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, January 26, 2004                             Volume #3 -- Issue #4
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 - Pneumonia
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> Community Update
==> Link Directory
==> Just for Fun
==> Recipes
==> 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
Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia - an
inflammation and infection of the lungs, according to the Mayo
Clinic Foundation. Pneumonia is a special concern for those of us
with COPD because of the weakened condition of our lungs. For those
of us with COPD, pneumonia can be a life-threatening illness.

With the flu season at its peak, the chance of contacting pneumonia
increases. If you do get sick, recognizing and treating the disease
early offers the best chance for recovery. If your COPD symptoms
worsen, contact your physician immediately, as those of us with COPD
cannot afford to take any chances when it comes to contracting
illnesses that can cause further damage to our lungs.

This issue features information on pneumonia and importance of
getting immediate medical attention at the first sign of a cold or
flu.

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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FLU SUBSIDING, BUT SECOND WAVE COULD HIT
According to a recent Washington Post "Findings" section, the number
of states hit hard by influenza this year has dropped to five from
a high of about 45 before the holiday season. The five states are
Delaware, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Officials
are warning, however, that a second wave could still hit the country
and people should still be getting flu shots. The article also
reports that approximately 111 children have died from the outbreak
this year, with a median age of 4.

ASTHMA CAN FLARE UP DESPITE DOUBLING INHALER DOSE
Doubling the dose of inhaled steroids is widely advocated to prevent
asthma exacerbations, but it seems to be ineffective, say U.K.
doctors. Story: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=
4196012

ASTHMA NOT WORSENED BY CONTINUED TRIGGERS
You might think that people with asthma that's triggered by a
specific environmental compound would have to avoid that
environment, otherwise their asthma would get worse and worse. Not
so, it seems.

Asthma does not appear to worsen in patients with continued exposure
to the causative agent - as long as treatment with steroids and
long-acting bronchodilators is maintained, physicians in Italy
report. See More: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&story
ID=4161293

PANEL SUPPORTS BENEFITS OF INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS
The available evidence regarding the use of inhaled corticosteroids
for the treatment of asthma was reviewed by an expert panel convened
by the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Academy of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology.

A total of 108 articles were reviewed and an assessment of risk was
made by responses to key questions relating to bone density,
cataract development, risk of glaucoma, growth in asthmatic children
and skin thinning/bruising. A predefined grading system was used to
assign a summary quality rating score for each conclusion. The
panel's opinion was that the clinical effectiveness of inhaled
corticosteroid use outweighed the proven risks.

(Leone, F.T. et al. Chest 2003, 124(6): 2329).

STUDY: COMBINED THERAPY EASES COPD SYMPTOMS
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal
examined the effect of combined therapy in severe COPD. The authors
concluded that treatment with combined inhaled steroids and long
acting b2 agonist can maintain the short-term optimization achieved
in severe COPD with oral steroids and long-acting b2 agonist.
Combined long-acting b2-agonist and inhaled steroids improved lung
function, reduced exacerbation rates and improved quality of life
scores when compared to placebo.

EMPHYSEMA: EXERCISING SELF-CARE
If you have emphysema, you can take a number of steps to halt its
progression and to protect yourself from complications. See Steps:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=C585E4B1-9390-48CE-8A709FFA
1BF33DF7

Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut
and paste the entire address into your browser if you have
trouble opening the page.

COLD WEATHER CAN WORSEN COPD SYMPTOMS
Breathing cold air can cause narrowing of the airways
(bronchoconstriction)in some people with COPD, such as emphysema and
asthma. This makes breathing more difficult because it restricts
airflow in the lungs. If you have COPD, you may reduce the effects
of cold air by:

-- Putting on a cold-air face mask before you go into the cold and
keeping it on as long as you're exposed to cold air. You can buy
these masks at most drug stores and medical supply stores.

-- Using an inhaled bronchodilator 30 minutes before going outside.
This medication opens narrowed (constricted) airways
.
-- Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth when you're
outside. This helps warm up the air as it travels to your lungs.

