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 10, 2003
Volume #2 -- Issue #6
Susie Bowers, Editor -- Web-Editor@COPD-International.com
Copyright © 2002-2004 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 - Community Topics
==> Nutrition/Wellness
==> COPD Community Update
==> Just for Fun
==> Recipe - Spices
==> 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
During the past two weeks, some great topics have been
discussed in the chat rooms and excellent questions have
appeared on the e-mail lists and message boards. Many of
our community members posted responses to these questions
related to COPD.
In addition to personal responses, there were many good
links given for more information on a variety of topics. This week
I am sharing many of those links to outside sources in hopes that
others my find answers to common questions about COPD.
Also, under Community Update, there are two new "on-topic"
chats listed that begin this week on exercise and lung transplants.
We invite everyone to join in on these new chat sessions.
On occasion, article links in this newsletter lead to sites that
require readers to complete a short user survey before accessing
articles. I do try to avoid such links whenever possible.
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day and good reading!
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. 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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-----SURGERY FOR BILATERAL BRONCHIECTASIS
The results in this study suggest that, in properly selected patients,
lasting symptomatic improvement can be achieved by resection.
Limited operation may be indicated in nonlocalized bilateral
bronchiectasis, provided that a target can be identified. See Study
Details:
http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/75/2/382
-----INDEPTH LOOK AT ASTHMA PROGRESSION
Recent studies have demonstrated that asthma can cause progressive
lung impairment and, in some patients, eventually lead to partial
reversible or irreversible airway obstruction. See Report:
http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/full/111/3/291
-----DUST ON THE JOB NOT GOOD
A Norwegian study recently published the American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found a link between dust
and fume exposure at work and respiratory problems and asthma.
The study also found that exposure to quartz causes coughing and
exposure to asbestos leads to a high risk of severe breathlessness
and asthma. See Story:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=509524
-----ASTHMA - NEW BRITISH GUIDELINES SET
Every asthma patient in the UK will be given a written action plan under
new national guidelines to tackle the disease. The measure is part of a
drive to prevent asthma deaths and cut asthma attacks and illness.
The voluntary guidelines - the first since 1997 - have been drawn up
by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and the Scottish Intercollegiate
Guidelines Network (SIGN). See Guidelines:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2701797.stm
-----NEW TREATMENT FOR SINUSITIS PROMISING
A study at Stanford University suggests that it may be possible to treat
chronic sinusitis by delivering medication directly to the infected tissues.
Sending the medication directly up the nose, rather than giving it orally
or intravenously, increases patients' time free of infection threefold in
some cases. The lead author says the new treatment method could
be used for the 10 to 20% of patients who continue to have multiple
infections. (Source: HealthScoutNews)
-----MEDICARE - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is a national, not-for-profit, non-
governmental organization that helps ensure that older adults and people
with disabilities get affordable health care. MRC provides telephone
hotline services to individuals who need answers to Medicare questions
or help securing coverage and getting the health care they need. The
organization has just launched a free newsletter titled "Dear Marci."
See More: http://www.medicarerights.org/
-----STUDY LINKS SMOKING AND PAIN
Smokers suffer more discomforting or disabling pain in the muscles
and joints than never-smokers, a British study found. The association
between pain and smoking was also found in ex-smokers. This suggests
that smoking may cause long-term damage to muscle tissues or changes
in the neurological pain response. See Details:
http://www.health24.co.za/news.asp?action=art&SubContentTypeId=76&ContentID
=20735
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.
-----STUDY: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE UNDER TREATED
Far too few women diagnosed with heart disease get the medication
they need to prevent more heart trouble, new research has found.
The study also showed the risk factors that predict whether or not
these women are likely to experience future cardiac difficulties differ
somewhat from men. See Report:
http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=511347
-----NEW HEART SCANNER RECORDS 3D IMAGES
A machine being used for the first time in the UK allows doctors to see
3D pictures of patients' hearts. The heart scanner, in use at King's College
Hospital in London, allows surgeons to see a live three-dimensional picture,
which means they can view the heart as it works without having to perform
exploratory surgery.
The Philips Live 3D Echo machine works by using ultrasound waves
sent into the body with a handheld scanner passed over the chest.
