PITTSFIELD ROTARY CLUB       3-26-08

Visiting Rotarian:  Stan Ehinger, Louisiana, MO (two weeks in a row)

President Randolf reported we had received the Literacy  grant.  He requested that everyone who could, please sign up for the Drug Awareness program next Friday at the Pikeland Community School.  If you have never helped, you will find it a very rewarding experience… TRY.. to make time for helping.

The committee…Anne, Murray, Bobette, Dan Borrowman, Connie, Gary Woods have worked hard to make it a success…but DO need help.   Illini Community Health Foundation is funding the entire cost.

Debbie Dugan had a birthday yesterday....guess how many............................!!!!!

Make-ups:  More from Eldon Atwood in Lakeside, California.

El Presidente Supremeo led rousing singing of ‘Smile’…the lst and 3^rd  verses….

It was reported the InterAct Club has grown to 20 members… For a new activity, this is good growth.  They made cookies for a nursing home and delivered them to the residents as one of their lst projects….

Program:  Connie Schroeder, Administrator of Illini Hospital introduced Sandy Ferrell RN, who manages the sleep study service at Illini Hospital..

Sandy  says sleep apnea is a more common occurrence than is normally expected.  People wake up 30 or more times a night…due to being unable to breath properly.

A person with this problem never ever actually  goes into a deep sleep, which is necessary for proper health.

Excessive  or loud snoring, choking, gagging…all are signs of sleep apnea.   Family history may show that you are possibly a candidate.  Most often occurs in middle aged men… especially if they are over weight, or diabetic.

Illini Sleep Clinic is booked up until the end of May, but is adding another room soon.   They physically monitor a participant, make a total record of everything that occurs during the sleep experience, and send it to your local physician for follow up and proper after care.

Different masks are used, depending upon the patient  to deliver a positive pressure air supply, which may, or may not, include oxygen.  This positive delivery keeps the breathing airway open.

People with sleep apnea have been known to die during sleep….can often be tired during the day because of not enough deep sleep.

Ask your partner.. they can tell you IF you are a possible candidate for the sleep clinic…If you are, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. ( The life you save may be your own….. editorial comment…not Sandy’s)

It’s available… use it if you have any sleeping problems..

Very informative program, Sandy…..