By Richard P. Holm, MD

Mr. S had gained some weight. His wife noted his snoring was getting worse and he was having spells when he would stop breathing during sleep. She informed his doctor who prescribed a home overnight oximetry test. This home test showed Mr. S’s oxygen levels were dropping dangerously low during much of night. The subsequent full sleep study indicated he would benefit from a continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP device. Five years later, the patient died from a heart attack, and the doctor found out that the CPAP machine stayed under his bed and was rarely, if ever, used. One study showed, despite its benefits, only 30 percent of those prescribed CPAP will actually use it.

An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and the majority don’t know they have it. Their sleep is interrupted by snoring, choking and prolonged spells of low oxygen levels. Their days are troubled by fatigue, sleepiness, often abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Their risk of stroke over five years is two to three times higher than usual and risk of all-cause premature death three to five times higher. One estimate is that 38,000 annual deaths in the U.S. will occur from heart disease due to untreated sleep apnea.

Making the diagnosis is challenging. In 2016, we gave a standardized questionnaire to screen for sleep apnea to 67 people who were 70-years-old or older. Following that, we tested all 67 with home overnight oximetry. Of the 67 tested, 42 percent were normal, 31 percent had mild sleep apnea and 26 percent had moderate to severe sleep apnea. Conclusions from my study were that in this older age group, the commonly used screening questionnaires for sleep apnea misses the diagnosis half the time, about one out of four have life-threatening sleep apnea and, in this older population, women and men are equally burdened by this condition.

Anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, a history of heavy snoring or observed spells of apnea (and maybe anyone reaching 70) would benefit from a home overnight oximetry test and, if this test is abnormal, from a full sleep study. If CPAP is prescribed, it would be wise for that individual to make every effort to use the CPAP device, knowing that this non-medicinal therapy reduces death rate by three to five times.

Many premature deaths, especially from heart disease, could be prevented by first discovering the diagnosis of sleep apnea and then, when apropos, by taking the CPAP cure.

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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture says cattle losses in Nebraska from devastating March floods will be much lower than previously reported.

Director Steve Wellman tells the Omaha World-Herald that reports of up to a million cattle killed in the natural disaster are not accurate. Wellman says his agency hasn’t come up with a number, but expects the loss to be in the thousands.

Officials say some deadlines for assistance could yield better numbers. Producers have until April 29 to seek help for livestock losses under the Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program. There is a May 1 deadline to get help in disposing of dead livestock through a USDA program.

Bobbie Kriz-Wickham is the public affairs and outreach coordinator for the Nebraska Farm Service Agency. He says a few producers have reported losses of up to 200 head of cattle, but most report losses of 10 to 40 head.

A North Platte police officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation of a traffic accident they were involved in.

According to Chief Daniel Hudson, in the early morning hours of April 19, officers responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says two vehicles were involved, including one driven by an off-duty officer, Sarah Jones.

LCSO says a blood test revealed Jones was over the legal limit to operate a vehicle. She was released for treatment of minor injuries. The two occupants of the other vehicle were treated for minor, non-life threatening injuries at the scene.

Police did not release any other details of the accident, other than saying Jones has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

The investigation will be handled by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office.

Here are some photos of the accident provided by a reader:

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of the Easter holiday, which is celebrated on April 21, 2019.

“Holy Week, culminating in Resurrection Sunday, is a time of reflection, remembrance, and rejoicing.”

“On Holy Thursday, we reflect on Jesus Christ’s new command: to love others with the same love He modeled to humankind.”

“On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ crucifixion.  In the spectacle of an innocent man condemned to die on a cross, we are confronted with the depth of human sinfulness and our need for forgiveness, as well as the greatness of Christ’s sacrificial love.”

“On Easter Sunday, we rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection from the grave.  In His triumph over death, we celebrate the gift of salvation and the hope of eternal life given to us through His sacrifice.”

“This Easter holiday, I invite all Nebraskans—whatever your faith tradition may be—to recommit ourselves to showing Christ’s love to our neighbors, extending forgiveness to others, and inspiring hope for a better future.”

“Susanne, the kids, and I wish all Nebraskans a happy and blessed Easter.”