s it too late to wish you a happy, and healthy New Year?  Of course not!  It is never too late for a wish like that.  Our Japanese friends tell us that that 2002 is the year of 0₂ and that it will be especially good for all of our friends on oxygen.  Sounds logical to me! 

Do you have an old family tradition of special foods that you faithfully prepare to help ensure health, and happiness in the New Year?  Some cultures traditionally have pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day.  All that vitamin C and B must have really helped their health in the old days.  Other cultures love lentils, while many of you with a Southern background firmly trust the benefits of black-eyed peas cooked all day with a ham hock.  If you have other traditions that you follow let us know and we'll pass them along next year in plenty of time to help our reader in 2003. 

Mary Burns tried two of the three traditions above, just to cover all bases, but she is looking in vain for some magic that will keep away the computer poltergeists for a while.  She had her usual computer collapse over the holidays so, if we missed or messed your name on anything, please let us know.

We didn't miss the names of Dave Nelson, Linda Burns and Ann Wentink, who made their contributions in honor of Mary.  She sends them her very special thanks.

Special thanks also to Chris Garvey and the Pulmonary Rehab program at Seaton Hospital in Daly City, Ca and The Second Wind Group of Mishowaka, IN for your generous donations.  They are really appreciated!

LincareInc and PERF board member, Craig Murga, became members of the Long Beach 500 with recent contribution to the Chair in the Rehabilitative Sciences.   You are members of a prestigious group!  Thank you.

Are you feeling guilty about all the chocolate you consumed over the holidays?  Well, we are here to help you feel better, aren't we?  A New Year's gift awaits you chocoholics on the last page.  Save this one for future guilt trips.  It is a special Letter from Tom just for you.  Read and enjoy, or eat and enjoy.  It's your call, but don't miss that last page!

Donations were made to PERF by Dr. & Mrs. Brian Tiep, Robert Zerfing, Yolanda Weiss, Galdino Salvador, Sam & Vickey Praw, Kathy Witta, Michele Petersen, Pamela Turiello, Ed Thomas, Dr. Bob Fallat, Keith Elledge, Mr. & Mrs. JE. Meneghello, Audrey Samardich, Weldon Kelly. 

We have had lots of phone calls and e-mail requests in response to our brief paragraph on Lung Volume Reduction surgery (LVRS) and the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT).  Because of all this interest we are republishing an article that recently appeared in the CTS NEWS of the California Thoracic Society, medical section of the American Lung Association of California.  Please contact CTS if you wish permission to reprint this article.