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PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- When Thomas Herrion (23, 310 lbs), the
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman, collapsed and died after an
exhibition game this week, the discussion on obesity, and its many related
illnesses, renewed interest in seeking medical help.
"At this time we do not know if
his weight played a role in his death, but the 'the bigger the better'
mentality in football can jeopardize professional players and young people
who try to imitate them," according to Dr. Mansoor Madani, Director of
Center for Corrective Surgery who is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon based
in Bala Cynwyd, PA. "Every time an athlete dies with the slightest suspicion
of sleep apnea, patients rush to do something about their problem of snoring
and sleep apnea," says Madani, who has treated many athletes for that
reason. "Overweight, snoring patients have been calling us from all over the
world looking for treatment," adds Madani, who is known internationally as
one of the pioneering surgeons in treating snoring and sleep apnea and will
be presenting his findings at the next annual meeting of the American
College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons May 1, 2006 in Las Vegas.
"Each year about 38,000 die
from complications of obstructive sleep apnea, which initially manifests
itself with loud snoring, but most people ignore that until they hear a
famous athlete dies and then all rush to find a cure," states Madani.
Although the National Football League does monitor its players annually,
Madani believes that's not enough. "Obesity is a known killer even if you
pass the stress test or have been tested every year while you play," says
Madani. They could still be suffering from sleep apnea and its
complications.
Just last year we lost Reggie
White to sleep apnea and the New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi
had a stoke only 10 days after helping the Patriots win their third Super
Bowl in four seasons. "The NFL should set a much more restrictive standard
for their athletes," adds Madani. About 400 of the players weigh over 300
lbs and over 90% are overweight. "If you change the body weight standard you
can prolong the player's life expectancy as well," says Madani.
"Athletes who are overweight
and have larger neck size are particularly at risk," according to Madani.
The windpipe closes as the tongue drops backward and this is further
compromised as the tissues on the roof of the mouth such as the uvula block
the airway when an individual sleeps. The player's airflow through their
nose and mouth is obstructed due to enlarged tissues in the back of the
throat and nose. "We can help to some degree by opening the upper part of
the airway with laser surgery and a fairly new and minimally invasive
procedure called radioablation," adds Madani, who is also an associate
professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery in Philadelphia, PA.
"Unfortunately, however, patients with more severe obstructive apnea have to
lose weight or use a CPAP to pump air into their obstructed airway."
"By encouraging athletes to
lose weight and be evaluated for obesity- related diseases, we can enjoy the
games and prolong the lives of our athletes and millions of people that look
up to their idols."
A recent study from the CDC
concluded there were 112,000 more deaths than expected in the last year
among obese individuals (BMI of 30 or higher). "As everyone is encouraged to
reduce their body weight, the NFL should also advise the players to pay
serious attention to their weight as well," Madani advises.
The bottom line is that all
athletes in all sports, whether professional or otherwise, should be
evaluated by their physician if they are overweight. This is an issue that
should no longer be taken lightly.
For more information, visit
http://www.snorenet.com. |
