Respiratory News A two-step flu vaccine using DNA to “prime” the immune system and then a traditional seasonal influenza vaccine may be able to protect against all strains of the virus – providing that long-sought “universal” flu vaccine, U.S. researchers said recently. The team at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases…
Product Corner We learn of a new book from Theresa, a reader from North Carolina – What You Should Know About Asthma and Other Lung Diseases, authored by Dr. Nicholas DiFilippo. Theresa recommends the book to people with loved ones dealing with chronic lung problems to gain a better understanding of what it…
High Calorie Supplemental Shake People with COPD burn many times the calories just to breathe compared to those with normal lungs and can lose excessive amounts of weight in the process. Folks who need to gain weight may find it easier, and more delicious along the way, if they try the World…
Traveling News In the January-February 2010 Pulmonary Paper, you advised getting a seat with an electric plug-in outlet on an aircraft so we could use/charge our POCs. The websites you mentioned were very helpful in other ways. It has come to my attention that those outlets are generally only available in First Class or Business…
Sharing the Health Jeri from Minnesota writes, “Many former smokers who develop COPD can fall into the trap of depression and self-blame. Rather than wallow in this kind of attitude, I realized that the best medicine for me is being with others. I have lunch with friends and visit people in a nursing…
Respiratory Care Reports A recent study in Respiratory Care reports the benefits of using non-invasive ventilation while doing your exer- cises in a pulmonary rehabilitation program compared to using supplemental oxygen only. Non-invasive ventilation supports your lungs through a mask or nasal pillow as CPAP users know. It was also reported that…
Strive for Your Optimal BMI Researchers collecting dietary information and measuring body mass index (BMI) and upper and lower body strength in patients with severe COPD found BMI was positively associated with upper and lower body strength. Total daily caloric, protein and carbohydrate intakes were pos- itively related to both upper and…
Beta-blockers Recommended for COPD A large observational study was reported in Archives of Internal Medicine involving 2,230 patients with COPD and the co-morbidities of hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Researchers found beta- blockers used in this population resulted in a lower risk for exacerbations and improved survival, possibly as a result of combined cardiopulmonary…
iPhone Breathing App Coming in January For those with iPhones, a new application will be available as a free download in January 2011. iBreathe will provide video-based instruction that explains the body’s reaction to stressors and how belly breathing can reduce stress. The application includes illustrative examples, narrated exercises, practice sessions, pre/post stress…
Ask Mark EFFORTS members who are con- sidering having a lung transplant ask Mark to define ‘lung allocation score’. Mark replies, Every lung transplant candidate, age 12 and older, receives an individualized lung allocation score. This score is an important factor in determining priority for receiving a lung transplant when a donor lung…