The Lahey Clinic COPD Center’s FREE seminar series
We are currently halfway through our Spring series, with three more sessions to go!
Note: Each session is independent -
WHEN
May 15, 2012, 2:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M.
COPD & Rehabilitation – Kara Schworm MS, PT, CCS & Jon Kelley PT
Diet & COPD – by Holy Williams MS, RD, LDN
May 22, 2012, 2:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M.
Coping with Lifestyle & Psychological Challenges Related to COPD – Lyle Kantor, PhD
Living Proactively with COPD: Planning for the Future – Lisa Catalano, MSW, LICSW
May 29, 2012, 2:00 P.M – 4:00 P.M.
Conclusion: Additional information on oxygen equipment, POCs & concentrators, Your caregiver, and additional support. – Chip Gatchell, COPD-International.
WHERE:
Lahey Clinic Philanthropy, Conference Room
3rd Floor
25 Mall Rd
Burlington, MA
For more information, call (781) 744-COPD (2673)
Helping those of us with COPD with insight and information about future decisions.
In the personal experiences section of our library on the main website are two articles on hospice experiences written by former members of our COPD International Community. They have left a very special footprint in the hearts and minds of those of us who were blessed to have known them. Their legacy is here for all.
The Hospice Story by Betty Baareman
Ken and Betty, like many before them, have quietly left a mark on our COPD community that can never be matched. As Ken and Betty took us into their lives at the most trying time of all, they shared their most private thoughts and feelings. From fears, to small victories, to glimpses of the people who came to help — we all gained a greater understanding of what lies ahead. Very early in Betty’s writings, she asked Ken, “do I be careful what I write or do I continue to pour my heart out”, and he said, “pour your heart out. http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Hospice-story.htm
The Hospice Experience (A Patient’s Perspective) by Larry Taylor.
This gift to all COPD patients will help us all to better understand and prepare for dealing with the life limiting aspects of the disease. http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Hospice-experience.htm
The current article, My Journey, is being written by Mary Radawski.�
Mary, a long time, active member of our COPD International community, provides a unique window into her thoughts and feelings as she takes us with her on her current journey through the hospice program. Follow her at: http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Hospice-MyJourney.htm
Should high risk ex-smokers get annual CT scans?
Within segments of the medical profession, consensus is starting to build that long-time (high risk)smokers should have annual CT-based screening to reduce their risk of dying from lung cancer.
Part of this is based on a National Lung Screening Trial which found a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality and a 6.7% reduction in all-cause mortality associated with CT screening. Off setting that though was the finding that 95% of abnormal scans were found to show nonmalignant lesions, leading to potential harm from generalizations and false-positives resulting in unnecessary additional procedures.
Low dose CT scans are favored over the traditional X-ray since they provide much greater resolution with their improved sensitivity, which enables them to detect more tumors, smaller tumors, and earlier-stage tumors. This then offers the opportunity of earlier and possibly more effective treatment.
In the reports, high-risk is considered either someone 55-74 with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years and who had smoked within the previous 15 years — or a person 50 and older with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years and another risk factors such as work related exposures etc.
Several organizations agree on this, and it is currently under review at the Journal of the American Medical Association.
COPD Education Series – Free to all – Burlington, MA
The Lahey Clinic’s COPD Center six-week seminar series is designed to educate and inform the public about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Each session will include two topics with lecturers drawn from various departments at Lahey Clinic, with the view that COPD is a complex disease that is best managed by experts from a variety of disciplines.
The lectures are FREE to the public, and all patients, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
COPD International is an active participant in these presentations.
Location (note new location):
Lahey Clinic
25 Mall Road – - FREE Parking
3rd Floor - Philanthropy Conference Room
Burlington, MA 01805
2:00pm – 4:00pm EDT
Schedule:
- Apr 24, 2012 – Session 1
Topic 1: Introduction to COPD – Chip Gatchell
Topic 2: What is COPD? – Dr Timothy Wu - May 1, 2012 – Session 2
Topic 1: Medications for COPD – Leslie Mitchell, PharmD
Topic 2: COPD: Are there nonmedical interventions? – Dr. Timothy Wu - May 8, 2012 – Session 3
Topic 1: Everything You Wanted to Know about Oxygen – Ivette Molina, RRT
Pulmonary Function Testing. – Lissa Judd, CRTT
Topic 2: Smoking Cessation – Eleana M. Conway, NP - May 15, 2012 – Session 4
Topic 1: COPD and Rehabilitation – Kara Schworm MS, PT, CCS & Jon Kelley PT
Topic 2: Diet and COPD – Holly Williams MS, RD, LDN - May 22, 2012 – Session 5
Topic 1: Coping with Lifestyle and Psychological Challenges Related to COPD -
Lyle Kantor, PhD
Topic 2: Living Proactively with COPD: Planning for the Future -
Lisa Catalano, MSW, LICSW - May 29, 2012 – Session 6
Topic: Conclusion – Chip Gatchell
includes additional information on Portable Oxygen equipment & POC’s
Care of your caregiver
Additional support
Closing comments.
