VISITING ANGELS WARNER ROBINS, GA 478-971-1608
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Serving Central GA, Greater Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, GA and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels WARNER ROBINS, GA
335 Margie Dr
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Phone: 478-971-1608
Fax: 478-971-1609

In the News

CPAP Update©

My guess is that a significant number of the readers of this column use a CPAP machine; I have for years and it's been a big help.

For those of you who are not aware of what a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) is, it's one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea. It keeps your airways open while you sleep so you can receive the oxygen you need for optimal function. CPAP machines can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce your risk for a number of health related issues including heart disease and stroke. I have used one for years because I was, and I guess I still am, at elevated risk of stroke due to a long history of heart disease issues.

Long time readers of this column may remember that I have written several articles over the years extolling the benefits of CPAP machines/therapy. It certainly has helped me.

But, you loyal readers may also remember that my wife and I challenged each other last fall to go on a significant, for us, weight loss program, mostly for the long term health benefits it would bring us. Of course there would be several other side benefits if we were successful, including feeling and looking better and having our clothes fit better and more comfortably.

Well, we did it; I've lost 25 pounds down to my high school weight and Bess has lost 28 pounds, down to her optimal weight after we got married 54+ years ago (she was too skinny in High School to make that her target!).

It was an incredible journey that we took one day at a time together. Our primary weight loss regimen was just eating one meal a day in the evening. That sounds more difficult than it is, especially after you get past the first week. We had a lot of fun doing it together especially getting up on mornings and getting on the scale for new record low; high fives and kisses!!!

The weight loss has been and continues to be great. But there has been an unexpected side benefit; I've been able to get off the CPAP machine. I never even gave that a thought when we started but I actually haven't used it now for over a month. And sleeping without that mask has been wonderful even though I had become used to it after so many years.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as being significant risk factors for Sleep Apnea;

  • Excess weight
  • Large neck circumference
  • Narrow airway
  • Being Male (2 to 3 times more!)
  • Being older
  • Family History
  • Use of Alcohol, sedatives and/or tranquilizers
  • Smoking
  • Nasal congestion
Besides being male, the only other risk factor I had was excess weight but neither I nor the medical literature defined me as being obese. I was in the "Overweight"category (BMI = 25-29.9) according to the US CDC definitions. You can calculate your BMI at www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/ and click on Adult BMI Calculator. By their definition my BMI is now approximately 22.5 which is defined as "Healthy Weight".

I cannot tell you how good it feels to be at this "Healthy Weight". If you're up for a challenge, go for it ....you may even be able to ditch your CPAP machine when you're done.

Sweet Dreams!!!

Thanks for reading All About Seniors.....see you next week!

Bill Milby, CSA, is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Director of Visiting Angels® of Macon, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors.  If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or  search for  us at www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serving Central GA, Greater Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, GA and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels WARNER ROBINS, GA
335 Margie Dr
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Phone: 478-971-1608
Fax: 478-971-1609

Serving Central GA, Greater Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, GA and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels WARNER ROBINS, GA
335 Margie Dr
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Phone: 478-971-1608
Fax: 478-971-1609