Calling Dr Bauer Dear Dr Bauer: I have emphysema, but by following my doctor’s instructions to a “T”, I do well. I have heard that people with emphysema should receive a pneumonia shot more often that every five years. Is this true? F.G., Trinidad, TX The pneumonia vaccine is currently recommended for all patients 65…
Respiratory News The American College of Physicians now recommends a shingles vaccine for all adults 60 or older. Zostavax from Merck has been available for two years. Studies have shown it can significantly reduce the occurrence and pain of the disease. This is a live virus vaccine so be sure to ask your physician if…
Product Corner Humidifiers and Purifiers: Know the Facts The February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports contained an article that discussed the Venta-Airwasher which claims to be a humidifier and purifier in one unit. The manufac- turer says their product would trap “even the very finest particles, as small as 10 microns.” In reality, a 10…
Traveling Tales Sequal and the SeaPuffers The SeaPuffers are people who happen to use supple- mental oxygen and share a desire to travel with their families and friends. Sequal Technologies Inc. is a company who makes the Eclipse, the portable oxygen concentrator (POC) that is capable of continuous flow. The two got together on a…
Legislative Update Washington, DC has had hundreds of visits, letters and calls from oxygen users, respi- ratory therapists, home care companies and others concerned with Medicare coverage of oxygen. As you know, in December 2005, a rul- ing was passed as part of the Deficient Reduction Act, that transfers ownership of your oxygen concentrator from…
Traveling Tales Airline Oxygen Barbara Bennett flew to Las Vegas on Delta Air- lines recently and paid $400 to use airline oxygen roundtrip. A few minutes before boarding her return flight to Tampa, she was told there was no oxygen available after all and the airline supplied a room, breakfast and concentrator rental until the…
Images of Romance Valentine’s Day brings up images of romance. Have you been afraid to be intimate with your loved one because you may become short of breath? Your idea of being sexually attractive does not include having a cannula on your face? No fear, we are going to give you lessons! We like how…
Tax Tips Tax time is right around the corner. If you are an oxygen user, you may be able to take the cost of the elec- tricity used to operate your concentrator as a medical deduction. Check with whoever prepares your annual income tax return if you can, or would, benefit from taking this deduction.…
Butt Out! If your New Year’s resolution is to snuff out cigarettes, there is help and support out there for you. The Amer- ican Lung Association has conducted their Freedom From Smoking program for many years for those interested in quitting. They have now made it easier to attend at no cost! The organization has…
Feelings In January 2004, I was diagnosed with lung cancer and told I could not have surgery because of my COPD. After going through pulmonary rehabilitation, I did have the surgery and chemotherapy and am now cancer free. I am on oxygen 24/7 now, but I still play my clarinet, saxophone and flute. I play…