Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Z on January 22, 2010 at 11:40am

This looks to me like she has already written her article and just needs a real woman with an attractive face with kids to put a name on the article.

I wonder if the is $ compensation?

Mary Z.

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on January 22, 2010 at 2:13pm

For the record, this is only MY personal opinion/reaction to the wording of this request.

I completely recognize and celebrate this writer's effort to "get the word out" to women who may be having apnea symptoms, unaware of the MEANING of those symptoms. I also understand, from a marketing point of view, that she is targeting a specific "profile'' of women who, I assume, subscribe to her magazine. Understandable from a business point-of-view.

HOWEVER, the text, (i.e., the specific and limiting nature/demographic of the interviewees she's requesting) errs on the side of a somewhat condescending OR unaware OR uneducated attitude. The effect her limits on age, level of attractiveness, parental status and for heaven sake!, that she doesn't have to be the "most fascinating" woman in order to qualify is, (again in my opinion only), misguided, inappropriate, and sexist.

(THAT was a VERY long, run-on sentence)!! My 3rd grade teacher is rolling over in her grave as we speak!)

Seriously though, is the scope of focus for her readers this limited? I'm 67 years old and read all KINDS of magazines, articles, etc., (many "out of my age range"), as a way of keeping in closer touch with the goings-on of the world in general. I doubt that I'm the only one. Older women, as well as their younger daughters, granddaughters, friends, etc. may very well be afficianados of First Magazine.

Who will be the person who "judges" the suitablilty of a sleep apnea patient for an article meant to inform and caution women about the risks of, not only sleep apnea, but of mis-diagnosed women?

What will be the impact on readers, even younger ones, who may be concerned about their older relatives/friends, etc.? Is not impact the goal of any professional writer???

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are vulnerable to having sleep apnea.

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are in relationship with many, many different "types" of girls and women on an ongoing basis.

So, MY personal suggestion to this forward-thinking writer who's requesting assistance with her article is that she let herself become aware of the FACT that women talk to women about health issues and concerns. ALL THE TIME.

Female communication is un-related to any of the limitations she mentions. If we can all agree that word-of-mouth, clinical information is best dispersed by women within their own families and communities, it becomes clear, at least to me, that her strict requirements may severely limit the potential scope and impact that her proposed article could have on ALL women, even if they are NOT subscribers of First Magazine.

It's notable, and deserves mention, that a (possibly) young professional is taking up the banner for the benefit of all women who may be suffering sleep apnea and completely mis-diagnosed, i.e., with depression, sometimes for many years, while the disease is left to progress. I was one of those women, as are many of us on SleepGuide. So I applaud her thought process, awareness, and interest in getting the word out. This world NEEDS writers of her caliber to get the information out there that many so desperately need.

This woman has the intelligence, the skills, the drive, and the forum to TRULY make a far-reaching impact.

So kudos to Ms. Hallie!, along with my personal request that she expand her thought process to somehow include and benefit ALL women, separate from the afore-mentioned criteria.

Susan McCord www.sleepguide.com

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on January 22, 2010 at 2:17pm

Well said, Susan. More appropriate than my knee jerk reaction, but exactly how I feel about the artcle and authoress.

Mary Z.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on January 22, 2010 at 2:19pm

I agree with everything Susan said. I just want to make sure we are careful NOT to shoot the messenger. Dr. Park is out of the goodness of his heart acting as a conduit for this reporter. I am sure you agree Susan that we appreciate Dr. Park's generosity with his time/ efforts, irrespective of what this reporter's shortcomings may be.

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Permalink Reply by Steven Y. Park, MD on January 22, 2010 at 2:21pm

Susan,

Thanks for bringing up these issues. I had some reservations about posting her request on SleepGuide for some of the same reasons you mentioned, but decided to do it anyway, mainly to get the word out to as many women as possible. Sorry If I upset any of you.

susan mccord said:

For the record, this is only MY personal opinion/reaction to the wording of this request.

I completely recognize and celebrate this writer's effort to "get the word out" to women who may be having apnea symptoms, unaware of the MEANING of those symptoms. I also understand, from a marketing point of view, that she is targeting a specific "profile'' of women who, I assume, subscribe to her magazine. Understandable from a business point-of-view.

