PERF, The Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation, is a small but vigorous non-profit foundation.  We are dedicated to providing help, and general information for those with chronic respiratory disease through education, research, and information.  This publication is one of the ways we do that.  The Second Wind is not intended to be used for, or relied upon, as specific advice in any given case.  Prior to initiating or changing any course of treatment based on the information you find here, it is essential that you consult with your physician.  We hope you find this newsletter of interest and of help

PERF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard Casaburi, Ph.D., M.D., President
Alvin Grancell, Vice President
Mary Burns, R.N., B.S., Executive V. P.
Jean Hughes, Treasurer
Thomas L. Petty, M.D.
Jeanne Rife
Alvin Hughes
Barbara Jean Borak
Brian L. Tiep, M.D. 
Peter D. Pettler
KEY WORDS: Pulmonary rehabilitation in Norway, Russia, Hungary and Japan, Famous Examples of Misguided Logic, Spiriva, NONIN Pulse Oximeter

NEWS

  • If you are on our mailing list (subscribe@perf2ndwind.org) you already know the big news we have been waiting for. The good news is that on June 5th Spiriva (Tiotropium Bromide) will at last come on the American market. The bad news, as expected, is that it will not exactly be cheap; costing about $3.00 a day. However, one dose of Spiriva will probably eliminate multiple doses of other inhalers you may be taking. This inhaler is useful only for those with COPD and apparently is not effective in asthma. Check with your physician to see if this medication is appropriate for you.
  • Alvin Grancell told us that he was able to get a Nonin pulse oximeter without a prescription for $325 from Med-Electronics, Inc. Telephone (301) 345-8826. In calling this number, we were told that the price was less if ordered through the Website, http://www.web-electronics.com. The price listed there was $287.77 plus shipping and tax if applicable. It is worth checking out for yourself if you are considering getting an oximeter.

DONATIONS

PERF would like to thank the following people for remembering us with their donations: 

  • Dr. Richard Casaburi donated the honorarium he received for his wonderful talk to CSPR.
  • Another donation was made to the Jerry Donatoni memorial by Stella Donatoni. 
  • L. A. County Dept. of  Health Services, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program: 
         Jackie & Ken Rubinwitch made a memorial donation for Dorothy Zahner.

Until next time, stay well!

Do you have a question about respiratory disease that has been bothering you? 
If so, feel free to write and ask us, either through our web site or by mail.
We answer all of your letters.
Last update:
26 May 2004
Address:
PERF
Box 1133 Lomita, California 90717-5133
Fax   (310) 539 - 8390
Tel (310) 539-8390