Can Your CPAP Make You Look Younger?

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, any physician’s advice would be to treat it as soon as possible.  There are dozens of benefits to treating your sleep apnea, most importantly, that your overall health is improved.  Not until recently did we ever know that using CPAP therapy could help you regain that youthful glow so many men and women desire.  Researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study and found that patients who consistently use CPAP therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have noticeable and measurable improvements in facial appearance. 

Researchers took three-dimensional images of the participant’s faces before the start of their CPAP therapy and two months after consistent CPAP use.  Volunteers and the participants were asked to judge the before and after photos.  Both groups were two times more likely to say that the participant in the after photo looked younger, more youthful and more attractive.  Additionally, image analysis showed that facial redness around the eyes and cheeks diminished after only two months of using CPAP therapy.  Lastly, forehead surface area decreased in the patients.

Instead of running to the plastic surgeon for cosmetic facial surgery, ask yourself if you are getting enough sleep or if you have some of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.  CPAP therapy could be the cheapest and noninvasive facelift on the market!

-Ashley

Reference: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-michael-j-breus/treating-sleep-apnea_b_4109379.html

The Flu 411

Now that the blissful days of sun, surf and sand are over, here in New England we are lucky enough to experience the beauty of fall.  Although we enjoy the leaves changing color and pumpkin flavored everything, fall also means something not as enjoyable: The Start of Flu Season.

Over the past few years, it seems that the hype of the flu shot has been dramatized.  From children to the elderly, people ask themselves “Will the flu shot give me the flu?” “I’ve never gotten the flu shot or the flu before, so why do I need to get the shot now?” 

The answers to these questions are: the flu shot will NOT give you the flu, and yes, you DO need the flu shot.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children ages 6 months or older be immunized against influenza as soon as the vaccine is available.  Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others against the seasonal flu. 

Each year between 3,000 and 49,000 people in the US and approximately 500,000 worldwide die from the flu and its complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness in those vaccinated by about 60%.

As we fall back into our favorite season, it’s important to remember to wash our hands frequently, get plenty of sleep and most importantly, get the flu shot!

 

Stay healthy!

Ashley

 

References: http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/03/health/better-flu-vaccine-fauci/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Make Your Zzz's Count

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 41% of Americans are report sleeping problems.  Are you part of that 41%?  Not getting a good night’s rest can lead to serious health problems. Heart attack, stroke and weigh gain could be caused by lack of sleep.  To avoid feeling tired and sluggish during the day, follow these 5 easy steps on how to get a restful night’s sleep!

1.) Relax your mind.  Worrying about work, bills and family before or in bed can lead to an uneasy night.  Try keeping a pen and paper on a nightstand and write down a “to-do” list for the next day to help keep your mind clear. 

2.) Put the iPhones and tablets away!  The light from your phone, electronic device and even the television can interrupt your natural ability to fall asleep.  It’s best to keep these distractions out of the bedroom. 

3.) Keep cool.  Keeping the temperature in the bedroom between 68-72 degrees is best.  If your body temperature is cool, you will most likely be able to fall and stay asleep through the night.

4.) Save your coffee for the morning.  Consuming caffeine, alcohol or nicotine before bed might not cause you to not FALL asleep, but it will cause you to not STAY asleep.  These stimulants take hours to wear off and interrupt your body’s natural feeling of being tired at night.

5.)  Make a bedtime schedule and stick to it.  Whether it’s taking a warm bath or reading your favorite novel, doing relaxing activities before bed will improve your quality of sleep.  Also, try going to bed around the same time every night, so after some time, your body will automatically recognize when you’re sleepy.

Regardless, listen to your body and remember that with a good night’s sleep you will be healthier, more active and ready to take on whatever your day has to offer!

Sweet dreams,

Ashley Fishback

 

References: The Pulmonary Press August 2013