The American Lung Association released this report  today in its Disparities in Lung Health Series ? "Taking Her Breath Away: The Rise of COPD in Women." This report examines the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, among women.

COPD has long been considered a disease of white men, as they have historically smoked at higher rates than other groups. That profile is changing, and the rate of COPD among women has climbed steadily in recent years. Closer examination reveals a number of disparities in burden of disease, risk factors, and healthcare practices that must be addressed.

This report is an important tool to raise awareness of this health disparity, generate constructive discussions and build partnerships within the healthcare industry, as well as governments, community leaders and individuals to seek solutions.

key findings include :

• Since COPD has historically been thought of as a "man's disease," women are underdiagnosed and undertreated for COPD.
• Women are more vulnerable than men to lung damage from cigarette smoke and other pollutants.
• Women are especially more vulnerable to COPD before the age of 65.
• Women with COPD have more frequent disease flare-ups?a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms that is often caused by a cold or other lung infection.
• Effective treatment of COPD is complicated, and women don't always get the kind of care that meets their needs.

The quality of life for women with COPD is impaired at an earlier age, and is worse overall than that of men with similar severity of disease.

Thanks to the myriad of photos now being posted online, more people than ever are undergoing cosmetic procedures, according to a new survey of plastic surgeons.  Requests for surgery as a result of social media photo sharing rose 31 percent in 2012, reports the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"People especially want to look their best when hundreds, or even thousands, of viewers are looking at their photos - we hear it, too," say Drs. Rick and Arlene Noodleman, the husband-and-wife physician team at Silicon Valley's Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness, (www.agedefy.com).

"The good news is that there are now effective, minimally-invasive, low downtime approaches that reduce or even eliminate the appearanceof sun-damaged,  aging skin," dermatologist Dr. Rick Noodleman says.

Both physicians emphasize that the key to youthful skin is both correction and prevention - and no, it's never too late to start addressing the latter.

"Achieving beautiful, healthy skin is a process, not an event. It's accomplished by working from the outside-in and the inside-out," says preventive medicine specialist Dr. Arlene Noodleman. "The link between nutrition and the quality of your skin is also 'written all over your face'."

To ensure Facebook, Instagram and Google+ users look their best online, the Noodlemans offer this advice, based on more than 25 years of research and clinical experience:

Work from the outside-in: "There are a number of corrective and preventive steps you can take to achieve a more youthful look," says Dr. Rick Noodleman.

· For all skin types -- Protect your face from the sun. Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB light, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

· For older skin -- Exfoliant creams remove dead skin cells that don't slough off as readily as when we were young. Prescription creams such as Avita, Avage, Renova and Retin-A have been shown to reduce wrinkles and "liver spots" due to sun exposure.

· For forehead wrinkles - Injected Botox, a brand of botulinum toxin, partially immobilizesthe muscles that form expression lines so the skin smoothes out, although some deep expression lines may not go away.

· For sun damage and acne scars - Lasers can resurface facial skin by stripping away the outermost layers. Some "non-ablative"lasers also stimulate collagen formation, which helps smooth wrinkles.

And from the inside-out: "No matter what your skin type, healthy eating is an essential component of a good skin care regimen," Dr. Arlene Noodleman says. "And, for some people, eating the wrong foods can actually cause problems."

· A natural defense system : Foods rich in antioxidants seem to have a protective effect on the skin. For instance, a 2007 study by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found that women ages 40 to 75 who consumed more vitamin C, an antioxidant, had fewer wrinkles. Antioxidant-rich foods include carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables; spinach and other green leafy vegetables; tomatoes; blueberries; peas and beans; fatty fish, and nuts. The study also found that women who consumed more linoleic acid?found in nuts and seeds?had a lower incidence of dry skin.

· Curbing acne flare-ups: Acne-prone individuals should avoid dairy products, especially cow's milk; processed foods high in white flour, such as white bread; and white rice and sugary foods and beverages such as candy bars and soda. Foods that cause 'spikes' in blood sugar levels can also trigger hormone production, which in turn can boost oil production.

· Psoriasis, rashes and other skin conditions: Certain foods can cause hives and other reactions. Individual sensitivities vary, but common culprits are gluten, dairy, eggs and additives. People with psoriasis may see improvement by eating a low-glycemic load, Mediterranean-style diet.

"Take a holistic approach to your skin's health," the Noodlemans say. "Your skin responds not only to what you put in and on your body, it also reflects your overall mental and physical health. Taking corrective and preventive measures that reduce sun-damage, increase exercise, promote healthy eating and decrease stress will help you look your best on social media."

About Drs. Rick and Arlene Noodleman

Dr. Rick Noodleman, a board-certified, Stanford-trained dermatologist, is an expert in the medical and surgical management of skin disease, aging skin, and advanced cosmetic techniques. Dr. Arlene Noodleman, board-certified in preventive medicine and fellowship-trained in integrative medicine, is a healthy aging expert who focuses on the whole person and strategies that facilitate the body's innate healing. Together, Drs. Noodleman created the Revercel cosmeceutical and neutraceutical product line.

• A liver transplant recipient needed 50 units of red blood cells and 50 units of plasma.

• A mother who had complications during childbirth was given 32 units of red blood cells, 10 units of platelets, 10 units of plasma and 15 units of cryoprecipitate.

• A trauma patient required 15 units of red blood cells.

Blood donations tend to decline during the summer, when many regular donors are on vacation and schools are out of session. However, the need for blood is constant. All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, which is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.

Blood donors are encouraged to share their donation story with the Red Cross by visiting redcrossblood.org/summer. The Summer of Stories campaign is helping to raise awareness about the constant need for blood and encourage regular donations.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County

June 20 from 1-6 p.m. at Milledgeville First Brethren Church, 521 N. Main Ave. in Milledgeville, Ill.

June 21 from 12-6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 405 E. Locust in Lanark, Ill.

June 28 from 12-5 p.m. at Mount Carroll Community Building, 101 N. Main in Mount Carroll, Ill.

Clinton County

June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lyondell Chemical Co., 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa

June 21 from 12-6 p.m. at Prince of Peace Academy Grade School, 312 S. Fourth St. in Clinton, Iowa

June 23 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa

Henry County

June 19 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.

June 19 from 12-5 p.m. at Kewanee Hospital, 1051 W. South St. in Kewanee, Ill.

June 26 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County

June 18 from 12-6 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.

June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Boston United Methodist Church, 605 Main St. in New Boston, Ill.

Muscatine County

June 27 from 2-6 p.m. at Fruitland Community Center, 104 Sand Run Road in Fruitland, Iowa

Scott County

June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin St. in Le Claire, Iowa

Whiteside County

June 18 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

June 19 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 25 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

June 25 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Coventry Living Center, 612 S. St. Mary's Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 27 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Congratulations to Iowa Masonic Health Facilities for being named one of the best nursing homes of 2013 in the US News and World Report. Iowa Masonic Health Facilities has received and maintained the highest rating attainable from both the federal Medicare and the state regulatory authorities.  We are known for our excellent care and highly qualified and compassionate staff, and we have a reputation for providing sensitive, individualized care.