COPD News Of The Day Has Found Its New Home

Coping With Winter - A Guide For Those With Chronic Respiratory Conditions

2007-12-10T13:50:00.000-05:00

from the American Lung Association

Winter often brings health problems not associated nearly so much with other times of the year. Conditions such as colds, flu, and other respiratory infections are much more prevalent during this time. The person with chronic respiratory conditions finds that he or she is more susceptible and has lowered resistance to these conditions.

Effects of Cold Air
When cold air is inhaled directly into the warm bronchi (breathing passages), spasm occurs. This causes shortness of breath and coughing. All too frequently, people with chronic respiratory conditions breathe through their mouth, preventing the warming and humidification of air which normally takes place in the nose. This presents an added burden to the heart and lungs.

Lessen the Load
*Use an air warming mask or scarf.
*Walk more slowly.
*Allow more time.
*Stay out of the wind, if possible.
*Use a cart for shopping.

Humidity - the amount of moisture in the air
Every home needs added moisture in the winter. The optimal indoor humidity is 40%. Although hard to achieve, it is important to maintain. Many people could avoid nose and throat irritation by maintaining proper humidity.

Homes with circulating air heating systems can attach humidifiers to the furnace. Even these may not produce enough humidification for the entire home.

Another approach is the additional use of small tabletop humidifiers. While sometimes noisy, they produce a water mist which will adequately humidify one or two rooms. However, humidifiers may pose problems because molds and fungi can accumulate in the stagnant water in the reservoir of some models.

All models should be cleaned daily and in those models which use pads or sponges to help moisten the air, the pads should be changed two or three times during the winter. Anti-fungi tablets are sold, but some people may be sensitive to the chemicals they contain.

The use of humidifiers also helps eliminate dust and static electricity.

The best way to add moisture is to drink plenty of water.

Keep Warm Indoors

Dry heat will cause drying of the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and throat and promotes the development of mucus plugs. These plugs can close off air passages, particularly the tiny ones, and prevent oxygen from getting into the blood.

The optimum room temperature should be between 68 and 72 degrees.

Sometimes we rely on space heaters, wood stoves and kerosene heaters. Wood stoves and kerosene heaters are not recommended for people with lung disease.

It is extremely important to adequately vent space heaters since they can produce toxic fumes.

Keep Warm Outdoors

During the winter, we generally wear much heavier clothing, which in turn increases the burden on the heart and lungs by requiring more oxygen. The person with chronic lung disease does not have this reserve.
*Clothing should be loose to permit circulation of warm air at the surface of the skin.
*Layers of clothing offer more insulation.
*Items of clothing made from the new synthetics are warm and light and are recommended.

Infection - Disease resulting from the presence of certain microorganisms in the body.

Complicating infections are always a problem for the chronic respiratory patient. Changes in color, amount and consistency of sputum may indicate the presence of infection and warrant a call to your physician. Avoidance of crowds and poorly vented areas lessens the chance of the spread of germs. A flu shot annually and a pneumonia shot at least once are most important.

For A More Comfortable Winter
*Use an air-warming mask.
*Choose clothing which is warm but not bulky.
*Use and properly clean your humidifier
*Avoid smoke filled rooms
*Adequately vent space heaters.
*Allow more time to get where you are going
*Seek medical advice at the first sign of an infection
*Get a flu shot
*Avoid crowds to lessen the chance of infections
*Get an adequate amount of rest
*Eat properly

The COPD News

2007-12-08T16:54:00.001-05:00

COPD Support, Inc., edited by Joan Costello

Volume 7, Issue 52
December 7, 2007

Definition Of Prescription Abbreviations
A prescription, as is well known, is a physician's order for the preparation
and administration of a drug or device for a patient. What may be less well
known is that a prescription has several parts:

The superscription (or heading) with the symbol R or Rx which stands for the
word Recipe, meaning (in Latin) to take; The inscription which contains the
names and quantities of the ingredients; The subscription or directions for
compounding the drug; and The signature which is often preceded by the sign
s. standing for signa, mark, giving the directions to be marked on the
container. You may see some chickenscrawl marks on a prescription. For
example, b.i.d. It means twice (two times) a day and is an abbreviation for
"bis in die" which in Latin means, not too surprisingly, twice a day. It is
one of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have been
traditionally used in prescriptions to specify the frequency with which
medicines should be taken. Some of the abbreviations of terms commonly used
in prescriptions with their meanings are:

a.c. = before meals (from "ante cibum," before meals)
ad lib: use as much as one desires (from "ad libitum")
da or daw = dispense as written
p.c. = after meals (from "post cibum," after meals)
p.o. = by mouth, orally (from "per os," by mouth)
Other definitions at:
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5033

also in this issue

-NYT Examines COPD
-CQRC Statement On The NY Times Article On Medicare's Home Oxygen Benefit
-Researchers Focus On Genes And Inflammation In Search For Clues To COPD
-Don't Let Germs Be Your Travel Companions
-Respiratory Therapy Cave
-Heavy Breathing Proteins
-Study Demonstrates Ramelton Does Not Exacerbate Respiratory Depressant Effects
-Almirall Takes On COPD
-Hats Off To Combat Asthma
-Advances In Diagnostics Can Lead To Better Quality Of Life
-Amarillo Biosciences Files Patent Application To Treat Chronic Cough With Oral Interferon
-FDA Investigates Anti-Smoking Drugs
-Ibuprofen Slows Loss Of Lung Function In Cystic Fibrosis

Web version of the News: http://copd-support1.com/news.html

Join Us?
Subscription to this Newsletter is free and we hope that it serves your needs. For more Newsletter information, go to:
http://copd-support1.com/signup-news.html

The Newsletter, like all the other endeavors of the Family of COPD Support Programs, is provided to you by COPD-Support, Inc. a non-profit
member organization with IRS designation 501(c)(3). If you would like to be
involved and help us provide these programs to the individuals who benefit from them, please consider joining us as a member. Further information is available at:
http://copd-support1.com/membership.html

More

Six White Boomers
Forget Rudolph. Have an Australian Christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/v/hlSsffF2xhA&rel=1

Click here: Winters Of Long Ago
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Winters%20Long%20Ago/index.htm

Happy Holidays from Rail Europe
Choose your destination-I couldn't resist. Had to visit all of them.
http://downloads.raileurope.com/holidayCard/06_christmas_card.html

I Ain't Got a Barrel of Money
http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/dearfriends/dearfriends.htm

Blue Christmas
http://www.mamarocks.com/blue_christmas.htm

Merry Christmas
http://www.riversongs.com/ecards/merry_christmas.html

Christmas Game
Shoot with the Left Mouse button
http://www.riversongs.com/egreetings/christmasgame.html

Star Shuffle
Celebrity Scramble Puzzle
http://club.live.com/images/gameimages/ElvisLivesSplashScreen.jpg

Until next Friday,
Joan Costello, Editor

Web version of the News: http://copd-support1.com/news.html

Archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/copd-news.html

The Good News Is: HealthCentral.com’s New Stop Smoking Site Provides Expert Advice, Supportive Community to Help Smokers Quit

2007-12-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

ARLINGTON, VA — The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) today announced the launch of StopSmokingConnection.com, a website dedicated to helping smokers successfully quit. The site, found at www.HealthCentral.com/stop-smoking , provides expert advice, reliable medical information and a community support network that will aid smokers in their quest to overcome addiction.

Former smoker and award-winning author Anne Mitchell will write a weekly blog for the site. Mitchell’s book, Give It Up! Stop smoking for life, was published in 2003. Mitchell is also trained as a facilitator for the American Cancer Society’s FreshStart stop-smoking program and will use her training and her struggle with smoking cessation to offer advice and support for the site’s community members.

“The HealthCentral Network’s new Stop Smoking Connection is a rich combination of helpful information and meaningful support for people trying to quit smoking,” Mitchell said. “Having been a long-term smoker who desperately wanted to quit (and finally succeeded), I know how important it is to have that kind of support. Interacting with others who are experiencing the same symptoms and feeling the same sense of frustration during those all-too-common relapses is an important part of finally becoming successful.”
"The health risks associated with smoking are as well known as they are serious, and quitting smoking is one of the best steps an individual can take to improve his or her overall health," said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. "Providing information, tools and resources, expert advice and, above all, a community of support to those in the process of or thinking about smoking cessation is a much-needed addition to The HealthCentral Network.”

About The HealthCentral Network

The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.healthcentral.com) is a new and unique online offering, comprised of over 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in everyday and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth and trusted medical information (from Harvard Health Publications among others), and connections to leading experts and thousands of people who share their related experiences and inspiration.

The HealthCentral Network recently launched personal health tools including the most comprehensive web solution for caregivers managing their communities of friends and families (www.carecentral.com). The company also produces the nationally syndicated television show, "Medical Breakthroughs with Dr. Dean Edell," and has a library of nearly 1,000 short-form, condition-specific videos throughout its network.

The HealthCentral Network was acquired in 2005 by Polaris Ventures, Sequoia Capital, The Carlyle Group and Allen & Company, and has built a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism. The company received top recognition from The International Health and Medical Media Awards with a 2006 FREDDIE Award for MyDiabetesCentral.com and the Health Care Standard of Excellence WebAward from the Web Marketing Association.

What Five Cigarettes A Day Does To Your Arteries

2007-12-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

Many smokers feel that "cutting down" or being a "light smoker" will prevent them from suffering the often deadly consequences of smoking. Experts say that close to a third of all smokers smoke less than ten cigarettes a day. Research shows that these "light smokers" feel much less motivation to give it up.

As Lion Shahab, a health psychologist at UCL puts it, smokers are good at perceiving a general risk to health but don't apply it to their own - with light smokers the most deluded of all.

"It's the difference between looking at a virtual reality image of a tiger - you may be amazed but you won't run away - and being told the tiger is real, in which case your emotional response is to run.

"Most smokers are good at seeing the virtual reality tiger but not the real one."

But, as Professor Robert West, director of tobacco studies at UCL, points out, smoking is one area of consumption where moderation is not the answer.

While the risk of lung cancer grows with the number of cigarettes smoked - more than 20 cigarettes a day raises the risk 30-fold - in terms of heart disease, recent research suggests most of the risks come from the first few cigarettes each day.

A study of Norwegian smokers published last year found that those who smoked up to five cigarettes a day were three times more likely to die of heart disease than non-smokers.

University College London is conducting research to see just how much damage has been done to the arteries of people after years of light smoking.

Click Here to read one woman's' story of her participation in this research project and the sobering results that led her to becoming completely smoke free.

The COPD Survival Manual - It Takes Your Breath Away - By Brian Webster

2007-12-05T10:25:00.000-05:00

A Thirty Year Survivors Story

COPD can strike almost anytime, although in most it begins around the 60's. Patients might well have had COPD years before that but their signs might have been misdiagnosed . COPD signs mimic so many minor diseases(occasional shortness of breath, intermittent coughs, tiredness) that it is only when all meet together in a major way that they might be understood as COPD. My original Doctor was stuck on "Oh dear, Mr. Webster, you have another one of those nasty winter coughs I see." It was only when I went to a specialist that I discovered what it was - COPD.

That is partially the reason for the book. I hope that a lot of people who hear about it may well ask for a fuller examination during thir annual check up. It takes a few minutes longer but may well extend your life. My Book "It Takes Your Breath Away" is really important to any Stage of COPD since it covers most of the information you need to survive. - Brian Webster

Brian's book, before now available on CD only, is now available in print.
Please visit his website - It Takes Your Breath Away - for a wealth of information about COPD and how Brian lives his life with this disease. You will also find the information you need to contact Brian and order his book.

The EFFORTS Newsletter - An Excellent Resource For COPD News and Information

2007-12-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

Archives available from January 2005 through the latest issue, just released, December 2007
This is definitely a Not To Be Missed newsletter. To view the December Issue, Click Here.

To find links to archived newsletters Click Here.

If you are not a member of EFFORTS and wish "Home delivery" of the Monthly Newsletter and periodic updates of EFFORTS various projects - Click JOIN HERE, complete the email and click send. Being a full member will give you automatic access to the Newsletters. Join EFFORTS as a full member at http://www.emphysema.net

From The New York Times - One Of Our Own Tells Her Story

2007-12-03T17:58:00.000-05:00

From Smoking Boom, a Major Killer of Women
By DENISE GRADY
Published: November 29, 2007

For Jean Rommes, the crisis came five years ago, on a Monday morning when she had planned to go to work but wound up in the hospital, barely able to breathe. She was 59, the president of a small company in Iowa. Although she had quit smoking a decade earlier, 30 years of cigarettes had taken their toll.

A very comprehensive article - The research for this article was extensive, including interviews from patients Jean Rommes, Grace Koppel, Diane Williams Hymons and John Walsh. Also interviewed were Dr. James Crapo, Dr. Byron Thomashow, Dr. Neil Schachter, Pamela L. Moore and Dr. James Kiley.

In addition to the article be sure to check the Times sidebar for further reading -

Expert Q&A
Readers' Questions About C.O.P.D.
Dr. Byron Thomashow, medical director of the The Jo-Ann LeBuhn Center for Chest Disease and Respiratory Failure at Columbia University Medical Center, answered readers' questions about C.O.P.D.

Times Essentials
Expert Voices
Smoking, the Environment and an Epidemic of Lung Disease
Dr. Barry Make on the rising rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Questions for Your Doctor
What to Ask About C.O.P.D.
Talking points for patients and physicians.

Clinical Trials
Selected Clinical Trials
Notable research studies now enrolling patients.

Related Articles

Surgery: After Early Success, Operations to Remove Damaged Tissues Have Fallen Sharply (November 29, 2007)

Search for Treatment: Researchers Focus on Genes and Inflammation in Search for Clues to Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (November 29, 2007)

What To Know: Certain Symptoms Should Raise Red Flags for Doctors (November 29, 2007)

Also Not To Be Missed is the video put together by video journalist Erik Olsen. See It Here.

COPD Patients And Family Members, Let Your Voices Be Heard!

2007-11-30T14:48:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

In 2004, the National Emphysema/COPD Association (NECA), previously known as the COPD Research Network, conducted the largest survey in the United States of persons with chronic lung disease, including chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. The survey results provided valuable insights regarding the needs of the COPD community to physicians and other health care providers.

We are now very excited to begin our follow up survey in conjunction with Innovative Health Solutions, Corp., a strategic healthcare analysis and research consulting firm.

Below is a link to the NECA website where you will be able to access and take one of two surveys. One survey is for the person with COPD. The other survey is for the individual who cares about the person with COPD and provides valuable assistance to them (for example, a spouse, a child or other close relative). Your household may complete either or both surveys. Each survey should be completed independently, without input from anyone else, within the next week to ten days.

To take the surveys, go to: www.necaweb.org

Many of you participated in the previous survey and we thank you and look forward to your participation in this survey as well. It is extremely important to all of us in the COPD community. All answers will be treated as strictly confidential. No personal identifying information will be disclosed.

If you have any questions about the survey please send an email to survey@necaweb.org
or call 1-866-340-NECA (6322).

Thank You for your participation.

Thursday Thirteen - The COPD Christmas Wish List

2007-11-29T14:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I've done the Thursday Thirteen on my Grammy blog and on my journal blog - it's time to wander over to where I really work and add a bit of thirteening here too.

The Thursday Thirteen - Thirteen Gifts Your COPD Person Would Love For Christmas!

This Christmas gift "wish list" was compiled last year with the help of the super members of the forum Sharing COPD Information

It's certainly true that people with COPD are in most respects people just like you or me.
(hey...wait a minute... "they" are me! And quite possibly you. Or someone you know.)

We're still the same people we always were and the gifts that we've received in the past, we'll probably still enjoy now and in the future.

But there are some changes that are unique to the COPD lifestyle. That's where this "wish list" comes in. If we could ask Santa to bring a few things, here's what they might be:

1. an oximeter

2. good books/movies, especially happy/humorous ones

3. comfortable walking shoes & insoles

4. warm jacket with pockets
(a down jacket or similar outerwear is much preferred to the synthetics for warmth, especially for those of us who don't move too fast when we're outside- even though they are a bit more pricey)

5. rolling backpack/suitcase

6. gift certificate for favorite restaurant (especially ones that have take-out)

7. one frozen lobster

8. a bus tour – the kind that usually feature some sort of concert or show,
then lunch and perhaps a few other stops before heading home

9. a nice, soft scarf that can be worn over your mouth and nose when outside

10. a very good office armchair with all direction rollers.

11. a trip to the mall for 2 hours with door to door service as well as someone willing to carry packages as I shop.

12. take my car to the car wash (or do it yourself) for a wash, wax and general cleaning

13. a fluffy bathrobe

We have a lot of great ideas on that forum, so here's nine more:

1. help running errands for 4 hours

2. a warm, washable lightweight vest

3. comfortable, padded barstool with seatback to be able to sit comfortable at the kitchen counter while preparing meals

4. door to door service for two-three hour outings

5. an emergency dialer with speaker phone and panic button (push the button you wear around your neck & the base will automatically call the numbers you programmed until someone answers; they can activate the speakerphone & talk to you--NO monthly service fees)

6. a pre-paid cell phone for emergencies

7. a MedicAlert (or similar) jewelry & service

8. housekeeping service for one day

9. a portable voice recorder to record the questions & doc's answers at appointments to listen to again at home

For some more good ideas, I found a catalog that I like at
www.wellhaven.com
They have garden tools, mobility accessories, music collections-
I really like the long handled body lotion applicator for your back or legs....

another catalog- www.ActiveForever.com is more medically oriented and not as much fun, but they do carry almost everything you might need to assist you with the "activities of daily living" at a pretty good price
(no lotion applicator though)

In the sidebar to your right, you'll find the link to the Problem Solvers shop. There's lots of stuff to drool over in their catalog!

If you can think of items to add to our wish list, please leave a comment and I'll be sure to let Santa know.

COPD And Stress - More On A Less Stress Holiday Season

2007-11-28T14:26:00.001-05:00

This week's issue of the COPD International Newsletter brings Featured Articles - Energy-Saving Holiday Tips

TIPS FOR ENJOYING HOLIDAYS WITHOUT GETTING BREATHLESS
The holidays are a special time of the year, however they can very stressful. There's so much to do - shop for gifts, put up decorations, put up and decorate a Christmas tree, attend Christmas parties and other events, wrap presents and visit family. The holidays are tough for even the healthiest people.

When you have a lung disease, the holidays can wear your down, damper your holiday spirit and aggravate your lung disease. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holidays. See Tips:
http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/generalinformation1/qt/holiday_tips.htm

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND RELAX
Stress can be hiding around every corner this season. Learn tips to relax so you can gracefully deal with life's curveballs. See Tips:
http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/stress/a2003-03-11-taking
time.html

THE HOLIDAYS: 12 TIPS FOR COPING
Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. See Tips:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030

COPING WITH THE HOLIDAY BLUES
Besides keeping busy and accepting loss, there are other things a person can do to keep away from the holiday blues. Hanging out with friends or family members which don't have sad or negative emotions attached to them may be helpful. If not in the real world, then you may also consider spending more time online in a support group or chat area, which is to your liking. Here are more tips on how to chase away the holiday blues. See Tips:
http://psychcentral.com/archives/holiday_coping.htm

TIPS TO EASE THE SHOPPING FRENZY
Here are a few suggestions on how to handle Christmas shopping without having to catch your breath or get stressed to the max.

-- Mail-order catalogues
-- Home shopping networks
-- Online stores
-- E-mail greeting cards
-- Shopping and delivery services
-- Gift certificates

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT
For many of us, there is no reason for us to stay housebound. The holidays provide the perfect reason to get out and about. Visiting friends, shopping, spending time with relatives will do wonders at helping us enjoy a better quality of life. For guidance on portable oxygen equipment, most of which can be provided by your local oxygen provider, go to: http://www.portableoxygen.org

And in the About.com Health Newsletter Elizabeth Scott, About.com's Guide to Stress, has put together a series of articles to help you simplify the holiday season. So, follow her advice, and in a few weeks, when it's all over, you won't feel the sudden urge to take a long, deep nap.

In the Spotlight

Holiday Shopping Made Easier
Well, my answer to this is two words: online shopping. I love it. But it's not for everyone, so Elizabeth has a few other handy tips as well.
- Stress Guide Elizabeth Scott

Holiday Cooking Made Easier
A good nugget of advice: Be willing to try something new. For example, it's perfectly OK to order your entire holiday dinner from a local restaurant. My family typically does this, with a little local South Texas flavor: We pre-order dozens of tamales.

Holiday Cards Made Easier
Written by two very funny people, my husband's parents' annual holiday newsletter is one of the best reads of the year. And every year they threaten that it's the "last one they'll ever write." Eventually, when they make good on that threat, I'll have to get over it, and keep in mind how stressful it is for them.
- Stress Guide Elizabeth Scott

COPD And Stress / Not A Healthy Mix - How To Manage Holiday Stress

2007-11-27T17:13:00.000-05:00

The Best of Times,
The Worst of Times,
Often the Holidays Aren't All They're Cracked Up To Be...

Here are some articles to help you to enjoy your holidays more,
Or at least to cope with the season a little more comfortably.
This entry is one of the Holiday Pages on my website
COPD And So Much More.
Please plan to visit me there soon!

Beating Holiday Stress
From Web MD this article contains strategies and stress tips for successfully navigating the holiday tides
The strategies?

Strategy: Cut Yourself Some Slack-
With four tips to show you how

Strategy: Eat to stave off tension as well as hunger.
Three tips for calmer, healthier eating

Strategy: Put whatever's stressing you in perspective
With three tips to help you change your outlook

Strategy: Learn how to have more fun with less stuff!
Three final tips

Great article!

from Dr. Phil-
Making the Holidays More Enjoyable
Find out how to bring a little sanity into your holidays.

The American Psychological Association has this article
Coping with Holiday Stress
to help answer these questions-

How Can You Deal With Continuing Family Problems During The Holidays?

Do Financial Pressures Stress People Out to the Point of Ruining the Holiday Spirit?

How Do Time Pressures Affect People Around the Holidays?

How Does a Person Deal With the Holidays When He or She Has Just Experienced A Recent Tragedy, Death or Romantic Break-up?

What Are Some Good Coping Strategies?

At the Mayo Clinic Site-
Stress, Depression and the Holidays:
12 Tips for Coping
The article lists three areas that commonly trigger holiday stress or depression:
Relationships,
Finances
and Physical Demands,
Then gives 12 tips or pre-emptive strategies for handling these areas

From Harvard Medical School
Stress- When Family Fun Is No Fun!
this article talks about how to avoid letting perfectionism spoil the party and how to worry less!

And finally, Oprah's list of Dos and Don'ts for the Season
Family , Gifts, Expectations and Health
Don't let the Holidays Drive You Crazy!!!

Alone For The Holidays?

2007-11-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

Back from a Thanksgiving Holiday, time spent with my husband and with my family, I am very aware of just how lucky I am. This was a wonderful holiday. I have had many wonderful holidays. Some of those wonderful holidays I spent alone. Happily alone.
Below is an article I wrote last year for the Holiday Pages on my website COPD And So Much More. If you are facing the holidays alone this year, I hope it will be a help to you.

Alone for the Holidays

Seasonal hype leads us to believe that the only way to achieve holiday happiness is by spending time with family and loved ones. Facing the holidays alone can sometimes make people feel sad and lonesome.

-and please don't think that this is some sort of Susy Sunshine article written by someone who always has a houseful for the holidays, but who is still going to give you advice on how to put on a happy face.

I am very, very blessed in my life now,
I do have family with me,
I even have a child to share Christmas morning with.

But that has not always been the case- far from it.
I have spent holidays alone. Some I spent miserably, most I spent happy, blessed,
alone and well. It can be done.

The truth is that being alone does not have to mean being lonely.
Recognizing that no one else is responsible for making your days merry and bright is the first step to enjoying a stress-free holiday season alone. Try to stay positive and avoid getting into a negative mindset.
Here are some tips that may help.

Focus on the present and think positively.
Think about something you enjoy and do it.
This will help reduce some of your frustration and unhappiness as well as build your confidence and enable you to live in the spirit of the holiday season.

Indulge yourself

Decorate the House
Even if you're the only one who's going to see it, take the time to decorate your home.
Put up a Christmas tree, hang some lights. Send out cards. Make Christmas cookies.
One of the hardest things about spending Christmas alone is the feeling that everyone else is having a great time and you've been excluded.
Make sure you're not excluding yourself.

Plan Something Special
There's nothing worse than hearing everyone else's excitement over the upcoming holidays and having nothing to look forward to yourself. If you haven't got big plans for the next couple of weeks, now is the time to fix that. Plan a treat for yourself, something really special. Not only will it add to your holiday, but it'll give you a great answer to that dreaded question: "So what are you doing for Christmas?"

A lot of new movies come out in December and many theatres are open on Christmas Day, so treat yourself to a show or plan ahead and rent some films you've been wanting to see and watch them on the holiday.

If the weather allows, go outside for a while and enjoy the peace of nature. Or go for a drive and look at holiday lights and decorations.

Eat well.
Hit up that trendy eatery you've been eyeing for a while, or stop by the deli counter at the supermarket and try some interesting ethnic dishes. Buy a great big steak and your favorite bottle of wine and savor both. The holidays are synonymous with good food, so why not enjoy it, even solo?

Get away for awhile.
Even if you go no further than booking a room at the nearest local hotel, play tourist,
enjoy room service, relax and unwind.
Enjoy the peacefulness of a day without obligations.

Stop by the library or neighborhood bookstore and stock up on some great books.

Whatever you enjoy doing, indulge yourself.

Maybe you just don't want to try and enjoy the holidays alone.
There might be ways to solve that problem too!

Extend invitations
Be proactive.
Call up other people who might be on their own and arrange a holiday dinner,
agreeing to split the meal preparation duties. Don't assume that everyone you know
will be busy throughout the holidays. Yours might be just the invitation they're waiting for! Even if they have family commitments, they still might welcome the opportunity to escape and spend some time with you.

Accept invitations
When people ask about your plans, don't create a fictitious family gathering out of embarrassment. Be honest and say you don't have any plans. With any luck,
someone will issue a sincere invitation for you to join them for a holiday meal or special outing.

