The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39617

Thomas H. Beebe, PhD, Office of Military Programs, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mailcode 6828, Carbondale, IL 62901-6828, 618-536-3388, tbeebe@siu.edu and Sandra Nagel Beebe, MSinEd, Department of Health Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, ASA, Mailcode 6615, Carbondale, IL 62901-6615.

Sleep apnea is a serious potentially life threatening condition characterized by irritability, personality changes, memory and judgment problems, weight gain, and constant fatigue. Systemic hypertension, bradyarrythmias, and hypoxemia are observable side effects of sleep apnea and it is also possible it contributes to myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction. Yet the average non-physician clinician still lacks the ability to recognize symptoms. It is imperative, with estimates of 12 million diagnosed cases and a potential 10 million undiagnosed cases in the United States, dental health care providers recognize indications and health education professionals develop community health programs to assist in the identification of symptoms. This presentation provides a well-rounded overview of myths associated with sleep apnea, types of apnea, identification of patients at risk, and treatment options. The efficacy of treatment modality is also discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Presenters will discuss treatment modality, their effectiveness, and benefits.
• Presenters will discuss strategies to encourage compliance with treatment.
• Participants will learn to identify signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.
• Participants will understand the impact of sleep apnea on workplace safety.
• Participants will understand the need for compliance programs

Keywords: Ventilatory Impairment, Oral Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.