76 / 106
Sleep Apnea
“It started harmlessly enough. I felt a little more tired
than usual. Sometimes I couldn’t concentrate in class,
and my memory seemed off a bit. Then I started nod-
ding off during lectures. If the room was warm and
the prof droned on, down I went.
It’s not my fault
, I’d
rationalize.
The building needs air conditioning, and a
university this size should be able to afford more dynamic teachers.
I could come
up with an explanation for any symptom. I never saw the pattern.”—Ron, a
college freshman
“I’ve actually known I have sleep apnea for years; I just haven’t done anything
about it. When I was living at home, my dad used to tell me that I stopped
breathing during the night and that he would actually count the seconds
until I started to breathe again. At the time I thought I was sleeping
soundly—I never remembered waking up—so I never gave it a second
thought.
“Then came college. Every one of my roommates hounded me about snor-
ing. Apparently I can bring down the roof with one good nap.
So what?
I’d
74 / Health Issues Caused by Obesity
Ouch!
• Osteoarthritis currently affects an estimated 27
million Americans.
• By 2030, 67 million people will have doctor-diag-
nosed arthritis.
(Source: National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)