(Mayo Clinic)

MUCUS BLOCKER DISCOVERED
An international team of researchers has discovered a compound that
blocks the production of excessive mucus, which could point the way
to better treatments for asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
and other diseases. Scientists working with asthmatic mice found
that excess mucus production could be sharply reduced or eliminated
using a peptide called MANS. It blocks the protein that causes the
excess secretion. See More: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/1503416/main.html

MAINTAINING, CLEANING RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
Compressors, side-arm nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers,
metered-dose inhalers. There is a wide range of devices and machines
used in the treatment of COPD. The importance of maintaining,
cleaning and disinfecting respiratory equipment regularly cannot be
stressed enough. See Tips: http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa051997.htm

FAT, IN MODERATION, MAY HELP IMMUNE SYSTEM
Based on studies of pigs, researchers said that fat helps fend off
illness. Besides keeping a body warmer, fat cells, or adipocytes,
produce hormone-like proteins in reaction to invading toxins,
behaving much like immune cells that fight disease. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4171437

SMOKING STUDY: CUTTING BACK DOESN'T CUT IT
Smokers who cut back the number of cigarettes they smoke may not be
reducing the cancer-causing chemicals in their bodies as much as
they had hoped, according to a report. The study, published in
recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests
that cutting back is not nearly as good for the health as completely
quitting, experts said. When smokers smoke less, they probably drag
longer and harder on every cigarette, the researchers said. See
More: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4171056

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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SIMPLE STEPS TO AVOID THE FLU
Flu season is in full swing. Here are a few tips to keep you on your
toes and out of bed this winter:

-- Wash your hands frequently: Simple soap and water are your best
weapons against germs. Between washings, avoid touching your face -
no need to give germs easy access to your nose and mouth.

-- Drink your fluids, take your vitamins and get your rest: The
best way to boost your immune system is to take care of your body,
which means staying hydrated and listening when it tells you to slow
down.

-- Be considerate: If you are sick, try to minimize your
interactions with others so as to avoid spreading your germs.

-- Get medical attention: At the first sign of illness, see your
doctor to make sure your cold or flu doesn't lead to a much more
serious and potentially fatal infection: pneumonia. Healthy folks
can wait a week or so. Not so for those of us with COPD.

PNEUMONIA INFORMATION
In many cases pneumonia follows a common cold or the flu, but it
also can be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.
It's best to do everything you can to prevent pneumonia, but if you
do get sick, recognizing and treating the disease early offers the
best chance for a full recovery. Below is a link to the Mayo Clinic
Web site that contains extensive information on pneumonia. See
Information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=101586DD-4780-4B53-9
AA9C9010C842DAA&dsection=1

Editor's Note: This is an exceptionally long link. Please cut
and paste the entire address into your browser if you have
trouble opening the page.

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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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WINE HEALTH BENEFITS MIMICKED IN A PILL
Italian scientists are working on a pill that replicates all the
health benefits of drinking a glass of red wine. The research, by
scientists at the Pavese Pharma Biochemical Institute in Pavia,
Italy, could allow teetotalers to enjoy the health advantages of
wine, long seen as beneficial for the heart in moderate consumption.

The pill will include a mixture of sugar, amino acids, polyphenols
and other healthy ingredients in wine, but none of the alcohol.
Polyphenols are antioxidants that destroy harmful substances called
free radicals that can cause cancer. They may also help to keep
arteries clear and reduce heart disease.
(Reuters)

EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS
Beginning an exercise program is confusing at best. Find out what to
wear, how to set goals, how to set up a complete program and more.
See Exercise Guide: http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/a/exforbeginners.htm

HOT COCOA BURSTING WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
A hot cup of cocoa - that stalwart of cold winter nights and an all
time favorite for children - could actually boast more antioxidants
than green tea and red wine, say U.S. researchers. See Story:
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=8726
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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/

-- Cindy (CindyMa as she is known in chat) is one of our chat
hosts and an active advisory board member. She lost her cousin
to cancer January 18, and her mother-in-law to COPD January 21.

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       < < < < < < < < <
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COULD YOU ACE AN EIGHTH-GRADE MATH?
Nearly all U.S. states have set new standards for academic
achievement in their schools. What are today's kids expected
to know? Get a hint by taking this sample of the Illinois State
Board of Education's math test for 8th-graders. See Quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=95
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           > > > > > > > > > >       RECIPES       < < < < < < < < < <
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HEART HEALTHY RECIPES FROM NHLBI
Enjoy more than 100 heart healthy, taste-tested recipes sure to
please you and your family. The recipes include dishes from a
variety of ethnic cuisines, how to keep the "heart" in old family
favorites and fast facts on fiber, fat and salt. The recipes in this
special collection were compiled by the National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute (NHLBI). The 145-page book costs $4. To Order:
http://emall.nhlbihin.net/product2.asp?sku=2921
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     > > > > > > > > >       CLOSING THOUGHT       < < < < < < < < <
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                                  Laughter is inner jogging.

-- Norman Cousins --

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