What Pro2 is Up2

A humidifier is a container that is filled with distilled water and attached to your oxygen concentrator to add moisture to the oxygen that you are breathing in.

If you are using a humidifier, it is essential that it is kept clean at all times. Bacteria can grow in the water or on wet surfaces of the humidifier. These bacteria can then cause an infection in your lungs.

It is also important to use distilled water and not tap water. Tap water contains minerals that will form deposits in the jar and the diffuser which could cause a blockage in flow leading to a malfunction.

Daily humidifier care:

- Wash your hands before refilling the humidifier.
- Empty, rinse, and refill your humidifier every day. Do not pass the maximum fill line!
- Avoid touching any internal part of the humidifier while refilling or disinfecting it.
- To avoid leaks, be sure to screw the top on properly and be sure the fitting is tightly attached to the oxygen unit.

Twice a week:

- Clean and disinfect your humidifier.
- Wash the humidifier in warm soapy water.
- After washing, submerge in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. Allow to soak for at least 40 minutes.
- After soaking, washing your hands and remove the humidifier from the solution. Rinse thoroughly.

Be sure to discard your humidifier after one month and use a new one.

COPD has traditionally been thought of as a "man's disease". But since 2000, the number of women suffering from it has risen. Now it stands as the third leading cause of death in the United States, and more women are losing their lives to the disease than ever before.

New data shows over half of women with COPD in the United States aren't even aware that they have it. It's important that, if you suspect a problem, you speak to your physician immediately.

If you have been diagnosed, summer weather can be a difficult time to manage your symptoms. Here are a several tips to help you do just that.

- Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is light in color and sunscreen.
- Plan your activities around peak sun times. Early morning or late in the evening are the best times to be outside as it is usually not as hot. Pay attention to weather reports.
- Keep cool in an air conditioned building. If you don't have air conditioning, spend time at places that do like the library, mall, or a friend's home.
- Avoid strenuous exercise on hot, humid days. If you want or need to exercise, make sure to do it in an air conditioned facility.
- Take all medications as prescribed by your physician.
- Have friends or family members call twice a day during the hot summer months to make sure you're ok.

Source: COPD: The Heat is On. About.com COPD. Retrieved July 8, 2013 from http://copd.about.com/od/complicationsofcopd/a/copdandsummer.htm.

The results of the Round 2 competitive bidding program are raising red flags when it comes to patient care. This program will go into effect on July 1, 2013, so the time to speak out is now.

People for Quality Care analyzed 17 Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) throughout the country and found that on average, bid-winning medical equipment providers were located more than 500 miles from the center of that geographic area. Senior citizens and people with disabilities throughout the CBA will be required to get their medical equipment from far away.

This leads to many concerns by beneficiaries and People for Quality Care that medical equipment will be delivered to beneficiaries without assistance from a professionally trained provider. Interviews of beneficiaries from Round 1 already show that, in some areas of the country, providers are spending less time inside the homes of beneficiaries. That time, used to instruct the patient how to use and maintain the equipment, is no longer available because of an influx of Medicare patients assigned to providers in larger delivery areas. Here are some of their other concerns:

• Delays in receiving equipment will disrupt the health and lives of beneficiaries and caregivers.
• Delays in receiving equipment will cause increased visits to the ER or hospitalization.
• The trusting, personal relationship formed between beneficiary and provider will be gone.

The graphs below summarize their analysis, which includes the following bidding areas:

Wichita, KS, Colorado Springs, CO, Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Milwaukee- Waukesha - West Allis, WI, Minneapolis - St. Paul - Bloomington, MN-WI, Omaha, Council Bluffs, NE-IA, Detroit-Warren-Liyonia, MI, Flint, MI, Grand Rapids - Wyoming, MI, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA, Augusta - Richmond County, GA-SC, Chattanooga, TN-GA, Central - Chicago Metro CBA, Northern - Chicago Metro CBA, Southwest - Chicago Metro CBA, St. Louis, MO

It's not too late to voice your opinion about this issue. After the graphs is a link for you to contact your Congress person in support of H.R. 1717.





Take Action!

H.R. 1717, the Market Pricing Program Act of 2013, was introduced by Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), and it needs support. The bill will repeal the current competitive bidding program that is causing a variety of problems for Medicare beneficiaries and replace it with the Market Pricing Program (MPP). The MPP will create better access to medical equipment and service. Read more about the Market Pricing Program.

Please take a moment to email your representative now and ask them to sign the bill. It's as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Click on this link.
2. Review the letter and add your own opinions if you like.
3. Add your personal information and send.

Reprinted with permission from People for Quality Care.

There has been some exciting news for patients suffering from pulmonary problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A study released last year by The Saban Research Institute has isolated an enzyme critical to lung function.

This enzyme, which they have named Eya1, is a protein phosphatase and has been identified as being integral in regulating lung epithelial. This enzyme also helps regulate other molecules and proteins which are critical to optimal lung function.

Future testing and studies will need to be done, but right now it is thought that manipulating the enzyme's activity may aid in lung tissue regeneration which may improve the condition of patients suffering from asthma or COPD.

The study was published here in the Journal of Cell Science.

Also in the news recently, a protein linked to COPD exacerbation, a compound found in blue-green algae, and the PKC enzyme, which could all help with COPD treatment.

There are some things oxygen patients may want to consider as nicer weather approaches. Read below for tips and suggestions.

1) If you are making plans to travel, feel free to call us to discuss your needs. Make sure to do this at least two weeks in advance so we can work with you to secure any arrangements that need to be made at your destination. Many airlines now require a form letter to be filled out by your physician. You can find this letter on the airline's website. It is very important to complete this paperwork as you may be turned away at the boarding gate without it.

2) Pro2 has a fleet of portable oxygen concentrators that are approved by the FAA. With a little planning before your trip, you can have a great vacation without the need to take your large concentrator with you. Call us to discuss your needs.

3) If your portable oxygen cylinders are a burden to carry, you may want to call so we may assess your needs. You may qualify for a much lighter system that will make your spring, summer, and fall much more enjoyable. I’m sure you have seen the advertisements on TV for lightweight portable concentrators. Please feel free to call us to see what is appropriate for you.

4) As you head out and about this spring, please be sure that if you use portable oxygen cylinders you keep some extra washers in your glove compartment or purse. This will save the day if you experience trouble while on the road. Also, if you are unsure of you delivery day, please call us so we may review that information with you.

5) Please remember that your oxygen concentrator does generate heat. You may want to consider moving it into a spare room and running the tubing under a door. This will enable you to open a window in that spare room to exhaust the extra heat. All winter the heat generated by the concentrator is useful in keeping the home warm, but you may want to consider a change during warm weather.

6) Some concentrators have a filter in the back. Please check if your machine does, and if so, wash this filter with warm water (NO SOAP). Filters accumulate dirt and dust, especially with the windows open.

Enjoy the warmer weather, and if there is something we can do for you please call us at 716-667-9600.