Go to church or a senior center or other places that offer community activities. If you don't have transportation or you don't drive, call and ask if they can provide you with a ride to holiday services.

Giving gifts or giving of yourself is a big part of the holidays.
Lend a hand to other people who are unable to shop, make a meal or bake cookies. Make some crafts and have them distributed to residents of nursing homes, homeless shelters and so on. This will help you feel the holiday is more meaningful.

Consider canine company
Although it may seem like an unusual idea, create your own company by offering to dog sit for friends who are going out of town. Of course, this will only work if you actually like dogs, and if you're familiar with their dog in particular. You'll be doing both them and yourself an enormous favor. A dog can be great company on a long winter's night

Don't forget the online community.
Visit a chat room or play some online games. Spend some time emailing New Year's greetings.

Make the best of being alone

Make resolutions
Take the opportunity that comes with solitude to reflect on some realistic New Year's resolutions. This is the perfect time to take stock of your goals and create an action plan to attain them. Most resolutions are broken because they're too broad.
Avoid this outcome by breaking yours down into a workable to-do list. If you want to lose 10 pounds and begin to exercise, you need to decide on your routine and check it out with your doctor, schedule your exercise times, throw out the junk food, make a grocery list of healthier foods, and so on.
You've got some solo time on your hands,
so use it to your advantage.

Give Yourself Some Quiet Time
Sometimes the reason we're alone on the holidays is a sad one.
If this is you this season, give yourself the time and the permission to feel sad,
just don't let it become your entire focus. Christmas has a way of turning the world into a fantasy place where everyone is supposed to be happy and everything is wonderful.
Resist the urge to fake a smile all through the month of December. If your heart is broken this year, take the time to remember, to look at old pictures, to mourn.
Just make sure you call a friend afterwards and go for coffee.
Life does go on and Christmas still can be a most wonderful time of the year.

Hard as it may seem sometimes, there are lots of worse positions to be in than on your own, so get into the spirit of the season as best you can and celebrate.
Enjoy your own company.
Do what you take pleasure in but never seem to find time to do.
And most of all, remember that it's just a day.
Make it a happy one, however you choose to spend it.

I wish you a joyous season
of peace and renewal.
Merry Christmas.

Karen

10 Thanksgiving Quotes to Celebrate The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

by Noel Jameson

Ready for some Thanksgiving quotes? I don't mean the "I'm thankful for my Nintendo Wii" or the "I'm thankful for my new car" quotes that we hear all too often lately. I mean some real Thanksgiving quotes that remind us of what we really have to be thankful for. Here are 10 Thanksgiving quotes to celebrate and ponder.

1. "The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." ~ H.U. Westermayer

2. "Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." ~ Edward Sandford Martin

3. "There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American." ~ O. Henry

4. "You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

5. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

6. "We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction." ~ Harry A. Ironside

7. "It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. Christians in public institutions often see this odd thing happening on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone in the institution seems to be thankful 'in general.' It's very strange. It's a little like being married in general." ~ Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

8. "It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast." ~ W. J. Cameron

9. "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." ~ Cicero

10. "Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude." ~ E.P. Powell

This Thanksgiving Day, let's remember what we truly have to be thankful for. Let's take a good, hard look around us and realize that while we may not have everything we want, what we want is not always what we need. Let these ten Thanksgiving quotes remind you of the true meaning of this great American holiday as you celebrate with friends and family.

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For more holiday quotes, check out Famous-Quotes-And-Quotations.com, a website that specializes in 'Top 10' lists of quotations in dozens of categories.

Article Source: submityourarticle.com

Phil's Advice For A Happy Holiday Meal

2007-11-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!,
I am going to repost my eating blurb for the newer folk. The rest of you wonderful people remember that it takes a lot of O2 to digest your food, so please do not lie down right after supper as our breathing rate slows down when we sleep and it's harder to get O2 in and CO2 out when we sleep. I hate to break the ladies' hearts, but you should leave the dishes for a few hours, until your meal is digested.

"Like a number of COPD’ers, I have always had a problem when it came to eating. I could never eat too much for two reasons. One, I would become winded and the other, I would always have that feeling of having a tennis ball stuck in my solar plexus if I ate too much. It was not very often that I was able to complete my meal. I would then have an uncomfortable sensation in my chest for hours. It would take 4-6 hours for the unpleasantness in my chest to disappear. I could not eat a meal without stopping and trying to regain my breath or stop eating altogether for that meal.

A couple of months ago I sat down to a supper loaded with turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, squash, bread dressing and condiments. I ate the whole thing with no SOB and did not have any bloated feeling!

So, what Happened? What Changed? How I breathe while I eat is what has changed. Up till then, I would breathe in as I put some food in my mouth. I would then hold my breath as I chewed the food. Then I would breathe in again; swallow the food and then exhale. In essence, I was inhaling twice for every exhale and “trapping air”. I started to exhale more while I was eating. Now, as I am chewing my food, I very gently exhale for as long as I comfortably can. I never swallow now unless I have finished exhaling. That’s it! That’s the only change! I can now eat without stopping because I am too SOB or too tired to continue. As a bonus for me I gained 1½ pounds, which is significant for a man who is 5’8” tall and weighs 99 pounds.

I hope this helps others who have the same problem. Any feedback would be appreciated, and if it works for others I will add it to my Breathing Distress article."

Phil Cable

I will be joining my husband for his vacation during the week of Thanksgiving.
Happy Holiday Everyone. God Bless You.
Blogging will resume November 26, 2007

COPD And Sleep

2007-11-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

With COPD, there are lots of things that can make it difficult for your to get a good night's sleep. These include having to sleep sitting up or taking medications that either "rev you up" or cause you to have to use the bathroom frequently during the night. Emotional changes, such as depression and anxiety, can also impair your sleep. Most of the sleep problems related to COPD can be helped, so it's a good idea to discuss your sleep problems with your doctor.

Here are some questions to think about:

*How would you describe your usual night's sleep - number of hours, overall quality?

*Do you have trouble falling asleep when you first go to bed?

*Do you wake up during the night? If so, what wakes you up and are you able to easily fall back to sleep?

*Do you wake up too early in the morning? How long have you had difficulty sleeping?
What do you think caused the problem?

*What have you tried to improve your sleep?

While your doctor may prescribe medication to help you sleep, there are steps you can take, without using any medication, that may help you get a better night's sleep.

Some Suggestions to Help You Sleep

1. You should only do two things in bed - sleep and make love.

So, if you are not doing one of these you should not be in bed. If you are having difficulty sleeping, don't watch TV in bed, don't read and don't just lie there watching the clock change.
If you find yourself awake, watching the clock for more than 20 minutes, Get Up! Do something relaxing (even if it's a little boring) - read a magazine, watch old sitcoms (in another room), just look out the window. When you feel "the edge" starting to come off, return to bed and try again.
When you return to bed and if you're not asleep in 20 minutes..get back up. If you can't get to sleep the second time around, think of a low-energy chore you have wanted to get done (such as putting your photos into albums or cleaning out the "junk drawer") and Do It.
You might not have gotten a full night's sleep, but you will have done something that you have been meaning to do. Furthermore, the next night your body should be more tired and ready for sleep. If you don't sleep well that second night, talk to your doctor; be sure to bring in the answers to the questions you answered above.

The goal of this suggestion is to teach your body that if you're horizontal you should be falling asleep soon. Therefore, it's important that you don't lie down on the sofa to watch TV, talk on the phone, read, etc.

2. Try to avoid napping; if you don't nap, you're more likely to be tired enough at bedtime to fall asleep.

3. Try to get approximately 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. This can be as simple as walking steadily.

4. Don't do anything too stimulating in the two hours before you go to bed. During this time, try to avoid exercising, arguing with someone, working, etc.

5. Try not to go to bed hungry, but also don't eat a big meal or a lot of carbohydrates just before going to bed. Instead, have a small, high protein snack such as cheese and crackers, a glass of milk, or some nuts.

6. Keep your sleep environment conducive to sleep - cool, dark and quiet.

7. You'll sleep better if your feet are warmer than your head - wear socks.

8. Limit caffeinated beverages within four-five hours of bedtime (none after 5 pm)

9. Try to keep regular bedtime and wake-up times.

Difficulty with sleep is very common, with or without COPD. When you have difficulty falling asleep, be patient with yourself and don't let your frustration get the better of you. Getting angry and anxious will only make the problem worse. Accepting that on a given night you might have more trouble sleeping than you'd like may help you get back to sleep sooner.

World COPD Day - November 14, 2007

2007-11-14T18:32:00.001-05:00

BREATHLESS NOT HELPLESS

World COPD Day 2007 held this year on November 14. The event is organized by GOLD (the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease,
www.goldcopd.org), with further support from the International COPD Coalition(ICC, www.internationalcopd.org), and the World Organization of Family Doctors(WONCA). It represents a partnership between health care groups and respiratory educators to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a highly prevalent disease, has a large impact on quality of life for
patients and their families, and kills millions of people worldwide. The early
stages of COPD are often unrecognized, but it is very easy to determine whether a person is at risk. If COPD is detected early, treatments are available to prevent further deterioration of lung function.

The theme of this year’s World COPD Day is “Breathless not Helpless.” The theme was chosen to emphasize that breathlessness and other symptoms of COPD are not simply a normal part of aging, and that there is treatment available to help people with COPD. This positive slogan aims to empower patients and others who have symptoms of COPD to visit their doctors and get help. An additional focus on “How You Can Help Yourself If You Have COPD” to this year’s activities and communications will also help spread these positive messages.

World COPD Day Long-Term Goals

World COPD Day calls for physicians, public authorities, and national
organizations to work together to bring awareness to COPD. By making the
general public and the health care community aware of the symptoms of COPD, individuals with symptoms will receive appropriate treatment and prevent further deterioration of their lungs.
Ultimately, this effort will:

® significantly reduce deaths from COPD

® cut the number of hospitalizations due to COPD

® reduce the rate of new cases of COPD developing.

Key short-term strategies to achieve these goals include: making the general
public aware of the symptoms of COPD; making tools for COPD
diagnosis—especially spirometers—available to health care workers; making
medications available and affordable; informing and educating health authorities, physicians, patients, and families about effective management of COPD; and supporting efforts to reduce people’s exposure to environmental risk factors implicated in the disease.

Further information about World COPD Day 2007 is available online at the World COPD Day Internet Headquarters (www.goldcopd.org/WCDIndex.asp) and on the Websites of the other organizations listed above.

Medications Commonly Used To Treat COPD

2007-11-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

by Cecil Montgomery at COPD Survivors Support

General Information:

It is important to know that every medicine has two names -- a generic name and a brand name. The generic name is the scientific name of the drug. The brand name is the name that a specific company uses when it makes that drug.
As an example, look at a common headache medicine. Many people use acetaminophen for a headache. Acetaminophen is the generic name of the drug. The brand names include Anacin Aspirin Free, Bayer Select Headache, Panadol Maximum Strength, and Tylenol.

When your doctor prescribes a new medicine for you, you should review all of the
medicines you take - both prescribed and over the counter -- with your doctor. Every
time you go to the doctor, take a list of all of your medicines with you, including inhalers and OTC meds. If your doctor changes your medicines and you start to feel any adverse side effects, call your doctor at once.

Bronchodilators:

Bronchodilators relax and open your airways to increase the flow of air. They let you
exhale more completely. The preferred way to take these medicines is by inhalers. Others may be taken as pills, liquids, or nebulized liquids. Bronchodilators may be given on an as-needed basis for relief of symptoms that persist or worsen. They may also be given on a regular basis to prevent or reduce symptoms. When you use inhalers, it's very important to talk to your doctor about a treatment plan.

Short-Acting Bronchodilators:

These drugs are short-acting bronchodilators that provide quick relief. They are
fast-acting. They start to work in minutes, but last only 4 to 6 hours.They are sometimes called "rescue medicines" or "rescue inhalers." Keep one of these inhalers, if prescribed, with you at all times. Use it as prescribed when you have shortness of breath. If you need a fast-acting inhaler more than 12 times a
day, call your doctor. Possible side effects of fast-acting bronchodilators include faster heart beat, headache, and shaking(tremors). If you have side effects that bother you, talk to your doctor.
*An item of note
With these medications albuterol is well known for its side effects of heart
acceleration and effects on the central nervous system. If you have this problem you
may ask your Dr about substituting xopenox for albuterol. It now has inhalers as
well as nebulizer treatment.

Some short-acting Bronchodilators are: albuterol,Proventil, Proventil, HFA, Ventolin,
metaproterenol, Alupent, pirbuterol, Maxair,terbutaline, Brethaire, bitolterol, Tornalate,levalbuterol, and Xopenex.

Long-Acting Inhaled Bronchodilators:

Long-acting bronchodilators last about 12 hours or as long as 24 hours. It depends on
their type. These medicines help to keep your symptoms under control. So they
sometimes are called "controllers." They're also called "maintenance" bronchodilators. Usually these medicines are used on a regular basis(not "as needed"). They generally do not provide quick relief. They should not be used for immediate relief of breathing problems. The 2 types of long-acting bronchodilators
are beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics.

These long acting medicines include: salmeterol(Serevent ),formoterol(Foradil), fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair).

Salmeterol:
This beta-2 agonist is inhaled by a dry-powder inhaler or a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Salmeterol is usually taken 2 times a day, 12 hours apart. It begins to work in about 20 to 30 minutes. Do not take this medicine for an attack. Possible side
effects include headaches in the first few weeks of use, shaking (tremors), higher blood pressure, or faster heart beat. Care should also be used in diskus inhalers if you are lactose intolerant.

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent):
This is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that helps relieve the tightening of the
airways, which is called bronchospasms. Ipratropium helps to keep the airways
open. It works in 5 to 15 minutes and lasts for 4 to 6 hours. This drug is short-acting(but not fast-relief).Ipratropium comes both as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and as a liquid for a nebulizer. Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor.
Usually this means 2 puffs from your inhaler every 4 to 6 hours. Unless your doctor
tells you otherwise, you should not take more than 2 puffs more than 4 to 6 times a
day. Side effects may increase from too frequent use.
Ipratropium is not a rescue medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor about a
treatment plan when you use ipratropium. You should not use ipratropium if you
have an allergy to soy products or peanuts. Tell your doctor and pharmacist of all
your allergies. Be sure to include any allergies to medicine and food.

Possible side effects of ipratropium include dry mouth and bitter taste. Do not allow
the spray to get into your eyes. Be very careful. When you activate the inhaler, close your eyes. If you get ipratropium in your eye, it may cause blurred vision or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. A spacer can help to keep spray out of your eyes.

Formoterol (Foradil):
This beta-2 agonist is usually taken 2 times a day.It begins to work in less than 5
minutes, but it is not a rescue medicine. Do not take formoterol for an attack. It is
sometimes prescribed for people who have tightening of the airways brought on by
exercise. This medicine comes as a dry powder in a gelatin capsule. It is taken using a special type of inhaler that is packaged with the medicine. Possible side effects include shaking (tremors), trouble sleeping, faster heart beat, muscle cramps, and nausea.

Tiotropium Bromide (Spiriva):
Spiriva HandiHaler is indicated for the long-term,once-daily, maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The recommended dosage of Spiriva HandiHaler is the inhalation of the contents of one SPIRIVA capsule, once-daily, with the HandiHaler inhalation device. (See Patient's Instructions for Use) Spiriva capsules are for inhalation only with the handihaler and must not be swallowed.

Spiriva capsules, contain 18 mcg tiotropium. The HandiHaler inhalation device is gray colored with a green button. It is imprinted with Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder). Six Spiriva capsules are packaged in an aluminum/PVC/aluminum blister card. One blister card consists of two blister
strips, each containing 3 capsules and joined along a perforated-cut line. After using the first capsule, the 2 remaining capsules should be used over the next 2 consecutive days. Capsules should always be stored in the blister and only removed immediately before use. The foil lidding should only be peeled back as far as
the STOP line printed on the blister foil to prevent exposure of more than one capsule. The drug should be used immediately after the packaging over an individual capsule is opened. The capsules should not be exposed to extreme temperature or moisture. Do not store capsules in the HandiHaler device.

Theophylline:
This drug is an oral bronchodilator that belongs to a group of drugs called
methylxanthines (meth-ill-ZAN-theenz). These oral bronchodilators also relax the
muscles around the airways and may also help the diaphragm to work better. Smoking
can change the way your body uses these medicines. You may need to have regular blood tests to check if your dosage is right for you or needs to be changed. At low dosages, blood tests are not normally required. This medication is also known as theophylline, Slo-Bid, Theochron, Theo-Dur, Theo-24, and Uniphyl.
Some of the generic names of these oral beta-2 agonists are the same as those for
inhaled beta-2 agonist bronchodilators. The possible side effects are similar
and include faster heart beat, head-ache, trouble sleeping, and shaking (tremors).

Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids (KOR-ti-ko-STEER-oyds)are often referred to simply as "Steroids"
(STEER-oyds) and should not be confused with the controversial(and often illegal)
abuse of "steroids" by athletes and others. Those are anabolic-androgenic steroids.
They are man-made substances related to male sex hormones and are a totally
different substance from corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids may help to reduce swelling and inflammation and are beneficial for
treating asthma. Experts believe that inhaled steroids may also be beneficial for treating COPD. Steroids may decrease the number of episodes that cause symptoms get worse. In COPD, these episodes are called exacerbations
(eg-zass-er-BAY-shuns). Steroids are available as inhalers, which include metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry-powder inhalers. Steroids also come as liquid for nebulizers, as pills, and as injections (shots).

Inhaled Corticosteroids :
Of all the types of steroids, inhaled steroids usually cause the fewest side effects because very little enters your blood stream. Most of the inhaled steroid goes to your lungs where you need it. Do not use steroids for fast relief of shortness of breath. Possible side effects of these medicines include hoarseness or a yeast
infection in the mouth. There are several things you can do to avoid these side effects. Gargling with mouth wash or even water after taking these steroids helps to prevent side effects.

Oral Corticosteroids:
The oral steroids are: prednisone, beclomethasone,Beclovent, dipropionate, QVAR,
Vanceril, budesonide, Pulmicort Turbuhaler,flunisolide, AeroBid, fluticasone, Flovent,triamcinolone, Azmacort.
Any steroid medicine may have side effects. Possible short-term side effects include: bigger appetite,retaining fluids,weight gain,nausea or vomiting, stomach upset or ulcers, blood sugar changes. Possible long-term side effects include: high blood pressure, thinning bones,cataracts, muscle weakness, easier bruising,slower wound healing. Oral steroids slow down the work of your adrenal glands. But
when COPD symptoms suddenly get worse, oral or intravenous (IV) steroids are often
needed. It's important to take steroids exactly as your doctor says.

NOTE: You can become seriously ill if you stop taking steroids suddenly. Do not stop taking any steroid medicines without talking to your
doctor.

Combined inhaled medicines:
Many inhaled medicines are available for COPD.Some people with COPD may need to
take several of these medicines to manage their disease. To simplify taking these
medicines, some have been combined into one inhaler. For example,some inhalers
combine a maintenance (controller) inhaler and a rescue inhaler.Others combine 2
maintenance inhalers.
Combined inhalers include: Combivent (Atrovent & Albuterol)
If it becomes less effective over time in relieving your symptoms, call your doctor. Be careful about taking this medicine with other fast-acting bronchodilators. Combivent already includes a fast-acting rescue medicine. It's important to tell your doctor if you are using rescue medicines. Do not allow the Combivent spray to get into your eyes. Be very careful. When you activate the inhaler, close your eyes. Remember that Combivent contains ipratropium. If you get any spray into your eye, it may cause blurred vision or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. A spacer can help to prevent this. If you are allergic to soy products or peanuts, do not take
Combivent. Talk to your doctor about these allergies.
NOTE: Be sure to discuss the use of this medication with your DR if you are using Spiriva.

DuoNeb:
This medicine also combines albuterol and ipratropium. You take DuoNeb with a
nebulizer. It gives the same benefits as Combivent, but it is in liquid (nebulizer) form.

Advair:
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for people with COPD. Advair combines 2
controllers: salmeterol (a bronchodilator) and fluticasone(a steroid).Advair offers the long-acting bronchodilator effects of salmeterol and the steroid's ability to reduce swelling in 1 inhaler. It is usually prescribed 2 times a day, morning and evening, about 12 hours apart. Do not exceed this dosage.

Note: Advair comes in 3 different strengths that are color-coded. The fluticasone (steroid) dosage is different in each. These include 100/50,
250/50, 500/50. The salmeterol always remains the same. When you go to the doctor, take your Advair with you. Ask the doctor to check if you are taking the right dosage.

Expectorants and Mucolytics :
Expectorants (ex-PECK-ter-ents) and mucolytics(myu-ko-LIT-iks) are medicines that
may help move secretions out of the lungs and airways. How well they work is not clear.For some people, drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day can have the same effect, and it costs less. Check with your doctor before trying this. If you retain fluids or have heart failure, you must be careful about drinking fluids.

Expectorants: These medicines increase fluid in your lungs and airways, and this helps secretions to liquefy and thin. These medicines come as pills and liquids. The most common one is: Guaifenesin

Mucolytics: These medicines break down mucus to make it easier to clear the lungs and airways. The most common one is: Mucomyst which is taken with a nebulizer and is prescribed along with a bronchodilator.

Antibiotics:
Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Your doctor will choose the medicine that is best to attack the kind of infection you have. It is very important to take all the medicine prescribed. If antibiotics are not taken as directed, the bacteria may become weakened, but not destroyed. This leads to
antibiotic resistance. Always take antibiotics as your doctor prescribed.

The following are signs of infection:
Your mucus changes in color, consistency, or amount. Your wheeze, cough, or shortness of breath gets worse. You get fever or chills.

Nebulizers:
A nebulizer is a small machine that changes liquid medicine into a fine mist. You then inhale the mist into your lungs. Directions for use are supplied by each company that makes these devices. To prevent infection, it is important to clean your device as the company recommends. Talk to your doctor about the best
way for you to take inhaled medicines. Also check with your insurance company. Some insurance plans require a co-payment for nebulized medicines.

When should you seek help?
If any of the following occur, get medical care: Your mucus changes in color,
consistency, or amount. Your wheeze, cough, or shortness of breath gets worse,even after you take your medicine and it has time to work. Your breathing gets difficult. You have trouble walking or talking.

Call 911 right away if any of the following occur: You get confused. You have trouble staying awake. Your lips or fingernails are blue or
gray.

In summary I would like to impress upon each of you that medications are a life and death subject. They should never be altered without the consent/knowledge of your physician. They should always be checked to insure they are taken as required, Such as with meals, so many hours before meals or after meals. these instructions are important because they can alter the medications pharmacology. In addition, all meds should be checked for food and drug interactions. Never depend entirely on your
Dr or pharmacist. Beware of grapefruit in a large number of cases and also the
body's chemical reaction to meds as well as drug interactions.

The Effects Of COPD And The Medications Used To Treat It

2007-11-12T12:01:00.001-05:00

In addition to physical symptoms, COPD can cause a variety of problems with both your thinking and your emotions. When your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult, your brain may get too little oxygen or too much carbon dioxide (the "waste" gas that is expelled by the lungs). If these conditions last for an extended period of time, your brain can get "sick" or actually be damaged, decreasing your ability to problem solve and remember. Other illnesses that frequently occur along with COPD, such as an infection, can add to the confusion and memory loss and make it difficult to pay attention.

The medications that you take for your COPD can also cause problems. Oral steroids - most commonly Prednisone - can cause all sorts of learning, memory and emotional problems. They can make you nervous, depressed, or more sensitive and irritable than usual. Some common antibiotics used in COPD can do the same things. When these side effects happen, it can be tempting to want to stop the medication. A better plan might be to let your doctor know what is happening so that he or she can either change the medication or find another way to relieve the problem.

Have you noticed any problems - either with your feelings or thinking - that you feel may be due to your illness or the medication? If so, write them down and discuss them with your doctor at your next visit.

The medications used to treat COPD can generally be divided into two categories. Those in the first group are meant to be taken on an "as needed" basis to make your breathing better right away. Those in the second group need to be taken regularly, as prescribed, in order to be effective. Be sure that you discuss with your doctor which of your medications fall into each category and that you are taking them properly.

In addition, some medications work best when taken before, after, or at a different time than other medications. List all the medications you take at each time of the day and in the order you usually take them. Check to see if this is the order your doctor thinks is best for you.

It may be hard to remember to take all of your medications. Recognizing this and taking steps to help your self remember is an important part of managing your COPD.

Tips for Managing Your Medications

- Combine taking your medications with other routines or habits. For instance, keep your morning and evening medications next to your toothbrush. Then, in the morning and at bedtime, take your medications before you brush your teeth.
- If you have to take pills at various times throughout the day and you find yourself getting distracted and forgetting, invest in a wristwatch with an alarm, or you can use a cooking timer. Then set it for each of your scheduled medication times.
- Get a pillbox with sections for the different days of the week and even different times during each day. This way you can plan out a week's worth of medication at a time and will be able to see if you miss any doses.
- If you have trouble organizng your pillbox, ask for help- from a family member, a friend, or someone in your doctor's office.
- If you find yourself frequently missing medication doses, keep a diary of when that happens. Then bring it in to your doctor so the two of you can work at finding a solution.
-Keep a day's-worth of pills with you at all times so that if something unexpected comes up when you're away from home you'll be able to stick to your medication schedule.
- If some of your medications cause unpleasant side effects, let your doctor know. Maybe by changing the dose the side effects can be relieved, or maybe the medication can be changed.
-If you're not sure you're taking your medications correctly, or if you think your inhalers aren't working, ask your doctor or respiratory therapist.
-When traveling, keep all of your medications with you in your carry-bag.

One final consideration when discussing COPD and the medications used to treat it is the accessibility of those medications. Many are not inexpensive and many of us are uninsured or under insured.
Unfortunately there is no magic wand to wave over that problem to make it go away, but there are resources that may be able to help you. Please leave a comment here or email me (click on the letter icon below this post) and I will try to steer you toward some assistance.

