One of the greatest challenges facing the Aleep apnea Community is in creating awareness. It is incumbent on us to increase knowledge, and understanding; afterall people's lives are at stake.

I had the priviledge a few months ago to speak to a small group on the subject of Sleep Apnea. At the conclusion of my talk, I wondered to myself, "Did they really get it?" To my amazement people were lined up to speak to me one on one. Some told me that my story made them realize that they needed to go talk to their doctor, because they suspected that they have the symptoms of sleep apnea; especially after the 'Sleep Quiz' that I handed out. Others let me know that they were going home to talk to family members and friends whom they suspect may have Sleep Apnea. I remembetr one lady came to me in tears as she let me know they her husband was diagnosed, and completed a sleep study, and recieved his CPAP machine, but was very non-compliant with it. She needed some way to help him.

'Where can we go for help?' "My doctor doesn't seem to know much about this subject, so who can we talk to?" And the questions kept coming. Ileft that meeting aware of the magnititude of the need that was out there in the community.

Sometimes when I ride the mass transit system, I play a game with myself; even though it is really not a game. I challenge myself to sit and observe as many people as I can to see how many I could identify that displayed symptoms of Sleep Apnea. I am always blown away by the numbers, then become saddened, when I realize that in many cases they don't even know what is happening to them. They were dying right in front of my eyes.

The economic chaos in our country has overwhelmed our government in their search for solutions. I submit that we need to look at the pieces in this large jigsaw puzzle, that potentially links everything together. Place those pieces in a position of priority, then watch to see if the other pieces don't fall into place. Take Sleep Apnea for example; those who have the knowledge know certain facts. Some of which are: The majority of people in this country affected, don't even know it; It affets performance at work, causing productivity issues and job loss; It creates a safety hazard on the job, and is a major cause of vehicle crashes; it directly affets the family structure. Those few facts alone directly impacts our economy.

So, I further submit that the cries for change and reform should also be accompanied by our voices in the ears of our state and congressional representatives to every medial outlet, to the churches and community groups to push for increase in funding, and assistance in awareness campaigns, research, education, and attainable treatment for all who suffer from Sleep Apnea. Think about it!