The waves are reflected by internal organs, bones and tissue,
producing varying pitched echoes, and a computer processor
converts the data into 3D images. (Source: Ananova)
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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-----RECENT RECALLS
Nabumetone Tablets
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Nabumetone-Tablets_recall.htm
Fluoxetine Capsules
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Fluoxetine-Capsules_recall.htm
Clemastine Fumarate Syrup
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Clemastine-Fumarate-Syrup_recall.htm
Pulmicort Turbuhaler
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Pulmicort-Turbuhaler_recall.htm
To view earlier drug recalls, please go to our Library section
at http://www.copdinternational.com/library/contents.htm
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> > > > > > > > > > FEATURED ARTICLES < < < < < < < < < <
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----RECENT COPD COMMUNITY TOPICS
IN THE CHATS
-- Understanding PFTs
There have been some requests in chat the last few days regarding
sites to help interpret pulmonary function tests (PFTs) results.
Here are two to help you get started.
http://www.cystic-l.org/handbook/html/pft_s_explained_for_you.htm
http://www.alpha1.org/what/lunginfo_pfts.htm
E-MAIL LIST EXCHANGES
-- CO2 Retention
The following links were offered to those who had questions about
Co2 retention, which is also referred to as "respiratory acidosis."
Merck Manual
http://www.psl.msu.edu/class/442/respir_acid_Merck.htm
Medline
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000092.htm
Discovery Health
http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/801.html
Your best bet is to put the phrase "respiratory acidosis" in your
search engine and not "Co2 retention" in order to get sites on
respiratory diseases.
-- Drug Interactions/Side Effects
On the following site you can double check medications, interactions
and side effects, as well as list all your medications and save the page
to favorites (or bookmark it). You can go back to the saved page
when there is a change/addition.
http://www.subscriberx.com/iqhealth/DrugInfoStart.html
-- About Spiriva
In addition to the Meersburg site, which will give you much
information on the Spiriva itself, there is a site Called Dr. Koop.
http://www.drkoop.com/
Don't forget to check out our articles in our COPD_International library:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva_patients_perspective.htm
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva-update.htm
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva..htm
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Spiriva-exercise.htm
-- Pollution Scorecard
Just enter your zip code and find out what pollutants are being released in
your community and who is responsible. This site has tons of information
on air pollution, as well as other categories.
www.scorecard.org
-- Air Purifiers
Here's an article a member found on ozone generators, air purifiers,
etc., from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some
very interesting reading with links to additional sites.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
If you want to keep current on COPD issues and topics, stop in
the chat rooms, join our e-mail lists and visit the message boards.
Links to these sections can be found on the Home Page at
http://www.copd-international.com/
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> > > > > > > > > NUTRITION/WELLNESS < < < < < < < < <
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-----THINK WATER, WATER, WATER IN THE WINTER
When participating in winter activities, think water, water, water.
Dehydration on top of cold winter temperatures can worsen blood
circulation, which can cause your joints to ache. "Not drinking enough
water, having too many caffeinated drinks and smoking - when this
combination happens in the wintertime, you are much more susceptible
to the cold," says an orthopedic surgeon. See Tips:
http://healthscout.com/template.asp?page=newsdetail&ap=1&id=509579
-----ANOTHER PLUG FOR MEDITATION
Scientists have found evidence that meditation has biological as well
as spiritual effects. The results of a small study at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison suggest it could be beneficial to the brain and the
immune system.
The researchers found that volunteers who had practiced meditation
for eight weeks showed increased electrical activity levels in the left
side of the frontal part of the brain. The meditators also had higher
levels of a flu antibody following an injection at the start of the trial.
(Source: BBC News Online)
-----STRESS MAY UP RISK OF BLOOD CLOTS
People undergoing personal stress may be at increased risk of blood
clotting, according to scientists at the University of California in San
Diego. They have found that those who have experienced a higher
number of recent "negative life events" are more likely than average
to have higher levels of a blood clotting indicator called fibrin D-dimer
(DD).
An increase in DD, even within the normal range, may predict heart
attacks and other coronary problems in healthy people, as well as in
people with coronary disease. (Source: HealthScoutNews)
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> > > > > > > > > > COPD 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.
-----DAILY CHATS
Scheduled chats with hosts are held daily and we invite everyone
to stop in and visit. We look forward to seeing you. The chat
room schedule can be accessed at
http://www.copd-international.com/Chat-schedule.htm
>>>>>> NEW!
LUNG TRANSPLANT CHAT
Starting Tuesday, February 11 at 7 p.m. (EST), a special weekly
chat about lung transplants will be hosted by Tony Hamel. Tony
had a single lung transplant February 2001. Unlike our open chats,
we ask that these chats stay on topic. We request that there be no
extra chatter during these special chats, including "hello," "goodbye"
or mIRC extras.