COPD Awareness Month - An Editorial From Cecil Montgomery

2007-11-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

This is COPD Awareness Month. It is scheduled for Nov of every year. World COPD Awareness Day is 14 Nov, 2007. This is a world wide effort to recognize COPD for what it is and assist in raising awareness of its low rating in research and development world wide.
COPD is the fourth largest killer in the US and the world. It is expected to be number three by 2015. Very few people who don't have this disease have any idea how debilitating it can be. Our symptoms are not so distinguishable to other people and sometimes to ourselves until we have developed into the later stages. This is the month that we should be making these points known and advertising the lack of resources and prevention.
I am fully aware that most people, like myself, are not especially crazy about drawing attention to ourselves and publicizing our problems. This can be done in other ways such as writing a letter to the local newspaper for the letter to the editor section. Notify your local Drs offices and clinics, leave brochures in their offices with their consent, request permission to leave brochures in hospital lobbies and waiting rooms. I can get some samples of brochures if requested. You might also check local papers and news channels for any planned occasions during this month.

A sample of a letter that could be used for a letter to the Editor:

I want to take this opportunity to let every one know that this is COPD Awareness Month. It is scheduled every year in November and world wide COPD Day is always the second or third Wednesday in November.
This is my way of saying that COPD is a chronic disease and not a terminal one.
If you suspect you may be developing respiratory problems then take the time this month to get checked. You might check the local area and find someone is giving free tests in honor of COPD Month.
I belong to a COPD education group on line called the COPD Survivors. Our address is copdsurvivors@yahoogroups.com If you have computer capabilities then give us a visit if you want to know about COPD. We don't have all the answers but we do have some great people who are knowledgeable and willing to help. If one person takes the time to get educated on COPD then we have taught as many as they can reach out to.

Signature:
Phone number:

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Our Own Heroine

I knew we had a very outspoken COPD advocate in our midst. However, I didn't know how much of an activist she is. I was browsing the net a short while ago and I happened to run across a list of her accomplishments on the GOLD homepage for this year in relationship to COPD Support. Check the list below: Believe it or not she doesn't have COPD. She is doing all of this in memory of her father. Lori we salute you and all the few others that have been acquainted with this illness and walked a mile in our shoes figuratively.

2007 - Lori Palermo

Love Your Lungs, Breathe For Life

EVENT INFO:

Activities for Patients and the Public

1. Participating in the WALK FOR LIFE AND BREATH on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pa. This event will raise funds for the American Lung Association.

2. Holding three COPD Health Fairs:
Nov. 11, 2007 - The Mall at Steamtown, Scranton, PA,
Nov. 14, 2007 - World COPD Day, Distribute Gold Ribbons throughout my community and COPD information in Gouldsboro, PA,
Nov. 17, 2007 - The Viewmont Mall, Scranton, PA,
and Nov. 25, 2007 - Bill's Shoprite Supermarket, Daleville, PA.
Health Fairs will involve a table with educational displays, informational brochures, information on websites by patients with COPD, and give-aways.

Participating Organizations
American Lung Association of Pennsylvania
Knights of Melody Walking Team

CONTACT INFO:
Name: Lori Palermo, captain of the Knights of Melody Walking Team, and Donna Ray-Reifler of the American Lung Association
Organizations:
American Lung Association of Pennsylvania
Knights of Melody Walking Team
Country: USA

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Thank you, Cecil, for another super article from your Friday newsletter!

Your Life With COPD - Accepting Help

2007-11-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

With COPD you may feel less able to do many of the tasks that you have always done for yourself. This can lead to a feeling that you're not "pulling your weight."

People vary in the amount of support they need at different times, and they vary in their ability to accept help. It's important to recognize that, even if it is only from your doctor, you do need help. Finding and accepting that help is an important part of caring for yourself. You may want to take some time to think about accepting help.

* Is there someone who's been trying to help that you've turned down?
* What makes it hard for you to ask for or accept help from others?
* Can you think of other sources of support you haven't utilized? How about support groups? Extended family? Religious community?

Finding and accepting help is an important part of taking good care of yourself.

While you may be the one with COPD, everyone who loves you also suffers from the illness. They suffer because they hate to see you uncomfortable and unable to do the things they know you enjoy. In addition, stress levels can rise as roles change and family goals and plans have to be re-evaluated or changed. Over the course of the illness, you and your family will face different types of challenges and will respond to these with different types of coping actions. Understanding how these coping methods are different and learning when to use each type can help families to deal with the stresses of COPD.

One type of challenge that you and your family will face is an acute one. This is when something happens suddenly that makes the situation worse. Usually, with a short burst of extra effort this situation gets better or can be solved.

The second type of challenge is a chronic one. This is a long standing, slowly progressive problem that is not likely to go away or be "cured." For chronic challenges, the better coping response may be to understand what the loss is for you and your family as a result of this situation. Once you determine this, try to find a way to recover the value of what was lost, rather than hoping to go back to the way it was before.

It's important to recognize that, over time, managing your COPD will require both types of response, sometimes for the same event. For instance, if you become acutely ill at a family event, it may require an acute response, maybe even a trip to the emergency room. Not only will the family be concerned about your well-being, but you will all also be dealing with the disappointment of having to cut short your "play time" together. Once the immediate crisis has passed, you and your family will need to recognize when to relax your vigilance from the crisis and switch to finding a way to manage any changes for the long haul. This may include finding new ways to play together.

Challenge/ Response

At the time of a diagnosis of COPD you will probably experience an initial sadness, fear, anger and guilt. It will help you to talk to your family members, telling them how you feel and sharing their feelings, worries and fears. This is a time of coming together to plan how to proceed as a person with COPD and as a family.

During acute medical events such as infections and hospitalizations you will have increased physical limitations. You will need a lot of help getting things done and are not able to help out the way you used to. Family members rally around, sacrificing time and plans to support you and each other.

You will develop chronic challenges including decreased endurance and a limited ability to participate in many family events. This may cause you to feel lots of frustration and guilt about not fulfilling your role in the family, and difficulty accepting the idea that you may not be able to again. You may want to hold family meetings to talk abou the goals of the family, and of each family member. Try to find a balance between managing the illness and living family life.

Your Life With COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2007-11-07T15:49:00.001-05:00

Millions of people in the United States have COPD, but it impacts different people in different ways. Your COPD won't be the same as another person's COPD.

There are many things you can do to live a healthy and happy life with COPD.
COPD is an illness that can challenge patients and their families across all aspects of life. However, you can find healthy, constructive responses to meet those changes. Your doctor can help with many of these. Understanding how the disease can impact your life, and what you can do to prevent or fix problems that come up, can help you to take charge of your COPD and live the life you want to live.

Now that you know that you will be living the rest of your life with COPD, take some time to think about your goals.

Would you like to be more active?
Would you like to learn more about COPD?
Would you like to be less short of breath?
Would you like to be in a better mood?

These are all common goals for people with COPD. What are your goals?

You can take charge of your breathing and your health. You must be an active partner in your treatment. Educate yourself about COPD then practice what you learn and work with your doctor to reach your goals.

Understanding Emphysema And Chronic Bronchitis

2007-11-06T17:16:00.000-05:00

An Educational Health Series From National Jewish Medical And Research Center

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Chronic means long term. Obstructive means there is blockage in the lungs. Pulmonary is a term for lungs.

COPD can mean many diseases. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma are all forms of chronic obstructive lung disease. Millions of people in the United States have COPD.

Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Smoking damages the airways in the lungs. In chronic bronchitis, the swollen airways are blocked with extra mucus. In emphysema, the air sacs are damaged and trap air. When the air sac damage is very bad, less oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood.

Because of these conditions, people with COPD have a hard time breathing. Symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath with activity, coughing up mucus from the lungs and, sometimes, wheezing.

Breathing tests are the only way to diagnose COPD in the early stages.

Do You Have COPD?

COPD Checklist
> Have you smoked for many years?
> Have you had bouts of bronchitis?
> Do you have a chronic cough and bring up mucus from your lungs?
> Do you have a morning "smoker's" cough?
> Do you have chest colds every winter?
> Do your colds seem to last for weeks, instead of days?
> Do you get out of breath during daily activities?
> Has there been a change in your breathing?

If you answer "yes" to these questions, it's time to talk with your doctor about COPD.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your health and give you a complete exam. To diagnose COPD, your doctor will give you a breathing test. A breathing test can catch COPD in the early stages, even before you have symptoms.

Sometimes your doctor may need more information about your health. Other tests can help your doctor find the best way to treat you. These may include X-rays, blood oxygen tests, mucus culture or exercise test.

November 14 - World COPD Day

2007-11-05T18:44:00.001-05:00

This Week's COPD News With Joan Costello

2007-11-02T08:23:00.000-04:00

Excerpts from this Friday's newsletter from the COPD Support Family Of Support Programs
Read the newsletter in it's entirety on the website by clicking Here.

Volume 7, Issue 47
November 2, 2007

THE FRUSTRATION OF COMPROMISE AND CHRONIC PAINby Sue Falkner Wood:
You know those salmon we have here in the Northwest? You’ve heard the stories about how they travel upstream to spawn. They are determined little suckers, and it is their natural instincts to do what they do. They will beat themselves silly just to achieve their goal. As humans, we are often just as determined in the way we live our lives. We are sometimes driven by instinct, usually by our upbringing, often by our goals and plans for life.

I have always been one such individual. The words stubbornness, determination and drive come to mind. That’s exactly why it was so disturbing for me when my body stopped cooperating with my mind, my ambition and my dreams. Seems to me it’s the ultimate betrayal - my own body!
http://blog.healthtalk.com/chronic-pain/life-with-chronic-pain/the-frustration-of-compromise-and-chronic-pain/

Also In This Issue

IBV VALVE TRIAL -Nationwide
"My name is Jennifer Fernandez and I am with a company called RESolutions which is a patient recruitment firm out of San Diego California. Our mission is to bring potentially life altering information about clinical trials to individuals in need. I would appreciate the opportunity to share information through your newsletter about an ongoing national clinical trial for individuals with severe emphysema."

Jennifer attached the following information.

What is IBV® Valve System and Trial?The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational device, which is placed in the lungs of people with severe emphysema. These small valves are placed into portions of the lungs. The valves are placed without an incision using a flexible bronchoscope. These small umbrella shaped, one-way valves are designed to move air from the diseased areas of the lungs to healthier portions of the lung. They are intended to improve overall health and quality of life. Although the valves are intended to be permanent, they are designed to be removed, if necessary.

How Does the Clinical Trial Work?
All Participants in this Clinical Trial Will:
-Receive a diagnostic bronchoscopy that will allow an expert in lung health to evaluate their lungs.
-Be under the care of a highly qualified lung doctor for the entire time they are in the trial, regardless of whether they are in the Treatment Group or the Control Group.
-Receive regular periodic check-ups and health assessments throughout the 6 month trial period.
-The procedure, all testing, and doctor visits are provided at no cost to participants of both the IBV Valve Treatment Group and the Control Group.

After the Trial is Completed-At the completion of their 6-month visit, participants will be told if they were assigned to the Treatment Group or the Control Group. If participants were assigned to the group that did not receive valves (the Control Group), they will be given the option to be re-evaluated by the clinical trial doctor, to determine if they can have valve treatment. All participants will receive professional care and follow-up at no cost.

Am I a candidate?To learn about the trial including participating physicians and to complete a pre-screening questionnaire to determine initial eligibility, you can log onto http://www.emphysematrial.com/candidate.html OR call toll-free 1-877-547-8839

THE ASTHMA GAP: ANOTHER TAKE ON THE INHALER CHANGEOVERby Sloane Miller:
One of the things I noticed in the comments in the inhaler changeover is that many of you are using your rescue inhalers often, daily even. Also, there is a feeling that the new HFA ones aren't working to help ease asthma symptoms and in some cases making you feel worse! I was thinking there may be a few reasons for that.

First, your old CFC inhaler may have stopped working a long time ago; it's my understanding from my pulmonologist that the more you use your rescue inhaler the less it continues to work. Does this sound familiar?

Second, the new inhalers need to be cleaned more often; the powder is fine and clogs the system quicker than the old CFC ones. [Did you clean your old inhalers?] If you're using the new one every day and not cleaning them you may not be getting the full dose of medication.

Third, and this is a crucial point, rescue inhalers are for emergencies, not daily use. If you're having asthma symptoms daily, you need daily medication
but your rescue inhaler isn't it.
http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/c/9032/15550/asthma-gap-inhaler?ic=6004

MAP INITIATES PHASE 2a CLINICAL TRIAL OF COMBINATION THERAPY IN ADULT ASTHMA
PATIENTS
MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , announced the initiation of a Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating MAP0005 for the potential treatment of asthma and COPD. The Phase 2a clinical trial is a randomized, open-label, active-controlled, crossover, safety and dose response study investigating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MAP0005 in ...adult asthmatic patients. The trial compares two different doses of MAP0005 with one dose of a commercially marketed combination product, alladministered by inhalation. The primary endpoints of the trial are the change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) from baseline, the time to maximum change in FEV1 and the plasma levels for the inhaled corticosteroid.

MAP Pharmaceuticals is developing the Tempo inhaler, a novel pressurized metered dose inhaler that synchronizes the discharge of drug with thepatient's breathing cycle, which can be optimized for each therapy based on desired delivery. It is designed to dispense drug in an efficient andconsistent manner to minimize dose-to-dose differences in and between patients. The inhaler contains a dose counter that can lock out after amaximum number of doses.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/AQW10131102007-1.htm

DON'T BE A VICTIM OF PHARMACY ERRORS
Every year in the United States, 30 million dispensing errors out of 3 billion prescriptions occur at outpatient pharmacies, according to the National Patient Safety Foundation. Some errors are minor. Some patients catch easily. But others can be serious. "There's been a tremendous increase in fatal pharmacy errors over the past 20 years," said David Phillips, a sociology professor at the University of California-San Diego who has
studied this issue...." Why the increase? Phillips said more health care is happening outside hospitals, putting more of a burden on outpatient pharmacists. Here, from Phillips and other experts, are ways toavoid becoming a victim:

Don't get a prescription filled at the beginning of the month. Phillips' research shows that in the first few days of each month fatalities due to medication errors rise by as much as 25 percent above normal. The reason:
Social Security checks come at the beginning of the month. "Quite a number of people can't afford to get their medicines until the Social Security check comes in, so at the beginning of the month they turn up in abnormally large numbers and swamp the pharmacists," Phillips said. "When pharmacists are busy, they make more mistakes." Of course, it's not always possible to wait a week or two to get a prescription, but Phillips advises to do so if you can.

Open the bottle at the pharmacy. Mitch Rothholz, a spokesman for the American Pharmacists Association, said pharmacy errors aren't common, but that there are things patients can do to make sure the medicine inside a bottle is the right drug.

He said opening the bottle right at the pharmacy and showing the pills to the pharmacist is one safeguard. Another: If it looks different than the medicine you've taken before, or you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask the pharmacist. Don't be in a rush.
http://body.aol.com/news/health/article/_a/dont-be-a-victim-of-pharmacy-errors/20071026123509990001

ASTHMA /COPD INNOVATION SCARCE AMONG TOP PHARMACEUTICALS
Many asthma and COPD patients are now being treated with inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2agonist fixed-dose combinations, a lifecycle management strategy generating high sales from a relatively low investment. However, the lack of truly novel drug targets means that other unmet needs in asthma and COPD are being overlooked by the leading players.

Patients suffering from respiratory diseases ... are increasingly being treated with fixed-dose combination inhalers. The combination products are popular for several reasons, including improved patient compliance, simplified disease management and the assurance of bronchodilator and steroid co-administration. Non-adherence to treatment is a significant problem in asthma and COPD, especially in the later stages of disease, when patients have a multitude of drugs to deal with and treatment regimes can become confusing. Patients show a specifically low compliance when it comes to their ICS (inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-agonist) medication because, unlike a bronchodilator, it does not give them immediate relief.
However, the regular use of steroids is key to treating the underlying inflammatory process of asthma and COPD. The automatic intake of the ICS alongside the bronchodilator, improving disease management for both patients and physicians, is a major advantage of combination drugs.

Although the introduction of fixed dose ICS/LABA combination products has meant an improvement in the standard of treatment for the majority of asthma and COPD patients, there still remains a high level of unmet need, especially in the treatment of COPD. Key examples include the lack of efficacious anti-inflammatories for COPD (current therapies neither arrest nor reverse inflammation and the resulting decline in lung function), finding better ways to prevent and control asthma and COPD exacerbations, and developing therapies for the 10% of refractory asthma patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled with currently available drugs.
http://www.pipelinereview.com/joomla/content/view/15336/304/

To Read Many More Articles From This Week's Newsletter, Please Visit The COPD Support Website.

JOIN US? Subscription to this Newsletter is free and we hope that it serves your needs. For more Newsletter information, go to:
http://copd-support1.com/signup-news.html

Happy Halloween To One And All!

2007-10-31T17:47:00.000-04:00

Breathing, Posture And COPD - With Love From Ann On A Monday Morning

2007-10-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

A lovely way to begin the week with Ann at EFFORTS

Having COPD and waking up happy on a Monday morning, might sound very far fetched, but the sun was out, there was such a beautiful low lying mist settled over the field that I almost expected Unicorns to emerge, instead of the horses. I felt so good that it was 10.15 am before I realised I hadn't used my Foradil, Spiriva and Flovent.

This great start to the day made me want to share with members ways of improving how we breathe. This doesn't involve yet more drugs but is just the fact of being aware of, and improving our posture. Most of us know how exhausting it can be to pick something off the floor or to try and put our socks and shoes on, and this is because we are folding our bodies, causing various organs and a little chub to be compressed into the lung area.
To a lesser degree this happens when we are standing badly, slouching, and when we are sitting hunched up and slumping. Most of us could probably do with an alarm, set to shrill at 10 minute intervals with a mean voice like the actor Billy Bob Thornton's, to tell us to stand tall/sit up straight, for goodness sake.
.
It has taken me months to improve my standing posture which used to be excellent prior to COPD diagnosis, putting up with dear Gillies [husband] walking by and saying in passing:'posture darling, posture,'in a critical voice. I know he was trying to help me, but I came close to wanting to bop him on his dear little nose. Anyway, it has almost become a new good habit and I do feel so much better for it.

The other thing that can hamper our breathing, is having our heads at the wrong angle. If we hold our chins down towards the neck or if our heads are tipped backwards, we are shutting off part of the airways. One way to practice having the head in an optimum position, is to pretend there is a thread of strong elastic fastened to the top of it, pulling gently towards the ceiling. :) Here are two links on the subject of improving movement and posture.
The technique has been around for over a hundred years and is recommended by the medical profession to improve movement and alleviate pain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Technique.

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/at.htm

With love - Ann in England ~

My Seaside Vacation- From the Old Stone House by Tish Bauer

2007-10-29T11:21:00.000-04:00

My sister and I just returned home from our much needed weekend get-away to the seashore, after two years of planning it finally happened! We packed up my wheelchair; my c pap machine, nebulizer, inhalers, other medications and we were off at last!!! It couldn't have been more perfect! It wasn't too hot (or I wouldn't be able to sit on the beach) It was in the high 70s near 80. We arrived at the same time as my oxygen. The truck pulled up to the Inn the same time we did. This is the first time that I have gone away since I am on 02 and I was pleased at the way things went. After last winter I didn't think I would ever get out of the hospital and here I am at the seashore!!

Our room was very nice. It was on the 1st floor,with a bedroom and a sitting room. The sitting room was painted the same color as my living room at the old stone house, needless to say, I felt right at home. As much as my sister and I are alike, where we wanted to stay was very different. I love the beautiful old bed and breakfasts and Lynn would rather stay in a modern day hotel-motel. I was very happy that she let me have my way this time. The house had a wrap- around- porch which we enjoyed while we were there.
The inn keeper, Greg, was very nice and also very helpful. He was also the cook and the breakfast choices were just great! We had fruit, juice, coffee, and Greg's crumby coffee cake while waiting for the main course, the best blueberry pancakes I have ever had! We took our time as we were in no hurry but just enjoyed the peaceful pace of our week end getaway.
Greg told us that we could get a special wheelchair that would enable me to get on the beach. He gave us a number and we spoke to Tim. Tim asked where we were staying and told us to wait on the porch; he would bring the chair right over. While we waited on the porch we heard this squeak, squeak, squeak, there coming up the street was Tim pushing this huge blue and white wheelchair with giant balloon tires and a full-sized attached sun umbrella! My chariot had arrived!! We thanked Tim and we were off to the beach.

I comfortably bounced along as Lynn pushed me right up to and on to the sand! I never dreamed that I would ever get to the beach again let alone the water. She pushed me right into the water, I got up with the help of my came, and walked a bit in the waves!! It was so great! We spent several hours just enjoying the beach, listening to the surf, the wind and the seagulls flying over. I felt so good, I found out that I could shut off my 02 and just breathe in the wonderful sea air! No wonder in years past people were sent to the sea to recuperate from long illnesses. I sure felt better just being there.
While on the beach I happened to look over to see a man standing nearby. He was very well dressed in a suit and tie. He had two children with him obliviously not dressed for a day at the beach. The children ran toward the water laughing and shouting. I heard the man exclaim, "Oh boy, if they get their clothes wet am I in trouble!" They were there for the day looking to buy a house in the area and the children wanted to go to the beach. The little girl's eyes lit up when she spotted my chariot. She was in awe of the balloon wheels, my 02, and me! She touched the big wheels and then sat on one and gently bounced up and down laughing. She was 7yrs old and very sweet and very talkative. She confided in me that she had an "Under the Sea" bedroom, complete with "the little mermaid." I told her I also had a sea theme bedroom.. I have seagulls soaring across one wallwall and paintings of Victorian ladies and children strolling across the beach on another, and a vase filled with seashells collected through the years from vacations of the past.
She stood next to me and while she talked to me she gently stroked my arm ever so carefully as though I were a fragile peace of fine china that might break. I looked at her sweet, young face and she laughed as the wind playfully tossed her lovely auburn hair in the sea air! Their grandfather gathered the children together and they headed back to the car. She looked back and waved as they disappeared from view------Oh to be that young and carefree again!
The weekend pasted all too soon and after enjoying the beach, boardwalk, and the beautiful ocean views, we reluctantly headed for home As we were leaving, after all, all good things do come to an end; we stopped in a little shop. I saw a sampler there
that said:

"Be not afraid of going slowly
Be only afraid of standing still".

And so, I continue enjoying life, just at a slower pace---- and I don't plan on standing still any too soon!! The sign now hangs on a wall here at "The Old Stone House" When I see it, I think about our wonderful weekend at the seashore and that all things are possible, even with COPD. I wonder where we will go next time!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!!
Tish
Sept 2007

Thank you so much, Tish, for sharing one more story from your life at The Old Stone House. This story of your journey to the ocean brought tears to my eyes.
To read more of Tish' wonderful stories, please visit The Old Stone House pages on my website Here.

Useful Information From This Week's COPD Survivors Newsletter

2007-10-27T11:41:00.000-04:00

by Cecil Montgomery

Hundreds of home oxygen providers across California are implementing Disaster
Preparedness Plans as smoke, raging fires and mass power outages wreak havoc, leaving thousands of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)patients in need of
emergency respiratory assistance to access life-saving oxygen therapy.
COPD, a respiratory condition typically associated with acute lung diseases that obstruct airflow to the lungs and interfere with a patent's ability to breathe properly, is the 4th leading cause of death in the country. In California alone, more than 1.75 million people suffer from COPD.

Home oxygen providers took shifts throughout the past few nights to locate and speak with every patient in their jurisdiction, assess their individual situation and provide emergency support services to ensure their continuity of care -- whether in patients' homes or at an evacuation center. For many of the patients who remain at home during this crisis, widespread blackouts have left them without the use of their stationary oxygen concentrators, which generate the medically-pure oxygen they require from ambient room air.

I imagine most of you probably wonder why I posted this in the weekly newsletter since it has been all over the news. I will attempt to explain my reasoning.
I noticed that the article encouraged immediate evacuation for people with COPD having a priority. In addition, it also stated that oxygen providers were trying to contact all their patients. I don't believe I have seen this subject covered before. How does your oxygen provider know where to find you?
I would suggest, as I am going to do today,
contact the provider and give him a good idea of where you would evacuate to if an emergency were to occur. In this day and age we never know when it might be necessary. I would also recommend that you get a copy of your oxygen prescription and carry it in your pocket. If you were out of your local area it might be difficult to obtain oxygen without it. Another suggestion - I always carry an extra bottle in my truck, just in case.

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I also wanted to bring to your attention a little known exerciser for the lungs. It is called the breather. I ordered one and it is really a great lung exerciser.
The main point of benefit is that the inhale and exhale settings can be set to your own level of breathing to start out with. I started on one and it is not much more than normal breathing. It also forces you to use diaphragm breathing in order to get
the full benefit of the exercise. It was designed and patented by a respiratory therapist and tested by a DR and a team of people for its effectiveness. It is patented and approved by the FDA. It sells for $20.00 and there is a shipping fee of $2.50. I have no monetary interest in the company but I am deeply impressed with the product. It can be obtained through the below sources.
PN Medical
Orlando Fl
www.pnmedical.com
www.betterairways.com
Phone: 407-438-4487
FAX: 407-888-2795

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This is a link to some great information on different med programs for assistance. It is broken down by state as well as by Federal programs. There is quite a bit available if you know where to look. I hope this is helpful for everyone.
Click Here

Emphysema Significantly Improved With Endobronchial Valve

2007-10-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

A very interesting article from today's Science Daily

Emphysema patients whose lungs are implanted with a pencil eraser-sized, one-way endobronchial valve experience significantly improved measures of lung function and report better quality of life, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researcher Frank C. Sciurba, M.D., reported at Chest 2007, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.

"Normally, lungs easily expand and contract with breathing. But with emphysema, air sacs in the lungs lose elasticity and become hyper-inflated, resulting in decreased function and a feeling of breathlessness," said Dr. Sciurba, principal investigator of the multi-center trial, known as the Endobronchial Valve for Emphysema Palliation Trial (VENT) and director of the Emphysema Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh. "Endobronchial valves can allow these over-distended, diseased portions of lung to deflate, improving overall function."

