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, April 28, 2008
Volume #7
-- Issue #17
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 - New Inhaler Triohale
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> Community Update - NOTE: Includes information on 2 new features
==> 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.
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 in Delaware
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> > > > > > > > > COPD NEWS < < < < < < < < <
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The web-site link below may require that one
completes a short, anonymous user survey before accessing the
article.
EDITORIAL: TO SCREEN OR NOT FOR LUNG CANCER
By Philip M. Boffey
New York Times
For as long as I can remember, a diagnosis of lung cancer has been
virtually a death sentence. Most victims die within a year or two,
and some 95 percent ultimately succumb to the disease. So it is hard
not to be intrigued by a bold claim that most lung cancers could be
cured through a screening program to detect tumors early and remove
them promptly.
That claim has set off a bitter battle in scientific journals and
forums that emerges occasionally into public view. Egos and
personalities have clashed, derogatory comments have been muttered
and conflict-of-interest charges have been flung at opposing
scientists.
In one camp are researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College, who
are convinced that screening asymptomatic smokers and former smokers
with spiral CT scans - far more sensitive than conventional chest
X-rays - could prevent some 80 percent of the 160,000 annual deaths
from lung cancer in this country. That would be an astonishing feat,
almost too good to believe.
In the other camp are distinguished experts in cancer and screening
technologies who believe that the amazing claims will turn out to be
greatly exaggerated, if not a complete mirage. They fear a repeat of
a previous fiasco in which the medical profession latched onto chest
X-rays as a way to detect and treat lung cancer early only to find
out, when controlled studies were later performed, that the
screening failed to reduce lung cancer mortality. See Editorial:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/opinion/24thu4.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin
REVIEW: DUST MITES OUTLAST EFFORTS
Asthma sufferers might as well stop wasting energy and money on
labor-intensive or costly interventions to get rid of household
dust, according to a new review of studies. "We can conclude with
confidence that there is no need to buy expensive vacuum cleaners or
mattress covers or to use chemical methods against house dust
|mites, because these treatments do not work," said lead author
Peter Gotzsche, M.D.
Some people with asthma are allergic to tiny eight-legged arthropods
known as house dust mites and the allergens from these mites can
bring on asthma attacks. Unfortunately, the 54-study review of 3,000
asthma patients finds that no chemical or physical intervention to
reduce exposure to house dust mites is effective. See Article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/104164.php
FLU VACCINES CAN REDUCE RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
Annual flu vaccinations are highly effective at preventing acute
respiratory illness and making sure that existing breathing problems
don't get any worse, according to research published in the April
issue of IJCP, the UK-based International Journal of Clinical
Practice.
A study of 87 patients with COPD - a major cause of ill health and
death - found that having the annual flu vaccine reduced overall
problems by more than two-thirds. See Article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/104103.php
STUDY UPDATE: LAUGHING CAN HELP US TO STAY WELL
In 2006, researchers investigating the interaction between the
brain, behavior and the immune system found that simply anticipating
a mirthful laughter experience boosted health-protecting hormones.
Now, two years later, the same researchers have found that the
anticipation of a positive humorous laughter experience also reduces
potentially detrimental stress hormones. According to Dr. Lee Berk,
the study team's lead researcher of Loma Linda University, Loma
Linda, CA, "Our findings lead us to believe that by seeking out
positive experiences that make us laugh we can do a lot with our
physiology to stay well." See Article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103208.php
STUDY: CHLORINE TRIGGERS LUNG NERVE RECEPTOR
Inhaling chlorine triggers a nerve receptor that protects healthy
people by inducing sneezing, coughing and irritation, but can cause
major problems for people with asthma and other respiratory
problems, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in the Journal
of Clinical Investigation.
"We show that chlorine activates a specific receptor, TRPA1, in
pain-sensing nerve endings in the airways," said corresponding
author, Sven-Eric Jordt, assistant professor of pharmacology. "We
identified a population of neurons that fire in response to chlorine
exposure, inducing pain and irritation, and narrowing airway
passages-probably to protect the lung from chlorine damage." See
More:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103314.php
DRY AIRWAYS PLAY CENTRAL ROLE IN COPD
Dry airways may not only play a central role in the development of
the inherited lung disease cystic fibrosis, but also in much more
common acquired chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD.