HOWEVER, the text, (i.e., the specific and limiting nature/demographic of the interviewees she's requesting) errs on the side of a somewhat condescending OR unaware OR uneducated attitude. The effect her limits on age, level of attractiveness, parental status and for heaven sake!, that she doesn't have to be the "most fascinating" woman in order to qualify is, (again in my opinion only), misguided, inappropriate, and sexist.

(THAT was a VERY long, run-on sentence)!! My 3rd grade teacher is rolling over in her grave as we speak!)

Seriously though, is the scope of focus for her readers this limited? I'm 67 years old and read all KINDS of magazines, articles, etc., (many "out of my age range"), as a way of keeping in closer touch with the goings-on of the world in general. I doubt that I'm the only one. Older women, as well as their younger daughters, granddaughters, friends, etc. may very well be afficianados of First Magazine.

Who will be the person who "judges" the suitablilty of a sleep apnea patient for an article meant to inform and caution women about the risks of, not only sleep apnea, but of mis-diagnosed women?

What will be the impact on readers, even younger ones, who may be concerned about their older relatives/friends, etc.? Is not impact the goal of any professional writer???

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are vulnerable to having sleep apnea.

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are in relationship with many, many different "types" of girls and women on an ongoing basis.

So, MY personal suggestion to this forward-thinking writer who's requesting assistance with her article is that she let herself become aware of the FACT that women talk to women about health issues and concerns. ALL THE TIME.

Female communication is un-related to any of the limitations she mentions. If we can all agree that word-of-mouth, clinical information is best dispersed by women within their own families and communities, it becomes clear, at least to me, that her strict requirements may severely limit the potential scope and impact that her proposed article could have on ALL women, even if they are NOT subscribers of First Magazine.

It's notable, and deserves mention, that a (possibly) young professional is taking up the banner for the benefit of all women who may be suffering sleep apnea and completely mis-diagnosed, i.e., with depression, sometimes for many years, while the disease is left to progress. I was one of those women, as are many of us on SleepGuide. So I applaud her thought process, awareness, and interest in getting the word out. This world NEEDS writers of her caliber to get the information out there that many so desperately need.

This woman has the intelligence, the skills, the drive, and the forum to TRULY make a far-reaching impact.

So kudos to Ms. Hallie!, along with my personal request that she expand her thought process to somehow include and benefit ALL women, separate from the afore-mentioned criteria.

Susan McCord www.sleepguide.com

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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on January 22, 2010 at 2:29pm

Mike, I absolutely agree with what Dr. Park is trying to do, and so does everybody on SG who regularly has the opportunity to access his always-helpful support and information.

Steven Park, M.D. is a doctor for the people......he epitomizes your goal of "Bringing Power to the People".

No shooting of the messenger contained in, or indicated in THIS ol' woman's reply!!!!!

Susan McCord

Mike said:

I agree with everything Susan said. I just want to make sure we are careful NOT to shoot the messenger. Dr. Park is out of the goodness of his heart acting as a conduit for this reporter. I am sure you agree Susan that we appreciate Dr. Park's generosity with his time/ efforts, irrespective of what this reporter's shortcomings may be.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on January 22, 2010 at 2:29pm

I do think this discussion brings to light the quality of media coverage of Sleep Apnea. I myself was asked by a producer for the Dr. Oz show to find a young woman who suffered from Sleep Apnea -- when I served one up to the show, she was shot down for not being talkative enough and bubbly. These medical TV shows tend to operate for the lowest common denominator, which of course is where the biggest market/ dollars are. If you want intelligent dialogue about this disorder, you have to go online to niche communities like SleepGuide.

Steven Y. Park, MD said:

Susan,

Thanks for bringing up these issues. I had some reservations about posting her request on SleepGuide for some of the same reasons you mentioned, but decided to do it anyway, mainly to get the word out to as many women as possible. Sorry If I upset any of you.

susan mccord said:

For the record, this is only MY personal opinion/reaction to the wording of this request.