The 31-center, two-year study ended in April 2006 and involved 321 patients in the United States. In the trial, emphysema patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. Lung function was re-evaluated at six months using a common clinical measure of the volume of air forcibly exhaled in one second (FEV-1) and a six-minute walk test, said Dr. Sciurba. Of the 220 patients who received valve implants, there was a 6.4 percent greater improvement in FEV-1, and a 5.7 percent improvement in distance walked, compared to controls, he said. For some important subsets of treated patients, the results were even more dramatic, Dr. Sciurba added.

"For example, patients who had a fissure completely separating the lobes of the lung and whose endobronchial valves were placed to exclude the entire diseased lobe had changes in FEV-1 of greater than 20 percent," he said. "This is akin to the results achieved in unilateral lung-volume reduction surgery, without the risks of major surgery. Lessons learned in this trial can lead us to more effective targeting of regions in the lung that could provide an even greater response."

Most patients required implantation of three to five valves to isolate the most damaged sections of their lungs. Computed tomography (CT) scanning confirmed significant reduction in size of the lung region where valves were placed, particularly among the subsets of patients with the most favorable responses.

Emphysema is the most common cause of respiratory-related death and the fourth most common cause of death overall in the United States. There are an estimated 1.8 million people in the U.S. who have emphysema, a disease heavily related to smoking.

Treated patients had a slightly higher risk of pneumonia. Most complications resolved within eight days of the procedure, and included shortness of breath, chest pain and low oxygen concentration in the bloodstream. Some patients who received valve treatment later had the valves removed for reasons including lack of efficacy or shifting of position. In nearly all cases, valves were easily removed up to a year following insertion.

Endobronchial valve data must be presented to the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services before the treatment becomes widely available to emphysema patients. Currently, the treatment is limited to those who took part in the clinical trial.

During Recent Forest Fires, The EPA Recommends

2007-10-24T12:57:00.000-04:00

How To Protect Yourself From The Health Effects Of Smoke

Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke. Air quality reports are based on data from local air quality monitors, recommending health precautions. Recent information is available at:

http://www.epa.gov and http://www.airnow.gov

Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, avoid physical outside activities and don't let your children play outdoors.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed - unless it's extremely hot outside.

Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

When indoors, avoid using:

- wood fireplaces
- gas logs
- gas stoves
- smoking
- candles
- vacuuming

If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area.

http://www.epa.gov

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our friends in California.
Stay safe and be well.

November 14 Is World COPD Day - Wear A Pin And Help Increase COPD Awareness

2007-10-23T13:54:00.000-04:00

Gold COPD Awareness Lapel Pin & Smokefree Living Pin
Exclusively Designed by Lori Palermo at Love Your Lungs, Breathe For Life

Gold COPD Awareness Lapel Pin:
Soft Enamel Cloisonne'
Epoxy Dome
1" Size
Polished Gold Metal
Sandblasted Recessed Metal
1-8mm Post w/ Butterfly Clutch
1.2mm Thickness

Smokefree Living Lapel Pin:
Soft Enamel Cloisonne'
Epoxy Dome
3/4" Size
Dyed Black Metal
1-8mm Post w/Butterfly Clutch
1.2mm Thickness

These pins may be purchased for $3.00 each which includes shipping & handling by emailing Lori Palermo, loveyourlungs@yahoo.com

Help Bring Awareness to (COPD) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and be Proud to be Living a Smokefree Life!

"When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters"
Lori

Allergy Concerns Over Green Washing Cycles

2007-10-22T10:19:00.000-04:00

by Chris Marshall

Scientists have raised concerns that environmentally friendly washing cycles are not all "friendly" for allergy sufferers. Korean researchers have found that low temperature washing cycles, "green" energy-efficient 30 or 40 degree celsius washes, only killed 6% of house dust mites compared with 100% at 60 degrees.

Washing clothes at 40 degrees compared with 60 degrees uses a third less energy, and many environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, recommend even lower temperature washes, whilst switching from 40 to 30 degree washes saves a further 40% in energy costs. Many detergent manufacturers are also encouraging their customers to wash at lower temperatures by saying that their products still work just as well as at a higher temperature.

However, this recent Korean research suggests this may not be the case. At both 30 and 40 degree washes, using detergent and "enzymes" designed to improve washing at low temperatures, only between 6.2% and 6.5% of house dust mites were destroyed. In addition, the low temperature washes fared badly against other allergens. Cotton sheets contaminated with dog dander -- saliva and skin cells that are a common allergen in dog-owning homes -- were also washed at 30, 40 and 60 degrees. At the two lower temperatures, more than 40% of the dander remained when the sheet was re-tested. At 60 degrees, just 12% remained.

For those who are just as concerned about the environment as their allergies, the researchers did find a way to still do their washing at lower temperatures without further affecting their health. They found that rinsing fabrics three or four times in cold water after washing at 30 degrees produced results comparable with a much hotter wash.

Lindsey McManus, from Allergy UK, agreed with the Korean study and said that allergy sufferers should use a 60 degree wash. She said: "Sheets and clothes should definitely be washed at 60 degrees or more, and regularly, to get rid of house dust mites and other allergens."

John Bailey, from leading detergent manufacturer Proctor and Gamble, said that it wasn't the mites themselves that were causing the allergic reaction, but their droppings. "House dust mite themselves pose no problems -- it's the protein contained in their fecal dropping that's the allergen. Under European wash conditions, like other protein allergens, this is easily removed. All effective detergents are successful in removing protein allergens in a 30 or 40 degree wash cycle."

The Allergy Website explores the issue of allergies discussing what causes them and how they can be treated. For more information please visit http://www.allergywebsite.co.uk.

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

I'm not sure what to do with the information in this article.
We are all concerned with conserving energy - doing what's best for our planet while at the same time, trying to cut back painfully high energy costs in our homes.
On the water temperature question, I'm going with the researchers rather than the soap manufacturers.
My question is -
wouldn't the temperature in the clothes dryer, assuming we use one, finish the job of removing the allergens?
Anybody?
Leave a comment with your thoughts...

A Bit More About The COPD Canada Patient Network - A Comment From Jackie

2007-10-20T14:19:00.001-04:00

Thank you very, very much Karen for posting Barry's letter (about The COPD Canada Patient Network) on your blog. That was a very kind thing you did.

For too long people living with this disease have been feeling alone; like society's outcasts or lepers. This is true for not just Canada, but the world. Well; we're trying to change some things. We're working hard to unite COPDer's in Canada so that they have a stronger voice. We're advocating for Better medical treatments/medicines, earlier testing, access to rehab etc.

Another concern of ours is reaching the folks in rural areas who are probably in the worse position of us all.

Together we CAN! Care, Advocate, Network.

Membership in our organization is FREE and will have ongoing perks. We hope people will "sign up", unite and be unified. There is strength in numbers!

Once again, thank you Karen ; and you too Barry for writing that letter.

Jackie Whitaker for
COPD Canada Patient Network
www.copdcanada.ca

The COPD CANADA Patient Network

2007-10-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

The following is a letter from Barry Brooks, a fellow member of EFFORTS. I asked his permission to share it here to help spread the good word.

This is a message to all my friends at EFFORTS. I have been a member of
EFFORTS for quite some time now and have learned a tremendous amount about our common disease. I am also a member of COPD CANADA a similar type of knowledge based information service as EFFORTS.

I must applaud the ones who run EFFORTS on a daily basis for their
dedication and drive to help all with COPD. EFFORTS is based in the United States and has garnered an international following, and this is good.

The problem lies in the fact that Canadian laws and health services differ widely from those in the United States.

This is why a lady named Jackie Whitaker from the province of Nova Scotia,in Canada, launched the web site www.copdcanada.ca last World Copd Day on November 15, 2006. She has copd and is proud to announce that COPD Canada is now officially designated as a not for profit corporation under Canadian law and is officially called Copd Canada Patients Network

I would like to ask all members of EFFORTS if the have any family or friends
in our country to please advise them of our website www.copdcanada.ca so that they can have a say about their care and treatment in Canada. It is very difficult to say anything that is effective, as a single voice in the wilderness, but, as your members have found out a collective voice carries further and is noticed more, by more people.
Together ,we can, we are all fighting the same battle, indifference to our plight.

Respectfully submitted
Barry Brooks

Barry also suggested that we "Please keep your eyes peeled in www.copdcanada.ca as World Copd Approaches - an important announcement will be made.

COPD and So Much More - a place of information,support and friendship for all those whose lives include COPD but embrace so much more

2007-10-18T14:14:00.000-04:00

If you haven't stopped by lately, what can you find on my website COPD and So Much More?
Well...
The COPD Pages include a page of COPD Support Groups, Forums, Message Boards and Newsletters to help find support, education, information and friendship within the COPD community;

A COPD Links Library A large (and growing) collection of links to sites of information about COPD -
indexed by topic

Season by Season - Living with COPD - The Autumn Pages with information on seasonal allergies, medications, even a winter forecast from the Old Farmer's Almanac!

Lessons from Cecil - an informative series of articles from my friend and mentor, Cecil Montgomery

Carolyn's Collection - Carolyn is one of the primary educators of new subscribers to the Family of COPD-Suppport Programs at COPD-Support, Inc.
authoring many informative articles and providing numerous links and resources.

The Journal of 100 Days- my journey to becoming smoke free

People Helping People - a collection of websites created by people with Copd

and

Blogging and COPD - a community of links

Because we are So Much More than our diagnosis a large part of my site is devoted to topics other than COPD
You'll find:

Home and Family Pages

Pages for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Creativity Pages designed to awaken and inspire the artist in all of us...

and Today's Addition - The Halloween Pages including our visit to the Voodoo Temple in New Orleans

Please stop by for a visit -
Then send me an email and let me know what you think!

Cigarettes and Arleen - A Failed Romance

2007-10-17T13:33:00.001-04:00

A failed romance. That's exactly what it is, and I am left here trying to
put the pieces of my shattered life back together. At first, it seemed like
a good thing and nothing more than harmless fun being together, and it
seemed wherever I was we'd run into each other and before you knew it, we
just never went anywhere without each other. After a while it seemed
natural to do everything together, and soon we couldn't get enough of one
another. Everyone soon got used to us, and for years and years we were
comfortable almost everywhere we went. Of course, my folks never approved
of my new companion, and I had hoped they would eventually accept it, but
they never really did. My Dad would try to get me off to the side and tell
me nothing good would come of this relationship, and of course I wouldn't
listen. My Mama always said, "You should drop it like a bad habit." but I
didn't have to listen cause I was almost grown and Mama was always so
old-fashioned.

So we just kept on keeping company, and after a while, no one interfered
and we grew even closer. After 45 years, we were so close we never stayed
out of each other's sight for more than a half hour or so, and it was
amazing that we always had time for each other, no matter what was going on.
The two or three times I was sick with a bad cold and we had to be apart for
a day or two was just the hardest separation, and it also made me want to
hurry up and feel better so we could catch up on the time we missed
together. When we did get together, I remember him being nasty to me, but
I forgave him, and after a day or so it was just like old times.

Lots of folks said he was no good, maybe even could be treacherous, but I
could only go by my own experience and my experience was that I hadn't been
harmed one bit. So I just refused to see any danger because I was happy
with my companion of many years and no harm had come to me yet. What a
shock when my long time companion became the dirty low-down, scum-sucking
snake-in-the-grass and turned on me. Yep, even though I was loyal,
faithful, and true, he just jumped up and bit me on the butt and hurt me
when I wasn't looking. You know you just can't trust those good looking,
tall Virginia Slim types. Over the years I used to be attracted to different
types. Met one in 'Newport' I liked much better than the one in 'Salem' and
both of these I thought were sweeter than a 'Camel's big brown eyes. Then
there was my tall, dark, and 'More' handsome phase. I thought it was a
'Lucky Strike' when I finally settled on Slim.

What was lucky is that I found out in time to put a stop to the destruction.
Well, I'll show him what's what. I am doing just fine without him. Oh, he
might have left a mess or two for me to deal with, but I got a brand new
broom, and I'm opening the doors and sweeping all traces of him right out of
the house. It's been a little over six months now, and I'm getting over the
worst and moving toward better health. I've made new friends, and when I
feel like I might want to forgive him and take him back because I'm lonesome
or bored, they just pick me right up and remind me he's one of the reasons I
got this way, and then I do remember, and again I try to make a good choice
to love myself and choose health.

I wrote this because quitting is like parting with a real entity. It isn't
something that just stops being there in memory and for me, an addict to
smoking, it doesn't scream "DANGER" like it should. I work at reminding
myself that it made me sick, if not totally then to a large degree as it is
toxic. I work at trying to associate smoking with negatives, because
addiction means trying to find ways to integrate it back into my life.
Today, and even this moment, I want to smoke....so I decided to write a
story instead...I see it like a lost love even though it was harmful and I
deal with the wreckage, I find I sometimes miss it...but I gave myself my
word that I would not smoke and would substitute the desire by communicating that I am weakening and need help...I find it strange that after six months this is the strongest craving I have experienced yet to want to smoke..There is nothing in particular upsetting me or to blame it on....I just want to smoke. I must be nuts...but I'm not going to smoke, no matter what, if I have to sit here all night typing until it goes away.
Arleen

A Failed Romance....Part Two.

I wrote the above 6 months into my battle with smoking and can't believe how much time and thought I devoted to wanting to smoke...but such is the insanity of addiction. Please celebrate with me, because tonight at 12:01 a.m. March 9, 2005, I WILL BE SMOKE FREE FOR TWO YEARS!!!! I am so proud that I kept my word and with lots of support from everyone on this site I was encouraged and inspired to reach this goal after smoking for 45 years. To everyone who shared their war stories on smoking, I THANK YOU. To all who put up with my many smoking posts, complete with moaning and groaning about having to quit (which is evidenced by my even thinking of it in terms of a romance!!...sigh) I THANK YOU, and to those of you just starting your battle conquering addiction to 'Sickarettes,' let me assure you that it can
be done, and once you've made the decision to do the best thing for your health you can count on everyone to support you through it.
Arleen Scott
from Calif.

Arleen is a great lady, a talented writer, and a long time member of COPD Support, Inc. She was an inspiration and an enthusiastic cheerleader during my own journey toward being smoke free.
Thank you, Arleen.

Wheel Chair / Walker Tote Bags From My Recycled Bags - A Great Project!

2007-10-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

While I was taking a look at the entries for today's Make It From Scratch blog carnival at Nini Makes, I found this great entry from Cindy at My Recycled Bags.

In honor of Veteran's Day, November 11, Cindy is crocheting these multipurpose wheelchair - walker tote bags from recycled plastic bags. They are very useful with velcro under the straps to attach to a wheelchair, walker or even a bed rail. Just wipe to clean and they are very durable. She made several of these for a her local VA hospital. It is an easy crocheted eco-friendly project and a very handy tote for someone in a wheelchair or using a walker. She includes free, easy to follow directions for making the bags.

As a sneak peek, here is another wheelchair - walker tote Cindy made crocheting with acrylic yarn. She will be posting the instructions very soon for those that want to use regular or even recycled yarn to create this tote bag.

These are super, Cindy! Thank you!

This is it - Blog Action Day! COPD And Indoor Air Pollution

2007-10-15T13:25:00.000-04:00

On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.

We are all concerned about air quality and pollution in the environment around us - we need to consider the area where we have the greatest control - our homes.
The American Lung Association offers a fact sheet giving the Top Ten Tips For A Healthy Home.

1) Declare your home a smoke-free zone. Secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems, especially for children. Ask smokers to take it outside.

2) Good ventilation reduces indoor air pollution. Leave doors between rooms open most of the time for better air circulation. Open windows when possible to allow for a good supply of outdoor air. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and chemicals from the house.

3) Keep humidity levels low with a dehumidifier or air conditioner, as needed. Clean both regularly so they don't become a source of pollutants themselves. Fix all leaks and drips in the home, as standing water and high humidity encourages the growth of mold and other biological pollutants.

4) To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, have all fuel burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician once a year. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your sleeping rooms.

5) To keep dust mites and other allergens to a minimum, clean regularly. Wash bedding materials in hot water (at least 130°). Consider replacing carpet with area rugs that can be taken up and washed often.

6) Fit your gas range with a hood fan that exhausts the air outside. Use the fan or open a window when cooking to remove gas fumes.

7) Check commercial cleaning products and pesticides for toxic ingredients, and use according to manufacturers directions. Keep your home well ventilated when using these products. Consider switching to less toxic alternatives.

8) Test your home for radon. Use a radon test kit labeled "Meets EPA requirements".

9) Never leave a car or lawn mower running in an attached garage or shed. Avoid the use of unvented heaters or charcoal grills indoors.

10) Call your local Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA for more information about avoiding indoor air hazards in the home.

For more tips on how to reduce indoor air pollution, the American Lung Association® Health House Program and 3M are offering “A Guide for Creating a Healthier Home.” This booklet can be obtained free-of-charge by sending an e-mail with your name and mailing address to: 3mfiltrete@3mservice.montagenet.com, by calling 1-800-388-3458, or by downloading this file

To read a related post, please visit my blog
At Home With Grandmother Wren

Just For Fun - How Many Forum Members...? - (thanks, Penny!)

2007-10-12T18:49:00.000-04:00

I'm sure most of you belong to a number of discussion forums and have experienced this. I found it on another forum and thought it was hilarious.
*********************
How many forum members does it take to change a light bulb?

1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed

14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently

7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs

6 to argue over whether it's "lightbulb" or "light bulb" ...

another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid

2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is "lamp"

15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that "light bulb" is perfectly correct

19 to post that this forum is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a light bulb forum

11 to defend the posting to this forum saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this forum

36 to debate which method of changing light
bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty

5 People to post pics of their own light bulbs

15 People to post "I can't see S$%^!" and their own light bulbs

7 to post URL's where one can see examples of different light bulbs

4 to post that the URL's were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL's

13 to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add "Me too"

5 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy

4 to say "didn't we go through this already a short time ago?"

13 to say "do a search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs"

1 moderator to lock the light bulb thread.

1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.

Flu Season Is A Major Hurdle For COPD Patients - So Get Those Shots!

2007-10-12T18:28:00.000-04:00

A study of the effect of the annual influenza season on pulmonary function and overall health in COPD that involved 2,215 influenza-vaccinated COPD patients 50 and older found that acute respiratory illness, influenza-related or not, worsened pulmonary function, airflow obstruction, and quality of life and increased health care utilization in these patients.

"Acutely, however, influenza was worse clinically than other respiratory illnesses," noted Geoffrey J. Gorse, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine at St. Louis University. "At the end of the winter respiratory virus season, receipt of both the flu vaccine shot and the intranasal, live attenuated flu vaccine was associated with better functional status and well-being in this patient population," he said.

All of the patients received the intramuscular trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine during the 1998-1999 influenza season. They were also randomized to receive the intranasal trivalent, live attenuated, cold-adapted influenza vaccine or an intranasal placebo.

The final analysis included 1,630 patients who did not have an acute respiratory illness and 585 patients who had a first episode; laboratory tests confirmed influenza infection in 94 patients in the latter group.

In all cases, acute respiratory illness significantly reduced the FEV1, percent predicted FEV1, and chronic lung disease severity index (CLDSI) score. However, acute respiratory illness due to laboratory-documented influenza infection was twice as likely as that caused by some other pathogen to be associated with at least a 15% FEV1 decline. A 15% or greater worsening in CLDSI score was also markedly more likely among patients with respiratory illness known to be influenza related.

Compared to the patients who did not develop acute respiratory illness, those who did were more often hospitalized. Prednisone was more likely to be prescribed for acute respiratory illness in which influenza infection was not documented.
Full Article Here At Pulmonary Reviews

Find A Flu Shot Near You by visiting the American Lung Association Flu Shot Locator Here

From The American Lung Association: Help Override the President's Veto on the SCHIP Bill

2007-10-11T09:46:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, October 3rd, President Bush vetoed the State Children's Health Insurance (SCHIP) bill, which used a 61-cent increase in the federal cigarette tax to pay for an expansion of health insurance for children. The Senate has the votes it needs to override the veto but the U.S. House of Representatives is 15 votes short of being able to override the Presidential veto. We need your help in urging your Member of Congress to override President Bush's veto.

Increasing the federal cigarette tax is a win-win for children's health: in addition to providing much-needed medical care for our nation's low-income, uninsured youth - including those living with lung diseases such as asthma - this substantial increase of $.61 will have the added benefit of reducing youth smoking.

Please take a moment to call your Representative in Congress. If you don't remember who your representative is, a visit to this website will tell you. Urge your Representative to vote to override the President's veto on the SCHIP bill.

Here are some talking points to get you started:

What's At Stake:

Calls to House of Representatives Regarding SCHIP and Veto Override

My name is XXX and I live in [CITY, STATE]. I'm calling today to urge Representative [NAME] to vote to override President Bush's veto of the SCHIP.
*The 61-cent increase in the cigarette tax will have a significant impact on public health and prevent kids from starting to smoke.
*Additional funds raised will mean that an additional 4 million kids – including those with lung diseases – will have health insurance.
*Increased spending on children's health insurance is a very sound investment in our nation's future, particularly for those children living with asthma.
*I hope the Representative will vote to protect kids and override the President's veto.
Thank you.

Don't have time to place a call? Send a letter - click the 'Take Action' button to send a letter to your Representative.

TAKE ACTION

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Congressperson

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Please Vote to Override President's Bush Veto on SCHIP

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I am writing today to urge you to override President Bush's veto on the SCHIP bill, which will increase the federal cigarette tax by $.61 as a way to fund the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Program. Increasing the federal tobacco tax to pay for SCHIP is a win-win for children's health.

The 61-cent increase will have a significant impact on public health and prevent kids from starting to smoke. By substantially increasing the federal tobacco tax, tobacco use among children and adults can be reduced, saving lives and preventing the incidence of many chronic diseases, including asthma and other lung diseases.

Increased spending on children's health insurance is a very sound investment in our nation's future, particularly for those children living with asthma. A February 2006 study in the journal Pediatrics found that children with asthma who were enrolled in SCHIP had fewer asthma attacks and needed fewer medical visits.

I urge you to vote against President Bush's veto on this legislation and support an increase in the federal cigarette tax of $.61 cents to pay for SCHIP.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Campaign Expiration Date:
November 9, 2007
Please help.

News! Brigham and Women’s and National Jewish Awarded $37 Million for Largest Study to Date to Identify Genes that Influence the Development of COPD

2007-10-10T18:08:00.000-04:00

I came home from a fabulous fall weekend getaway to find this intriguing news.

Boston, MA – Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver have been awarded a $37 million grant from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to lead the most comprehensive study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ever undertaken. The multi-institutional study will seek to identify the genetic, epidemiological and radiological characteristics of COPD, with a long-term goal of better understanding the disease and finding more effective treatments.

“Our goal with this massive project is to discover genes responsible for this chronic lung disease and to develop a comprehensive data sharing plan so that this study will become a national resource for the scientific community,” said Edwin Silverman, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at BWH and co-principal investigator of the study.

The 16 clinical study centers involved will enroll a total of 10,500 participants, 3,500 of whom will be African American, a population whose COPD rates are rapidly growing and whose risk factors have not been adequately studied.

COPD is an umbrella term for a variety of progressive lung diseases, most commonly emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which damage lung tissue and make it difficult to breathe. Cigarette smoking causes the vast majority of COPD cases, but breathing in other kinds of lung irritants may also cause the disease. COPD is the only leading case of death in the US that has been steadily increasing in frequency over the past decade and unfortunately, there is no treatment that can cure the disease, rather only a few measures to extend the lives of patients.

“COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and yet we know so little about the disease,” said James Crapo, MD, professor of medicine at National Jewish and co-principal investigator of the study. “This study will help us determine which smokers are most at risk of developing the disease, who is most likely to have progressive disease and how to more effectively treat it.”

A mutation in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene accounts for about one to two percent of COPD cases, but researchers hypothesize other genetic factors are likely involved. In a previous study of severe, early-onset COPD patients without alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, Silverman and colleagues at BWH found that close relatives, like parent-child, who smoke cigarettes have a three-fold increased risk of developing the disease compared to smokers from the general population. Nonsmoking relatives did not have this increased risk.

The new study will enroll smokers with and without COPD. Study participants with COPD will donate a sample of blood for DNA analysis and will undergo a single study visit that will include pulmonary function tests, questionnaires about respiratory and general health, a six-minute walk test, a physical examination and a chest CT scan. After study participation, phone and mail contacts will be conducted with study participants every six months.

"The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is excited to fund what will be the largest study ever of the genetics of COPD. Identifying genetic factors that contribute to this devastating disease will help us understand the biological mechanisms involved, and will ultimately lead to better treatments and improved outcomes for patients," said Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD, director of the NHLBI.

A team from Johns Hopkins University, the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), BWH and the University of Colorado will provide statistical analysis.

The NHLBI is promoting better awareness of COPD through its public education campaign, Learn More Breathe Better. For more information, visit www.learnaboutcopd.org.

(click here for the full article on the BWH Website )

I am particularly interested in this study since I live reasonably close to Brigham and Women's Hospital. This study has the potential to significantly impact the COPD community And it offers participants the opportunity to have their disease scrutinized and then closely monitored.
I've emailed BWH for further info.

A Long Weekend Away...

2007-10-06T20:43:00.001-04:00

We are taking a trip to the shore this weekend -
I won't be here again until Wednesday of next week, 10/10.

Have a good weekend and Breathe Easy.

Karen

COPD Athletes

2007-10-04T18:41:00.000-04:00

A fellow COPDer, Roxlyn Cole, sent the link to a most inspiring website belonging to a friend of hers.
Roxlyn's note:

Folks with an asthma component of COPD might like to check out this walking friend of mine...
on-line friend that is - The Bay City Walker
Next week he and my friend from Denver, Mike McBride will meet in Portland to try the Portland Marathon. Mike will be pulling his 4 high flow tanks of oxygen on his carte...
Steve had severe lung problems but isn't yet on supplemental oxygen. They both have true grit!
Steve is an RT...so understands his disease. All of us say, you do not have to attempt a huge goal...just try to do a little bit more moving -any which way you can-a minute more a week adds up over a year to 52 minutes of getting stronger.

