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 23, 2004
Volume #3 -- Issue #8
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2004 COPD-International.com All rights reserved.
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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 - Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)
==> 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
There's no question about it. The medications we take on a daily
basis help us breathe easier. However, there are also surgical
options available to those who may not respond to medications or
whose lungs are severely impaired.
Two of the most common surgeries for COPD are lung volume
reduction surgery (LVRS) and lung transplants.
This week's issue features information and links on LVRS, along with
a personal story from a support group member who has undergone this
procedure.
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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GENE THERAPY SHOWS PROMISE FOR CF
Using an inhaler to deliver a specific gene to the lungs of cystic
fibrosis (CF) patients is well tolerated and shows signs of
effectiveness, new research indicates. Cystic fibrosis is a
hereditary disease involving the lungs that is caused by mutations
in a gene called CFTR, short for cystic fibrosis transmembrane
regulator. This gene delivery method "is safe in patients with
mild-to-moderate CF lung disease, researchers say. Trials
are ongoing at 12 centers across the United States, and are
estimated to yield results in mid-2005. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4397956
SURVEY: PREGNANCY AND USE OF ASTHMA DRUGS
According to a recent national study called "Women Breathing
Better", conducted by the Case Management Society of America (CMSA),
it was found that 39 percent of women with asthma discontinued using
their medication, reduced their dosage, or did both when they became
pregnant.
According to the article, the survey also found that nearly half of
those using an inhaled corticosteroid to manage their asthma would
continue using it during pregnancy if it had an FDA Category B
pregnancy rating.
This press release details the findings of the survey and other
similar studies and suggests that there is a strong need for
improved asthma education for pregnant women. Press Release:
http://www.cmsa.org/PressReleases/20040126.aspx
BASKETBALL WORST SPORT FOR ASTHMA DEATHS
In the United States, basketball is associated with more asthma
deaths than any other sport, new research suggests. In the study,
more than 20 percent of such deaths occurred during or immediately
following a basketball game or practice session. The report also
shows that most asthma deaths occur with organized sports rather
than with recreational sports. Still, the researchers emphasize that
the benefits of physical activity for patients with asthma are well
established and far outweigh the very small risk of death. See
Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=
4329126
STUDY LAUNCHED ON POSSIBLE ALLERGY EPIDEMIC
Researchers predict half of all Europeans may have an allergy by
2015, the Guardian newspaper reported. The paper said European
scientists have launched the largest-ever study to assess the causes
of asthma and allergies. Scientists want to know why rates are
rising and why British children have the third highest rate of
asthma in the world - after Australia and New Zealand.
A key focus of the five-year study will be on the hypothesis that
the rise in allergies is linked to the way people live in developed
countries, in bacteria- free homes and eating semi-sterile food. The
study will involve 25 European universities, said the paper.
CDC: SENIORS GET INAPPROPRIATE DRUGS
American seniors were prescribed inappropriate and potentially
harmful medications in nearly 8 percent of their visits to the
doctor in 2000, according to a U.S. study of drug prescribing
patterns released recently. About the same percentage of doctor
visits by those 65 years and older in 1995 resulted in unsuitable
prescriptions.
The findings, based on data compiled by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), indicate that the nation is making
little progress in its bid to protect seniors from getting improper
drugs. See Story:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4318452
SIGNS OF MEDICATION ALLERGIES
Allergic reactions to medications can occur with drugs you've taken
before without incident - or to a drug that your doctor hasn't
prescribed to you before. According to Health Canada, most allergic
reactions occur within one hour of taking the medication. Signs of
an allergic reaction include:
-- Hives, which are itchy, red and swollen patches on the skin.
-- A skin rash.
-- Itching of the lips, tongue and possibly face.
-- Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
(HealthDayNews)
CHECK YOUR COPD I.Q.
Take this online quiz and discover how much, or how little, you know
about COPD. Follow the instructions to get your results immediately.
http://mentalhealth.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.aarc.org/
patient%5Feducation/iq%5Ftests/copd/copd%5Fform.html
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.