I completely recognize and celebrate this writer's effort to "get the word out" to women who may be having apnea symptoms, unaware of the MEANING of those symptoms. I also understand, from a marketing point of view, that she is targeting a specific "profile'' of women who, I assume, subscribe to her magazine. Understandable from a business point-of-view.

HOWEVER, the text, (i.e., the specific and limiting nature/demographic of the interviewees she's requesting) errs on the side of a somewhat condescending OR unaware OR uneducated attitude. The effect her limits on age, level of attractiveness, parental status and for heaven sake!, that she doesn't have to be the "most fascinating" woman in order to qualify is, (again in my opinion only), misguided, inappropriate, and sexist.

(THAT was a VERY long, run-on sentence)!! My 3rd grade teacher is rolling over in her grave as we speak!)

Seriously though, is the scope of focus for her readers this limited? I'm 67 years old and read all KINDS of magazines, articles, etc., (many "out of my age range"), as a way of keeping in closer touch with the goings-on of the world in general. I doubt that I'm the only one. Older women, as well as their younger daughters, granddaughters, friends, etc. may very well be afficianados of First Magazine.

Who will be the person who "judges" the suitablilty of a sleep apnea patient for an article meant to inform and caution women about the risks of, not only sleep apnea, but of mis-diagnosed women?

What will be the impact on readers, even younger ones, who may be concerned about their older relatives/friends, etc.? Is not impact the goal of any professional writer???

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are vulnerable to having sleep apnea.

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are in relationship with many, many different "types" of girls and women on an ongoing basis.

So, MY personal suggestion to this forward-thinking writer who's requesting assistance with her article is that she let herself become aware of the FACT that women talk to women about health issues and concerns. ALL THE TIME.

Female communication is un-related to any of the limitations she mentions. If we can all agree that word-of-mouth, clinical information is best dispersed by women within their own families and communities, it becomes clear, at least to me, that her strict requirements may severely limit the potential scope and impact that her proposed article could have on ALL women, even if they are NOT subscribers of First Magazine.

It's notable, and deserves mention, that a (possibly) young professional is taking up the banner for the benefit of all women who may be suffering sleep apnea and completely mis-diagnosed, i.e., with depression, sometimes for many years, while the disease is left to progress. I was one of those women, as are many of us on SleepGuide. So I applaud her thought process, awareness, and interest in getting the word out. This world NEEDS writers of her caliber to get the information out there that many so desperately need.

This woman has the intelligence, the skills, the drive, and the forum to TRULY make a far-reaching impact.

So kudos to Ms. Hallie!, along with my personal request that she expand her thought process to somehow include and benefit ALL women, separate from the afore-mentioned criteria.

Susan McCord www.sleepguide.com

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by susan mccord on January 22, 2010 at 2:32pm

Steve, you didn't upset me in the least. You certainly made me sit up and take notice though! That's what we're all here for, to become and remain not only informed patients, but also advocates for other sleep apnea patients.

You need not EVER apologize to me for your efforts in this regard.

I'm grateful for your presence on SleepGuide every single day.....

Susan :-)

Steven Y. Park, MD said:

Susan,

Thanks for bringing up these issues. I had some reservations about posting her request on SleepGuide for some of the same reasons you mentioned, but decided to do it anyway, mainly to get the word out to as many women as possible. Sorry If I upset any of you.

susan mccord said:

For the record, this is only MY personal opinion/reaction to the wording of this request.

I completely recognize and celebrate this writer's effort to "get the word out" to women who may be having apnea symptoms, unaware of the MEANING of those symptoms. I also understand, from a marketing point of view, that she is targeting a specific "profile'' of women who, I assume, subscribe to her magazine. Understandable from a business point-of-view.

HOWEVER, the text, (i.e., the specific and limiting nature/demographic of the interviewees she's requesting) errs on the side of a somewhat condescending OR unaware OR uneducated attitude. The effect her limits on age, level of attractiveness, parental status and for heaven sake!, that she doesn't have to be the "most fascinating" woman in order to qualify is, (again in my opinion only), misguided, inappropriate, and sexist.

