The Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA) is continuing their momentum with former NFL Legends and doctors Jim Moreau and Frank Martello to help spread awareness on the deadly disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Both Moreau and Martello have offered to screen and treat former NFL Greats for OSA as well as any general oral health care screenings that are necessary. The home sleep studies will be done with an innovated device called the NOX-T3 by CareFusion, which donated multiple units for the screening of these players.
These Super Bowl screenings will take place at Dr. Frank Martello’s practice on February 1, 2013 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Martello’s practice is located at 1502 Amelia St., New Orleans, LA between St. Charles Avenue and Prytania Street. That is one block off the famous streetcar line that runs from the CBD down St. Charles Avenue. Martello’s practice is in an epic location with its proximity to CBD, Superdome and the French Quarter.
Both doctors are huge supporters of the PPHA’s campaign to “Tackle Sleep Apnea” which is a national touring campaign. The campaign consists of events in states all over the nation hosted by different doctors that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.
“A big thank you goes out to Isiah Robertson, President of the NFLPA Former Player Dallas Chapter, who has helped to coordinate this screening in New Orleans,” says David Gergen, President of PPHA.
Robertson went to New Orleans and spoke to theNFLPA Former Player New Orleans Chapter about the PPHA about the fantastic results he and his Dallas Chapter have seen with these screenings of former NFL players. Through this process Robertson and Gergen have become great friends and will continue to help get players diagnosed and treated with Gergen’s Orthodontic Oral Appliances nationwide.
The next event will be held in the Bay Area on February 7, 2013 and will be hosted by the famous Dr. Victor D. Woodlief of San Jose, CA. Woodlief will be taking stage with Mike Haynes and Lincoln Kennedy, amongst many other retired NFL Superstars. One of the biggest supporters of the national “Tackle Sleep Apnea” campaign, Derek Kennard and the other players have been loyal and outspoken advocates of spreading awareness of the deadly disorder across the country. Joined with David Gergen, owner of Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab and co-founder of PPHA, they have been on a mission to “Tackle Sleep Apnea” nationally.
“I am dedicated in my field to combine experience with current research to bring patient’s treatment to the next level. For years I have worked with high school and collegiate athletes to improve their athletic performance in various ways. Having the opportunity to work at the next level with the NFL is the pinnacle,” said Woodlief.
The most recent and successful event thus far was held on January 10, 2013 at 7:00pm at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort. It was a huge success drawing in almost 450 people. These events are becoming quite the buzz in the sleep apnea community. These free public events are being held to raise awareness of sleep apnea and snoring, by discussing the dangers associated with the deadly disorder. At this last event, former NFL superstars and speakers include Hall of Famer Lincoln Kennedy, All Pro, at one time the fastest man in the NFL, Roy Green, All Pro and legendary Seahawks Quarterback Dave Krieg, All Pro HB Ron Wolfley, All Pro and Super Bowl superstar Derek Kennard, and Mark Walczak of the Arizona Cardinals. Dr. Allan Bernstien and Dr. Rodger Briggs hosted the Pro Player Health Alliance event and were thrilled with outcome of the event.
“I would like to personally recognize and give highest accolades to this group of football retirees for their unselfish provision of time to share their personal experiences and passion about this disorder with the general public. I would also like to acknowledge Gergen as the engine behind this movement. Without his effort this could not have happened,” said Bernstein.
Statistically, over 60% of the NFL and former NFL are suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Who better to speak and share personal stories to the public?
“The Tackle Sleep Apnea campaign has created quite a buzz with the retired NFL guys. I am looking forward to lending a hand to this campaign to boost the awareness of the dangers of sleep apnea,” says Dave Krieg former NFL superstar and legendary Seahawks Quarterback.
This event and the events that will follow are co-sponsored by Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab who will provide FREE oral appliances to qualified attendees. The goal of the event and national campaign is to generate as much awareness about sleep apnea and encourage attendees to get tested and diagnosed.
“I believe by spreading awareness we can save lives,” says Gergen “We have gone above and beyond for this event and have been able to reach out and get organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club to be a part of it,” says Gergen.
New Orleans Super Bowl Screening Specifics:
Date: February 1, 2013
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Location: Dr. Frank Martello’s Dental Practice, 1502 Amelia Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Toll-free phone number: 1-855-809-7645
Bay Area Event Specifics:
Date: February 7, 2013.
Time: 7:00pm (open to public and press)
Location: Club Auto Sport, 521 Charcot Ave, San Jose, CA 95131
Special Attendees: Cedrick Hardman, Mike Haynes, Lincoln Kennedy, Derek Kennard, and Guy McIntyre.
For more information about PPHA or the “Tackle Sleep Apnea” campaign, visit http://proplayersleep.org.
To register for the next PPHA event on February 7, 2013, visit
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4661298068?ref=ecount
About Dr. Victor D. Woodlief
Dr. Victor D. Woodlief, a native Californian, returned to the Bay Area after graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. In private practice for 21 years, his clinical focus has been TMJ disorders, Pain Management of head, neck and facial structures (craniofacial disorders), Orthodontics (pediatric and adult), Snoring and Sleep Apnea. Since completing his formal education, more than 1800 hours of continuing education have been completed toward TMD therapy, pain management, and orthodontics and sleep disorders.
For more on Dr. Woodlief’s practice, visit: http://www.doctmj.com/
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 American 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.
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