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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Importance of oxygenation
Oxygenation is the key to life.
Without oxygen, none of our organs function
properly. There is also a direct correlation between
oxygenation, longevity, quality of life and aesthetics.
We need oxygen in order to properly metabolize
and maximize the benefits we receive from our
intake of food and liquid. Oxygen is used by our cells
to maintain and strengthen our immune system,
DR. MICHAEL
and helps prevent us from contracting viruses,
DOBLIN
colds, cancer and other degenerative diseases. It is
oxygen that, in combination with carbon,
hydrogen and nitrogen, is used in the Krebs
cycle to give our organs the energy and repair that are
constantly going on in our bodies.
Oxygenation is a two-fold process. First and foremost, one’s
airway must not be obstructed by the relaxation of the tongue and
soft pallet when one is sleeping, this is called obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA) and is a life-threatening disorder that affects one third of the
adult population. Airway patency must be maintained; the opening
of the airway can only be attained mechanically, by either an oral
appliance or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
In the latter case, many patients find it intolerable to wear a restrictive
mask and headgear while sleeping; their alternative is the oral appliance.
The oral appliance is the gold standard for treating those patients
who have mild and moderate OSA and it, in effect, opens the airway
by moving the jaw forward, much like giving someone CPR. The oral
appliance is very well accepted and in most cases our patients imme-
diately notice a difference in their vitality and that snoring, choking
and gasping for breath is either nearly or completely eliminated. The
bed partners of our patients are happy, as well, as they are no longer
woken up by loud snoring and choking.
Secondly, oxygenation needs to be attained with regular exercise
using deep diaphragm breathing. It is important to exercise a minimum of four times per week with deep diaphragm inhalations during
the contractive phase of each exercise repetition and deep exhales
during the relaxation period of the repetition. Any means to secure
unobstructed nighttime breathing should be practiced including
using nasal strips, and good sleep hygiene such as seeping on
one’s side – never on one’s back – and going to sleep without any
stressful thoughts. Watching television should be stopped at
least an hour before sleep. Sleeping in a cool dark room also
helps. Certain relaxation techniques such as meditation, focusing on relaxation of the extremities and progressing to relaxation
of the head and mind should be practiced.
For more information, visit www.athomesleepsolutions.com or call
for your free screening and sleep apnea evaluation at 201-396-9338 for
our North Jersey and New York City/metropolitan location and at 609947-4500 for our South Jersey location. Most medical insurance plans
are accepted. d
Dr. Michael Doblin graduated at the top of his class at the University
of Missouri in 1972. He held a successful dental practice for over 37
years. Dr. Doblin has been exclusively involved in treating snoring
and obstructive sleep apnea for the past five years. He is dedicated to
educating people and helping them sleep better.
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www.njcopsmagazine.com
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JULY 2016
71