Sleep Apnea

So, the results are in for my sleep test.  As suspected, I have sleep apnea.  I rated in the severe category because I stopped breathing more than 30 times per hour.  When you think that it means that I stopped breathing about once every 2 minutes, it is pretty scary! 

The great news is that it is totally treatable.  I am currently using a loaner CPAP machine, but I'll be getting my own soon.  It was a little intimidating at first, but it's really easy to use and for the most part, it doesn't bother me at all.

I went to see a respairologist and we talked about my condition and she set me up with the machine.  I got to sit back in her Lazy Boy and try it out.  At first, having air pumped directly at me was really weird.  She told me that it would feel overwhelming at first, but all I needed to do was relax and breathe through my nose.  Wow!  So easy! 

I am using a nasal mask, so it goes over my nose and there is a piece that goes up to the bridge of my nose and is anchored around my forehead with velcro straps.  It's got a knob so you can adjust as well.  Then there are straps that snap into the bottom of the mask to hold it over my face.  Everything is adjustable, so it's easy to tweak for comfort. 

Everything packs up into a carrying case and I took it home that day.  There is a readable card that plugs into the machine at the back.  I take it back before I go for tests so the card can be read and the information is sent to my doctor.  It reports on compliance to be sure I am using it and gives my average times for use. 

There were a few times that I woke up to find that I had pulled my mask off during the night, but it's gotten better.  I had a little trouble with skin irritation as well.  I did some research online and found some suggestions that helped.  So far, so good!

Aviva Community Fund Competition

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aviva Community Fund for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

This year marks the fifth year of the Aviva Community Fund's competition.  I'm glad to have the opportunity to share about this competition once again.  What I like about it is that the competition is all about regular people submitting ideas to make their communities better.  Positive change can start from a small change that will make a huge impact on the community.  Who knows what their community needs better than the people that live in it?  There is $1,000,000 of funding to be shared for the ideas that get the most votes.

To submit an idea, you just need to enter it on the Aviva Community Fund site, then get everyone you know to vote for your idea.  Finalists are chosen based on the number of votes.  And getting an Aviva Insurance Broker to support your idea increases the chances of winning.  Ideas can be submitted until November 25, 2013, so get your ideas in!  Remember, any idea that creates positive change in your community can be entered.

You can find more information about the contest if you Like Aviva Community Fund on Facebook or Follow @avivacf on Twitter.  You'l be able to keep up with the latest information, see new ideas and find out how to vote.  Get involved so that you can help to create positive change in your neighbourhood.