For more information, contact webmaster at COPD-International.com
or
Visit www.lahey.org… or call 781-744-COPD (2673).
The cost of running an oxygen concentrator.
The cost of electricity to operate your oxygen concentrator may be a medical deduction for your tax returns. To compute the cost, do the following:
Look at the label on your concentrator. It states the number of volts and amps the concentrator uses. For this example, we will use 115 volts at 4 amps.
Then you calculate the number of kilowatt (KW) hours per year as follows:
1) Compute the number of watts
115 volts x 4 amps = 460 watts (W)
2) to convert this to kilowatt hours
460 W x .001 KW/W = .46 KW
3) to compute the number of killowatt hours used.
For this example, we are assuning that the concentrator runs 24 hours per day, every day of the year.
. 46 KW x 24 H/day x 365 days/year
= 4,029.6 KWH/Y
4)Multiply the above result by the cost per KWH for electricity.
You can call your electric company for the cost for your area.
Using 11.04 cents for this example (the average for all U.S. in 2010)
4,029.6 KWH/Y x $0.1104/KWY = $444.87 (the yearly cost)
Check with your tax preparer to see if this along with any other medical expenses which you pay for can be used in your US tax return,
Proper priming and cleaning of your MDI (metered dose inhaler)
The first time you use a new MDI, and also after a period of non use, you will need to prime your inhaler. Today’s inhalers, unlike those of the past, may have different requirements for both the number of puffs for priming and also the timing and conditions for repriming. Proper priming will help make sure you get the full dose once you get ready to use the inhaler.
To prime your MDI, remove the cap, shake the inhaler, and then spray it away from you.
The chart “Priming Requirements” lists the priming requirements for many of the more common medicines. If your inhaler is not listed, the instructions that came with your inhaler will give you the needed information.
Salter Labs 7600 Bubble Humidifier Recall
A manufacturing defect was discovered in certain lots of the Salter Labs 7600 Bubble Humidifiers, which could cause the humidifier lid to fail to pop off at the intended pressure.
Units involved include Model numbers 7600-0-50, E7600-0-50, and NP7600-0-50.
Also included may be units with the following brand names: Salter Labs, AdvaCare, Allcare Medical, Memorial Home Services, Therapy Support Inc., Mendo-Lake Home Respiratory Services, MedAssurance Inc., or Abundant Home Care
If there is a pop off, the brass slug does not always reseat correctly which can then cause the humidifier to leak. This can result in incorrect supplemental oxygen flow, with possible hypoxemia which could have serious adverse health consequences.
More Than 50 Medicines in Development for COPD
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America released a report today which states that companies are currently working on 54 medicines for the threatment of COPD.
These biopharmaceutical researchers are exploring various new ways to attack COPD. Examples include:
- An adult stem cell therapy that targets a protein in the blood that is often elevated in COPD.
- A monoclonal antibody that acts on IL-1 receptors involved in inflammatory conditions.
- A medicine that targets the underlying inflammation in COPD.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) members include the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies,
Medicare Open Enrollment ends Wednesday – Dec 7th 2011.
It’s time to compare plans to make sure you have the right health and prescription drug coverage for you.
Stay with your current plan if you’re happy with it, or look for a new one with better coverage, higher quality, and lower cost.
Attention New Hampshire-ites! A COPD Awareness day event!
The LUNGS, “Let Us Not Give Up Support Group”, is having a special presentation for World COPD Day
COPD: The Essentials
Presenters: Dr. Albee Budnitz, Pulmonologist & Chip Gatchell, COPD International
Nov. 16, 1-3 PM, 145 Hollis Street, Manchester, NH
open to all