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Could My Child Have Sleep Apnea?
by Linda Donley, from the offices of James R. Donley, DDS
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was described more than a century ago. However, obstructive sleep apnea in children was first described in the 1970s. It is a common but under-diagnosed condition in children that may ultimately lead to substantial morbidity if left untreated. The mechanisms of obstruction, its effects, and recommended treatment options are different in children from those in adults.
The following stories are about two different children with sleep apnea. Caleb began snoring when he was two years old. His parents eventually noticed that they would hear him gasping for air between snores. Matthew was a nine year old child who was significantly overweight. His parents tried to get him to exercise and play outside, but walking to the park made him so tired that he did not want to play. His mother commented to his doctor that Matthew snored louder than her grandfather. Both these children were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, both children had different conditions that caused their OSA. Caleb had his tonsils removed by a surgeon and Matthew was treated with a C-PAP machine for children. Today, both children are thriving and Matthew has been able to lose his excess weight.
There is no age criteria to look for in children who have sleep apnea. It can occur in children of all ages including infancy. Obesity may play a role in some cases, however airway obstruction is usually related to tonsils and adenoids. Children with some types of neuromuscular disease such as muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and cerebral palsy may also have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.
Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may contribure to daytime fatigue and behavioral problems at school. When children have a night of poor sleep, they are more likely to be hyperactive and have difficulty paying attention. They may be incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD and be prescribed drugs. Growth hormones are produced during sleep and some children will be underdeveloped due to a lack of hormone production. Other children may become obese because leptin, an appetite suppressant, is not produced and overeating occurs even when enough food has been eaten.
The following are some signs to watch for while your child is sleeping:
1. Snore loudly and on a regular basis.
2. Has pauses, gasps, may stop breathing, and snorts upon arousal. These may partially waken him/her and disrupt the sleep pattern.
3. Be restless or sleep in abnormal positions.
4. Sweat heavily during sleep.
Daytime symptoms are as follows.
1. Be difficult to wake up.
2. Have headaches during the day, especially in the morning.
3. Be irritable, agitated, aggressive, and cranky.
4. Be so sleepy during the day that they fall asleep or daydream or he/she may become hyperactive.
5. Speak with a nasal voice and breath regularly through their mouth.
Dr. Jim is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. It is very important to your child's health to have him/her seen by a professional with experience in dealing with sleep apnea. Again, OSA must be diagnosed by a medical physician. Dr. Jim is trained in providing the proper dental appliance for mild to moderate sleep apnea. If you have questions, please give the office a call at (231) 744-6661.
Dr. James R. Donley and staff can be reached at (231) 744-6661. Their offices are at 166 N. Causeway in North Muskegon.
Get a Fresh Start with a Whole Body Cleanse
by Erik Johnson, Manager, Health Hutt
Giving yourself a whole body cleanse four times a year is ideal for a healthy lifestyle.
As the seasons change, so does our bodies and their need increases to cleanse the body and help rid it of toxins, unwanted chemicals, and other problems that may be rising in the different areas of the body from ingesting pesticides, fertilizers, hormones (from meats) and processed foods. Once this is done a whole new energy and a vibrant feeling can possibly take place.
At the Health Hutt, we have a Whole Body Cleanse Kit by Enzymatic Therapy that is designed to have available to you all the products together that can help in this cleanse. This includes three products to cover a safe, gentle two week cleanse. What's unique is that fiber is included to sweep out the insides.
Whole Body Cleanse Kit includes:
- Super Milk Thistle to help stimulate bile flow and also to support the liver function.
- Fiber Fusion for safe effective cleansing of the bowels, binding to toxins so that they may not get reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
- The Laxative Formula can gently purge the inside of the intestines helping release built up toxins, in turn, carrying them out of the body.
Oops! Occasionally a slip in the diet occurs, this will not ruin your efforts, just get yourself back on course ASAP! Dust yourself off and feel good about the effects of cleansing a new you! Do your best and soon the results will speak for themselves.
Stop in today at one of the four locations of the Health Hutt for more information on cleansing and other suggestions for your health.
To ask about natural remedies or other vitamin supplements visit the Health Hutt closest to you: 3112 Henry St. in Muskegon, 1519 Holton Rd. in North Muskegon and 700 Washington Ave. in Grand Haven. Be sure to watch "Forever Young" Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Comcast Cable 97.
