| Snoring
jokes abound, and so do claims for anti-snoring products.
But snorers
who turn to these anti-snoring devices or supplements
may not be getting the medical care they really need.
The Federal Trade Commission is beginning to take
a closer look at these products and is taking action
against companies that make unproven claims.
This increased
scrutiny is the result of growing recognition that
sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and that
loud snoring is a symptom of the condition.
People
with sleep apnea are likely to be sleepy during the
day and may experience depression, memory problems,
headaches and impotence. Recently, sleep apnea has
also been linked to high blood pressure, heart attack
and stroke, as well as an increased risk in car crashes
and death during any year, if not treated.
Products
sold as anti-snoring remedies should clearly disclose
that they are not meant to treat sleep apnea. These
disclosures should also inform consumers that sleep
apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Pratt
Regional Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center
was recently granted accreditation status for five
years from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Thomas Bloxham, of the Sleep Medicine
Center of Kansas in Wichita, conducts sleep
clinic at Pratt Regional Medical Center every
month.
Overnight
sleep studies are performed in the two bed sleep laboratory
two-four nights each week.
“This
service is advantageous for our community,”
PRMC President and CEO, Susan Page
said. “Sleep studies require patients to stay
overnight, and it is very convenient for patients
not to have to travel out of town for this service.”
Those
who feel they may be suffering from sleep apnea are
encouraged to speak to their doctor. Dr. Thomas
Bloxham may also be contacted at (316) 651-2250.
To
receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center
must meet or exceed all standards for professional
quality healthcare as designed by the Academy. The
American Academy of Sleep Medicine accreditation
process involves detailed inspection of a center’s
facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing
procedures, patient contacts, and physician training.
Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly
stated and include plans for positively affecting
the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
See
more 2005 news archives |
