The Dentist's Role in Snoring and Sleep Apnea
by Linda Donley, from the offices of James R. Donley, DDS
It has been estimated that about 60 million Americans snore and about 18 million suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Snoring affects more than just the person who is doing the snoring. The person's bed partner is also adversely affected. At times, those sleeping in other rooms are also affected. In severe cases, it can have a negative affect on the bed partner's health and can also lead to divorce.
It has been found that snoring can increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis, causing strokes. A study in Sydney, Australia, found that snoring affected the vibration on the pharyngeal walls (the throat) which affected the carotid artery. Arterial plaque was measured through ultrasounds. The study concluded that as the person snored heavier, the amount of plaque deposited in the arteries was affected accordingly. Thus it is important to address this problem before your health is affected.
Snoring is a medical condition that must be diagnosed by a medical physician before a dentist can make an appliance to stop the snoring. Self diagnosis and the use of a bite and boil device can put your health at risk. These appliances should be illegal, just as it is illegal for a dentist to provide one without a prescription from a licensed physician.
Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that can only be diagnosed by a medical physician. However, there are several common signs of OSA of which one should be aware. These include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, witnessed breathing interruptions, or awakening to gasping and choking.
These incidents may also affect the oxygen levels which can affect one's health. Decreased blood oxygen levels can increase blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular problems including cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack and stroke.
OSA has been misdiagnosed for many years and has often been mistaken for depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or, in children, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All of these disorders can result in contributing to the lack of adequate oxygen in the blood. When this happens, a person may fall asleep during the day while in meetings, driving, at work or watching TV. One may also suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), migraine headaches and waking up several times during the night.
Once Sleep Apnea is diagnosed by your physician, there are three treatment options.
1. Oral Appliances (Requires a prescription by a physician)
2. CPAP Device (Continuous Positive Air Pressure)
3. Surgical removal of structures causing the obstruction
You may have seen information about oral appliances to treat snoring or sleep apnea at a local store or on the internet. Most of these are "boil-and-bite" appliances and they hold the jaw in one position. They can not be adjusted and are usually ineffective. Also, there is no follow-up study to see if these devices are effective. Thus, those that use these devices are probably wasting their money and may be putting their health at risk.
Before a dentist, who is trained in treating sleep apnea, provides an oral appliance, he/she must determine whether there are any nasal or oral obstructions that might interfere with breathing through one's nose, as well as the size of the airway. Specialized technology aids Dr. Donley in determining if there are any potential problems with the use of an appliance and also helps to determine which appliance would be the best for your needs.
Two main signs of OSA are snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. If you have any symptoms of this problem, you may partake in an online screening at www.sleepmuskegon.com. He will evaluate it and help you decide on the next step.
If you have any question about Sleep Apnea and snoring, please call Dr. Donley's office at (231) 744-6661, we will be happy to serve you.
Dr. Donley and staff can be reached at (231) 744-6661. Their offices are at 166 N. Causeway in North Muskegon.
As Perfect as Possible
by Lana Carson, BS Exercise Science, Omni Fitness Club
Planning a wedding should be one of the most memorable occasions of your life, but often it ends up as one of the most stressful times of your life! You're going to want everything to be perfect: the ceremony, the flowers, the reception, the dress - the dress!?
The dress has to be perfect! After all, eyes will be on you (and your future hubby of course). A lot of time will go into finding the dress that makes you look your absolute best, and once you find that dress, you'll want to make sure you're looking your absolute best!
Will you need to firm up your arms for a sleeveless dress? Sculpt the shoulders? Lose a little around the waistline (future grooms)? Whatever it is, now is the time to get started with an exercise plan to ensure that you look and feel your best.
Starting an exercise program, especially with your future spouse, will have far greater benefits than just looking great the day of your wedding. The whole "in sickness and in health" thing…well, if you exercise regularly, you may decrease your risk of developing certain diseases that are associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Your wedding is the start of a wonderful new life together. Make it a long, happy life by taking good care of yourself and your health. You both want to be around for your 50th Anniversary, don't you?
The Omni Fitness Club is here you need to start your planning. Include us into your wedding preparation and we'll include a special personal training package just for you (and your spouse) to ensure that you're at your best on your big day!
If you would like help designing a fitness program that's just right for you, call MarySue or Lana at the Omni Fitness Club at (231) 739-3391. For more information about health visit omnifitnessclub.com.
Teen Health Center Opened
from Muskegon Public Schools
A valuable new resource has just been made available to students of Muskegon Public Schools and the community.
November 4, the Teen Health Center was opened on the Muskegon High School Campus. The state of the art health center, opened by Hackley Community Care Center, provides adolescents access to medical, dental and behavioral healthcare in a comfortable, safe environment.
Current Teen Health Center Manager Judy Pruim and other community members participated in a planning session last year to explore the possibility of opening a center. The idea was so well received, Hackley Community Care and Muskegon Public Schools acquired community funding supplemented by matching federal support.
The health center's activities include more than treatment. The staff of six employees also engages students with instruction on healthy living.
Pruim is well aware of the issues many adolescents face, "We know there is a very high rate of sexually transmitted infection, depression and substance abuse." She also suggested that many adolescents do not make medical or dental appointments as often as recommended, and hopes that healthcare offered on campus will help address and alleviate some of these challenges.
The Teen Health Center will not be limited to students of Muskegon Public Schools. It will provide external access to at-risk community youth ages 10 to 21, making its impact and value even broader.
The Teen Health Center operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, noon to 5:00 p.m. The health center serves Muskegon Public Schools students until 3:00 p.m. and youth ages 10 to 21 from the community after 3:00 p.m.
Learn more about Muskegon Community Education, steeped in the rich traditions of Muskegon Public Schools, at muskegonpublicschools.org or visit 571 Apple Ave.
Glaucoma - Are You at Risk?
from Shoreline Vision
There are approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older who have glaucoma, and half of those are at risk for going blind because they do not know they have the disease. You could be one of them.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. Although the nerve damage is usually associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, other factors can be involved. It may begin with the loss of peripheral vision and then advance to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to vision loss or blindness.
"Most people who have glaucoma don't notice symptoms until they begin to lose some vision. But vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if it's detected and treated in time," said Dr. Mark Kinziger, ophthalmologist at Shoreline Vision. "As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, we urge you to get a complete eye exam if you're at risk for developing glaucoma."
So, who's at risk? "African-Americans over age 40, Hispanics, people with a family history of glaucoma, individuals over age 60, people with other health conditions, such as diabetes and those who have experienced a serious eye injury are considered at risk," said Dr. Kinziger. Anyone who falls into one or more of these categories should talk with an eye doctor about how often an eye examination should be conducted to ensure good vision.
This January Shoreline Vision will be holding a Free Glaucoma Screening for anyone who has concerns of glaucoma. This free glaucoma screening will be held on Saturday, January 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1266 E. Sherman Blvd. If you would like more information please call (231) 739-9009.
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision. Know your risk factors and have your eyes examined at the intervals recommended by your eye doctor.
Shoreline Vision has always enjoyed a strong reputation in the community and regionally around the lakeshore, for over 50 years. With 11 specialty eye doctors and physicians, and over 100 dedicated employees, Shoreline's foundation was and is still being built on their commitment to patients.