Porter Health System’s Sleep Disorders Institute will offer Sleep Apnea Screenings in June and July. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a person stops breathing repeatedly while sleeping and affects more than 12 million Americans. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have very serious long-term effects on an individual’s health and may increase their risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes. In addition, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for poor performance in everyday activities and motor vehicle accidents. 
During Porter’s sleep apnea screening, participants will learn more the dangers of sleep apnea, and answer a series of questions designed to help them identify any problems they may have resulting from poor sleep patterns. Completion of the questionnaire will determine if they are candidates for a sleep study that the institute uses to help diagnose sleep apnea.
The following screening times will be offered in June and July:
Wednesday, June 23
8:30-10:30 am
Portage YMCA
3100 Willowcreek Road
Thursday, July 8
9-11 am
Valparaiso Library
103 Jefferson St.
Wednesday, July 14
8:30-10:30 am
Portage YMCA
3100 Willowcreek Road
The screening is free and no appointment is necessary. For more information, call 219.764.4567 or visit www.porterhealth.com