Topic chats are a time for learning, and concentration can be
easily broken. These chats will be held in the COPD Community
Room and not the main chat room. Access the COPD room
through the COPD community link off the Home Page or directly
at http://www.copd-international.com/COPD/chat.htm
You can read more about Tony and his story in our library. The
direct link is
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/lungtx.htm
>>>>>>> EXERCISE CHAT RETURNS!
Beginning Sunday, February 16 at 7 p.m. (EST) in the Exercise
Chat Room, join Host Billie in this informal chat setting to discuss
exercise, getting started, motivational tips, advanced tips and much
more.
All are welcome who have an interest in any type or level of
exercise. Exercise Chat Room:
http://www.copd-international.com/exercise/chat.htm
If you routinely access chat through mIRC, the room is
#copd_exercise
-----WEEKLY CAREGIVERS CHAT
On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (EST), we invite all caregivers who are in
need of mutual support to join host Kitty in this weekly chat. You can
reach the Caregivers Chat Room at
http://www.copd-international.com/caregivers/chat.htm
(Note: Only caregivers in this chat please.)
For more information on our chat rooms, please contact Deb,
chat coordinator, at Chat@COPD-International.com
-----QUIT SMOKING NOW PROGRAM AND CHAT
If you want online support to quit smoking, join our interactive
Quit Smoking Now (QSN) Program, where community members
support one another in stopping smoking and remaining smoke-free.
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/
For more information on the QSN Program, contact Diane, program
coordinator, at Newsletter@COPD-International.com . Diane is also available
for scheduling one-on-one chats. This is in addition to the regularly
scheduled chat on Mondays at 9 p.m. (EST). The chat room can be
accessed at
http://www.copd-international.com/quit_smoking/chat.htm
Editor's Note: Diane will be on vacation the month of February. For
quit-smoking support, please contact yours truly, Susie Bowers. I
also will be hosting the weekly chats in Diane's absence.
-----KEEP IN TOUCH PROGRAM
Our Keep in Touch Program (KIT) is a program set up for those of
us that live alone, or persons who desire a way to maintain daily
contact with a small group of people like themselves for reassurance.
For details, go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Keep_in_Touch/
-----LOVING THOUGHTS
Express your loving thoughts, get-well wishes and prayers for
our fellow community members, who are very ill or hospitalized.
To participate in this program of loving concern, please go to
http://www.copd-international.com/Loving_Thoughts/
-- Update: Ray Price reports that his wife, Helen, is doing well and
still undergoing chemotherapy. Her attitude is good and she is
looking forward to the start of golf season.
-----VISIT THE BILL HORDEN LIBRARY
In addition to the "COPD Survival Guide," our Library includes the
other works of COPD Advocate Bill Horden, a pioneer of online
support for those with COPD. To browse the Horden Library, go
to http://www.copd-international.com/COPDadvocate/
-----VOLUNTEERS - ENJOY THE REWARDS OF SERVICE
Volunteers are always needed to maintain the various interactive
support programs. If you wish to volunteer, please contact us
at 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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------NOW SMART ARE YOU?
Yep, another intelligence test.
http://www.dur.ac.uk/t.m.jackson/intelligentietest.htm
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> > > > > > > > > RECIPE < < < < < < < < <
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-----UPDATE YOUR SPICE RACK
Incorporating spices into your cooking is a great way to create a truly
authentic ethnic dish, but before you start cooking, organize your spice
rack. Fresh herbs and spices pack more flavor punch, plus they're rich
in antioxidants, too. Herbs and spices can liven up low fat meals without
adding fat or calories.
The shelf life of properly stored spices and herbs is approximately:
3-4 years for whole spices and seeds
2-3 years for ground spices
1-3 years for leafy herbs
1-2 years for seasoning blends
So chuck any not-so-spicy spices that you have on hand. Once you've
updated your rack, buy a few new ones and experiment.
(Source: Allrecipe)
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> > > > > > > > > > CLOSING THOUGHT < < < < < < < < <
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If taking vitamins doesn't keep you healthy enough, try more laughter:
The most wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.
-- Nicolas-Sebastien Chamfort --
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> > > > > > > > > > SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE < < < < < < < < < <
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Recommend the COPD-International Newsletter to a friend!
Thank You For Your Readership
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Notes
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All Disclaimers Apply: The information and guidance provided in this
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All information provided should be judged as individual "opinions"
and discussed with a qualified health-care professional before any
remedy, treatment or therapy is started.