March Sleep Apnea Support Group

Do you suffer from sleep apnea or have a family member or friend who suffers from it? If so, you are encouraged to attend this support group meeting on Monday, March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John, 5005 Port St. John Parkway, (east of the I-95 Port St. John exit). The meetings are held in the Conference Center by the south entrance (near the sleep lab). This is a free community service. Please call 321-268-6408 to register.

The March 7 meeting will include the following:

• Is there an alternative to CPAP therapy? Different treatment options are available for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The right one for you depends upon the severity of your sleep apnea (which is determined from a sleep study), the physical structure of your upper airway, and other aspects of your medical history. Duongvannak Keo, D.M.D., P.A., and physicians from Brevard Ear, Nose, and Throat will discuss dental devices and surgery options.
• How much weight do you need to lose to possibly get off your CPAP? Even a small amount of weight loss can open up your throat and improve sleep apnea symptoms. One recent large-scale population study showed that a 10% drop in body weight was associated with a 30% drop in your risk for sleep apnea. Presented by Kristina St. Peter-Weaver, RPSGT
• At every A.W.A.K.E. Support Group meeting you’ll have the opportunity to see newer model CPAP machines and masks and receive a free mask fitting if you’d like.