Fans across the country can now count on a company called Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA) to bring their favorite NFL stars to them through events on what is called the “Tackle Sleep Apnea” campaign. These free events are open to the public for anyone who wants to learn how to get a better night’s sleep or meet some of the all-time greats that made football what it is today. In addition to current and former players, in attendance will be professional experts on sleep disordered breathing offering free educational information.
This all out offense against sleep apnea was brought to life by David Gergen, President of PPHA and Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab, last year when after treating Derek Kennard for sleep apnea. Derek, Super Bowl Champion with the Cowboys says, “If I hadn’t met Mr. Gergen when I did, I might not be here today.”
Gergen mentions that one of the most dangerous things about sleep apnea is that most people either don’t know they have it or they don’t know the harmful effects of letting it go untreated. While fatigue is a common symptom, it can lead to heart complications and lowers the immune system making the body more susceptible to other illnesses. He has also found many aren’t aware that there are alternative treatments to CPAP.
Kennard wears what is known as the Herbst Device for sleep disorders. It is a simple oral appliance that stops the lower jaw from obstructing one’s airway at night while they’re asleep. Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab is one of two labs in the country that is Medicare approved to manufacture the appliance. Along with Kennard, over 160 additional former professional athletes have been treated through PPHA with the Herbst Device.
To learn more about Pro Player Health Alliance, visit http://www.proplayersleep.org
About David Gergen
As President of PPHA and Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab, he 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 American Sleep and Breathing Academy a national interdisciplinary academy dedicated to sleep training and education with over 60,000 members. He has worked for some of the pioneers in the orthodontic and sleep dentistry fields. One of his proudest achievements is receiving The National Leadership award for Arizona Small Businessman of the Year in 2004.
About Pro Player 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 and Former NFL legends.