COPD Info

Drive4COPD

Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and partnered with NASCAR, the American Lung Association and The COPD Foundation, this new, multi year intiative is a national public health campaign that aims to find the "missing millions" of people who may have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and don't even know it.

The campaign includes:

--DRIVE4COPD 300, the first NASCAR Nationwide Series™ race of the season

--"Race for the Missing Millions," a star-studded four-day cross-country "race" to identify the millions of people who may be at risk for COPD and don't know it

--44 local "Pit Stop" COPD screening events

--Public service announcements

--An original campaign song, "Drive," composed by country music star Patty Loveless

Led by Danica Patrick, the rest of the star studded race team includes Bruce Jenner, Patty Loveless, Jim Belushi and Michael Strahan.

Much more information including the stars schedules at: http://drive4copd.com

Members of the COPD community often ask if the electricity used to power an oxygen concentrator is tax deductable.

The cost of electricity to operate your oxygen concentrator may be a medical deduction. Compute the cost then ask whoever prepares your tax return.

To compute the cost, do the following:

1. Look at the label on your concentrator. It states the number of volts and amps the concentrator uses.

The example uses 115 volts at 4 amps.

2. Calculate the number of kilowatt (KW) hours per year.

115 volts x 4 amps = 460 watts (W)
460 W x .001 KW/W = .46 KW
. 46 KW x 24 H/day x 365 days/year
= 4,029.6 KWH/Y

3. Multiply the above result by the cost per KWH for electricity. You can get this from your electric company. In this example we used 8 cents per kilowatt hour.

4,029.6 KWH/Y x $0.08/KWY = $322.37

This is provided by www.portableoxygen.org

NEW - CAREGIVERS WINDOW, moderated by Ray Ritchey - Features a blend of his hard learned lessons as he cared for his wife (Tippy) combined with questions and answers submitted in the caregivers message board.

Visit the caregivers message board for posts by Ray (Tippy2) and more information..

The message board for caregivers, along with the other message boards can be accessed from the link at:
http://www.copd-international.com/messageboards.htm

January 6, 2010
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that passengers needing medical oxygen now have the option of using four additional portable oxygen concentrators while traveling, bringing the total number of approved units to 11.

Added today:
- DeVilbiss Healthcare’s iGo
- International Biophysics Corporation’s LifeChoice
- Inogen’s Inogen One G2
- Oxlife’s Independence Oxygen Concentrator

The FAA previously approved these portable oxygen concentrators for use:
- Delphi Medical Systems RS-00400
- Invacare XPO2
- AirSep Lifestyle
- AirSep Freestyle
- Inogen One
- SeQual Eclipse
- Respironics EverGo

More Information aslo at: www.PortableOxygen.org

Without his efforts and those of his close associates, COPD protocols and treatments would be years behind where they are now. The COPD Community has lost one of its greatest teachers and friend.

Dr. Tom was there for us all - including physicians, therapists, nurses, caregivers, and especially patients.

As a physician with COPD, he taught us by his own example and experience. His leadership in COPD education in all areas, including testing, early diagnosis, rehab, and the use of supplemental oxygen, is unparalleled.

He will be missed by all in the COPD world.

Read the full tribute at:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/newsletter.htm

The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a new questionnaire for people with COPD which is designed to measure the impact of COPD.

Unlike diagnostic procedures such as Spirometry, the CAT, with its eight simple questions, is designed to evaluate the impact of COPD on the patients quality of life. With a scoring range of 0 to 40, it acts as an additional guide for the patient and the heallthcare provider for COPD management by identifying specific areas with the greatest negative impact. Its overall evaluation divides the results into 4 levels on impact (low, medium, high and very high)

Read more, and take the test at http://catestonline.org

Wednesday, November 18th is the eighth annual World COPD Day. World COPD day is held each November to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worldwide.

This years theme, "Breathless Not Helpless!" raises awareness that, for people who have not been diagnosed, being short of breath at times is a signal that they should see their doctor for a lung function test. It also emphasizes the fact that effective treatments are mow available for people who have been diagnosed with COPD.

The earlier COPD is detected, the more effective treatment can be. Medicines for COPD alleviate symptoms of breathlessness so that patients can participate more fully in daily life. Patients may be able to slow or even stop the progress of COPD by reducing their exposure to risk factors for the disease.

In a quote in th NIH News by Dr. James P. Kiley, Ph.D., director, NHLBI Division of Lung Diseases, "People at risk of developing the disease need to know what the disease looks and feels like, and most importantly, to understand that it can be treated. The key is to get tested and start treatment as soon as possible."

Help spread this message

Attend a COPD event
there are many events held during this, COPD Awareness Month

Send an E-Card
"Know someone who may be at risk for COPD?" is an e-card that shows your support and encourage them to learn more and get a simple breathing test.

"4 Reasons I Want You to Know About COPD" is an ecard telling friends that you are living with COPD, and why you want them to learn more.

To access your free COPD E-Cards, Visit: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/copdcards.htm

Volunteer - reach out and educate - share your story

Get up and Get out -- be active and visible.

The COPD Center seminar series is designed to educate and inform the public about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Each session covers two topics with lecturers drawn from various departments at Lahey Clinic.

Tonight (Thursday) - 5:00 - 7:00 pm

This weeks topics:
--- 1) Coping with Lifestyle and Psychological Challenges Related to COPD
--- 2) Living Proactively with COPD

It is free and open to ALL patients with COPD, caregivers, and the interested public.

Lahey Clinic Medical Center
41 Mall Road, Burlington
Library Conference Room

Questions or referrals can be made by calling (781) 744-COPD.

The COPD Center seminar series is designed to educate and inform the public about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Each session will cover two topics with lecturers drawn from various departments at Lahey Clinic.

Thursday evenings - 5:00 - 7:00 pm

This weeks topics:
--- 1) COPD and Rehabilitation
--- 2) Diet and COPD

It is free and open to ALL patients with COPD, caregivers, and the interested public.

Lahey Clinic Medical Center
41 Mall Road, Burlington
Library Conference Room

Questions or referrals can be made by calling (781) 744-COPD.

The first ever Country Conquers COPD event kicked off today (October 10, 2009) at the Country Music Hall of Fame Park. Free and open to the public, the event featured Country music artist Terri Clark.

There were drawings for the grand prize of a Gibson guitar, as well as tickets to the CMA Awards, plus other great prizes from Oreck, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and others.

The COPD Foundation's Mobile Spirometry Unit was on site to offer COPD screenings, and some of Nashville's leading lung health experts were on hand to offer information and answer questions about COPD.

Read More at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/get-involved/country-conquers-nashville.htm