Pro Player Health Alliance Continues to Have Success at Private Screenings of NFL Players for Sleep Apnea

This past Saturday, December 15, 2012, Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA) teamed up with Dr. Allan Bernstein, DDS., Dr. Roger Briggs, DDS., and Dr. Archie Roberts, MD., The Living Heart Foundation (LHF), the American Legion and Former NFL Legends, to take part in a sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease private screening for NFL Legends. The event was held privately at The Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ.

“We were fortunate enough to screen 25 former NFL Players for sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease,” said David Gergen, President and Co-founder of PPHA. “Results will be sent to each of the players within a week and follow-up for any treatment necessary will also take place.”

This event is part of the national “Tackle Sleep Apnea” campaign and will be yet another stop, in a series of stops across the nation. With over 12 million Americans diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an estimate of millions more whom have not yet been diagnosed, the treatment of OSA is growing exponentially. OSA is a syndrome caused by obstruction of the upper airway. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has been a huge help in the PPHA “Tackling Sleep Apnea” campaign. In fact, Tony Dorsett flew into Phoenix on December 15 to lend his hand with the screening because he believes in PPHA and the difference they are making nationally.

At the event, each of the 25 NFL players had the following completed by LHF and PPHA:

^{Consent form}
^{Health questionnaire}
^{Blood draw for cardiovascular (CV) risk panel}
^{Body composition}
^{Blood pressure and pulse analysis}
^{Electrocardiogram}
^{Echocardiogram}
^{Carotid ultrasound}
^{Doctor’s consult}
^{Results letter sent in mail to individual}
^{Follow-up discussion, if requested}

“These events are extremely successful,” David Gergen, President of the PPHA said. “We continue to be incredibly grateful that we are able to spread awareness to so many people at a national level.”

The next OSA awareness event will be held at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, AZ on January 10, 2013 and is open to the public. Typical events range in size of 100 to 300 people, so it is important to register early. As part of the event, former NFL legends Roy Green, Derek Kennard, Dave Krieg, Mark Walczak, and Ron Wolfley will share their experiences with sleep apnea and treatment. Additionally, NBA Legend Truck Robinson is the first NBA super star to jump on board with PPHA. In addition, they will be signing autographs and photo opportunities will be available, for anyone in attendance. It is fantastic to see these NFL and NBA Legends give back to the community to increase awareness of sleep apnea in the nation. In addition to the former NFL and NBA Legends that will be in attendance, there will be a surprise guest. The guest is a current Arizona Cardinal superstar. So stay tuned for that announcement coming soon.

Additionally, the LHF will be doing free health screenings, blood pressure testing, and BMI testing for Phoenix and Scottsdale firemen and policemen at no cost to the participants.

“I heard about the campaign and wanted to become involved in efforts to get the word out about what sleep apnea can do to you,” Walczak said. “I lost my best friend Junior Seau from the effects of this condition and I am trying to spread awareness, to save lives.”

To pre-register for the upcoming event, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4799861515?ref=ecount.

For more information about PPHA or the “Tackle Sleep Apnea” campaign, visit http://proplayersleep.org.

About Pro Player Health Alliance

The Pro Players Health Alliance (PPHA) is an organization dedicated to helping former NFL players, through providing testing and treatment options for those who suffer from sleep apnea. In addition, the PPHA is dedicated to integrating education and raising sleep apnea awareness, in a fun and memorable way. In addition to the campaign, the PPHA is dedicated to testing and getting people treated who suffer from sleep apnea. The PPHA was created by David Gergen, President of Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab, Rani Ben-David, President of Sleep Group Solutions, and Former NFL legends.

About David Gergen

David Gergen, CDT and President of Pro Player Health Alliance, has been a nationally respected dental lab technician for over 25 years. He received the award for “The Finest Orthodontic Technician in the Country” given by Columbus Dental in 1986. He also has been appointed chair of the dental wing of the Sleep and Breathing Academy a national interdisciplinary academy dedicated to sleep training and education with over 60,000 members. David rolled out of bed on September 12, 1981 and had his career “ah ha” moment. He knew he was going to be an orthodontic technician and he knew he was going to help people all over the country to help treat their sleep disorders in partnership with their dentists. He has worked for some of the pioneers in the orthodontic and sleep dentistry fields. He was the personal technician for the likes of Dr. Robert Ricketts, Dr. Ronald Roth, Dr. A. Paul Serrano, Dr. Clark Jones, Dr. Harold Gelb, Dr. Joseph R. Cohen, Dr. Rodney Willey, Dr. Allan Bernstein, and Dr. Thien Pham. One of his proudest achievements is receiving The National Leadership award for Arizona Small Businessman of the Year in 2004.

About Dr. Allan Bernstein

Allan K. Bernstein, D.D.S., focuses his practice exclusively on orofacial pain disorders (TMD), and obstructive sleep apnea/snoring. He has been in practice in the Phoenix Valley since 1978. Dr. Bernstein received his dental training at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and completed his dental internship at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He continues to enhance and refine his clinical expertise through ongoing training and professional involvement in TMD, as well as the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with the use of oral appliances, an area he expanded his practice to include since 1986. Dr. Bernstein is board certified by the American Board of Orofacial Pain, the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and served as a member of the Academy’s Board of Directors.

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