a letter about
supplemental oxygen, and its value to us as COPDers. Yes, we all
are addicted to oxygen.
And speaking of Bill Horden, one of his messages is one of the most
quoted phrases within the COPD support community.
His statement which has had such an impact on so many of us ----
"COPD is not a death sentence!"
Yes, there have been many more too...... but
Last Thursday another remarkable man, John Peterson left us to join
the two Bills, Olivija, Lance, Steve and the countless others who
have helped us all so much over the years. John taught us the value
of mutual support - of helping each other - and of being there for
each other. As he so simply, yet eloquently said in his email
signature,
You lean on me and
I'll lean on you and
we'll be okay
Yes, John, rest well,
For we will lean on each other as we battle this disease...
And thanks to you and others who you have now joined, "we'll be OK"
cg
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Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
-----------------
Notes
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