CHRONIC COUGH WORSE IN WOMEN
New research shows chronic cough affects women more severely than
men and greatly impacts their quality of life. See More:
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/8008005/main.html
HUMIDIFIERS: SOOTHE YOUR NOSE, THROAT, SKIN
Does your home heating and cooling system have a built-in
humidifier?
Do you use a tabletop humidifier to soothe nasal and respiratory
passages when you are ill?
If you do, be sure to use your humidifier safely. And most
important, keep it clean. See Advice:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=DF9C6CB0-CEE5-40D6-AFF0B81B
F0BC3673
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.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE
A burning cigarette, cigar or pipe is a health risk to everyone in
the same room. The scientific evidence of tobacco hazards is
strongest for smokers. But regular exposure to other people's
tobacco smoke - secondhand smoke - also may threaten the health of
nonsmokers. Such smoke may cause or contribute to a number of health
conditions from ear infections to cancer. By avoiding the smoke,
you can decrease your risk of becoming sick from it. See More:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=055661AE-8008-40C8-A8526ED085
B5CCC1
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.
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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WARNING
Eli Lilly and Co. said it has warned doctors that its schizophrenia
treatment Zyprexa, its best-selling drug, significantly raises the
risk of death and stroke in elderly patients suffering from
dementia. Similarly, Johnson & Johnson last April warned U.S.
doctors that its own schizophrenia drug, Risperdal, raises the risk
of stroke among elderly patients with dementia. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4405175
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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OVERVIEW: LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION SURGERY
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a promising treatment for
certain patients with moderate to severe emphysema. The purpose of
the surgery is to remove parts of the lung that do not work,
allowing the remaining lung tissue to work more effectively. LVRS is
the first treatment to demonstrate actual improvement in lung
function, quality of life, exercise tolerance and survival for
selected patients with emphysema.
The link below leads to the LVRS Patient Education Booklet from
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center along with an overview of the procedure.
http://www.csmc.edu/1520.html
LVRS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These are frequently asked questions on LVRS compiled by the
Columbia University Department of Surgery.
http://www.columbiasurgery.org/divisions/cardiothoracic/dd_copd_lvrsfaq.html
LVRS - ONE PATIENT'S EXPERIENCE
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/lvrs-perspective.htm
LVRS - MEDICARE COVERAGE
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Medicare_LVRS.htm
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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DRINK WHEN THIRSTY, BUT HOLD THE SALT
Americans can let thirst be their guide in drinking but need to cut
way back on salt, a panel of experts said. An obsession with
"hydration" may have spawned an entire industry of little water
bottles, water bottle holders and regular drink breaks at gyms, but
most people get plenty of fluids, the Institute of Medicine panel
said. But nearly all U.S. and Canadian adults get far more salt than
recommended, and too little potassium, the panel of experts said.
See More:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4335988
10 HEALTHY SNACKS UNDER 100 CALORIES
Are you getting sick of the same healthy food choices and wanting to
cheat on your diet? Here are 10 healthy little snacks to kill those
food cravings with minimal diet damage. Let's face it; there are
some times when you simply can't bear the discipline. See Tips:
http://bodybuilding.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/blsnackunder100.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
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/
-- With much sadness one of our friends in the COPD support
world recently passed on. We will miss Steve Knight, known as
Stevo. For those who wish to leave condolences for his family,
please go to http://copd_tlc.tripod.com/SteveKnight.html
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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CELEBRITY NAME GAME
More often than you might realize, famous people have traded in
their given names for more memorable and stylish monikers. Think you
have a handle on the real names of famous people? Test your savvy by
taking this quiz:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Quiz/Quiz.aspx?QuizID=69
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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AMERICAN SHEPHERD'S PIE
Ground beef and onions seasoned with thyme and made creamy with
vegetable soup are smothered in mashed potatoes, topped with Colby
cheese and baked for a hot, hearty dinner.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Ready In: 40 Minutes
Makes: 1 - 2 quart dish
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed vegetable soup
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups mashed cooked potatoes
1 cup shredded Colby longhorn cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly
grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir and cook ground
beef, onion and celery until juices run clear. Drain. Pour
mixture into baking dish with vegetable soup and thyme; stir
well. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
3. Bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake 5
minutes more, or until cheese has melted.
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.
Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.
-- Dr. Seuss --
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