Please send items to Debra Scherban at dscherban@gazetetnet.com.
Obstructive sleep apnea afflicts 25 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
A common sleep disorder, OSA causes a person’s airway to collapse partially or entirely while they sleep.
Certain cases may require PAP therapy, in which a sleeper wears a mask device that provides a stream of air to prevent the airways from closing. But there are also ways to combat OSA without devices.
Lifestyle changes can alleviate or, in some cases, resolve OSA. Weight loss has proven to be an effective remedy, though people should consult with their health care provider to ensure they are safely combining a healthy diet and regular exercise. Sleeping on one’s side or stomach is also recommended.
Kicking a smoking habit promotes good health in general, but it also can eliminate irritation of the mouth and throat, which make OSA worse.
Experts suggest individuals talk to a professional about any sedatives they are taking, such as sleeping pills and pain medications.
People with sleep apnea should also avoid drinking at night — or, at least, drinking to excess.
People with mild to moderate OSA may best benefit from oral appliances, which fit over the teeth and are worn during sleep. Dentists with experience in OSA treatment make these appliances, which can be fixed or adjustable devices.
Surgery is also an option for OSA, though the results may not be permanent. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, those considering surgery should get information on its success rate, risks and side effects from their health care providers.
— Domenic Poli
Lynne Ann Paterson of Goshen, holistic health coach and owner of Praskasa Yoga & Wellness Studio, is speaking about sleep Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the office of Dr. Sue Keller, 40 Main St. Suite 204, Florence.
The title of her free lecture is “3 Top Strategies for Satisfying Sleep, Naturally, Night After Night.”
Paterson will discuss ways to reduce stress and get more sleep without medications.
Refreshments will be served at 5:45 p.m. Space limited; RSVP at 586-9363.
Eleven people recently graduated from the 11-week training program at LifePath to become SHINE counselors.
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone is a volunteer program that provides free, confidential and objective health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries.
The graduates passed an intensive exam to become certified counselors.
They include two Northampton residents, Charlie DeRose, who will volunteer for the Northampton Council on Aging and Samantha Topor, community resource specialist at Cooley Dickinson Physician Hospital Organization who will offer counseling there.
Phil Burns of Worthington is a community health worker for the Hilltown Health Center, Peter Kuusisto of Pelham is a certified application counselor at Community Health Center of Franklin county and Juana Trujillo is a social services coordinator at the Amherst Housing Authority.
Other graduates are Anna Viadero of Montague, Henry Hardy of Greenfield, Linda Grenier of Athol, June Wilcox of Greenfield, Carolina Kenny of Greenfield and Laura Savage of Westfield.
A graduation ceremony and luncheon reception, complete with certificates of achievement, roses, briefcases and gift certificates, was catered by the Farren Care Center in Turners Falls.
To consult with a SHINE Counselor in your area or over the phone, call 1-800-732-4636.
To become a SHINE Counselor, contact Lorraine York-Edberg of LifePath at 773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or email info@lifepathMA.org.