When you're done there, please visit Roxlyn's blog. She's pretty amazing herself!

Adopt The Sky - Sign The Petition For Cleaner Air

2007-10-03T18:34:00.000-04:00

The EPA recently proposed new ozone levels for our air. But it didn't listen to doctors and scientists calling for much stronger limits. And now polluters are lobbying for even weaker standards.

Make your voice heard. Adopt a square mile of sky and sign the petition for cleaner air now. It's Free.

Where will your square mile be? Click to begin...

www.adoptthesky.org

From Science Daily - Teens Who Feel Relaxed After First Cigarette More Likely To Get Hooked

2007-10-02T18:12:00.000-04:00

Adolescents who felt relaxed when first exposed to nicotine from a cigarette were more likely to get hooked, new study shows

Following up on studies that have indicated the speed with which adolescents can get hooked on cigarettes, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have conducted the first study to determine why some adolescents who try smoking get addicted while others do not.

"We know that nicotine can have an immediate impact on the brain, and yet we also know that not every adolescent who tries a cigarette gets hooked," said the study's lead author, Joseph R. DiFranza, MD, professor of family medicine & community health at UMMS. "We wanted to know what accounts for the difference in vulnerability among adolescents who pick up that first cigarette."

While personality factors often determine which young people will try smoking, it appears that it is the manner in which the brain reacts to nicotine, rather than personality, that is most important to determining whether an adolescent will become hooked on nicotine once he or she has tried it. "It appears that it is an addictive physiology and not an addictive personality that determines who will become dependent," observed Dr. DiFranza.

The four-year prospective study was based on over 12,000 interviews with 1,246 sixth-graders in public schools in six Massachusetts communities. Researchers assessed 46 risk factors in categories such as personality, attitudes and beliefs about smoking, smoking by parents, siblings and peers, family and community involvement, and reactions to inhaling from a cigarette for the first time. When all factors were considered together, an experience of relaxation in response to the first dose of nicotine was the strongest predictor of future addiction.

Other factors that predicted addiction were familiarity with the cigarette advertising character Joe Camel, a novelty-seeking personality, and a depressed mood. "These findings underscore our belief that the development of dependence is triggered by the changes in brain chemistry that follow the very first dose of nicotine," said DiFranza.

The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and appears in the October 1 issue of the Journal of Pediatrics. According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 440,000 deaths annually.

Find Article Here

Increasing The Federal Cigarette Tax Is A Win-Win For Children's Health

2007-10-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

Starting the week with some Very Good News!
House and Senate Approve Bill to Increase Federal Cigarette Tax

On September 27 and September 25 respectively, the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation (67-29 in the Senate and 265-159 in the House), that would increase the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1.00 per pack, and increase the taxes on other tobacco products as well. The revenue from the increase would be used to fund an expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as SCHIP, which provides health insurance for lower income children whose parents do not qualify for Medicaid.

the rest of the story, unfortunately, falls into the "what Are you Thinking???" news category
The bill now moves on to President Bush who has said he intends to veto the legislation.

Folks, let's all keep our eyes on the outcome of this one and be ready to jot it down in your notebook under the "Things To Remember At The Next Election" category.

related entry here

The COPD Survivor

2007-09-28T13:44:00.000-04:00

Another great Friday newsletter from Cecil Montgomery

Blood pressure and hypertension are one of the major problems that we have always had with lung disease.This drug is showing very strong potential to become a fast acting relief of that problem. It is now in phase 1 trials so it will be a while before we see it. It is good information but more importantly we are now beginning to see progress directed in our particular area.

Angiotensin II Response with First-In-Class PS433540
(DARA)

Results Demonstrate DARA's Potential as Treatment for Hypertension
September 27, 2007: 07:30 AM EST

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Pharmacopeia , an innovator in the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics,today announced confirmation of the ability of PS433540 (DARA) to block the angiotensin II (AII) response in a Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers.
Numerous similar studies with other agents that block the renin-angiotensin system support that this result is a strong indication that PS433540 can be expected
to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study showed that all doses of PS433540 compared with placebo produced a statistically significant (p<0.01)
inhibition of the expected AII-induced increase in blood pressure. Additionally, the findings showed that the 250 mg and 500 mg doses of PS433540 were at least as effective in blocking the AII response as irbesartan, a leading angiotensin receptor blocker for the treatment of hypertension. Furthermore, support for once-a-day oral dosing was provided by PS433540's ability in this study to block the angiotensin II
induced blood pressure increase for 24 hours.
Read the full article here

7 Guaranteed Stress Busters
I came across this article in a copd alert bulletin.
It is "old hat" to many of us but how many ever use it. It is simple and costs nothing with no real preparation. As I am sure we all know that stress is one of our major problems and one we can't really afford to deal with. In many cases this is the beginning of anxiety if not dealt with by learning to cope.

1. Take a walk
2. Take a hot bath
3. Call a friend
4. Relax an hour or so with a good book
5. write a journal
6. play a board game
7. Take a hot bath
8. Plan something fun
Read more Here

Editorial:
I would like to pass on a few things from me to you.
Most won't have references because it is just small stuff that I have picked up over the years and can be useful.

One area that is quite dangerous for us is spousal/caregiver dependency. I have been guilty of it myself on numerous occasions. I find it very easy to ask my wife to get something for me when I am comfortable and don't want to get up. This creates
some irritation on her part and a lack of effort on my part which I can't afford to have. We should all do as much as we can and save the requests for when we really need them.

Another area that we have to be careful in is medications. When prescribed a new medication always check it on the computer for interactions and allergies. Our Dr's and pharmacist would never knowingly give us anything that would hurt us. However, they are both human and can make mistakes. An example, I was prescribed a medication and the DR mispelled it. I took it to the pharmacy and thepharmacist looked at it and filled it because the spelling interpreted into a separate med. I came home
ran it across the drug interchange list and found out that it was for a cardiac medicine and extremely strong. Never assume anything just to save time and aggravation.

I took my wife to the DR yesterday and was sitting in the waiting room while she had some X-rays taken. This young mother came in with a 5 or 6 year old and sit down next to me. The kid asked what the tubing in my nose was for. I told him that I had to have extra oxygen to breathe because I had smoked all those
years. His mother told him to turn around and be quiet. I told her that it was perfectly alright I didn't mind. She went back to reading her magazine.The kid asked me what would happen if I didn't have the oxygen? I told him I would die in a short time. In about five minutes he grabs my tube and takes off,yanking my ears out of socket and forcing me to get up and move with him or damage my cannula. Here is this
six year old leading me around the waiting room with a cannula his mother having fits and I burst out laughing. The whole waiting room was cracking up. she immediately got my cannula back and apologized profusely. I told her no problem. Just another typical day at the DR, LOL.

Our member of the week this week is Sandy. She has contributed quite a bit of information that has been worth while and really seems to want the group to succeed. I hope we all salute Sandy and she continues as she has been.

Until next week remember that we are in this together and to help each other learn to live with disease. It can really have its light moments if we take advantage of them. Ask my Dr's nurse. I had a Dr's appointment and prior to going I put a little bit of oil on my fingernail where they do the pulse ox. He got a
reading of 62. He ran for the Dr and while he was gone I took an alcohol pad I had and cleaned it off. When the DR came rushing in it was reading 96%. Needless to say I got my backside bit but the nurse thought it was hilarious.
However, remember Docs have no sense of humor.

More Than 5 Million Children Alive Today Will Die Prematurely From Smoking-Related Illnesses

2007-09-27T10:53:00.000-04:00

Tobacco's Toll: 306,839 kids have become regular smokers in 2007.
98,174 will die prematurely from their addiction.

Almost 90 percent of all regular smokers begin smoking at or before age 18, and hardly anybody tries their first cigarette outside of childhood. In other words, if kids stopped smoking, the cigarette companies' market of smokers would shrink away to almost nothing. But thanks, in large part, to cigarette company marketing efforts, each day about 4,000 kids try smoking for the first time, and another 1,000 kids become regular daily smokers.

"From the 1950s to the present, different defendants, at different times and using different methods, have intentionally marketed to young people under the age of twenty-one in order to recruit ‘replacement smokers’ to ensure the economic future of the tobacco industry."
U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler
Final Opinion, United States v. Philip Morris

The major cigarette companies, alone, now spend about $13.1 billion per year (or more than $35.9 million every day) to promote their products; and many of their marketing efforts directly reach kids. In fact, cigarette company spending to market their deadly products increased by more than 95 percent from 1998 to 2005 (the most recent year for which complete data is available). Moreover, tobacco industry documents, research on the effect of the cigarette companies’ marketing efforts on kids, and the opinions of advertising experts combine to reveal the intent and the success of the industry’s efforts to attract new smokers from the ranks of children.

Tobacco Industry Statements & Actions

Numerous internal tobacco industry documents, revealed in the various tobacco lawsuits, show that the tobacco companies have perceived kids as young as 13 years of age as a key market, studied the smoking habits of kids, and developed products and marketing campaigns aimed at them. As an RJR Tobacco document put it, “Many manufacturers have ‘studied’ the 14-20 market in hopes of uncovering the ‘secret’ of the instant popularity some brands enjoy to the almost exclusion of others. . . . Creating a ‘fad’ in this market can be a great bonanza.” The following are just a few of the many more internal company quotes about marketing to kids:

Philip Morris: “Today’s teenager is tomorrow’s potential regular customer, and the overwhelming majority of smokers first begin to smoke while still in their teens…The smoking patterns of teenagers are particularly important to Philip Morris.”

RJ Reynolds: “Evidence is now available to indicate that the 14-18 year old group is an increasing segment of the smoking population. RJR-T must soon establish a successful new brand in this market if our position in the industry is to be maintained in the long term.”

Brown & Williamson: “Kool’s stake in the 16- to 25-year-old population segment is such that the value of this audience should be accurately weighted and reflected in current media programs . . . all magazines will be reviewed to see how efficiently they reach this group.”

Lorillard Tobacco: “The base of our business is the high school student.”

U.S. Tobacco: “Cherry Skoal is for somebody who likes the taste of candy, if you know what I’m saying.”

In August 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler released her final opinion in the U.S. Government’s landmark case against tobacco companies, meticulously describing how the tobacco companies target youth with sophisticated marketing campaigns. According to Judge Kessler, tobacco companies intimately study youth behavior and use their findings to create images and themes attractive to youth. Judge Kessler found that “Defendants spent enormous resources tracking the behaviors and preferences of youth under twenty-one…to start young people smoking and to keep them smoking."
Judge Kessler’s conclusion is very straightforward, “The evidence is clear and convincing – and beyond any reasonable doubt – that Defendants have marketed to young people twenty-one and under while consistently, publicly, and falsely denying they do so.”

The sources for quotes and statistics in this article, along with additional resources regarding smoking and our children can be found at Tobacco Free Kids.org

This article was a very difficult one for me to write.
In fact it made me cry.
The nicotine in cigarettes is one of the most addictive substances available and it is now known that tobacco companies have deliberately altered their products to make them even more addictive.
Forty percent (40%) of adults diagnosed with serious lung disease will continue to smoke, not because they want to but because they just don’t feel able to stop. It’s not a matter of “will- power”; it is the nature and definition of addiction.
Self-blame, shame, and self-loathing on the part of the patient often accompany lung disease. Many times families and society at large also regard lung disease as a self-inflicted illness.

Adults who smoke must take responsibility for their addiction and find a way to conquer it. But they did not start smoking as adults. That is what makes me cry. I think of our children. I think of the adults who make up the tobacco industry plotting to prey upon those children, snare them and then move on to other children because the ones they’ve caught will either quit smoking or die. Perhaps both. And customers must be replaced.

We are all concerned about the abuse of our children. We are on guard against online predators. We have Amber Alerts to find children who have been abducted. We make every effort to protect our children from adults who would harm them. Criminal adults, people that we regard as monstrous.

At the same time, other adults, organized into profit making companies, sit at conference tables and calculate how to best lure our children into addiction, disease and premature death.
I cry because I am afraid for the children that I love.
I cry because I don’t know how we can make them stop.
I cry because I don’t understand how this can happen.

Related Posts:

50 Irish Kids Every Day Of The Year

Ah, Ms. Lozano, I'll bet your mother is proud...

yet this woman, and millions like her, remain targets

COPD Videos From About.com

2007-09-26T14:56:00.000-04:00

I don't usually get too excited about videos but in my newsletter from About.com this week, they have some very good ones made by Blausen Medical.
Definitely worth the watch!

How Lungs Function

About COPD

About Emphysema

About Brochiectasis

About Congestive Heart Failure

About Bronchodilator Medications

About Using Inhalers

Living Well With COPD

2007-09-25T18:09:00.000-04:00

For most people, living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not easy. It’s a serious illness that can greatly affect your entire way of life. But, it doesn’t have to mean the end of enjoying your life. Together with your doctor, you can learn ways to improve your breathing and fitness and prevent acute worsening of your disease. It takes a commitment to improve your health, and it takes effort to use your medicines and therapies correctly. You can live well with COPD. It’s up to YOU to take control.

That's the first paragraph of a free, easy to understand 44 page book available from The American College of Chest Physicians. The book contains this information:

Living Well With COPD - Table of Contents

What is COPD?
Inside Your Lungs
How COPD Affects the Body
Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Symptoms of COPD
Making the Diagnosis
Important Steps for Better Living With COPD
Step 1: Quit Smoking
Other Airway Irritants
Step 2: Flu (Influenza) and Pneumonia Shots
Step 3: Understand Your COPD Medicines
Bronchodilators
Anti-inflammatories
Antibiotics
How To Take COPD Medicines
Spacers and Holding Chambers
Dry Powder Inhalers
Nebulizers
Your Medicine Schedule
Step 4: Exercise and Get Good Nutrition
Step 5: Conserve Your Energy and Control Stress
Step 6: Control Your Breathing
Step 7: Use Oxygen Therapy
Step 8: Manage Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
Surgical Options
Glossary & Abbreviations

Download your copy here

Pass Children's Health Insurance, Increase Federal Cigarette Tax - It's A Win/Win For Kids

2007-09-24T17:45:00.000-04:00

This week, the U.S. Congress will vote on legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by increasing the federal tax on cigarettes from 39-cents per pack to $1.00 per pack, an increase of 61-cents per pack. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on Tuesday, September 25th, while the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the same legislation on Thursday, September 27th.

Increasing the federal cigarette tax is a win-win for children's health: in addition to providing much-needed medical care for our nation's low-income, uninsured youth - including those living with lung diseases such as asthma - this substantial increase of $.61 will have the added benefit of reducing youth smoking.

Please send a message to both of your Senators and your Representative today urging them to support increasing the cigarette excise tax by 61 cents to pay for SCHIP.

Sending a letter is as easy as visiting the American Lung Association's Website Here and filling out the form. You will find a sample letter there that you may edit as you wish, along with the names of your lawmakers.

Please Do It Today - The Campaign Expires September 29th.

Autumnal Equinox 2007

2007-09-21T15:05:00.000-04:00

The Autumnal Equinox signals the end of the summer months and the beginning of winter. At this time of year, days have been shortening since the Summer Solstice some three months earlier, and the Equinox is the point where nights reach the same length as days. After this point, the Sun will shine lower and lower on the horizon until the Winter Solstice in about three month's time.

The Autumn Equinox will arrive and Fall will begin September 23, 2007 at 2:52 AM PDT, 9:52 UT.

To Celebrate This Change In Seasons -
I invite you all to my Autumn Pages at COPD And So Much More.

You'll find articles on Fall Allergies and Autumn Health and Safety along with the Old Farmer's Almanac Forecast for the winter ahead.

I put in lots of fun stuff too - Autumn jigsaw puzzles, a list of harvest celebrations around the world, a few pages on apple season, and more.
I'll be starting on my Halloween pages next month, followed by pages for Thanksgiving.

Please stop by, and then send me an email to let me know you were there!

The BODE Index - A Multidimensional Grading System To Assess COPD

2007-09-20T19:38:00.000-04:00

The Body-Mass Index, Airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise Capacity Index in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (BODE Index)

N Engl J Med 2004;350:1005-12. (pdf file)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common disease characterized by a poorly reversible limitation in airflow, is predicted to be the third most frequent cause of death in the world by 2020. The risk of death in patients with COPD is often graded with the use of a single physiological variable, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). However, other risk factors, such as the presence of hypoxemia or hypercapnia, a short distance walked in a fixed time, a high degree of functional breathlessness, and a low body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters), are also associated with an increased risk of death. This is a multidimensional grading system that assessed the respiratory, perceptive, and systemic aspects of COPD that would better categorize the illness and predict the outcome than does the FEV1 alone.

You can read the rest of the article and view the assessment scale here.

as a personal note, since I recently had PFTs done and a six minute walk, (besides knowing how tall I am and how much I weigh...) I was able to use the "plug in your numbers, get your score" form on the site.
According to my BODE, I have an 82% chance of being alive in four years.
Good odds, I agree, and a good thing, since I'm planning on it regardless of any "score."

On the other hand, I could fall into the river and get swept into the sea tomorrow.
Not likely, given our lack of rain this season, but you get my point.

And if my score had been lower? A lot lower? Someday it will be (some day everyone alive's will be). Maybe your score is pretty low now?

Here's what I think.
I think it's worth paying attention to, so that we can take good care of ourselves, follow up with good medical care, and try our best to avoid infections this winter.
But I really think that attitude, motivation, faith and a willingness to "keep on keeping on" (thanks, Tony) is a much better indicator of how you're going to fare over the next four years.

All of that being said -
here's that link again.

The COPD Diet

2007-09-19T14:52:00.001-04:00

I came across this article while doing some research on our weekly topic for out put to each of you. This just about covers it all. However, as with any changes in any thing that affects your health check with your medical support.
Cecil

The COPD Diet

COPD Strikes Men, Women Differently

2007-09-18T19:23:00.000-04:00

By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter

The breathing disorder called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hits women harder than men and in a different way, a new study finds.

COPD actually consists of two different lung diseases -- chronic bronchitis, which damages the lining of the airways, and emphysema, which damages the alveoli, the tiny sacs through which oxygen enters the blood. A study of more than 1,000 COPD patients, 38.8 percent of them women, found that bronchitis is more common in women and emphysema more common in men.

"Men and women respond differently to cigarette smoke exposure," said Dr. Fernando J. Martinez, a professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan and lead author of the report. Smoking is the major cause of COPD.

"So the treatments for men and women are going to be inherently different," he said.

In addition, women in the study reported more breathlessness, a higher incidence of depression and a lower quality of life than the men.

There have been hints of differences in COPD between men and women and "multiple attempts to document the differences," Martinez said. "We were able to make two major advances. First, we were able to get a large number of people with COPD, men and women, and get detailed images of their airways. Second, the patients in the study got objective assessments of the condition of their airways."

COPD studies have tended to concentrate on men, Martinez said. For future studies on the possible causes of the different effects in men and women, "you really do need to have an appropriate sample of women in the group," he said.

The findings are published in the Aug. 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

One reason why the study is important is that the number of American women diagnosed with COPD now exceeds the number of men, said Dr. Dawn L. DeMeo, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, who wrote an accompanying editorial in the journal.

"This article highlights the need for more research on COPD and gender," DeMeo said.

There are several possible explanations for the differences found in the study, she said. "Are there sexual differences, based on hormonal influences?" DeMeo said. "Or are there different genetic interactions? Another question is whether there are differences in the way men interact with the environment, not only in cigarette smoking but in other ways?"

Whatever the reason, the finding shows that "physicians need to continue to raise the awareness of COPD in women," DeMeo said. "It is a diagnosis that has not reached prominence in women. We need to raise awareness not only among lung specialists but also among basic health-care providers."

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of women dying of the condition has exceeded the toll among men for four consecutive years, according to the American Lung Association. In 2003, more than 63,000 women died of COPD, compared to 59,000 men.

"What we really need is a very large study using CAT scans and other methods to see what the difference in damage is among those who have COPD," DeMeo said. "Smoking is not going away, so these studies are important, because the issue continues to arise."

More information

For more on COPD, visit the American Lung Association.

SOURCES: Fernando L. Martinez, M.D., professor, internal medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Dawn L. DeMeo, M.D., assistant professor, medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; Aug. 1, 2007, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

Weekly Newsletter From COPD-Support, Inc.

2007-09-17T18:09:00.000-04:00

Volume 7, Issue 40
September 14, 2007

PULMONARY DISEASE HITS MORE NONSMOKERS
COPD... usually thought of as a smokers' disease ... is killing an
increasing number of nonsmokers, and its prevalence is higher than
previously estimated, according to a study in The Lancet medical journal.
Allergies, tuberculosis and poor ventilation can cause the disease, the
fifth-leading cause of death in high-income countries. A shift in the way
people view COPD may help save more lives, an accompanying editorial said.

Because of its stigma as a self-inflicted disease, COPD is often under
diagnosed and under-treated, scientists, including A. Sonia Buist, a medical
professor at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, said. "If every
smoker in the world were to stop smoking today, the rates of COPD would
probably continue to increase for the next 20 years." A study by the
scientists of more than 9,000 volunteers, randomly selected, showed that one
in 10 adults 40 suffered from advanced stages of COPD. Prevalence of the
disease increased with age and was similar among people who had never smoked
compared with participants who had smoked for a certain period. The results
showed a higher prevalence than previous studies of the disease, Buist said.
COPD causes inflammation of the main airways in the lungs and a buildup of
mucus, leading to shortness of breath and a persistent cough. More than 15
percent of COPD occurs in people who have never smoked, according to The
Lancet editorial.
Read the remainder of this article

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
-LUNG ON A CHIP
-THE HAZARDS OF AIR FRESHENERS
-CHANGES IN ALBUTEROL INHALERS FOR ASTHMA
-CLEANING YOUR INHALER
-FIVE MUST-DO'S WHEN A LOVED ONE IS ILL
-DIRTY GIRL OR QUEEN OF HYGIENE?
-PNEUMONIA AND LUNG INFECTION QUIZ
-EMAIL FROM SUBSCRIBERS
-MISCELLANEOUS

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SOURCES: News items summarized in The COPD-NEWS are taken from secondary
sources believed to be reliable. However, the COPD Family of Services does
not verify their accuracy.
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LUNG ON A CHIP
Science Daily — Tiny new laboratory tools termed microfluidic devices are
helping biomedical researchers to better understand the physiological and
chemical processes underlying high blood pressure, stroke, sickle cell
disease and other disorders. Among the exciting developments described in
the article is a "lung on a chip" device that will give researchers new
insights into fluid dynamics in the diseased lung -- a key to new treatments
for pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and asthma.

In the Chemical & Engineering News cover story, senior editor Celia Henry
Arnaud describes how microfluidic devices, which include such features as
micrometer-scale channels and wells as part of sophisticated "lab-on-a-chip"
instruments, provide unprecedented biological realism needed to shed light
on today's most challenging medical problems. The devices enable scientists
to study the kinds of fluid movements and chemical interactions that occur
in cells, tissues, and even organs in ways that aren't possible with test
tubes and Petri dishes.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070910101045.htm

THE HAZARDS OF AIR FRESHENERS
If you like your kitchen to smell like chrysanthemums, be careful. The
chemicals in those faux floral aromas might be hazardous to your health. In
a survey of 1,000 people, researchers at the University of Washington found
that 20% of the general population -- and 37% of people with asthma --
experienced health problems following exposure to air fresheners. "The
airways become more inflamed and they constrict," said Dr. Dana Savici, a
pulmonologist at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. "Less air can go through and
the individual feels this hunger for air." Though she cautioned against
changing one's habits based on the findings of a single study, Dr. Savici
said if you tend you experience breathing problems, you might be better off
skipping the fragrance aisle. That is especially true of individuals with
COPD and asthma. "I don't buy [air fresheners] anyway," said Carrie Boyko,
of Fayetteville. "If your house was meant to smell like roses, why not buy
roses...instead of some chemical concotion?"
http://www.wtvh.com/news/local/9699307.html

CHANGES IN ALBUTEROL INHALERS FOR ASTHMA
Ask the Doctor:
Q: I heard that albuterol was going away at the end of this year and being
replaced by another med that costs three times as much. Have you heard about
this? Do you think there are any alternative ways to treat without
albuterol?

A. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist that widens the airways by
relaxing the bronchial muscles surrounding the airways. It’s used for
chronic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
This medication is a mainstay for asthma treatment and offers quick relief.
It is here to stay! Perhaps you heard that albuterol inhalers containing
ozone-depleting chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) will be banned
starting in 2009. This is true. However, the inhalers will be replaced by
new, environmentally friendly devices called HFA inhalers, which will also
contain albuterol. You’re correct that the new inhalers are significantly
more expensive.

The American Lung Association has more information on the new albuterol
inhalers, as well as assistance programs to help patients pay for them.
http://www2.healthtalk.com/go/asthma/ask-the-doctor/content/upcoming-changes-in-albuterol-inhalers-for-asthma

CLEANING YOUR INHALER
These are generic instructions. Your physician or pharmacist may have
specific instructions, depending on the brand of HFA inhaler you use.
• Look at the inhaler’s tiny hole through which the medication sprays.
• If there is powder or other residue in or around the hole, it is time to
clean your inhaler.
• Remove the canister from the L-shaped plastic mouthpiece.
• Rinse the mouthpiece and cap in warm water.
• Let the mouthpiece and cap dry all day or overnight.
• After the mouthpiece and cap have dried, put the canister back inside the
mouthpiece and the cap back on the inhaler.
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=2222599

FIVE MUST-DO'S WHEN A LOVED ONE IS ILL
From Don/AZ posted to Caregivers: There's a helpful article on CNN.com, read
it, know it, follow it:

-Advocates can help make sure patients get proper care
-Don't be afraid to intervene and ask questions, families say
-Make sure you understand what doctors are saying
-Nurses also can be a great asset for patients
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/09/13/ep.patient.advocates/index.html

COPD Support Caregivers at: http://copd-support1.com/caregivers.html

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COMMERCIAL FREE: We do not accept any paid advertising. Any corporations,
products, medicines (prescription or non) mentioned in this newsletter are
for informational purposes only and not to be construed as an endorsement or
condemnation of same.
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DIRTY GIRL OR QUEEN OF HYGIENE?
Editor's note: I don't know why they directed this quiz to women but the few
minutes involved are well spent in determining whether you are considered
compulsively clean or pleasantly messy.