Scientists found that insufficient hydration of the airway surfaces
leads to pathologies typical of chronic obstructive lung diseases in
humans. Thus, these findings point to a new approach for the
treatment of these diseases. See More:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103200.php
REPORT CONFIRMS OZONE POLLUTION CAN KILL
Even breathing in a little ozone at levels found in many areas is
likely to kill some people prematurely, the National Research
Council reported recently. The report recommends that the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consider ozone-related
mortality in any future ozone standards, and said local health
authorities should keep this in mind when advising people to stay
indoors on polluted days.
The report looks at ground-level ozone, a component of smog, as
opposed to the ozone found in the high atmosphere, which protects
the Earth from ultraviolet rays. Ozone is a form of oxygen formed by
the reaction of sunlight on air containing other pollutants, such as
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. It is a powerful oxidizer, meaning
it can damage cells in a process akin to rusting. It is known to
cause respiratory problems and worsen heart disease. Children and
the elderly are at special risk. See More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN2232360220080423
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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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RECALLS
The link below leads to the list of active recall cases of the
United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and
Inspection Service (FSIS). See current recalls at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp
U.S. FDA RECALLS
To view current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls,
go to
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html
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> > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < <
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EDITOR'S NOTE: After several searches on the Internet to try to find
out more about the new triple inhaler, Triohale, the only sources of
information came from the news media in India. Since the new inhaler
is manufactured by Cipla, a FDA-approved drug manufacturer in India,
which is affiliated with alldaychemist.com., I contacted Cipla. This
was their reply:
Thanks for your mail. Triohale is available in India. It
contains tiotropium, formoterol and ciclesonide, three essential
drugs for those with severe COPD.
We are a pharmaceutical company based in India and manufacture a
wide range of medicines for both asthma and COPD. Triohale at
present is not approved in the U.S.
Dr. Jaideep A Gogtay, MD Cipla Ltd.
I cannot help but question why there has not been much of a media
blitz here in the U.S. about this new inhaler. Manufacturers of both
Advair and Spiriva launched massive promotional campaigns long
before the FDA approved those drugs for release in the U.S.
Cipla claims that this new inhaler will result in a 40 percent cost
savings to patients. I am not advocating the use of this drug
because, like many of us in the U.S., I don't know much about it.
And, it may not be for everyone. But the cost savings alone, makes
this new drug newsworthy - not to mentioned the competitve effect it
could have on the U.S prescription drug market. (See Story Below)
CIPLA: NEW TRIPLE INHALER TO RESULT IN 40% COST SAVING
Cipla is set to launch the world's first triple drug combination
inhaler for COPD patients in India. Cipla's brand, Triohale will
have triotropium, formoterol and ciclesonide for asthma patients.
The company is in the process of registering the drug for exports to
semi-regulated markets.
Amar Lulla of Cipla says while patient compliance will be the
biggest benefit of Triohale, there will be at least a 40 percent
cost reduction for the end-user as single ingredient. See Story:
http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/cipla-to-launch-triple-drug
-combo-inhaler-for-copd-patients/14/15/331153
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < < <
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MAY IS BETTER SLEEP MONTH
Sleep is a natural body function during which we are relatively
unconscious and the muscles that we normally control are relaxed.
The result of sleep is a refreshment of the nervous system
(including the brain) and of the muscles. Sleep plays a central role
in everyone's life.
Statistics say that 95 percent of Americans have difficulty sleeping
at some time in their lives.
As we age, our bodies normally require less sleep. Infants require
from 12 to 14 hours while seniors may require from 6 to 8 hours.
There is an interesting sex difference in duration of sleep. The
average male adult sleeps 8 hours while the average female sleeps 9
hours.
