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, February 9, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #6
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 - Indoor Allergies
==> 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
Many parts of the United States are experiencing frigid temperatures
and severe snowstorms. For those of us with COPD, staying home is
one way to escape the cold weather.
Unfortunately, many of our homes contain allergens what can
aggravate our condition. There are many remedies and steps we can
take to lessen our expose to indoor air pollutants. This issue
features information on indoor allergens and what we can to lessen
our susceptibility.
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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LEARN ALL ABOUT COPD DRUG SPIRIVA
This site contains detailed information on Spiriva, including
prescribing information, side effects and patient instructions on
usage. http://www.spiriva.com/spiriva/news.jsp
FDA APPROVES HYPERTENSION, CHOLESTEROL DRUG
Pfizer Inc. said U.S. regulators have approved a combination pill
containing the company's cholesterol fighter, Lipitor, with Norvasc
for high blood pressure for simultaneous treatment of both
conditions. Pfizer said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has approved the product called Caduet. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4266634
FDA PANEL BACKS LUNG NODULE SCREENING TOOL
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel recently
backed privately held R2 Technology's computer-aided tool that
screens for lung nodules, which can be an early indication of lung
cancer. The panel was nearly unanimous in recommending approval with
several conditions for the California-based company's ImageChecker
CT-LN 1000 software system. The FDA usually follows the advice of
its advisory panels and is expected to make a final decision within
months.
STUDY: ANTIBODY COULD BLOCK SARS INFECTION
U.S. researchers said they have found an antibody that could help
prevent infection with the SARS virus. They found the monoclonal
antibody - a specialized immune system protein - by looking through
a library of existing antibodies. They said their approach might be
used against other newly emerging diseases as well. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4275728
SMALL AIRWAY DISEASE PLAYS ROLE IN COPD
Small airway disease plays a role in all types of obstructive
pulmonary diseases including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, CF and
others. When it comes to surface area, the small airways present the
second largest amount of exposed surface to the environment. Only
the alveoli, collectively, have a larger surface area. See More:
http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa082101a.htm
UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR SINUSITIS TREATMENT
Updated guidelines released recently by the Sinus and Allergy Health
Partnership (SAHP) highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis
and treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), commonly
known as sinusitis. The guidelines provide recommendations for
accurate diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis. A panel of expert
physicians developed the guidelines to ensure the appropriate
diagnosis and treatment of bacterial sinusitis in adult and
pediatric patients. See Guidelines:
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/241a42.htm
ALA FACT SHEET ON OXYGEN
For people who do not get enough oxygen naturally, supplemental
oxygen can have several benefits. Here's a fact sheet on oxygen use
from the American Lung Association (ALA).
http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/oxygen_factsheet.html
IT'S JUST A COUGH ...OR IS IT?
Doctors define cough in three stages: acute, sub-acute and chronic,
which are defined primarily by how long they have persisted. But
sometimes a nagging cough is a sign of something more serious. Dr.
Henry Milgroma, a National Jewish allergist who specializes in
diagnosing and treating chronic coughs, advises people when to see a
doctor about a cough and outlines some of the problems that may be
hidden behind a chronic cough. See More:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/news/healthtips/cough.html
STUDY: INSURERS PAY UP IF YOU COMPLAIN
Want your health insurance company to pay up on a claim? Just appeal
any denials, research in California suggests. A study of two large
managed care plans in California showed that 90 percent of all
denied claims for emergency room visits were eventually paid after
patients appealed the decision. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4252418
INFORMATION ON NEW MEDICARE LAW
Click here for easy-to-understand information on the new Medicare
law, a schedule of planned changes in Medicare and information on
the Medicare discount drug programs that will be available this
June. http://www.medicarerights.org/newlawframeset.html
2004 GUIDELINES FOR DETECTION OF CANCER
Each January, the American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes a summary
of its recommendations for early cancer detection. See Guidelines:
http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/54/1/41
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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FIGHTING ALLERGIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT
With the decrease in temperature and arrival of winter, you may be
more than happy to stay indoors. However, for people who suffer from
indoor allergies, staying indoors may make them just as miserable as
the cold weather.
