Former NFL Linemen Derek Kennard and Nate Newton Raise Awareness of Sleep Apnea Through Public Speaking Engagements
April 26, 2012 at the Renaissance Hotel in Dallas Texas, a free event will be held to raise awareness of the dangers of sleep apnea and snoring. Former NFL Lineman Derek Kennard is among the contributors sharing personal experiences and struggles with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to the audience of potential sufferers. Showing support and contributing in the event are Dental Sleep Medicine Experts from Sleep Group Solutions, Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab and LoneStar Dental Sleep Medicine.
Why NFL members and athletes to raise awareness of sleep apnea? Over 60% of NFL linemen suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A Scripps Howard News Service study stated heavy athletes are more than twice as likely to die before their 50th birthday than their slimmer teammates. Percy Harvins’ treatment, and the death of Derek Kennards’ brother Donald in 2009 has inspired many athletes to step up and speak about the severity of sleep apnea. “A Good nights sleep can change your life! I wake up refreshed, well rested, my eyes aren’t red anymore. I don’t look or feel tired anymore. If I’d met Mr. Gergen sooner, we could have saved my Brother Donald Kennards’’ life.” says Derek Kennard former NFL superstar. His brother, Don Kennard died in his sleep in 2009 from sleep apnea. “…this could have been prevented. RIP Don, I Love You Man!”
Event supporter, David Gergen is a well known name in the dental field, and first introduced Derek Kennard to oral appliances to treat sleep apnea and snoring. “Derek, and Nate Newton both have been very generous with their time. Focusing their energy on letting the public know about alternatives to CPAP, and the dangers of sleep apnea has already increased awareness. Gergens’ Orthodontic Lab is proud to fabricate sleep devices that are saving lives as we speak!” says David Gergen of Gergens’ Orthodontic Lab. Other industry pioneers, Sleep Group Solutions provide top notch dental sleep medicine education and screening technology to dentists around the world. “We will support any opportunity to raise awareness of sleep apnea. This is just the beginning, we have a lot more events in the future to promote awareness, and are fortunate enough to have great NFL partners.” Rani Ben-David, Sleep Group Solutions President.
Event Specifics:
Date: April 26, 2012
Time: 2:00pm (open to public and press) and 5:30pm (open to public)
Location: The Renaissance Hotel. 2222 N Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207
Special Attendees: Unannounced NFL Players, NBC anchor Jineane Ford who is filming a documentary on sleep apnea, Dr. Harry Sugg, Mr. John Nadeau
RSVP: NOT REQUIRED.
Event Questions?: Brittany De Frank 214-763-3973 LoneStar Dental Sleep Medicine
*MEDIA INQUIRIES: Holly(at)SleepGS(dot)com