RCL #24 Poppy Campaign funds Regional Sleep Analysis Program

Submitted by EKFH on 14-06-2010

May 17th, 2010 … The Legion is donating proceeds from its 2009 Poppy Campaign to purchase a Remmers Sleep Recorder. The recorder will used to conduct a sleep test, called polysomnography to diagnose sleep apnea. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Details L-R: Peter Borsato, IH Professional Practise Leader – Respiratory Services accepts a cheque on behalf of East Kootenay Foundation for Health from Royal Canadian Legion #24 members Jim Lochhead (2nd Vice President) Connie and Les Radcliffe (2009 Poppy Campaign Chair).

In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

The addition of the sleep recorder as part of the regional hospital’s respiratory department’s testing program will result in reducing testing wait times and allow for fewer patients to travel to Kelowna or Calgary for overnight sleep analysis testing.

The $6,300 gift by the Royal Canadian Legion #24 is part of its ongoing annual commitment to health care in the East Kootenay. Over the last several years, the Poppy Campaign has resulted in financial support of many areas of health care all with a focus on veterans and the public at large.