David Gergen CDT President of Pro Player Health Alliance and Dr Steve Marinkovitch DDS of Tacoma made a presentation to the 4th district of the American Legion on the dangers of untreated sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness. This talk was attended by over 130 veterans many of whom have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have completed a CPAP titration or were currently under treatment for their condition. Dr. Marinkovitch lead an in depth discussion on the treatment modalities available including CPAP, Oral Appliances and Surgery. There were many questions about comorbidities such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension and obesity. The dangers of daytime sleepiness and drowsy driving was also very much on the minds of the Legionaires.
After the presentation, David Gergen CDT conducted an oral appliance therapy “show and tell” where Seth C Bowles 4th District Commander was heard to say “I am so surprised at how small the Herbst and Respire appliances are compared to wea
ring that mask”. Mr Bowles has been on CPAP for some years and while he feels that the CPAP is “like a vacuum in reverse” he is generally compliant with his CPAP.
David Gergen CDT was very clear in his talk that “treatment is a necessity for quality of life. Make sure you see a physician for a diagnosis, then get treated. It is important that you sleep well and are able to stay awake when you are driving”. The VA has a very good sleep diagnostic facility in Seattle and I would expect that their phone was ringing this week.
Dr. Steve Marinkovich, DDS, ABDSM, is joining the national “Tackle Sleep Apnea” campaign in efforts to spread awareness on sleep apnea, the health dangers and possible treatment options. The Campaign will be holding its fourth event, in a series of events, that will be taking place at LeMay, America’s Car Museum, on September 26. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. The museum is located at 2702 E. “D” St.
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