For more in-depth information on sleep, sleep medications and sleep
disturbances, please see the articles on:
Sleep
Sleep Aids and Stimulants
Sleep Apnea
Sleep - Five Stages Explained
Dreaming to Dream
Narcolepsy
See:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17063
Also See: http://www.sleepapnea.org/
ALL ABOUT GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD, is a
digestive disorder in which the stomach's juices (acid and digestive
enzymes) flow backward, or reflux, into the esophagus. The esophagus
is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. The
lining of the esophagus can't handle these caustic substances, so
the esophagus becomes inflamed. This causes heartburn and other
symptoms. If GERD is not treated, it can cause permanent damage to
the esophagus. See More:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/index.aspx?puid=855F5078-E74F-489C-A1BC-
04933DA6B77&ContentID=186999&ContentTypeID=57&contentPage=5&searchTerm=&xid=
nl_EverydayHealthDigestiveHealth_20080421
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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
COPD NEWS/INFORMATION FEATURE
"COPD Info" brings you the latest news, articles and
information from a wide variety of resources on a very timely basis.
http://www.copd-international.com/COPDInfo/
For those of you with news readers, there is also an RSS link.
NEW MESSAGE BOARD
Thanks to the generous contribution of time and experience by some
of our regulars here at COPD International, we are able to open a
new message board for the exchange of information and support on
surgical options for COPD. This new board will cover subjects such
as LVRS, Transplants, and valve procedures etc. A complete listing
of all our Message Boards (forums) at:
http://www.copd-international.com/messageboards.htm
DAILY CHATS
Scheduled chats with hosts are held daily. We invite everyone to
stop in and visit. (All Eastern Time) See Chat Schedule:
http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm Also, the
special weekly on-topic chats are listed below.
NEWCOMERS CHATS NOW HELD ON TUESDAYS and WEDNESDAYS
NEW chat and Time Change
-- Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. - Hosted by Deb and Lyn. -- New Time
-- Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. - Hosted by Jackie and Rachel.
Officially titled "Newcomers Chat," you do not have to be
new to COPD to join us! It is for the newly diagnosed,
new computer users or those that are unfamiliar and want
to learn more about how chat rooms work. These chats will
be slow paced to give all time to keep up.
These chats are held in the Special COPD Topic Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm
If you are a mIRC or Web TV user, the room is #copd
Any questions do not hesitate to mail Deb privately at
chat@copd-international.com
TWO COPD FOCUSED CHATS
These chats are a change from our "open" chat style to a more
structured "COPD focused" type of chat that is geared exclusively to
discussions surrounding our COPD diagnosis and its related life
issues.
-- Mondays at 3 p.m. hosted by Lyn and James
-- Fridays at 10:30 a.m. hosted by Deb and Naomi
On-Topic Chats
NEW -- Caregivers: (NEW TIMES)
Hosts Kitty, Gal, Jackie and Lyn
(Note: Only caregivers in these chats please.)
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm
-- Monday through Friday at 9:30 to 10:30pm --
-- Quit Smoking Now (QSN): Daily at 7:30 p.m.
with Hosts James and Gal
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm
For more information on all our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at
chat@copd-international.com
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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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HAUNTED HISTORY QUIZ
Most places in the world have a history - but some places have a
history that lends itself to mysterious and unexplainable
happenings. Whether it is past tragedies or wars, untimely deaths or
eerie circumstances, some historic locales are just plain unnerving.
Find out about some of the world's most haunted places, and learn a
little history along the way, by taking this quiz.
http://encarta.msn.com/quiz_284/haunted_history_quiz.html
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> > > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < < <
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SPINACH & STRAWBERRY SALAD
PREP TIME 10 Min
READY IN 10 Min
SERVINGS 4
INGREDIENTS
1 bunch spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
2 cups sliced strawberries
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, toss together the spinach and strawberries.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar,
paprika, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Pour over the spinach
and strawberries, and toss to coat.
(Allrecipes)
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> > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < <
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We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people
act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only
thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our
attitude.
-- Charles R. Swindoll (American Writer, Clergyman, b.1934)--
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Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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