Patients in isolated rural areas have higher rates of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease living in isolated rural areas "seem to be at greater risk" of death from COPD than those living in urban areas, even when "hospital rurality and volume" are taken into account, says a new study published in the latest issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers from Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center collected data from COPD patients at 129 veterans' hospitals measuring first, 30-day mortality and then adusting for patient rurality, hospital volume, and hospital rurality. The results indicate "mortality was significantly elevated in patients living in isolated rural areas compared with those living in urban areas," regardless of patient and hospital characteristics, reports Doctors Lounge, an online medical resource for physicians, students and allied clinical professionals. (Read more)

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Do you smoke?

I don't smoke myself but I do chew nicotine gum and I don't know why I started. I intend to look at alternative health ways of replacing the gum, perhaps with some natural remedy.

I don't have anything against smokers, my dad smoked cigarettes and then a pipe, although he did die quite young, at 64 from lung disease.

What I would like to know is would you be prepared to stop if you could find a way to stop the craving?.

Do you want to stop?.
Do you know of any alternative ways to stop smoking?.
I would be very interested to know. Please add your comments.
Thank you.

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