Letter to the editor

[northernlights]

Hi everyone:

It's been awhile since I've posted, but things are still going really good with the therapy (almost at 1700 hrs.!!). I never miss a chance to spread the word about our condition, and have in fact got 3 other people on the machine.
I noticed an article in on of our national papers (The National Post) yesterday about the value of having a nap in the afternoon at work. Its supposed to boost productivity. Well, we all know about the effects of a lack of sleep, so I wrote the following letter to the editor, and it was published today (I'm already getting calls at home, from people seeking info on sleep apnea.
Article titled (by newspaper): "Sleep Apnea sufferers, get thee to a doctor" -
"Another aspect of sleep deprivation should be mentioned. Thousands of Canadians are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea, in which a person can stop breathing while sleeping, sometimes hundreds of times a night. This disrupts the sleep pattern, preventing the sleeper from ever reaching the deepest stages of sleep. The results are undeniable: daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, cardiac problems and sometimes, even depression.
I have been on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy for this illness for the last eight months, and I can truly say that it has changed my life (and prolonged it too, I hope). If any other readers are struggling with daytime sleepiness, please see your doctor about it. It could be the most important visit to him you'll ever make."
I think it is incumbent upon all of us in this community to educate the public about this disease. This board is a big part of that educational process.

Cheers,

Steve.

[Slinky]

Congratulations, Steve! Good job well done! It takes so little effort on the part of just one person to reach many. Give yourself a robust pat on the back. (And have a frozen margarita on me!).

[Pad A Cheek]

You did a great service to people who read your newspaper. There are so many people who have no idea that there is help for all the symptoms you described.

I figured the forgetfulness was just a part of aging. Now I find out I have more of a brain left than I thought.

Thank you for spreading the word.
Many people will be helped because you took the time to let them know how it improved YOUR life.

Take care.

Karen

[roster]

Good deed!

[snork1]

AWESOME that you were able to get that published!
EFFECTIVELY spreading the word is quite a challenge.

Good job! You can feel good knowing that you probably saved at least a few lives!