How's your hygiene? Find out if it's time to clean up your act...Quick --
what would a stranger think if she entered your home right now? Would she be
greeted by a fascinating display of your dirty socks and underwear? Or could
she easily mistake your pad for a model-home showroom, never once inhabited
by a living, breathing creature? Just how dirty are your dirty secrets? Take
this quiz and find out if you're the queen of hygiene or a very dirty girl.
A sample question...

Q: Your sweetie bought you some amazingly delicious and expensive chocolate
truffles. While indulging alone one night you drop half the box on the
floor. You:

-Toss them out of course!
-Cut off the parts that actually hit the floor and eat the rest
-Place them back in the box and continue snacking as usual
http://quiz.ivillage.com/health/tests/hygiene.htm?nlcid=ht|09-06-2007|

PNEUMONIA AND LUNG INFECTION QUIZ
Your score on this self–test is not as important as the fact that it could
help solidify your knowledge of pneumonia and lung infections and maybe even
teach you something you didn't know. To complete the quiz, click on the
answer that seems the most correct from the choices given, then click "OK."
The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information
on the same topic. At the end of the quiz, your final score will be provided
along with some sources for additional information on pnuemonia and lung
infections.
http://cold.health.ivillage.com/quizzes/pnuemonialunginfectionquiz.cfm?qid=63

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MEDICAL DECISIONS. Your physician should be consulted on all medical
decisions. New procedures or drugs should not be started or stopped without
such consultation. While we believe that our accumulated experience has
value, and a unique perspective, you must accept it for what it is...the
work of COPD patients. We vigorously encourage individuals with COPD to take
an active part in the management of their disease. They do this through
education and by sharing information and thoughts with their primary
physician and pulmonologist. However, medical decisions are based on complex
medical principles and should be left to the medical practitioner who has
been trained to diagnose and advise.
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To Read The Rest Of This Newsletter, Please See the Online Version Here

To see other programs provided in the Family of COPD Support
Programs, visit the web site at http://copd-support1.com

To subscribe to this Newsletter, go to http://copd-support1.com/signup-news.html

50 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend

2007-09-14T19:04:00.000-04:00

Reprinted from Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend By Lisa Copen

"A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." ~Lois Wyse

1 Ask, "What events in your life are changing and how are you coping with the changes?"

2 Understand that she lives in a constant state of making decisions for which there is no guarantee that she is making the right choice.

3 Put meals in disposable containers and attach a note saying "This doesn't need to be returned."

4 Add stickers to envelopes for a cheerful touch.

5 Arrange for your friend's kids to have a night with your children.

6 Don't make a person into a project.

7 Ask, "Would you be willing to talk to a friend of mine who has recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness and offer her some encouragement?" It makes one feel good to know that her experience can offer someone else hope and that God still has a purpose for her life.

8 Wash his car and put a little note inside for him to find later.

9 Remember important anniversaries, both the good and the bad. No one else will.

10 Ask, "Do you want company the day that you wait for the test results? I could come over for a couple of hours."

11 "No matter how little you have, you can always give some of it away." ~Catherine Marshall
Just listen . . . until it hurts to not say anything. And then listen some more.

12 Ask her, "How do you feel God is working through-or despite-this illness in your life? I'm interested."

13 Ask, "What do you wish people understood about your illness?"

14 Don't make her feel guilty about things that she cannot do.

15 Treat her to a gift of movie rentals via postal mail through a service ($7-15 a month).

16 Ask, "Would you be comfortable with having your name on a prayer list, so that others can pray for you?" Don't assume.

17 Instead of saying, "I will pray for you," say, "I'd like to pray for you right now, if that's okay."

18 Mop the floors.

19 Ask if she would be interested in writing something for the church newsletter, maybe even about the subject of living with chronic illness.

20 Buy a brightly colored umbrella as a gift.

21 Ask, "Do you have an errand I can run for you before coming over?"

22 Ask her to do spontaneous things, like go to a concert in the park, or just for a picnic. She may be more likely to participate since she knows if it's a good day or a bad day.

23 Don't say, "So, why aren't you healed yet?" or "I wonder what God is trying to teach you that you just aren't learning!"

24 For a unique gift, provide brightly colored paper plates, napkins, and utensils in a gift bag with a note that says "For when you don't feel like doing dishes."

25 Get her a pretty box to keep all of her notes of encouragement. Remind her to get it out and read things when she is feeling down.

26 Be her advocate. If you are at an event and walking/seating is an issue because of her disability, ask her if she'd like you to take care of it. If she says you can, be firm but not rude. Don't embarrass her by making accusations of discrimination or by making a scene.

27 Ask, "Would you be interested in a prayer partner from our church?"

28 Purchase matching coffee mugs for you and your friend, and then commit to pray for one another each morning while using them.

29 Say, "While you're in the hospital I'd be happy to take care of your pet."

30 Don't tell her about your brother's niece's cousin's best friend who tried a cure for the same illness and. . . (you know the rest).

31 Find out which charity is most important to her and then give a donation in her honor.

32 Ask, "What are your top three indulgences?" and then spoil her soon.

33 Hold the door open for her. They are heavy!

34 Don't tease her and call her "hop along" or "slowpoke." Comments you mean in fun can cut to the quick and destroy her spirit. Proverbs 18:14 says, "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?"

35 Say, "I know you must need someone to just vent to occasionally. I may not fully understand how you feel, but I'm here to listen anytime."

36 Ask your church youth group to come over and clean up the yard during seasonal changes.

37 Don't ask her, "How are you able to make it financially?" If she wants to share a burden she will.

38 Ask, "What would you advise me to look for in a new doctor?"

39 If your friend has a disabled parking placard and you are driving, allow her to tell you where she wants to park. If she's feeling particularly good that day, she may not want to park in the "blue space." Don't be disappointed that you'll have to walk farther.

40 Don't gossip about others. She'll wonder what you say about her. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29).
Proverbs 25:11 says,
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Be kind, gentle, and respectful.

41 Accept that her chronic illness may not go away. If she's accepting it, don't tell her the illness is winning and she's giving in to it.

42 Don't say, "Let me know if there is anything I can do." People rarely feel comfortable saying, "Yes, my laundry." Instead pick something you are willing to do and then ask her permission. Try the coupon in back!

43 Ask her to share her testimony at an event.

44 Buy a magazine subscription for her on her favorite topic.

45 Plant a rosebush to view from a window.

46 Understand that you don't need to know all of the details about the illness in order to be helpful.
He'll share with you what he's comfortable with you knowing.

47 Don't ask, "Why can't the doctors help you?" or insinuate that it must be in her head. There are millions of people who are in pain with illnesses that do not have cures.

48 Avoid having gifts be "pity gifts." Just say, "I saw these flowers and their cheerfulness reminded me of you."

49 Send tapes of church services your friend misses to her with a copy of the bulletin and a note.

50 If she doesn't have a cordless phone, get her one.
Phone headsets are also nice.

Reinvent Your Dreams

2007-09-13T21:05:00.001-04:00

By Joanna Wasmuth

Often when we are sidelined with pain and illness, we stop dreaming - about who we want to become, what we want to do, things we want to experience, how we want to impact the world. This often leads to a profound sense of loss, fear, frustration, and sometimes depression. We can become trapped and immobilized by not only our physical pain, but our emotional distress as well.

But your pain doesn't have to stop you from living a fulfilling, exciting life! Your journey with pain is a unique opportunity to slow down, take a look at your life up to this point, and reinvent it. It all starts with reinventing your dreams! Dreams are the fuel that moves you from frustration to fulfillment and satisfaction! I invite you to start reinventing today!

Exercise

1. Make a list of dreams and goals you've had in life.

2. Choose two or three that leap out at you. As you do this, you might hear yourself saying things like, 'Yeah right. Not anymore! I hurt too much to do that." If that's true, I think you'll get tremendous value from this exercise.

3. Really think about those dreams. What is it that drew you to them? What's the essence? Is it something that's going to increase your pain? For how long? Will the excitement be worth an increased pain level for a few days? Is there a way you could accomplish the dream without increasing your pain? Example I used to love hiking, until my health problems turned any attempt at a hike into a painful nightmare. So I reinvented that dream - maintaining the essence, but adjusting the method. Now I enjoy the beauty of nature in a way that is conducive to my current health by going for short walks on flat paths in the woods, or sitting on the beach, or riding my bike leisurely through the park.

4. Brainstorm creative ways that you could reinvent the dream so that you experience what you really want in a way that supports your overall health and wellness. Ask for input from friends if you get stuck. Example If you love to snowboard, but are not up to riding, maybe you could go watch a snowboard competition; take a gondola ride to the top of a local ski resort just to be in the midst of the energy (make sure you can also ride back down!); ride for an hour on the bunny hills; look into snowboard adaptations that would enable you to sit while riding; try inner tubing; and much more!

5. Choose one item from your brainstorm list that you will look into in the next 24 hours. Be in motion towards achieving your dreams!
You can live a dream come true life. Even if your life is marked by pain!

Joanna Wasmuth, founder of Harmony Coaching Group, is a Certified Dream Coach®, speaker and author. She is also the creator of the LifeThr!ve Personal Coaching Series for People with Chronic Pain. Joanna coaches business professionals who want to fast track achieving their dreams in life and work. Her specialty is empowering professionals with chronic pain from injury or illness to make a comeback in life by reinventing and living their dreams. To contact Joanna, visit www.harmonycoaching.com or email thrive@harmonycoaching.com.

Making Desireable Changes

2007-09-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

By David Spero, RN
Adapted from the book, The Art of Getting Well: Five Steps to Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness.

Health problems and symptoms, with the possible exception of pure genetic disorders, carry a signal to change. Even the flu tells us to rest and take Vitamin C. The message can be as obvious as, "get better shoes," if our feet hurt, or it may be hard to decipher. It can relate to an internal issue, like a headache that means, "Stop trying to be the perfect mother, already!" Or it could be telling us about an external change, like asthma that means, "Get the mold out of this apartment or move away!" Changing such harmful situations makes it possible to achieve higher states of wellness.

We usually think of health changes in terms of diet, exercise, rest, and a few other areas, but a whole range of life factors come into play. These modifications can be huge decisions, like leaving a miserable relationship, or simple choices, like a better mattress to sleep on, or cutting down on coffee. Even small changes can have large payoffs. By giving us a sense of control, they set the stage for further growth. It doesn't always matter much what change we decide to make. Just doing something, anything, for ourselves, for our bodies, makes a huge difference.

How change works
To help us survive when life was much more dangerous than now, our brains learned to like things they've gotten used to, even if they're awful. So it's normal to fear change to some degree, but the actual process of change is pretty straightforward. Here are some guidelines:

1. The best changes are things you want to do, not things someone else tells you to do. In Stanford University's Arthritis Self-Management Program, each participant has to make a weekly action plan. One woman, Martha, planned three weeks in a row to do more walking, and never did it. Finally, the truth came out. She said, "I don't really like to walk; I just thought I should." Substituting another form of exercise got her going.

2. You need to believe that the change you plan will actually help. If you need convincing, talking with others who share your issues, reading books and articles, or listening to your doctor can provide evidence of effectiveness.

3. Changes should be realistically attainable. People tend to want things to go too far, too fast. They turn self-care into a form of self-abuse. "I will run on the treadmill an hour a day." "I want to lose 100 pounds in three months, like that person on the TV ad." Good luck! We have much better chances if we make changes that feel good as we go along, and set realistic timetables.

4. Start small, breaking large goals into achievable chunks. It is far better to start with a less ambitious goal and achieve it, then to shoot for some gigantic transformation and fall short. The first pattern leaves you feeling good about yourself and ready for more; the second makes you want to forget the whole thing.

5. There will be ups and downs. The great leap to fitness, the steadily improving ability to speak up for ourselves, or the sudden, permanent adoption of a healthy, natural diet; these things do not happen often. In real life, there are good and bad days, good and bad weeks, even months. Coming back from the bad patches is part of the process.

6. For change to be worth the trouble, our lives have to be worth living. If we don't have a reason to get out of bed in the morning, it really won't matter how healthy we are, will it? So look for ways to get more pleasure, more purpose, and more fun into your life. Some people say that being healthy means giving up everything you like. They have it completely backward. Give up the things you don't like, and appreciate the heck out of the things you do. One good place to start is by rewarding yourself when you do something positive for your health. For example, after you exercise, you might want a long, hot bath, just to enjoy.

6. Change happens when we're not looking. We work and work toward getting in shape, say, or being more disciplined about finishing what we start. Nothing seems to happen for the longest time. Then one day, we notice that we are not getting tired nearly as fast. We're breathing easier, feeling better. When did it happen? Probably, it happened when we stopped watching. When we give up the need for miracles is when miracles happen. And in the field of self-motivated behavior change, miracles happen every day. If you keep these guidelines in mind, they can happen for you, too.

David Spero, RN is a 51-year-old nurse, journalist and health educator living in San Francisco. In 1989, as a father of two young children, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He struggled for years before beginning to absorb the lessons of his illness. Continuing to work part-time and raise a family, he utilized such practices as yoga, swimming, meditation, psychotherapy, and guided imagery, and made several other life changes to optimize his physical, mental and spiritual condition.

Coping With An Invisible Condition

2007-09-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

By Brian Grady, Ph.D.
What makes an illness or condition visible or invisible?
Assistive devices, body appearance, and behaviour tell others you are ill or disabled. Devices include canes, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, braces. Most of these are used for mobility. Body appearance can be things like skin colour, deformities, and scarring. Behaviour includes limping or other changes in gait, posture, sounds (like groaning), or facial expressions of pain or tension.

Invisible is common
Chronic pain and many other chronic conditions are rarely visible to others. 3.4 million Canadians and 26 million Americans (therefore, on the order of one in ten people) are considered to be disabled to some significant degree, but most of these people (about 3/4) will not need assistive devices or give other signals that send the message "I'm sick". Body appearances are often hidden, and illness behaviour may be suppressed or misunderstood. Many people with a physical problem look fine to others.

Examples of invisible conditions are arthritis, asthma, brain injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain of most types, Cushing's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, endometriosis, heart disease, lupus, Lyme disease, Meniere's disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis in the early stages, neurological and seizure disorders, osteoporosis, organ transplant, and Parkinson’s disease.

Impact of condition
Not only the condition, but also the associated problems may be invisible to others. Side effects of medications taken for these conditions are not usually known to others. Strangers will not realize that an activity might have a big impact on symptoms -- not seen until later. For example, there might be a crash later after over-doing an activity. The effects of the condition on family life, sleep, and the mental state of the patient are usually a private matter. The immediate symptoms are just the start. Others can easily underestimate what you are really coping with.

Illness roles
People's understanding of illness is based mostly on acute conditions. We understand a cold or a broken leg. People are either sick or healthy. The sick and healthy roles are well understood. Sick people complain, look ill, and remain inactive while they recover, which is usually within a few days or weeks. This is true for acute illnesses or pain. We also have an idea of what an invalid is. This is a person who needs to lie in bed being cared for long term. But what about the role of someone with a chronic condition that is not totally disabling? Someone who can go for walks, for example, and do some errands, but has limited capacity. This role is not so well defined in our culture.

Interestingly, there are some traditional cultures, where the person with a chronic condition (especially if they are mid life or older and female) is not expected to do anything or really function. They are put into the 'invalid' category and have trouble being allowed to do things that would be more functional.

People's expectations
Based on the well-sick-invalid framework, you are allowed to be sick or limited for a while. After some months, people will be expecting you to be back to 'normal' - that is, a healthy, fully productive state. If you are not, but you look ok on the outside, there may be misunderstandings, rejection. Some people judge you as lazy, exaggerating, or accuse you of faking to get insurance benefits or attention. Or they expect too much of you, overestimating your current ability. Dealing with people's misunderstanding and judgment, suspicions, and assumptions is painful. Having to justify your lack of productivity is an extra stress on top of having the actual condition.

"The hardest part to deal with, for me, is not being sick; it is the suspicion and lack of understanding about my disability from people in my community that is the most disturbing. For example, if I am feeling up to getting out of the house for a little while with one of my family members, I am chastised for being seen out, how I look, and what I’m doing. Many people are of the opinion that if I am well enough to be out, than I should go to school and function normally. People’s ignorance has been, and continues to be, the largest obstacle that I have had to face."

Based on the well-sick-invalid framework, people expect that if you look ok, you are ok and can function normally. And if you can function OK now, you must be OK 18 hours a day. Expectations are based on appearances.

This creates a problem. With a chronic condition, you can't stay in bed and live a totally disabled lifestyle until you feel better. If you did this, you would not function at all. Many conditions require you to do your best while you feel your worst. You appear capable when people see you active, even if you are limited at other times.

Not acting sick
If you have a chronic, invisible condition, you have an important job: to look after yourself as well as possible. This will make you look better, despite your symptoms. You need to do this, because there is a cost for letting other people's opinions keep you from activities that give you health. To be healthy as possible, you might need go to the gym like healthy people do. You get up and go out, even though you might be misunderstood. To restrict yourself leads to lower function and more disability. Your illness then becomes the focus of your life and takes away more and more of the quality of the life you have left. That is the price you pay.

It is sometimes a dilemma whether to make a point of "showing" your illness. You want to appear "normal" and to fit in, not stand out and be noticed. You also want people to recognize and understand your problems. Some people struggle with this. Should they use a cane and be noticed as sick, or avoid it and be misunderstood? How much do you let people know? To a degree, it's a personal choice. What are the consequences of each option? What would either choice lead to in the long run?

Invisibility and the medical community
Many illnesses are invisible to physicians as well. This does not make your illness less real, but there can be consequences, especially if there is no diagnosis (see related article 'Living without a diagnosis'). Many invisible illnesses are not recognized or are poorly understood by the medical system. Some invisible illnesses don't get enough treatment, or the right treatment. Some patients are dismissed by the professional, which is usually frustrating or humiliating. Some have to go through painful diagnostic tests and a long series of visits to specialists, waiting for someone to make the illness visible at last.

Some conditions do not have good diagnostic tests. In the case of chronic pain for example, pain can last beyond the usual time of healing because the pain-creating part of the nervous system has gotten over-excitable - a phenomenon known as "wind-up". Nerves involved in pain transmission can fire spontaneously, respond to harmless stimuli, and fail to turn off as easily as they should. Chronic pain is believed often to be a disorder of the central nervous system. It is an alarm system gone wrong. This is not something that can be easily tested, and so it is invisible to the observer, though felt to the perceiver

One of the only ways to make invisible pain visible is through behaviour. This can create some problems. "Symptom magnification" is the term medical people use when the pain behaviour shown is much more that you would expect given the physical findings. An example: A person won't lift his or her leg in a formal test, or groans or resists, but does a similar movement freely when it does not look like a test. Fear may drive this, but it sometimes is just the desire to make the invisible pain visible. This usually works against the patient. It reduces their credibility and makes the invisible pain actually more suspect.

Coping with the invisibility of the condition
If you are dealing with an invisible condition, there are some things you can do to deal with this.

Practical steps:

Spend time with a supportive group of people who understand what you are dealing with.
Take your friend / spouse to this group if necessary.
Read up on the condition, and get those around you to read up on it too.
Decide whose opinion of you is important to you and whose is not (eg, the person in the parking lot you'll never see again - does it matter what he thinks of you using a disabled parking spot?) For those whose opinion matters, decide if you want to provide facts about the condition, and then explain what this means in terms of impact on you.
Don't allow yourself to limit your activity by your fear of other people's opinions.
Psychological steps:

Many people with an invisible condition learn the lesson that they themselves have been judgmental in the past. They lacked awareness, and compassion before, and are now on the receiving end. They realize that they are basically no different from the judgmental person, they just have more experience of both sides now. To understand other's lack of awareness helps them tolerate it.

Identify the shame or anger you feel. Ask yourself - what does this hook into? For example, when and under what circumstances have you felt this before? When was the first first time you ever felt this? What is the strong memory or negative belief about yourself that goes along with the negative emotion? Current shame or anger usually is fed in part by old negative experiences. Knowing what these are, can you see that this situation is not a continuation of the past?

Ask: How do you invalidate yourself? Others are not the only ones who judge us. How can you expect those who don't even know your situation well to be more compassionate than even you are to yourself?

Ask: what opportunities are there for you because your condition is not obvious?

Decide what you will tell people, how much you will disclose, and when in the relationship you will tell them about your condition.

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Dr. Grady has been working with people with medical problems and chronic pain since 1992. Much of this has been at a multi-disciplinary pain clinic. Other experiences have been with people with cardiac conditions, cancer, and AIDS. He says, "In 1997, I met my wife. She has had chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia since about 1994. She has shown me a great deal about living with someone with a chronic condition. She has also shown me how it is possible to find meaning and to thrive (most of the time) despite having a physically limiting condition. Most people don't have access to a multi-disciplinary clinic. I want to reach these people around the world, to help them to help themselves, and then reach out to help others. Maybe instead of a hundred people a year, I and we could help many thousands through the 10 Resolutions approach. That would be incredibly rewarding."

Reprinted with permission of author, Brian Grady. Copyright © Brian Grady 2002 - 2004. All rights reserved.

8 Choices You Must Make to Live Successfully with Chronic Illness

2007-09-10T14:47:00.000-04:00

By Lisa Copen

Illness doesn't have to mean a life of pain and loneliness.
Here are 8 choices you need to make!

[1] Recognize that the illness is chronic

You will swim through the phases of grief for the rest of your life, because with a chronic condition comes new limitations as the illness progresses. Don't be too hard on yourself; reach out to others, build up friendships with those that understand, pursue new hobbies that get your mind off of the illness, take a second look at your faith and how this effects it.

[2] Be a good advocate for your health

You know your body better than anyone else and the likelihood is that you will get tons of well-meaning advice from both friends and strangers. Be discerning in what you choose to follow and what you choose to let go. Kindly thank those that offer their advice but don't make any promises or feel obligated to try anything they offer.

[3] Do research on new medications and study possible alternative treatments carefully.

Be wise in how much money you invest in alternative treatments; don't continue to dump money into alternative treatments when the practitioners continue to offer promises and testimonials. Recognize that alternative supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may not be as effective as they claim or even safe.

[4] Choose your doctors carefully
Ask for referrals. Find a doctor who your personality clicks with. Don't be demanding or act like you know more than s/he does, even if you occasionally do. Build a team of doctors that is willing to work with you to give you the best quality of life.

[5] Refuse to give into bitterness
It's easy to get caught up in the blues of "but they don't understand!" and "they are so lucky and they don't even appreciate it!" Defy the tendency to feel sorry for yourself and instead choose joy. One of the best books I've read on the this topic is Tim Hansel's "You Gotta Keep Dancin'."

[6] Step outside yourself
Even if you aren't happy about the diagnosis, in time you will witness others going down this same path and you may have a desire to reach out. Follow that passion! Reaching out to another person who is dealing with similar circumstances can be healing for both of you and will give your illness purpose, even on the days with great physical pain.

[7] Get a grip on guilt
It's natural, especially if you have a family, to feel intense feelings of guilt that you are bringing everyone down with you. Recognize that this illness is not a judgement or punishment-it simply is. You may not be able to choose to live without it but you can choose how to live with it. Your kids and spouse are watching to see how you will handle this. Make them proud.

[8] Allow yourself to be vulnerable
On the flip side, you don't have to be a steel magnolia and always keep a stiff upper lip. Find a friend, a mentor, a buddy-someone who you can let down your frustrations, struggles, hopes and fears with. You'll find that illness may leave you with fewer friends than before but the quality of relationships may be much more precious.

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Don’t miss Lisa Copen’s new consumer magazine, HopeKeepers, for people who live with chronic illness or pain http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com. HopeKeepers is also the sponsor of Invisible Illness Awareness Week. We have dozens of articles, chat guests, e-groups, etc. http://www.restministries.org
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From The Canadian Lung Association: Getting the care you deserve. A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for people with lung disease.

2007-09-07T13:21:00.000-04:00

People with lung disease have the right to:

>Receive timely medical care. You shouldn't have to wait long to get a consultation, diagnosis and treatment.

>Receive reliable, up to date, health information that is easy to understand.

>Be treated by a healthcare team. Your doctor and other health professionals can:
Work together
Ask your opinion about treatment decisions, and
Respect your dignity and decisions during every stage of your disease.

>Breathe clean indoor and outdoor air at home, at work, at school, and in all public places. You have a right to expect air that's smoke-free, scent-free, allergen-free, and pollution-free.

>Have devices that can assist you to live independently.

>Know about the latest medical research to treat your disease.

>Know about decisions that affect health care and get involved if you wish, (examples: sit on a hospital board, raise health concerns at public meetings or write letters to the editor).

As a person with lung disease, you have the responsibility to:

>Learn as much as you can about your disease and how to manage it

>Set goals for healthier living and do your best to reach them. Try to get healthier one step at a time.

>Work with your healthcare team to make a treatment plan that's right for you

>Report all your symptoms to your healthcare team - don't leave anything out.

*Discuss what to do when your symptoms get worse with your healthcare team.
*Keep track of the warning signs and symptoms that show your disease is getting worse. If you are feeling worse, get medical help right away.
*Find out what to expect from your disease in the long run. Talk with your healthcare team and family about what kind of care you'd like in the future if you are not well enough to tell them.
*Tell your healthcare team if you find that you cannot follow your treatment plan or if you aren't taking your medicine.

>Choose a healthy lifestyle and if you smoke, take action to quit.

>Do what you can to improve the air that we breathe.

>Stick up for yourself and for your rights. Your life should be as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Visit the Canadian Lung Association Website Here

The Old Stone House

2007-09-06T19:31:00.000-04:00

Tish Bauer is a wise and wonderful woman/writer, a fellow member of the COPD Support Community, and my friend. She has written a delightful account of her life at her Old Stone House and has graciously allowed me to include them on my website.
Tish has sent me two new writings to add to The Old Stone House collection.

"Life Is A Circle" At The Old Stone House

and

Saying Goodbye At The Old Stone House

Her stories have touched me deeply. Thank you, Tish, for sharing your life and your wisdom with all of us.