(THAT was a VERY long, run-on sentence)!! My 3rd grade teacher is rolling over in her grave as we speak!)

Seriously though, is the scope of focus for her readers this limited? I'm 67 years old and read all KINDS of magazines, articles, etc., (many "out of my age range"), as a way of keeping in closer touch with the goings-on of the world in general. I doubt that I'm the only one. Older women, as well as their younger daughters, granddaughters, friends, etc. may very well be afficianados of First Magazine.

Who will be the person who "judges" the suitablilty of a sleep apnea patient for an article meant to inform and caution women about the risks of, not only sleep apnea, but of mis-diagnosed women?

What will be the impact on readers, even younger ones, who may be concerned about their older relatives/friends, etc.? Is not impact the goal of any professional writer???

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are vulnerable to having sleep apnea.

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are in relationship with many, many different "types" of girls and women on an ongoing basis.

So, MY personal suggestion to this forward-thinking writer who's requesting assistance with her article is that she let herself become aware of the FACT that women talk to women about health issues and concerns. ALL THE TIME.

Female communication is un-related to any of the limitations she mentions. If we can all agree that word-of-mouth, clinical information is best dispersed by women within their own families and communities, it becomes clear, at least to me, that her strict requirements may severely limit the potential scope and impact that her proposed article could have on ALL women, even if they are NOT subscribers of First Magazine.

It's notable, and deserves mention, that a (possibly) young professional is taking up the banner for the benefit of all women who may be suffering sleep apnea and completely mis-diagnosed, i.e., with depression, sometimes for many years, while the disease is left to progress. I was one of those women, as are many of us on SleepGuide. So I applaud her thought process, awareness, and interest in getting the word out. This world NEEDS writers of her caliber to get the information out there that many so desperately need.

This woman has the intelligence, the skills, the drive, and the forum to TRULY make a far-reaching impact.

So kudos to Ms. Hallie!, along with my personal request that she expand her thought process to somehow include and benefit ALL women, separate from the afore-mentioned criteria.

Susan McCord www.sleepguide.com

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 99 on January 22, 2010 at 3:21pm

this woman is short of a story deadline and try to take shortcut for her pay check

the best way of handling this is to hand over her story so far to a real apnean writer like susan
let susan look at it and input her experience into the article without any editorial cuts made

also insist that sleepguide gets a deserved mention and the email address included and a welcome to join sleepguide

let mike see the information and see how we can copywrite it as our on sleepguide

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by susan mccord on January 22, 2010 at 4:20pm

Mike, BINGO! re: media coverage. And good for SleepGuide. This is THE place for me. It's kind of a sad commentary on media in general (none in particular) that the focus is SO on "presentation" issues as opposed to doing their job which, in my opinion, is the job of ANY interviewer in ANY discipline. And considering the vast audience that media has, they miss out on a lot of opportunities to generate solid, beneficial info to the masses. As opposed to some of the slop they churn out.

(I'm NOT talking about the magazine writer we were discussing while ago--not at all).

It's actually kinda funny in a way, given their insistence on "guests" looking and sounding a certain way, they sure do spend a LOT of time giving coverage to some of the lesser members of society in terms of their behavior or lifestyle. Not saying one person is more valuable than any other--just that some folks with pretty shady behavior get a LOT of public attention, sometimes ad nauseum......

People will often open up if supported and guided in that direction. The notion that someone, who's trying to speak out on behalf of themselves and others with a serious medical condition, would be expected to be "bubbly" on TV is remarkable. Just being on TV is a challenge for nearly everyone that's not in the business of public speaking.

McCord

Mike said:

I do think this discussion brings to light the quality of media coverage of Sleep Apnea. I myself was asked by a producer for the Dr. Oz show to find a young woman who suffered from Sleep Apnea -- when I served one up to the show, she was shot down for not being talkative enough and bubbly. These medical TV shows tend to operate for the lowest common denominator, which of course is where the biggest market/ dollars are. If you want intelligent dialogue about this disorder, you have to go online to niche communities like SleepGuide.

