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EFFORTS  NEWSLETTER
JULY 2001

The following represents items that have been shown on our list by our members from time to time.  They contain information that might be of interest to some, but would normally be missed, as would other information, if one is not a regular subscriber of EFFORTS.  

The information shown, is not meant to include or omit any interested parties concepts or intent, but merely to inform.  In all cases, where possible, we have attempted to show the credits necessary in posting this information and apologize for the instances where this was accidentally omitted.  

The information included may be controversial to some, but is reported as information only.  It is our goal to help educate and inform folks, as much as possible, about what is being done specifically about research into COPD and related lung disease, as well as what could enhance discoveries about our disease through other seemingly unrelated research.  This includes drugs or resources  that might be discovered serendipitously or through "The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident".   
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This is your newsletter, please let us know how we can make it better :-)

Happy Birthday America

Your newsletter staff  wish you a very happy 4th and ask that whatever you may be doing for the holidays, please stay safe, and take the time to remember what this day is all about, Many people fought and died to make Freedom a Reality--- 

Sharon & Joan

Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian Members

Happy Memorial Day to our Newfoundland Members

SUBJECTS IN THIS ISSUE:

~~Word For July - "KINDNESS"~~

ASK THE DOCTOR
Dr. Ron Karpick, M.D, F.A.C.P., F.C.C.P.

Q: HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE VISIT?

A:  1) Make a list of your medications, including vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter materials.  Write the names and the strengths and how often you take each.  You should keep this list updated in your pocketbook or wallet in case you need it in an emergency.
     2) Write down the telephone number of your pharmacy.
       3)  List the medications for which you need new prescriptions. It is helpful to know if your insurance company pays for 30 days, 90 days or whatever.
        4)  Write down your questions for the doctor and if possible, make a copy to leave with the physician. Put your most important questions at the top, because you may not get to ask all of the questions during the visit. Your doctor may have his or her own agenda for the visit, but if you have questions or concerns, your most important questions should be answered. If all of the questions are not answered, ask if the Physician could call you with the answers or if you could make a follow up visit to get them answered.
      5)  Ask if your immunizations for influenza and pneumoccus are up to date.
      6)  Be on time for your appointment.  I do know the physician may be running late, but if you are late,   your time with the physician will be even shorter.   Take a book or something to fill the time in the waiting room.
      7)  Take someone with you back to the examining room. The extra pair of eyes and ears can be helpful in recalling what was discussed.  This person can be your spouse, child or good friend.

Ronald J. Karpick, M.D. (June 30, 2001)

ATROVENT AND ALLERGY TO PEANUTS      

Have you read the paper real close that comes in your Atrovent box?  It states Atrovent is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to soya lecithin or related food products such as soybean and peanuts!!!

HANDOUTS FOR PEOPLE THAT THINK WE LOOK TOO GOOD TO BE SICK:

Joan Esposito  and PJ made some great handouts for the Rally.  They were cards with a small straw attached and on the card instructions how to use the straw to see what it is like living with COPD/Emphysema.  JJ has graciously offered to send some to anyone who would like to have them as handouts, just send her a note (jespo@intac.com) .  You would be surprised at the look on the faces of those who try it :-).  When someone says "you don't look sick" just hand them one of these little cards and you won't have to say another word.

SUN AND MELANOMA    

Summer is here and along with it the warnings about sun and skin cancers.  We're  more careful and we're also more scared but we can be SMART.  Keep check on your skin.  To learn more check out the Mayo Clinic "What is Skin Cancer"  http://www.mayoclinic.com/home?id=DS00190.  This is a good site with photos of the different types of skin cancer.

INDIGENT PATIENT PROGRAM          

A new GlaxoSmithKline indigent patient program is under development. During this interim period, both Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham-heritage programs will continue to operate under their respective guidelines. GlaxoSmithKline will continue the tradition of both previous companies to provide needed medicines to people who cannot afford product and who do not have access to government or private insurance prescription programs.  http://ipp.gsk.com/

LEG CRAMP       

More tips for dealing with leg cramps....this time it's salt...pour some table salt in the palm of your hand and rub vigorously on the site.  We are told that the cramp will dissipate in just a few minutes. 

COUGH CONCOCTION      

Found this article in the "Pulmonary Paper as submitted by Dorothy Bollinger from Melbourne, FL: 

16oz whole milk, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon tumeric.  Simmer for 45 minutes and strain.  You may take a few tablespoons at a time, either warm or cold.  

 New Booklet from GOLD   

Gold has a new booklet called a pocket guide for Drs. and Nurses Called Global Initiative for COPD.  They have little boxes at the top of the page that you can click on for a description
http://www.goldcopd.com

HMO RATES CLIMB AGAIN BY 2002    
By Liz Kowalczyk, Globe Staff, 6/21/01  Companies and their employees can expect significant increases in their health insurance premiums for the fourth consecutive year in 2002, as prescription drug costs climb even higher, patients demand ultra fast imaging tests, and hospitals and doctors win bigger fees,
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/172/nation/HMO_rates_climb_again_for_2002+.shtml  

GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF LUNGS    

If you'd like to see the difference in normal and diseased lungs, take a look at these photos. 
http://www-medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/LUNGHTML/LUNGIDX.html   

ALA AND 3M OFFER NEW FREE BOOKLET ON HEALTHY HOUSE 

The American Lung Association Health House Project and 3M have just released a Guide for Healthier Home Remodeling.  To obtain a copy of this new booklet free of charge, send an email request with your name and mailing address to 3mfiltrete@3mservice.montagenet.com or call 800-388-3458.  According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five urgent environmental risks to public health.  Dirty indoor air may pose an even greater risk for those living in the midst of a major home renovation.  That's because common renovation and remodeling tasks -- such as sanding, sawing, painting and putting up drywall -- often release dust and other tiny particles in the air.  As part of an ongoing educational partnership to raise awareness about indoor air quality issues, the American Lung Association Health House Project and 3M have just released "A Guide for Healthier Home Remodeling."

BONE DENSITY MAY SIGNAL BREAST CANCER RISK  

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bone density may serve as an indicator of breast cancer risk, according to a study that found older women with high bone density were about two times more likely to develop tumors.  The study, appearing Wednesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, followed the health history of 8,905 women who were 65 or older and free of breast cancer. After six years, the study found, those who scored highest on three types of bone mineral density tests were also more likely to develop breast cancer.    http://www.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/06/19/bone.density.ap/index.html

SENIORS ON THE GO       

The following site seems to have some interesting information for "Seniors on the go".  On the left side of the screen click on HEALTH and it has some good Medicare info. 

http://www.zelgo.com/

GRAPHIC PHOTO LVRS

At the request of one of our members we found one photo of LVRS being performed.

http://www.cheshire-med.com/programs/pulrehab/lvrs.html

GOVERNMENT MAY OWE YOU MONEY    

Check out this site, you can enter your current residence and also former residence. Never know, you might have some money coming to you...Good Luck :-)

http://www.governmentguide.com/consumer_services/owemoney.adp

IF YOU COME ACROSS A NEWS ITEM OR ANY OTHER ITEM THAT YOU FEEL WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO OUR GROUP, PLEASE FORWARD TO SHARONGY@AOL.COM OR JESPO@INTAC.COM FOR INCLUSION IN OUR NEWSLETTER...We graciously accept your comments and yep, even your complaints :-)

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06/22/01
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