Why Do You Ask if I Snore?
SOLUTION ON PG. 4
Pasta Primavera Inspired by Food Network
Snoring is a problem many couples face. When a bed partner’s loud, erratic snoring keeps you up at night, the couch suddenly seems far more comfortable than your own bed. But whether you’re the person who’s snoring or the person being kept up, it’s important to realize that snoring is more than just an annoyance. Erratic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that can threaten your life. An estimated 22 million U.S adults have OSA. 17.7 million of those patients are not yet diagnosed and continue to suffer from the social and health effects. The ADA now mandates all dentists to screen for OSA just as we have always screened for oral cancer. It’s just snoring, right? Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but it’s not what makes this condition so dangerous. When someone suffers from sleep apnea, it means they are physically unable to breathe. Patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea essentially suffocate in their sleep and suffer from oxygen deprivation every night. The oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea puts a strain on your entire body. Patients with untreated sleep apnea can suffer from higher blood pressure, are more likely to struggle with Type 2 diabetes, and face a higher risk of heart attack and death by stroke. Do I have sleep apnea? Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Other warning signs of sleep apnea include: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF SLEEP APNEA
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • • •
12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli 1/2 pound broccoli florets
2 carrots, shredded
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
•
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time. 2. Drain the pasta and veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water. 4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese, and serve.
• Feeling exhausted after a full night’s sleep • Difficulty concentrating • Trouble keeping your eyes open at work or
• Irritability • Morning headaches • Obesity • Impotence
while driving • Memory loss
Can you cure sleep apnea? There are many treatment options available. The CPAP is one of the most well-known treatment options, but it is not for everyone. A professionally made oral appliance is another option. Weight loss, surgery, and lifestyle changes can also be used to treat sleep apnea. It doesn’t matter how you treat sleep apena, just get treatment — your life depends on it! If you or a loved one needs more information about sleep apnea, visit elizabethdulingdmd.com or talk with your physician. If you would like more information about oral appliances give us a call at 256.534.1475.
3
www.elizabethdulingdmd.com
Made with FlippingBook Annual report