Your Health Matters
By Claudia Parks, R.N.

A few weeks ago my husband at the age of seventy had his very first experience with a hospital stay, along with a surgical procedure. Our Atlanta friends could not believe that I would not take him back to one of the notable hospitals and physicians in the big city, of which I was familiar. Since we now live Blairsville-we felt we should at least check out the local doctors and hospital. We were impressed with the competent, non-rushed feeling that Dr. Smith conveyed and the friendly skillful care he received at Union General Hospital. It was refreshing to say the least! I've invited Dr. Smith to be a guest contributor this week.

New Hope For Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Dr. Wendy L. Smith, the Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon in Blairsville, Georgia is now offering a simple, one-time, inoffice procedure for treating snoring and sleep apnea, a serious health condition that afflicts more than 12 million Americans and deprives sufferers from the benefits of deep sleep. With the Pillar procedure, Dr. Smith is able to provide some patients an alternative to undergoing surgery or a "life-long" therapy approach of wearing an air mask that applies pressurized oxygen while sleeping.

The Pillar procedure is the only implantable treatment cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea is

defined as the interruption of breathing during sleep and owes its name to the Greek word apnea, meaning "want of breath." The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA causes a blockage in the throat that prevents proper airflow, causing sufferers to wake up hundreds of times throughout the night. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring and fatigue. However, reaching far beyond these symptoms, OSA has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, memory problems, weight gain, impotency and headaches.

"I'm dedicated to providing my patients with the safest, most effective treatments for sleep and breathing problems. The Pillar procedure is an excellent complement to my practice," says Dr. Smith. "With Pillar, I'm able to offer patients a one-time, in-office procedure that significantly reduces loud snoring and can improve sleep apnea in some patients to the point that they may not need to use a CPAP mask or have other major surgery."

The Pillar procedure is designed to restore or stiffen the palate, a contributor in nearly 80 percent of patients suffering from sleep and breathing disorders. The procedure places three inserts in the patient's soft palate, causing the palate to stiffen. The stiffening helps to prevent or lessen blockages of the airway - effectively treating sleep apnea. Pillar inserts are less than one inch long and made from a woven soft polyester material that has been used for many years in implantable medical products. The Pillar procedure is conducted in a single, short, inoffice setting using local anesthetic and is completely reversible. Most patients report that the procedure is virtually painless and that they are able to resume normal activities and diet the same day.

"I can't believe I didn't do this years ago! I'm so happy with my procedure. I rest better, I hardly make a sound at night and my wife says I no longer make choking noises when I sleep," states Newell Collins. "After I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, I was given the option of using CPAP mask, but I wasn't too keen on trying it. When Dr. Smith told me about the Pillar procedure, I was instantly sold. I couldn't believe how simple the procedure was - it was easier than going to the dentist! Now, my wife and I are both finally getting a good night's sleep. I highly recommend the Pillar Procedure to anyone with snoring or sleep apnea."

Dr. Wendy Smith has been in practice in the local area for 5 years. She received her medical degree and did her internship and residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. She is dedicated to providing patients with safe, effective diagnosis and treatments for sleep and breathing disorders.

To learn more about Dr. Wendy Smith and her Ear, Nose & Throat practice, or to set up an appointment to discuss the Pillar Procedure, call 706-7451305. She is located on the Union General Hospital campus in Blairsville, Georgia. To learn more about Restore Medical and the Pillar procedure, visit www.restoremedical. com.

You may reach Claudia Parks, RN at yhm@windstream. net