AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS RECOMMENDS THE DOCTORS DO NOT ACCEPT REQUESTS FOR FRIENDSHIP OF PATIENTS BY NETWORKS

Physicians should avoid accepting as "friend" requests from former or current patients through social networks, according to a new statement issued by the American College of Physicians (ACP), together with Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) at its annual meeting in the U.S., last Friday. Pages business or group medical practices are acceptable, but doctors should keep this separate from their personal pages.

While social networks may provide benefits in the doctor-patient relationship, they can also present ethical problems. In a survey of state boards of health in the U.S., 92% received complaints about the behavior of the doctors on the Internet, which led to actions including revocation of license.

According to the document, the physician should respect five principles:
- Protect the confidence, confidentiality, privacy and respect in online communications with patients;
- Maintain professional and social spheres independent online but act professionally in both
- Use e-mail and other electronic communications only in doctor-patient relationships established;
- Make a "self-audit" to determine the periodic accuracy of the information available online;
- Be aware that online postings may have other implications for their professional lives.

Do you agree with these principles?

World Allergy Week 2013

Dear Respiratory Friends this week is World Allergy Week 2013!!!

Professor Ruby Pawankar, President of the World Allergy Organization (WAO), and Professor Motohiro Ebisawa, Chair of the WAO Communications Council, warmly welcome WAO Member Societies to World Allergy Week 2013 (8-14 April). This year’s theme is “Food Allergy—A Rising Global Health Problem”, and there are many ways Member Societies can participate to help highlight food allergies, provide information about the their increasing prevalence, and explain the need for enhanced education and patient care services to improve safey, prevention, and quality of life.

Anyone can become allergic, even you. No matter what's your job, age or living are - we are sensitive people and allergy is not looking at our profession.  

It’s Allergyweek in Finland!

April 2013 Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

Dear Respiratory friends, April is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month!!!

Sarcoidosis is a disease that affects many of people in chronic and debilitating ways and is a potentially fatal inflammatory disease that can appear in almost any organ in the body and can strike people of all races and of all ages. 

While some progress has been made in understanding the symptoms and better diagnosing the disease, the cause remains undetermined and very little is known about the true burden of this illness.

April 2013 would be appropriate to designate as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month with worldwide events to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with sarcoidosis; to raise awareness of the need for more research funding; and to educate medical professionals who are for individuals with sarcoidosis.

Through increased research, quantifying prevalence, discovering the cause, improving treatment and finding a cure for sarcoidosis may be well within reach.

Now, therefore, in resolution, Respiratory Decade, does hereby proclaim April, 2013 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in the world.

On this occasion, we recognize the efforts of  the FSR International Coalition to Stop Sarcoidosis to raise awareness of the disease and to support research efforts of concerned physicians and scientists at the global level. We also salute the victims of sarcoidosis who demonstrate great courage and determination in their efforts to cope with the disease; and we pay tribute to their family members and to other concerned people who are engaged in grass roots efforts to promote awareness of sarcoidosis, as well as improved treatment and support for its victims.

SICK LUNGS DON'T SHOW

Dear Respiratory Friends we are publishing today Edna Fiore text about COPD, she is very good advocate for COPD!

Sick Lungs Don't Show I may not look sick, BUT…...I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) What is COPD? It includes such illnesses as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and sometimes asthma. It is primarily characterized by extreme shortness of breath. 

LIVING WITH COPD IS VERY RESTRICTIVE: It means having to avoid strong odors, smoke, flowers, perfumes, cleaning agents, paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, shaving lotion, bath powders, and incense. I also have to avoid temperature extremes or wind, crowds, molds, and dusty places because they make me short of breath. 

PHYSICALLY: Living with COPD can mean having difficulty walking up stairs or inclines, not walking very far, being unable to rush or "being rushed" tiring easily--especially if things last too long, being unable to tolerate tight clothing and the inability to talk for any length of time. 

SOCIALLY: Living with COPD can mean coughing in public which attracts attention and embarrasses me, having to use or wear devices or equipment, or take medication which invites public comment (oxygen, cold weather masks, inhalers), being concerned (often excessively) about contact with cold or flu germs, and having my friends make short, pleasant, smokeless visits. EMOTIONALLY: Living with COPD can mean crying easily, angering easily, becoming frustrated and impatient because I can't do the things I used to do. Feeling resentful when others tell me, "You don't look sick." It can cause me to be panicky and tense, and becoming dependent and demanding because it's frightening when I can't breathe. 

COPD AFFECTS MY FAMILY. By having to adapt to my physical, emotional, social and environmental needs and limitations, often having to leave social functions earlier than they wish because of me or sometimes never getting there and by having to check out all of the details in advance, getting places early and all the while having to remain calm and reassuring at all times on my account REMEMBER: I may not look sick but-- SICK LUNGS DON'T SHOW!!!