To help reduce the risk for developing perennial allergic rhinitis,
the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
recommends you take certain steps to reduce the levels of allergens
in your home. See Tips:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Indoor_Allergies.htm
WINTER STILL A TIME FOR ALLERGIES
Even though freezing temperatures bring an end to seasonal pollen
allergies, millions of people suffer from indoor allergies.
Allergist Dr. Harold Nelson explains what can cause your allergies
to flare up during winter and offers suggestions for minimizing your
exposure. See Advice:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/news/healthtips/winter_allergies.html
INFORMATION ON INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Co-sponsored by several health agencies and commissions, this
information offers an overview of tools in diagnosing an
individual's signs and symptoms that could be related to an indoor
air pollution problem. See Booklet:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html
ALA INFORMATION ON AIR CLEANING DEVICES
The American Lung Association (ALA) reports on residential indoor
air cleaning devices: types, effectiveness and health impact.
Report: http://www.lungusa.org/pub/cleaners/air_clean_toc.html
OZONE AIR CLEANERS POSE HEALTH RISK
Not all indoor air cleaning devices are alike, and certain types
could cause health problems. Machines that purposefully produce
ozone as an indoor air-cleansing agent are currently on the market
for residential use - these products should be avoided. See Bulletin
http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/bulletins/docs/b1997_36.htm
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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CHANGE IS A GOOD THING
Change might come easier to some people, but experts agree that
making major behavior changes - quitting smoking or drinking, losing
weight, trading the couch for the treadmill - take time. And these
changes don't often stick on the first try.
Change takes patience and persistence. In fact, researchers have
discovered that, like life, change is a process that happens in
stages. Knowing and understanding these stages can help you kick bad
habits for good. See Tips:
http://www.aarp.org/health/Articles/a2003-03-04-change.html
7 TIPS FOR SURVIVING NICOTINE WITHDRAWAL
Below is a link to the most common and helpful strategies people use
to get through the difficult period of nicotine withdrawal and break
the smoking habit. These tips can be helpful regardless of the
method you use to quit smoking. See Tips:
http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/187/58894
STRENGTH TRAINING URGED FOR ELDERLY
More older adults should be participating in weight training and
other strength-building exercises, experts say. Many older people
may never consider lifting weights, but performing exercises to
build strength can provide important health benefits, according to
researchers. Strength training can reduce the risk of falls and
fractures and make it easier for older people to carry out their
activities of daily living. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4197151
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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 < < < < < < < < <
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ACTUAL LABELS ON CONSUMER GOODS
On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping.
(Oh no, that's the only time I have to work on my hair.)
On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase
necessary. Details inside. (The shoplifter special?)
On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap."
(And that would be how???....)
On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost."
(But, it's "just" a suggestion.)
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn
upside down."(Well...duh, a bit late, huh!)
On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."
(But wouldn't this save more time?)
On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness."
(And...I'm taking this because???....)
On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts."
(Talk about a news flash.)
On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not
enable you to fly." (Geeish...what a bummer.)
On a Swedish chainsaw -- "Do not attempt to stop chain with your
hands or genitals." (Oh my gosh...was there a lot of this happening
somewhere?)
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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CLASSIC TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 25 min.
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Cream of Celery OR 98%
Fat Free Cream of Celery Soup*
1/2 cup milk
1 cup cooked peas
2 tbsp. chopped pimiento (optional)
2 cans (about 6 oz. each) tuna, drained and flaked
2 cups hot cooked medium egg noodles
2 tbsp. dry bread crumbs
1 tbsp. butter OR margarine, melted
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
MIX soup, milk, peas, pimiento, tuna and noodles in 1 1/2-qt.
baking dish.
BAKE 20 min. or until hot. Stir.
MIX breadcrumbs with butter. Sprinkle on top. Bake 5 min.
Serves 4. (Campbell's Kitchen)
*Or use Campbell's Cream of Mushroom OR 98% Fat Free
Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Tip: Toss breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese for
a change of pace.
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < <
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While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy
is to allow part of us to die - whether it is our spirit, our
creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.
-- Gilda Radner --
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Thank You For Your Readership
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