Steven Y. Park, MD said:

Susan,

Thanks for bringing up these issues. I had some reservations about posting her request on SleepGuide for some of the same reasons you mentioned, but decided to do it anyway, mainly to get the word out to as many women as possible. Sorry If I upset any of you.

susan mccord said:

For the record, this is only MY personal opinion/reaction to the wording of this request.

I completely recognize and celebrate this writer's effort to "get the word out" to women who may be having apnea symptoms, unaware of the MEANING of those symptoms. I also understand, from a marketing point of view, that she is targeting a specific "profile'' of women who, I assume, subscribe to her magazine. Understandable from a business point-of-view.

HOWEVER, the text, (i.e., the specific and limiting nature/demographic of the interviewees she's requesting) errs on the side of a somewhat condescending OR unaware OR uneducated attitude. The effect her limits on age, level of attractiveness, parental status and for heaven sake!, that she doesn't have to be the "most fascinating" woman in order to qualify is, (again in my opinion only), misguided, inappropriate, and sexist.

(THAT was a VERY long, run-on sentence)!! My 3rd grade teacher is rolling over in her grave as we speak!)

Seriously though, is the scope of focus for her readers this limited? I'm 67 years old and read all KINDS of magazines, articles, etc., (many "out of my age range"), as a way of keeping in closer touch with the goings-on of the world in general. I doubt that I'm the only one. Older women, as well as their younger daughters, granddaughters, friends, etc. may very well be afficianados of First Magazine.

Who will be the person who "judges" the suitablilty of a sleep apnea patient for an article meant to inform and caution women about the risks of, not only sleep apnea, but of mis-diagnosed women?

What will be the impact on readers, even younger ones, who may be concerned about their older relatives/friends, etc.? Is not impact the goal of any professional writer???

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are vulnerable to having sleep apnea.

Women and girls of ALL ages, parental status, physical appearance, and/or personality type, are in relationship with many, many different "types" of girls and women on an ongoing basis.

So, MY personal suggestion to this forward-thinking writer who's requesting assistance with her article is that she let herself become aware of the FACT that women talk to women about health issues and concerns. ALL THE TIME.

Female communication is un-related to any of the limitations she mentions. If we can all agree that word-of-mouth, clinical information is best dispersed by women within their own families and communities, it becomes clear, at least to me, that her strict requirements may severely limit the potential scope and impact that her proposed article could have on ALL women, even if they are NOT subscribers of First Magazine.

It's notable, and deserves mention, that a (possibly) young professional is taking up the banner for the benefit of all women who may be suffering sleep apnea and completely mis-diagnosed, i.e., with depression, sometimes for many years, while the disease is left to progress. I was one of those women, as are many of us on SleepGuide. So I applaud her thought process, awareness, and interest in getting the word out. This world NEEDS writers of her caliber to get the information out there that many so desperately need.

This woman has the intelligence, the skills, the drive, and the forum to TRULY make a far-reaching impact.

So kudos to Ms. Hallie!, along with my personal request that she expand her thought process to somehow include and benefit ALL women, separate from the afore-mentioned criteria.

Susan McCord www.sleepguide.com

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by susan mccord on January 22, 2010 at 4:34pm

99, I agree with you in concept. However, I'm completely ready and willing, at this point, to give "our" magazine-writer the benefit of the doubt. I have no idea what her motivation may or may not be.

She certainly had the knowledge and the instinct to contact Dr. Park, who is among the more credible MDs I've run across in my lo-o-o-o-o-ong life!

I appreciate your affirmation of the times when I occasionally post something beyond my own concerns with my own health, though, Roger! :-)

Susan McCord

99 said:

this woman is short of a story deadline and try to take shortcut for her pay check

the best way of handling this is to hand over her story so far to a real apnean writer like susan
let susan look at it and input her experience into the article without any editorial cuts made

also insist that sleepguide gets a deserved mention and the email address included and a welcome to join sleepguide

let mike see the information and see how we can copywrite it as our on sleepguide

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 99 on January 22, 2010 at 5:12pm

have we decide on a world apnea day for a coordinated media blitz world wide

we can ask for government sponsership of the world govnments or even the medical profession and ask celebs to take part

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