Choosing a Physically Active Lifestyle
by Lana Carson, BS Exercise Science, Omni Fitness Club
Last night, I took a hike with a friend. It was a beautiful night and as we walked through the woods, the sun was beginning to set, creating a warm, soothing orange and yellow glow through the trees.
As we walked, I made the comment that there was nothing unusual on this night; the woods always offer a breathtaking view. All throughout the year, the colors and the light and the trees change, each season offering something new to discover and enjoy. I shared with her that walking in the woods is one of my favorite activities and I take every opportunity I can to get out in nature and take a hike.
The reason I'm writing about this specific event, is because my friend wanted to go on this hike because she is trying to find new activities that she enjoys, and that help her to be more physically active as part of her lifestyle.
Let me back up a little and give you a little history of my friend. Over the course of a few years, she lost over 140 pounds! Through regular exercise and changing her eating habits (not dieting) she not only lost the weight but has been able to keep it off for over four years already! She is such an inspiration and has done everything the right way. That's not to say it's been easy -- in fact, she'll be the first to admit that there are always struggles, but she credits her success to the fact that she knew from the very start it was about changing her lifestyle.
Changing our lifestyle is a complex, long term endeavor and can be a difficult concept for many to wrap their heads around. After all, our lifestyle isn't an exercise program or eating plan to follow -- it's about how we live our lives as a whole: our work habits, our family life and how we spend time with friends, our interests and recreation habits, our health and fitness status, and ultimately, what we believe is most important in our lives.
Changing our lifestyle can be overwhelming but for those who truly desire change it is the only approach to long term success. My friend is a perfect example of this. Her previous lifestyle was sedentary, her social engagements were centered around eating, and she really didn't have any recreational activities. Now she is physically active, she has developed a new relationship with food, and is open to trying a variety of recreational activities that she enjoys and which will be a part of her lifestyle.
Last night, my friend could have stayed home and vegged out in front of the television but that's not the lifestyle she chooses anymore. I hope this encourages you to make some new choices of your own, that lead to an exciting new way of living your life in better health, more happiness, and maybe even a walk in the woods with a good friend.
"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologizes or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on or blame. The gift is yours -- it is an amazing journey -- and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins." -- Bob Moawad.
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.
Parents Can Put Their Children at Ease
by Monica J. Lakatos, D.D.S., Northshore Dental Associates
Caution, parents! When treating children for dental issues, parents can make or break the appointment. Children pick up on verbal and subtle nonverbal cues from their parents and act accordingly.
Children for the most part do not have preconceived notions that dental treatment is to be feared. They can easily pick that up from a parent, though. A well intentioned mother will sometimes say, "Don't worry honey, everything will be okay." What? Well yes, everything was okay, until the mother spoke, and then it wasn't anymore! The child gets hyper alert, wondering, "What? Why would it not be okay?" The mom's anxiety is instantly transferred to the child.
Parents also use the phrase "I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you." or "I won't let anyone hurt you." Health professionals cringe hearing these statements. We are trying to help your child, not hurt them! The words alone can put a notion in the child's head that this appointment is something to fear.
Another comment well intentioned parents use is "you won't feel a thing." Well, that is absolutely not true. Even if the child is numbed up for treatment, they feel many things, even if the things they feel do not hurt. At our office, we show them on their finger the things they can expect to feel. They are told that they will feel us touching their tooth, they will feel a water spray, and they will feel the suction taking the water out. We walk and talk them through every step of the appointment.
Another issue that causes anxiety (more for parents than the child) is when an injection is required. Topical anesthetic is placed ahead of time so that many times, children are not even aware that they are receiving an injection. (Notice we call it an "injection"; a "shot" is something from a gun.) So we ask parents not to prepare children, rather to allow us to let them know what to expect at the appointment time.
Most children are fine with our procedures, though we know we are off to a bad start when a child sits in the chair and ask, "Am I gonna get a shot? My Dad told me I was." Then we back up, reassure the child and walk them through the treatment they need.
If a mother or father has extreme dental anxiety, they should have someone who is more relaxed bring the child to the office. Children are extremely conscious of their parent's feelings. If there is no one else available to bring the child, it is better to wait outside the treatment room. The child cannot read nonverbal cues emanating from the parent when the parent is not in the same room. This is exactly the reason why many offices prefer and request that parents pass the time in the waiting room.
So parents, help us make your child's visit as pleasant as possible and know we are trying our best!