Health starts with sleep
From left to right: Nadav Krasner, a representative from Sleep Apnea Solutions, wellness nurse Tanya Diabo, and wellness nurse Elaine Kezar. Eve Cable The Eastern Door
Feeling good during the day is a big part of maintaining health, but it’s easy to forget just how important it is to make sure your body is also running well during your unconscious hours.
That was part of the message that the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) was sharing with visitors this Wednesday, as representatives gathered to spread awareness about the importance of overall wellness and a good night’s sleep.
“We’re here for prevention, to give information on sleep and how it affects your other health issues like blood pressure and diabetes,” said wellness nurse Elaine Kezar, who was on hand to let community members test their blood pressure during the event in KMHC’s lobby.
Pamphlets and resources about blood pressure were available to take home, as well as information about diabetes and how sleep can interact with managing it.
Tanya Diabo, diabetes nurse educator and wellness nurse at KMHC, said that since diabetes is so prevalent in the community, it’s important to get a good understanding of how it affects all parts of life, including sleep.
Her help was available to community members throughout the event, as well as during regular hours, and she can be reached through contacting the community health unit secretary at KMHC.
“I’m here to answer any questions or concerns, if you’re having trouble with a blood pressure machine or glucose monitoring machine that you can’t get working, you can bring it over and we can help,” she said.
Also on hand was Nadav Krasner, a representative from Sleep Apnea Solutions, which helps individuals manage sleep disorders. He shared information about how prevention methods like healthy eating can reduce the risk of sleep apnea, and brought along a sleep apnea testing device for community members to try out.
“If community members have sleep apnea or are concerned about it or other sleep disorders, they’re more than welcome to contact us at any time,” said Krasner, who added that consultations are free, but that sleep tests do need referrals from a physician.
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For more information on the “silent health disruptors” that are hypertension, diabetes, and poor sleep, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the community health unit at 450-638-3930 and dial 3.