The Power Of The Internet - Enjoy The World In Links

2007-09-05T19:52:00.001-04:00

Dear Karen,
I have never done this before!

This is really quite amazing considering that the
Internet has changed my life more than any other technology.

The Internet helped me find Doctors that kept my Father
alive when all others said he had only 2 months to live!

The Internet helped me research and write my book
"The Power of Positive Habits."

The Internet helps me change lives everyday by delivering this
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"What is it that I have never done before?"

I have never written a newsletter that concentrates
totally on the power of the Internet.

That changes today!

Are you ready to have more fun on the internet then you have
ever had?

Are you ready to bookmark more web pages in one day then you have
in a year?

Are you ready to go on an adventure that will make you laugh, cry
and look at the world in amazement from the comfort of your sofa?

Are you ready to explore the Earth?

Are you ready to see images that will make you cry and read stories
that will make you laugh?

Are you ready to access the power of the internet to make your
life easier?

"Your adventure starts right now!"

Share this email with others so they can experience the excitement
that you are about to experience.

Here goes!

Follow the links below and experience the internet
like you have never experienced it before!

***
See the 7 Wonders of the world in 360 panoramas!
***

Want to track any Airline Flight in Real Time?

That's right, simply input any flight number and
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***

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What does your home look like from space?

This web site lets you zoom in on any neighborhood and see
what it looks like from space.

***

This is so simple yet so powerful. Talk about a web site
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Positive Habits" this web site will send you reminder
emails for any subject and any duration. Perfect
for reminding you about new habits you want to acquire
while on the go.

***

The beauty of the Planet Earth. Stunning photographs
of planet Earth that will amaze you and remind you of
the fragile nature of our planet....help protect it.

***

Would you like to see interesting emails that are being forwarded
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list.

***

It only takes a split second for something beautiful
to happen. This web site takes a moment in time and
freezes it for you to see. Breathtaking!

***

Are you bored?

Not anymore. The Boredstop site will keep you busy.

***

Want to know the best time to book an airline ticket?
Farecast will tell you.

***

Are you smart enough to get smarter? Of course you are!
This web site will give you some tips to help you
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***

What kind of advice can a billionaire inventor
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Read Steve Jobs commencement address here:

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Ever wonder what the Earth looks like from space at night!

Gaze at this amazing photo and you will quickly see where
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If you want to find the coolest sites on the net you
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Do you love music?

If you answered yes you will love this web site. The 100
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By the way...here is my favorite.

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This amazing website will take you on amazing virtual tours
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***

PLEASE SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE
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To "SUBSCRIBE" to "The Power of Positive Habits"
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Wishing You Continued Success!

Dan Robey

PS.....we are giving away some great bonus gifts today with
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Abritt Publishing, 13484 SW 144 Ter, Miami, Fl 33186, USA

COPD-INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER

2007-09-04T15:41:00.000-04:00

Dedicated to the philosophy
"You can learn to control this disease instead of letting it control you!"

Published every Monday by Susie Bowers, Web-Editor COPD-International.com, this newsletter is another must read.

Featured articles this week include:

REPORT ON LUNG TRANSPLANTATION IN U.S.

DIET: TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR ASTHMA

THE 10 BEST FOODS YOU'RE NOT EATING

HEALTH TIP: SOOTHING A SORE THROAT

For a free subscription to this fine newsletter send an email to
mailto:List-admin@copd-international.com?subject=subscribe-news

Make browsing in the COPD-International Library and Reading Room part of your daily surfing routine!

There are more people around the world suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than previously thought.

2007-09-03T18:08:00.000-04:00

Reported THURSDAY, Aug. 30 in HealthDay News -

There are more people around the world suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than previously thought, an international team of researchers reports.
Worse yet, those numbers are bound to increase as the world's population continues to age, claims the study in the Sept. 1 issue of The Lancet.

"COPD is much more common than previous estimates would suggest," said study author Dr. A. Sonia Buist, chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. "We did the study, because there is a huge disconnect between the public and the public health perception of the burden of COPD, and the reality."

COPD is under-diagnosed and under-treated, Buist said.

"COPD is a cumulative response of the lungs to the burden of all that's breathed in over a lifetime," she said. "As populations age, the prevalence of COPD and the burden of COPD is going to increase significantly."

In the study, Buist's group collected data on 9,425 people aged 40 and over who hailed from 12 different countries.

They found that the overall prevalence of severe COPD was 10.1 percent. Among men, it was 11.8 percent and for women, 8.5 percent. These figures contrast with another recent study that placed the overall burden of COPD at 4.3 percent, Buist noted.

In the United States, the overall prevalence of serious COPD is 10.1 percent, the researchers reported.

The number of people with COPD varied throughout world. Cape Town, South Africa, had the highest prevalence of COPD, with 22.2 percent of men and 16.7 percent of women affected, while Hanover, Germany, had the lowest prevalence, with 8.6 percent of men and 3.7 percent of women with serious COPD.

The difference in COPD between men and women is mostly due to differences in smoking habits, the researchers pointed out.

The increasing prevalence of COPD is partly due to the aging population, where the risk of the disease nearly doubles for every 10 years over the age of 40, and also to smoking.

COPD is a lung disease that progressively damages the lungs, making it hard to breathe. The disease obstructs the small airways in the lungs so it is difficult to get air in and out.

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. In addition, breathing lung irritants, such as pollution, dust or chemicals, over a long period of time also causes or contributes to the condition.

Since there is no cure for COPD, prevention is the best advice Buist has to offer. This means not smoking, avoiding jobs that expose you to pollution and smoke, or wearing protective gear. "It's really cleaning up the air you breathe," she said.

One expert thinks the study highlights a growing public health problem.

"We are beginning to understand that COPD is a major disease burden throughout the world," said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer at the American Lung Association. "The study also confirms that it's not just smoking, but there are other environmental issues involved."

Edelman noted that smoking and air pollution are important causes of COPD. However, there are other conditions that can contribute, such as uncontrolled asthma. "It's not just smoking and air pollution but other factors, too," he said.

Another report in the same journal says that poor airway function shortly after birth is a risk factor for obstructed breathing among young adults. Therefore, preventing COPD may need to start before birth. One of the culprits could be maternal smoking, the researchers suggested.

Lead researcher Dr. Fernando Martinez, director of the Arizona Respiratory Center at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, and his colleagues found that people born with poorer lung function continue having breathing problems up to age 22.

This is "a process that could be impaired in utero by both genetic and environmental factors. Among these factors, maternal smoking during pregnancy has been consistently associated with poor lung function in both infants and older children," Martinez's team concluded.

For more on COPD in general, visit the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

To read a detailed account of the above article Visit This Link

Friday's Newsletter - Supplemental Oxygen Use In COPD

2007-08-31T13:30:00.000-04:00

Provided To You By COPD-Support, Inc.
Joan Costello - Editor

The complete newsletter is available online by clicking here.

You may also subscribe to the email version by clicking here.

The primary topic for this week's newsletter is Supplemental Oxygen.

A major topic of discussion on the Caregivers List was how Doctors prescribe the correct amount of oxygen for their patients. Some felt their doctor just
assigned a "one size fits all" number. Others voiced that the dosage was determined by either an (A) ABG, (B) a Six Minute Walk Test, (C) Spirometry, or an (D)Oximeter or a (E) combination of two or more.

A, B, C, D, and E are correct.

Over the years we've heard several opinions voiced repeatedly.

-"I only use my oxygen on occasion. I don't want to become dependent on it."

-"Too much oxygen will kill you."

-"Not enough oxygen will harm other organs."

What do the experts have to say about those statements? Read on.

Please note the distinction in the following words even though they sound pretty similar. Keep them in mind while we explore Long Term Oxygen Therapy.

-hypercapnia: A condition marked by an unusually high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood as a result of hypoventilation.
-hypocapnia: A state in which the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is lower than normal; can result from deep or rapid breathing.
-hypoxemia: Insufficient oxygenation of the blood.

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SOURCES: News items summarized in The COPD-NEWS are taken from secondary sources believed to be reliable. However, the COPD Family of Services does not verify their accuracy.
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THE OXYGEN TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Assessment at the Level of Impairment
The oxygen transport system refers to the delivery or supply of fully oxygenated blood to peripheral tissues, the cellular uptake of oxygen, the utilization of oxygen in the tissue, and the return of partially desaturated blood to the lungs. The steps in this system include the central control of ventilation, the quality of inspired gas, and the function of the airways, lungs, pulmonary circulation, heart, blood, peripheral circulation, diffusion, gas exchange, and oxygen extraction and utilization in the muscle and tissues. Oxygen transport as a whole is uniquely sensitive to a functional change in one or more steps. No one step is rate limiting; rather each step can individually alter oxygen transport to organ tissues. The system attempts to compensate for impairment at any step. The level and degree of one or more impairments will determine the mechanism by which, and the degree to which, oxygen transport can be compensated by the unimpaired or less impaired steps in the pathway. In health, this system is acutely responsive to changes in oxygen demand, and changes oxygen delivery correspondingly. Normally, oxygen delivery or supply exceeds oxygen consumption or demand such that there is considerable reserve. To meet resting metabolic demands, oxygen consumption is normally 23% of oxygen delivery, i.e., the oxygen extraction ratio. In disease, this reserve capacity can be severely compromised.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3953/is_199910/ai_n8862270/pg_2

YOUR OXYGEN IS A MEDICINE TOO!
The old adage "If a little is good, more is better" does not apply to any medication—especially oxygen. Unlike the air around you which is made up of 21 percent oxygen as well as some other gases, the supplemental oxygen your doctor prescribes is almost 100 percent medically pure. Because of this, it's considered a drug and may only be prescribed by a physician.

Not all patients with COPD require supplemental oxygen. Only your doctor can determine if oxygen will help you. He can prescribe the amount of
supplemental oxygen you need after studying the results of a blood test called an arterial blood gas and evaluating your overall pulmonary condition. He'll order a specific flow (liters per minute) of pure oxygen in the air you're breathing. This increase may be as little as one percent, but the effects on your body and your breathing may be dramatic. That's why it's important to follow your doctor's directions concerning the amount of oxygen you receive (liters per minute) and the length of time you should be using it. If not taken exactly as prescribed, it could cause problems.
http://healthylungs.org/programs_services/adult/handbook4.html

LONG TERM OXYGEN THERAPY
The goal of therapy is to provide oxygen continuously (for at least 19 hours a day) at a level that alleviates hypoxemia (i.e., a low PaO2), thereby avoiding cellular hypoxia, a condition in which the tissue oxygen level is so low that cellular metabolism is disrupted. Hypoxemia in patients with COPD is related primarily to modest decreases in the ventilation perfusion ratio and, if present, hypercapnia; therefore, it can be corrected with low doses of supplemental oxygen. In addition to an adequate PaO2, patients need a sufficient level of hemoglobin (the primary carrier of oxygen in the blood) and an adequate cardiac output. Hypoxemia that is not corrected with low-dose oxygen therapy warrants evaluation for right-sided or left-sided heart failure, or both, which can cause decreased cardiac output.

Although long-term oxygen therapy has myriad benefits, it is expensive and intrusive. Effective therapy requires thorough patient education with frequent reinforcement, commitment by patients and often by those assisting them at home, and a competent supplier of durable medical equipment

Many patients need extensive counseling to overcome their reticence to wear a nasal cannula, especially in public.
http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1998/04_98/weg.htm

WILL I ALWAYS NEED TO USE OXYGEN?
Most patients who require extra oxygen to treat their chronic illness will need to continue their oxygen therapy.Some patients may need to use extra oxygen during a disease flare-up or infection, but may be able to reduce or stop its use if their condition improves. You should never reduce or stop oxygen therapy on your own. Talk with your health care provider if you think a change in your oxygen therapy is needed.
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:rY6-DoydE0kJ:www.thelamfoundation.org/pdfs/OxygenTherapy.pdf+determining+oxygen+to+prescribe&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=70&gl=us

Short Link: http://tinyurl.com/3x23kz

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COMMERCIAL FREE: We do not accept any paid advertising. Any corporations, products,medicines (prescription or non) mentioned in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not to be construed as an endorsement or condemnation of same.
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CENTRAL CONTROL OF BREATHING
The rate of cellular respiration (and hence oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production) varies with level of activity. Vigorous exercise can increase by 20-25 times the demand of the tissues for oxygen. This is met by increasing the rate and depth of breathing.

It is a rising concentration of carbon dioxide — not a declining concentration of oxygen — that plays the major role in regulating the ventilation of the lungs. The concentration of CO2 is monitored by cells in the medulla oblongata. If the level rises, the medulla responds by increasing the activity of the motor nerves that control the intercostal muscles and diaphragm. However, the carotid body in the carotid arteries does have receptors that respond to a drop in oxygen. Their activation is important in situations (e.g., at high altitude in the unpressurized cabin of an aircraft) where oxygen supply is inadequate but there has been no increase in the production of CO2.

Local Control of Breathing
The smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchioles is very sensitive to the concentration of carbon dioxide. A rising level of CO2 causes the bronchioles to dilate. This lowers the resistance in the airways and thus increases the flow of air in and out.
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Pulmonary.html

Tests for Determining Oxygen Saturation
Under normal conditions, when red blood cells pass through the lungs, 95-100 percent of them are loaded, or "saturated," with oxygen. If you have lung disease or other types of medical conditions, fewer of your red blood cells will be carrying their usual load of oxygen and your oxygen "saturation" will be lower than 95 percent. Your blood oxygen level can be measured by...
http://www.baptisthealth.net/bhs/en/hospital/services_detail/0,2311,3644_24217,00.html

LINCARE PATIENT EDUCATION
Why do I need supplemental oxygen? Normally oxygen passes readily from the lungs into the bloodstream and is pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. When lung disease occurs, oxygen may not be able to pass as readily into the bloodstream. When the heart is diseased, it may not be able to pump as much oxygen-carrying blood.

Do all patients with lung or heart disease require supplemental oxygen? It is estimated that over 4 million patients with lung or heart problems either are benefiting or could benefit from supplemental oxygen. This is a rather small percent of the estimated 60 million Americans affected by lung or heart and circulatory disease.

How can I tell if I need supplemental oxygen?
You might suspect you need supplemental oxygen if you have one or more of the following symptoms: decreased ability to exercise, difficulty breathing,
fatigue easily, periods of disorientation or loss of memory. The only way to know for sure, however, is to measure the measure the amount of oxygen in
your blood with Arterial Blood Gas or Oximetry. Your physician will evaluate your test results and symptoms to determine if you might benefit from
additional oxygen. If you need supplemental oxygen, your physician will prescribe the proper flow rate and duration of use.

How can I tell if I am getting enough oxygen?
Too much?

You might anticipate that some of the symptoms you had before using the oxygen will start to go away as your blood's oxygen level returns to normal.
The only way to be sure you are getting the right amount of oxygen is to have the oxygen level in your blood measured while using the supplemental
oxygen. If new symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, increased sleepiness, etc., appear, you might be getting too much oxygen. Notify your physician.

Do not change the liter flow or hours of usage without first checking with your physician.

Can I become addicted to oxygen?
Oxygen is not addicting. We all need oxygen to live. If your lungs and/or heart are diseased and cannot supply enough oxygen to your body from normal room air, you need to breathe supplemental oxygen. Should your condition improve, you may no longer require supplemental oxygen.

Will oxygen relieve my shortness of breath?
Oxygen frequently does help, but there are reasons other than lack of oxygen for shortness of breath. In such cases, oxygen may not relieve the
condition. By itself, shortness of breath is not life-threatening.
http://www.lincare.com/patientedu/oxygenhome.html

BLOOD AND BODY DEFENSES
Functions of Blood:
1 - Transportation: oxygen and carbon dioxide nutrients waste products (metabolic wastes, excessive water, & ions)

2 - Regulation - hormones and heat (to regulate body temperature)

3 - Protection - clotting mechanism protects against blood loss and leucocytes provide immunity against many disease-causing agents
A link posted by Wes: http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/301notes4.htm

ADULT DOMICILLIARY OXYGEN THERAPY
Position statement of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand... Because gas exchange may improve substantially on ceasing smoking, assessment should be made at least a month after the patient has stopped smoking.

...In two landmark randomized controlled trials, patients who were prescribed continuous oxygen therapy managed to use it for an average of 18 hours a day. These patients had reduced mortality compared with those using the oxygen 15 hours a day or less. Thus, the recommendation is generally that the oxygen be used for as many hours out of 24 as possible, within reason. The benefit of daytime oxygen use, which may restrict mobility, must be weighed against the benefit of exercise, which can improve quality of life.
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/182_12_200605/mcd10865_fm.html

HOME OXYGEN
Home oxygen may be extremely beneficial for persons with more advanced forms of COPD. Oxygen therapy is the only treatment that has been shown to extend and improve the life of COPD patients. Studies have shown that individuals who use home oxygen for most of the day and night live longer than those who do not. No other drug or therapy can make this claim.

Most insurance companies pay for home oxygen therapy based on Medicare guidelines. If a patient's arterial blood oxygen level (a blood test) is 55 mm Hg or less, or the oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) is 88% or less in room air, that patient may qualify for home oxygen therapy.
http://www.walgreenshealth.com/whc/hcare/jsp/hc_patient_respiratory_content.jsp

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CONCERNS ABOUT OXYGEN?
You may be concerned about how oxygen therapy may change your lifestyle, how oxygen affects your body, and whether oxygen therapy is safe. You may worry that oxygen treatment will prevent you from leaving your home, but many convenient portable systems are available. In fact, oxygen therapy allows you to be more active by providing the oxygen that your body needs. Oxygen therapy does not cause any harm to your lungs or your body, if used as prescribed. You will not develop an addiction to oxygen. Oxygen therapy is very safe and the only thing you need to remember about safety is to keep your face and your oxygen away from flames.
http://www.njc.org/disease-info/diseases/copd/mgmt/oxy-therapy/index.aspx

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MEDICAL DECISIONS. Your physician should be consulted on all medical decisions. New procedures or drugs should not be started or stopped without such consultation. While we believe that our accumulated experience has value, and a unique perspective, you must accept it for what it is...the work of COPD patients. We vigorously encourage individuals with COPD to take an active part in the management of their disease. They do this through education and by sharing information and thoughts with their primary physician and pulmonoligist. However, medical decisions are based on complex medical principles and should be left to the medical practitioner who has been trained to diagnose and advise.
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A SHORT STORY FROM DIANNE
Dianne/Australia: I have a short story to tell you. My GP (or PCP) was very anti me going on oxygen. He said, in his experience, people only lived for one or two years after this. I wrote to you folk about it and was immediately reassured that this was not the case! My Pulmonary Specialist who is a calm, lovely person nearly hit the ceiling when I said that I did not want to go on O2 after what my GP had told me. He said a few unprintable things.

Since I have been on O2, my whole life has changed for the better. My husband and I love to travel and we now can. I do not panic. I have the concentrator in the back of the car and at least two Oxygen tanks immediately available. I am supposed to be on 02 overnight and up to 17 hours per day.

One of the big things I have found is that I no longer get those dreadful panics - when we are traveling at a higher altitude than I am used to at home, I have the oxygen.

When I am stressed over life's little difficulties, I have the oxygen.

If the ventolin does not work immediately if I am SOB, I have the oxygen.

It is great from that viewpoint and I can now also cook again and do lots of other stuff I did not think I would do again.

O2 is a great help at a certain point in this disease - go for it and enjoy the benefits.
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Please don't forget to visit the site of the online newsletter to find more links, articles, even ideas to relax and have fun!

Thanks Joan!

From New York Magazine - What's Up Docs? A panel of anonymous physicians coughs up secrets of the trade.

2007-08-30T14:44:00.000-04:00

Hear from a panel of experts - (anonymous experts):
Dr. Lung . . . . . .Pulmonologist
Dr. Heart1 . . . . .Cardiologist
Dr. Heart2 . . . . .Cardiologist
Dr. Virus . . . . . . Infectious Diseases
Dr. Baby . . . . . . .OB/GYN

Get an insider's view and answers to questions like "How do I go about finding a doctor?" "Why do I have to sit so long in the waiting room ? Why are you always 'running late?" "When is the best time to go to the hospital?"
They'll even answer "Just how good are you guys, anyway?" "What are the most common mistakes that doctors make?"

Interesting article and fun to read.

BREATHING - New Magazine - Free Subscription!

2007-08-29T18:18:00.000-04:00

BREATHING
Your guide to living well

Why subscribe to BREATHING?

BREATHING will deliver to your home the information you need to maximize your lifestyle.

Learn about:
*new and current therapies for lung disorders
*the latest in home care services and equipment
*what's happening in lung disorder research
*travel opportunities
*educational opportunities
*meetings and conferences

Live life to the fullest!

Request your free, no obligation subscription today!

Hike For Lung Health

2007-08-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

A note from Roxlyn Cole
(visit Roxlyn's Blog by clicking Here)

Hello everyone,
I wonder how many of you have enjoyed the COPD Foundation's magazine...COPD DIGEST?
or called up their information answer line? 1-866-316-2673 for other free information, or just to talk with the patients who answer the phone line?

Now you can help them...either donate...or better yet sign up as a "virtual" walker on the Hike for Lung Health that some of them are doing in Chicago...for the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (formerly with Am. Lung Assoc.).

To be a virtual hiker costs only $10.00. If you donate to the team or sponsor a participant...75% of that amount will go to the COPD Foundation and help them financially to...help us.

You can sign up or join by clicking here

Roxlyn's Page is Here

"Breath Of Life" Walk Team / "Knights Of Melody"

2007-08-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

On 26 December 2003 my dad, Wayne A. Litzenberger passed away after a 13 year battle with COPD/Emphysema.

In 2004 the ALA honored me as Family Team Chairperson, for the "Breath of Life" Walk - In Memory of my dad. It was a beautiful tribute to his life.
Pictured is my team of friends and family. We collected $4,000.00 for the American Lung Association.

Since that time I have become very involved in lung disease work and smokefree living. In June 2006 on Father's Day, I launched my own website In Memory of my dad. I am now an Advocate for Lung Disease Awareness & Smokefree Living.

I've joined hundreds of others throughout our area raising funds for the American Lung Association® and the fight against Lung disease.
Please join me in my efforts to make a difference for the millions who suffer from COPD, emphysema, asthma and other lung diseases.

Your donation to the American Lung Association can help make a difference in their research efforts to find improved treatments and eventually cures.

I invite you to join my team, "Knights of Melody" and walk with me or if you are not able to walk, consider making a donation through my site to the American Lung Association.
The WALK FOR LIFE AND BREATH will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pa.
Thank you and please remember,

"When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters"

Lori Palermo
http://www.loveyourlungsbreatheforlife.com

COPD News - Cecil Montgomery

2007-08-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

COPD-LIVING WITH IT

This was written several years ago by Bill Horden.
He was the ultimate patients advocate for COPD. I worked with him a few times on some projects and the man knew more than most Dr's. Check out his website below and
you will be amazed at what you will find.

A Survivor’s Guide Through a Healthy Kitchen
Revision 2.0

Introduction

Diet and food preparation are special problems for those of us who have COPD, and the few articles I’ve found on the subject seem to be written by scientists, to scientists, and not very useful to the average patient or care giver.

Those of us with COPD need more than just advice on the proper nutrients, maximum fiber and minimum salt. We must also deal with loss of appetite and/or poor
senses of smell and taste, and we also have days when we fight that indigestion caused by our many medications. Some must also contend with excessive under or over-weight problems and, to make matters even worse, we are often dismayed by the energy it takes to just prepare and eat a meal.

For many, there is also the problem of "getting on in years," and the need to prepare meals for only one or 2 persons (including the fun of trying to please the
second palette), or the difficulty of standing while preparing the food, or tolerating the heat in the kitchen, or the complications of an accompanying
health problem, like osteoporosis, diabetes, or "heart trouble."

So, I've undertaken this project.
But it’s a lot of ground to cover, so please understand that I must limit this project to specific COPD-patient concerns. Oh, I'll cover good general nutritional advice (like the use of minimum salt, moderate sugar, unsaturated fats, and lots of liquids) but those folk with dietary restrictions imposed by other diseases or health
conditions will have to exercise the same caution they would with any "cookbook."

To Read More - Visit Bill's Website at
www.copdadvocate.com
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From Virginia:

Johns Hopkins Medicine offer free information to help keep you up to date on the latest breakthroughs for the most common medical conditions which prevent healthy aging. The web site is www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com.
You can read the information on the web site or sign up for free email newsletters. This interesting Copd information was included in my latest edition.

_Recognizing COPD Complications_

COPD complications can be serious. Johns Hopkins specialists provide bottom line advice to help you recognize a COPD problem before it turns dangerous. If you have COPD, how do you know when you're not
merely in discomfort, but in danger? Here are some danger signs that you shouldn't ignore:

*COPD flare-ups and infections.
If you feel increasing shortness of breath, more mucus in your throat, and greater wheezing and coughing than usual, you may be experiencing a COPD flare-up --
something you need to share with your doctor. You should also call if the material you cough up changes color or if you have a fever lasting more than 24 hours. COPD flare-ups often result from a bronchial infection, which may be treatable with antibiotics, or from breathing fumes, dust, or pollution.

* COPD and heart failure.
Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet is a warning that someone with COPD may have developed a type of heart failure called cor pulmonale, or right ventricular failure. Because COPD makes the heart work harder (particularly the right
side, which pumps blood into the lungs), that side of the heart may enlarge. As the blood pressure in the lungs rises, the right ventricle contracts less efficiently. Cor pulmonale increases the risk that a blood clot will develop in a leg vein.

*COPD and pneumothorax.
A hole that develops in the lung, allowing air to escape into the space between the lung and the chest wall, pneumothorax causes the lung to collapse, leading to severe
shortness of breath. People with COPD have an increased risk of pneumothorax, because changes in their lungs cause air to be emptied unevenly from the lungs. Symptoms of pneumothorax include: sudden shortness of breath; painful breathing; sharp chest pain, often on one side; chest tightness; dry, hacking cough; rapid
heart rate.

