H Charles Jelinek Jr DDS - June 2019

How an Oral Appliance Makes Traveling With Sleep Apnea Easy Relaxed and Rested Living with sleep apnea can impact many aspects of your life. Patients often report insomnia and restlessness, while their days are filled with headaches, exhaustion, and mood swings. Additionally, most patients are at a higher risk for heart conditions and chronic illnesses. Even “relaxing” vacations can be a struggle with sleepless nights and exhausting days. Luckily, diagnosing sleep apnea involves a simple, noninvasive sleep test, and there are many treatment options available. None are more travel-friendly than an oral appliance. This orthodontic device is custom fit for each patient. It brings the jaw forward, which pushes the tongue out of the back of the throat and opens the airway for effective breathing. For some patients, a CPAP machine is the perfect solution to their sleep apnea. This device pushes air through the throat, which ensures a patient is getting enough oxygen. The main issue with CPAP machines is treatment compliance. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology found that CPAP usage among prescribed users remained relatively low within the past 20 years, calling into question the effectiveness of the airway pressure machine. Dr. Jelinek is an avid user of an oral appliance, and he has a helpful trick for patients traveling with sleep apnea. When Dr. Jelinek is flying, he often stores his appliance in his pocket. This allows him to pop his device in his mouth once he boards the plane and nap throughout his flight, knowing he will rest well and not disturb his fellow passengers. This method also ensures that he remembers to bring his device and transports it safely. Other patients may choose to store their appliances in their carry-ons or purses, but no matter how you pack your oral appliance, it will fit in your luggage much better than a CPAP machine. Don’t let clunky machines or restless sleep keep you from enjoying a well-deserved vacation. Learn more about testing for sleep apnea or your treatment options by visiting NorthernVirginiaDental.com or set up an appointment by calling 703-584-5024.

ENJOY YOUR FAMILY TIME BY TAKING A BREAK FROM YOUR PHONE

Setting some time aside to be with family is important, but it can be difficult when everyone is always on their cellphones. Constant cellphone use has become a global problem, and the habit is hard to break because we rely on mobile devices heavily for work, school, and keeping in contact with friends and family. Luckily, there are plenty of apps that can reduce how often you’re on your phone and minimize distractions. SIEMPO After you install Siempo on your phone, it will ask which apps are likely to distract you. Once you select them, the app will move those apps away from the home screen and place the important ones, such as the messaging, contacts, email, and calendar apps, on the first screen. You can also designate times for specific apps to be used throughout the day. STAY FOCUSED Stay Focused is like Siempo, but there are some significant differences. You can set times to access certain apps and put the most distracting ones on lock. Stay Focused also has a “strict mode” that prevents you from uninstalling it, so be sure to think carefully before activating the lockdown because you won’t have access to those specific apps until the timer runs out. FOREST In the time that Forest takes control of your device for a set time limit, the app starts growing a tree. Once the tree is fully grown, your time is up, and it joins the other trees that were grown during other breaks. If you pick up your phone and try to access an app, Forest will send you a notification asking you if you want to kill your baby tree by giving up. Who says guilt isn’t a good motivator? BESIDES APPS Aside from using these apps, silencing your phone and putting it in another room, leaving it in your car if you’re out at dinner, or keeping it in your purse or back pocket during a social event can also reduce your screen time. Having your phone out of sight and out of reach will keep the temptation of pulling it out at bay.

Spending time with your family is crucial, and with these apps and tips, you’ll enjoy each other’s company without too many screen distractions.

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