*COPD and too many red blood cells.
Weakness,headaches, fatigue, and light-headedness may indicate the presence of an uncommon condition known as secondary polycythemia, which arises when there
isn't enough oxygen in the blood. Someone who develops polycythemia may have visual disturbances such as blind spots, distorted vision, and flashes of light. Gums and small cuts may bleed, and there may be a burning sensation in the hands and the feet.

Bottom line advice on COPD: If the problem is a flare-up of COPD, quick treatment can prevent serious breathing problems that might send you to the
hospital. Call your doctor immediately if:
You have COPD and you have shortness of breath or wheezing that is rapidly worsening.
You have COPD and are coughing more deeply or more frequently, especially if you
have an increase in mucus or a change in the color of the mucus you cough up.
You have COPD and cough up blood.
You have COPD and have increased swelling in your legs or abdomen.
You have COPD and have a fever over 100°F.
You have COPD and have severe chest pain.
You have COPD and develop flu-like symptoms.
You have COPD and feel that your medication is not working as well as usual.
******************************************************
From Cecil

Smoking with COPD and Smoking Cessation are the areas of my greatest concern and interest. If you go to my website <www.geocities.com/lmontg3322 and read my story you will understand why.
******************************************************
I have another pearl of wisdom that I think you might be interested in. We have lost a lot great COPD advocates over the years and I am proud to say I knew
almost everyone of them and they taught me a lot.
However, they have left us a great legacy that a very few really know about. If you go to the below listed sites you can see how it was 10 years ago and a lot of
it is still pertinent today as well as educational.
I wish I was in their league.
Bill Powell www.papapoo1.com
Olivija Newton www.Olivija.com/lungs
Bill Horden www.copdadvocate.com
======================================================

We are the ones that you don't see each day but we exist
We can not function due to pulmonary illness', a lack of air
The ones who look normal with no wounds or scars to show our illness
Our illness is not taken seriously, though incurable,
there is a definite lack of care

We are sometimes given dirty looks or chastised when using handicap access
We get minimum help or research for a cure, only pity
They blame us, saying we did this to ourselves,
this illusion must be put to rest
we smoked, also worked in high chemical areas, lived in pollutants in the large cities

This is the most ignored illness but the fourth largest killer in all the nations
We don't ask for much, just our share of the emphasis to find a cure
Not for us so much as for our future generations
We just want this to be done before we go so we can be assured

We believe without recognition and acceptance we have no recourse
We are unknown even to each other
we want future generations to have their share of the attention and the sources remember we are so invisible that one of us could be your sister or your brother
======================================================

Life is what we make of it good or bad. However, remember it takes a mixture of things to make one thing complete. We all have to accept this disease and all aspects of it. What I am saying is if you look at it constantly as a positive thing, too much sweetness can give you diabetes. We all have our good and bad days - go with them and don't put on a face of happiness constantly. A little self pity and venting is good for us. We just don't allow ourselves to wallow in it.
======================================================
Until next Friday take care and if you feel like it let us have a few words from you. It is nice to know if we are helping or not.

(The Old Redneck) Cecil

Drop in number of children smoking - ireland.com

2007-08-23T18:08:00.000-04:00

I received some good news in my email this morning from Michael McGloin of COPD Support in Ireland. He sent me the following article from Wednesday's news on ireland.com

Drop in number of children smoking
From ireland.com16:24
Wednesday, 22nd August, 2007

The number of children and teenagers who smoke has dropped by over a quarter since 1998, a survey published today revealed.

The Health Behaviour in School aged Children Survey 2006(HBSC) shows the significant decrease in the number of 10 to 17-year-olds who say they smoke.
The HBSC survey also shows a 13 percentage point decline in the number of children who have ever smoked a cigarette, from 49 per cent in 1998, to 41 per cent in 2002 and 36 per cent in 2006.
In terms of current smoking behaviour, 15 per cent of 10-17 year olds say they smoke compared to 19 per cent in 2002 and 21 per cent in 1998.
The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) welcomed the results of the survey but warned against complacency.

Éamonn Rossi, chief executive of the OTC said: "This survey shows a significant decline in the proportion of children smoking - with the proportion saying they have ever smoked or are currently smoking dropping by over a quarter since 1998.
"While this is indeed a very positive and significant outcome, we cannot be complacent.

"The office's own research has confirmed that initiation into smoking is largely a childhood phenomenon. More than three-quarters of all smokers in Ireland started to smoke before they reached the age of 18," he said.

Mr Rossi said the OTC had been warned that tobacco industry needed "50 Irish children to start smoking every day in order to maintain the size of its current customer base".

The HBSC study was undertaken on behalf of the Department of Health and Children by the Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway. Over 330 schools participated with some 13,700 pupils completing questionnaires.

Preparing For An Emergency - Cecil Montgomery

2007-08-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

With our illness the majority of us are "blessed" with anxiety and depression.
This is more or less a common side effect. Not being prepared for emergencies can amplify these. The major factor that influences us adversely is stress. We can reduce stress by pre-planning for emergencies and being prepared for certain things that we know may happen.
This is especially true in areas where you are susceptible to major weather changes and disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. We are not like our counterparts who can hope for the best and survive with no problem. We must be certain that areas of particular concern to us and our illness are addressed.

We will start with medical emergencies first.

Preparation for medical emergencies:
1. Notify your local ambulance service of your illness, address and where your emergency medical records are kept.

2. Notify your local fire department and local emergency management coordinator of the same thing and also if you are on oxygen. They will need to know this to insure that they keep enough back up cylinders on hand for emergencies and also that your home does have oxygen components in case of fire.

3. Make sure that your house number is clearly visible from the street and lit up if possible. This will make it much easier to locate you in case of emergencies.

4. Prepare a record of all your medical information which we will cover in a later segment.

5. Obtain and wear the necessary medical ID bracelet or pendant to insure all allergies and notification of illnesses, to include COPD, is accessible.

6. Obtain a cell phone for 911 purposes.
This could save your life if phone lines are inoperable or you are in a situation where a regular phone is not accessible. If you contact your local police dept or emergency management officials they may be aware of a program where these can be obtained free for the disabled and handicapped.

7. If you live alone insure that you have someone to contact you immediately during an emergency situation, preferably by cell phone. If something is wrong they will know it and you can also test your cell phone at the same time to insure that it is working in case you should need it.

Weather related preparations for emergencies:
1. Most power companies will not be responsible for power lines from your house to their pole or connections. To make sure that there is no loss of power during storms keep the limbs trimmed back in good weather. This will prevent broken power lines and possible preventable emergencies. This same thing applies to any tree limbs that might be hanging above your roof or outbuildings.

2. Prepare a kit for emergencies.
This should include a flashlight/with extra batteries. Insure the batteries are not left in the flashlight while in storage.
A portable battery operated radio/with extra batteries.
A 3 day supply of non perishable items such as canned meat, fruit, water, crackers, candles and matches,
a 3 day supply of meds and a can of sterno if desired to heat food materials.

Coordinate with your oxygen supply company on their emergency procedures and if they will issue extra oxygen backup prior to an emergency.

3. Keep a bag of salt or chemicals to melt ice on the inside of the house in the winter time. This will prevent you from having to risk icy steps and side walks when you leave the house. You can salt ahead of you as you go out. If you are unable to clear sidewalks and steps make prior arrangements to have them cleared for you.

4. If you desire you may purchase a portable generator to supplement power in case of power outage. However, these are rather pricey, and require a lot of maintenance. They will not put out enough watts and amperage to meet the needs of the entire house unless you invest a large amount of money for a high power output unit. These also must be maintained year round and started often to insure they are kept in working order.

Emergency situations in General:
1. When traveling always insure you have extra water,duct tape and a knife. This can be invaluable in repairing automobile broken water hoses yourself, if physically able.

2. If you drive, have your vehicle serviced regularly and checked thoroughly at least every six months. The worst major stress factor there is to be stranded on the side of the road with automobile trouble that could have been avoided by using preventive measures.

3. When traveling outside your local area always insure that you have your personal medical records with you. They could be invaluable in case of an emergency or accident.

SUMMARY:

We have to stay more prepared for every possible contingency because of our high level of stress and unique requirements due to our illness.
This is why the boy scout motto "Be Prepared" should become ours as well.
Preparedness results in less stress and fewer unnecessary exacerbations.
If you reallythink about it we are not unique in these requirements. If everyone would take these steps then they would also be better off and more equipped to handle emergencies. Only proving once again that our illness can be used to keep us more aware and ahead of every one else.

Weather and Breathing

2007-08-21T13:18:00.000-04:00

You don't have to be in the path of a hurricane to feel the effect of unsettled weather.
Every patient with COPD or other breathing problems knows that the weather can impact how they feel on any given day. I've even known those that swore they could predict the weather based upon how they felt. Why does weather impact our breathing? More importantly, can we do anything to counteract it?

Very little information is available on this phenomenon. A Medline search (this is an internet tool that searches all indexed medical journals back to 1966) revealed several articles on weather and asthma, and one article on COPD.

The articles on weather and asthma focused on outbreaks of asthma flare-ups during periods of thunderstorms, especially in the late spring and early summer. These studies, conducted in Australia and Great Britain, did seem to find a correlation between spring storms and increased problems with asthma. Researchers speculate the phenomenon may have two possible causes. The most likely is related to the downdrafts of cold air that occur with these storms. These strong wind currents stir up more grass pollen, which can cause problems for those with allergies to the pollen.

A second theory relates to the weather itself. Researchers found a correlation between the temperature drop that occurs during these storms and asthma flare-ups. Previous research had noted possible association between asthma and rainfall, high humidity, high pressure, high and low temperature, and lightning strikes.

Since there is a shortage of published information on weather and COPD, let's take a "common sense" approach to the question based upon knowledge of airflow dynamics, physics, and physiology. One thing is certain; perception of the effects of environment varies greatly from person to person. While one patient feels best in a hot, dry environment, another may feel a humid environment is preferable. Though there are some generalizations that can be made, the "perfect breathing conditions" vary from one patient to another.

Temperature

Changes in temperature seem to affect the level of dyspnea (the sensation of shortness of breath). How could temperature have an effect?

Extreme hot or cold conditions stress the entire body. In an effort to maintain a constant body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), you expend additional energy to warm or cool your body. This additional energy requirement also increases the amount oxygen your body is using (ie, oxygen is required to create the additional energy). Since you are using more oxygen, this may further deplete your blood oxygen levels and increase your sensation of shortness of breath.

Breathing hot or cold air can also have a drying or irritating effect on the airway causing bronchospasm (contraction of the smooth muscle that surrounds the airway). Bronchospasm decreases the size of the airway and thus makes it more difficult to get the air in and out of the lungs, increasing shortness of breath.

Many patients notice increased wheezing or shortness of breath when going out into cold air. This is especially true in asthmatic patients where cold air- induced bronchospasm is well recognized. However, many COPD patients experience a similar response to cold air.

A Finnish study demonstrated that exposure of the body to cold air had a more deleterious effect on breathing than just breathing cold air. Although breathing cold air through a mask while in a warm room did decrease lung function, placing the patient in a cold environment further reduced airflow.

Humidity

High humidity is also a cause of increased complaints of shortness of breath. There are a few possible explanations for this phenomenon.

The amount of humidity in the air (water content) on the oxygen concentration. As water content increases, this reduces the oxygen content (called partial pressure) of oxygen in the air. So it would make sense that during humid conditions, less oxygen is available in the air. There is only one problem with this reasoning, the air we breathe is heated and humidified by our upper airway (ie, nose, mouth, throat, windpipe and larger bronchial tubes). By the time the air reaches the air sacs in the lungs (called alveoli), it is 100% saturated with humidity, even when we breathe very dry air. So breathing dry air versus humid air has no effect on the partial pressure of oxygen reaching our lungs.

A second explanation is more likely. As humidity increases, the density of the air increases. More dense air creates more resistance to airflow in the airway resulting in an increased work of breathing (ie, more shortness of breath).

Another possible explanation is that as humidity increases, the prevalence of many known airborne allergens increases. Dust mites and molds both increase in high humidity.

Barometric Pressure and Elevation

As barometric pressure drops, less oxygen is available in the air. This is the same principle that causes a decrease in oxygen level as you travel to higher elevations. The total pressure is less and so the oxygen component is less.

When barometric pressure drops, as when a storm front passes, barometric pressure can change 30-40 milimeters of mercury. Although the effect on the partial pressure of oxygen that reaches the air sacs in the lungs is small (maybe 5-10 mmHg), a change of just a few points could increase shortness of breath.

Circulating Air

Some people express relief of their shortness of breath by having air circulating. Many patients will run a fan all of the time. On the other hand, I have talked to people that did not feel like it helped and some that even said it made them worse. One lady in a pulmonary rehab program had difficulty exercising on an Air-Dyne bicycle because it generated too much air movement.

Allergens and Irritants

Other environmental conditions can increase breathing problems. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution have been demonstrated to increase the need for hospitalization in asthma and COPD patients. Although it is difficult to control the air pollution in your area, (unless you decide to move), it is possible to improve air quality inside your home.

Common sources of allergens inside the home include pets (usually fur bearing), molds, dust, and cockroaches. Irritants may include smoke, sprays, perfumes, cleaning chemicals, or anything else that produces a smell, fume, or mist. With today's home construction resulting in homes with less air circulation (eg, drafts), indoor air pollution is a growing concern. Some speculate it is partially responsible for the increase in asthma and COPD cases.

What Can I Do?

Although it is not possible to control your weather conditions, you can still take steps to control your environment. Here are some tips that may be helpful.

1. Although you should be doing so already, be even more committed to using all medications and oxygen exactly as ordered by your doctor.

2. During very hot or cold weather, arrange your schedule to go out during times with more moderate temperatures. In the summer, try to do your outdoor activity during the early morning or late evening hours when the conditions are more tolerable. In the winter, try afternoon when it's warmer.

3. Use an air conditioner to control indoor temperature. A second benefit of the air conditioner is that it removes a great deal of humidity from the air as it cools it. If an air conditioner is not available, use fans and open windows to circulate the air during hot days. Special programs are available in many communities to offset the cost of fans, air conditioners, and even the cost of electricity for the elderly or those with health problems. Check with your area agencies for the elderly for resources in your area.

4. When going outside during the winter, wear clothing (eg, scarf) over the nose and mouth to trap warm air and prevent inhaling cold-air. Cold-air masks are available to cover the nose and mouth. Breathing through your nose is more effective than your mouth in warming the air before it reaches your airways.

5. Many people go as far as to travel to more favorable climates during periods of difficult weather. If you are considering moving, try going to the new area for an extended period before making a permanent move. Many people have been disappointed after moving when improvements in breathing don't occur and now they are away from their friends and family.

6. When possible, decrease allergens/irritants by removing items from your home that produce them.

7. Air filters are available to filter air and they are effective in removing airborne allergens although their role in improving breathing for patients is questionable. The most effective types are those that use a HEPA filter and that have a high air filtration rate.

Hurricane Season - Preparation, Not Panic

2007-08-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

Follow These Links For Information and Preparedness Tips

The National Weather Service Hurricane Center

From the National Red Cross
Emergency Evacuation Preparedness—A Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations: By June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant. [In order to open this PDF (Portable Document Format) file, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free from the Adobe website]. (2002)

Tips For People With Disabilities And Medical Concerns

Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical DevicesBy June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant
March 2006

Five for Friday - My Favorite Posts From Other Blogs

2007-08-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

Grace has started a brand new blog (her first!), called "WOW, that had to hurt" and I'm already hooked after only three posts. Read her entry for Thursday, then be sure to follow up for the answer to her riddle and an important lesson in kindness in Friday's post.

Lin Neiswender at The Land of Lin also has a message of kindness, this time the kindness of strangers (and angels in disguise.) Read her post about receiving the oximeter she needed from one of those stranger-angels.

Believe is back with a post on her blog LUNG CANCER LIFE:: TOUCHING BASE. She shares her own feelings of vulnerability while dealing with her illness, and still, she is again reaching out to help others. God bless you, Believe. Our prayers and gratitude are with you.

Eric Valentine at Scattered Chatter gives us all a Small Escape
with his beautiful photographs of his escape to the park.

And last, but far from least!, is Russ' picture of the week at his blog - The COPD Spouse. Precious picture, precious spouse...

You Can Be a Part of Blogging History.

2007-08-16T12:37:00.000-04:00

"On September 27th, join 1,000s of bloggers around the world in BlogCatalog's Blogging for a Great Cause Challenge.This Blogging Challenge will be:

Bloggers Against Abuse
September 27th, 2007 The Outcome we are after is to be part of the largest group of bloggers to ever blog about an important cause, all on the same day.

So how do you participate?

On Sept. 27th, blog about putting an end to some sort of Abuse (you decide what kind of abuse to blog about).

In the meantime though,

* Spread the word among all the bloggers you know. Perhaps even give them a link to this Discussion. "

I'm in - how about you?

The abuse of our children - and all the world's children are our children - by Big Tobacco comes to mind...

My previous posts on this topic

50 Irish Kids Every Day of the Year

yet this woman, and millions like her, remain targets

Ah, Ms. Lozano, I'll bet your mother is proud...

Whatever your blog's topic is, please join this challenge, uniting with other bloggers to help increase awareness and make the world a safer place.

Science Daily - Traditional Chinese Exercises May Increase Efficacy Of Flu Vaccine

2007-08-15T13:16:00.000-04:00

Move on mosquitoes. Step aside sweat bees. Before long, another unwelcome, but predictable, pest will return: the dreaded, oft-spotted flu bug.
But as this year’s sniffling-sneezing season approaches, there’s also a hint of hope present in the pre-germ-season air. In a study scheduled for publication in the August issue of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, a team of kinesiologists at the University of Illinois suggest that older adults who adopt an exercise regimen combining Taiji and Qigong may get an extra boost from their annual flu shot.

“We have found that 20 weeks of Taiji can increase the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults,” said the study’s lead author Yang Yang, an adjunct professor of kinesiology and community health, and a Taiji master with 30-plus years of experience as a practitioner and instructor.
Read the rest of the article at Science Daily

Then visit Everyday Tai Chi to take a look at their tai chi exercise pages and try the free online tai chi instruction

Timely Topics In Medicine - Respiratory Diseases - Your Complete Respiratory Disease Portal

2007-08-14T18:33:00.000-04:00

Designed primarily for medical pros, this website contains comprehensive and up to the minute news useful to patients also.
You do have to register to view the articles, but it's a one time only registration, free and easy to do.
The site features:

Daily Medical News----------------------------
News from current literature, congresses, press releases and other sources updated daily

Original Articles----------------------------
From renowned opinion leaders on important topics and the latest clinical advances

Self-Assessment Tests----------------------------
Tests to check your understanding of the articles

Expert Insight Q&A----------------------------
Interviews with leading specialists on the latest clinical and experimental developments

Clinical Scenarios----------------------------
Q&A sessions based on real-life cases

Congress Reports----------------------------
In-depth reports from the world's most important congresses in the field

Webcasts----------------------------
Live or on-demand broadcasts of symposia and meetings with audio and video allowing the user to 'attend' the event from their computer.

Directory & Calendar----------------------------
Comprehensive lists of links to the websites of organizations and congresses

Timely Topics In Medicine - Respiratory Diseases

The Rocky Mountains, With COPD, Using Oxygen And A Small Scooter by Mike Mann

2007-08-13T13:18:00.000-04:00

Lassen Volcanic (8,500') and Yellowstone (7,500') National Parks and Five Great Museums in Cody (5,000'), Wyoming

This is the inspiring story of a trip taken by Mike Mann - not a man to take "no" for an answer!

"This adventure actually began in the spring of 2006. Fran's sister who had been living in Concord, CA had purchased land in Alturas CA and built a new log home on it. It had been a couple of years since Fran had seen her sister Jo Anne, and we discussed a driving trip out since I had hated flying before and would probably find it near impossible with my COPD requirements. I had lived in New Mexico and west Texas for about eighteen years and hoped to also use the trip to take Fran to some new spots that we we not able to make on a western trip several years ago. If you have any interest in that trip the write up and photos are at http://millians.home.mindspring.com/latest_stuff.htm
I was already not to satisfied with my pulmonologist and when I queried him about the trip his response was, "Absolutely not! If you try going to 5,000 feet or more you might as well go home, get in bed and die. The trip would be too difficult for you and "I" would not be there when you got in trouble." This response did not improve my poor opinion of his abilities as a doctor for me. I want someone who will explain the risk and problems to me then leave the decision to me. If I decide I want to do something then I want a doctor to supply help and support not one that tells me to "Go home, get in bed and die!"

Reading on in Mikes Story, you will find that he eventually connects with a doctor with a completely different philosophy : "Life is too short to start, 'not doing' the things that you want to do.".

Mike' trip was successful, his story is an inspiration, the photographs are spectacular. You can see all of it on Mike's webpage Here.

Once you've read about Mike's adventure, why not think a little more about traveling with COPD? Here are a couple of articles to help you on your way.

Travel and COPD - an article from the Canadian Lung Association

Another article from the American Lung Association

and
Traveling Tips for People with COPD

Five for Friday - Check These Out!

2007-08-10T13:12:00.001-04:00

One
Lori Palermo was featured on Google Blog Alerts this morning for the beautiful photo montage she did in tribute to her Dad:

Google Blogs Alert for: COPD, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung disease
The Love of a Family - by Lori Palermo
By Love Your Lungs Breathe For Life(Love Your Lungs Breathe For Life) For those of you who do not know, my dad passed away 26 December 2003 after a 13 year battle with COPD/Emphysema. Since that time I became very involved in lung disease and smokefree living work. In June 2006, on Father's Day, ...
Welcome To My Little Corner Of The World - http://sandyellen.blogspot.com/

Two Joan Costello has put together a great edition of the COPD Support Newsletter for this week. Here's the list of articles you can find in the online edition at Web version of the News: http://copd-support1.com/news.html

-EMPHYSEMA OVERVIEW
-HOW DOES CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AFFECT BREATHING ?
-CHRONIC BRONCHITIS CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
-REHAB PROGRAMS CAN HELP PULMONARY DISEASE VICTIMS
-CENTER WATCH TRIALS CA, FL, IA, IL, KS, MI, MN, NC,OH, PA
-POTENTIALLY HARMFUL DRUG SAMPLES
-WORK-RELATED DISEASE SURVEILLANCE REPORT,
-FATIGUE IN CHRONIC ILLNESS RESEARCH STUDY
-POSITIVE RESULTS PHASE 2a CLINICAL TRIAL OF 5-HT2B ANTAGONIST IN PATIENTS
WITH PH ASSOCIATED WITH COPD
-IMMUNE SYSTEMS BOOSTERS-ONE OF THE BIGGEST SCAMS AROUND
-MISCELLANEOUS

Be sure to visit the newsletter archives to check out past issues you may have missed.

Three My friend Linda at the land of lin has been making some very creative posts on her blog this week - I'm loving it!

Four Russ (my husband) has changed the focus of his site from PC techno geek to COPD Spouse. (he's still willing to answer your computer questions for free 'cause he's just that kind of guy!)

and Five I've begun a community journaling project over at my journal blog. Please come on over, pick a topic, any topic and add an entry.
I need some company - I'm tired of writing alone!

Everything Respiratory Magazine - Summer 2007

2007-08-09T13:12:00.000-04:00

The Summer 2007 edition of Everything Respiratory has been released and is available for download here.

There's a whole bunch of great stuff in this issue - check out the Table of Contents!

This Issue In Everything Respiratory

COPD
Indoor Air Quality and COPD
Colorado COPD Coalition
Alpha-1 Patients Story
Living Well with COPD

TRAVEL
Up, Up and Away: Hooray
“All Aboard” Riding the Rails
Cruising on Oxygen
Taking Off With Oxygen

ASTHMA
On Vacation with Allergies and Asthma

ALLERGIES
Gardening with Allergies

LEGISLATION
View From the Hill

INTERNATIONAL
Severe COPD (John Kirtley’s Story)

SLEEP DISORDERS
The ZZZZZZZ’S Have It
CPAP Unmasked
Sleep Odyssey

RARE LUNG DISEASE
Mike Nichols Fund of Hope
Hope on the Horizon – Pulmonary Fibrosis

NUTRITION/EXERCISE
Yoga: A Practice for All Seasons
Nutrition in COPD (Dr. Petty)
SPECIAL INTEREST
Time to Clear the Air
Ozone and Your Lung Health
AIRNow
Radon
Oxygen Myths & Misconceptions
Clearing the Air
Cleaning Tips

PERSONAL INTEREST
Respiratory Hero – John Walsh
ER Mail Box
Youth Corner – (Chad Nilsen)
Alpha-1/COPD Education Days
Healthy Lung Events
Product Reviews
Book Nook

Participate In An Online Study Regarding Adults With Chronic Illness

2007-08-08T13:21:00.000-04:00

From my EFFORTS group mail this morning -

At the Centre for Postgraduate Nursing, Otago University, New Zealand,we are conducting an online study looking at fatigue in adults with any chronic illness, including emphysema.

We would be very grateful if you would consider passing onto your members details about the study and the URL:
http://www.fatiguestudy.org
The site contains two templates - one for a survey and the other for submitting a personal story. People are welcome to complete either or both of these. These will take around 15 minutes to complete.

We are hoping to gain a better understanding of the nature of fatigue
across different chronic conditions.

Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Margaret

Exercise - Every Move Counts!

2007-08-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

We've just finished up a week of vacation (?), a week spent moving from one side of our house to the other. It's a long story - enough to say that my husband and I share our home with my daughter and her daughter and the shift will benefit everyone.

Part of the switch included the bathrooms. Our bathroom will now be in the finished lower level, down a flight of stairs.
Our kitchen is an add-on, it also has three steps down to enter.
Of course if I'm not feeling well or even just feeling too lazy to use the stairs there is no reason I can't share the upstairs bathroom with my daughter, but there is a real advantage to this arrangement.

Stairs are great exercise!

In fact most household activities provide exercise. Here are a few links I found to help you
Sneak Extra Exercise Into Your Life Cleaning up, goofing off, even shopping – do these activities count as exercise? You bet they do. Learn some new ways to sneak extra exercise into your life by making the most of the movements you do every day.

Healthy Living - Exercise in Your Daily Activities

and Bits Of Exercise Add Up To Better Health