Are you a young person who thinks that sleep apnea is an older person's disease? Oh, are you a young person who thinks that sleep apnea isn't a big deal? Well, think again on both counts. A new study shows that sleep apnea could be silently damaging your heart. We spoke to Doctor Pujol at the Health Standard, and this is what she had to say.

Yeah, this is a big one. A groundbreaking study reveals a startling connection between sleep apnea and serious heart problems, even in young adults. That's right. Young adults, not just older folks with sleep apnea, are facing higher risks of high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and even angina. In fact, the risk of young persons developing any type of heart disease is more than three times higher.

You should know that undiagnosed sleep apnea isn't something to ignore. If you snore loudly, feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep. If you have any of these symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Early treatment can make a world of difference for your heart health. Sleep well and protect your heart for years to come.

Sleep apnea is not just an issue for older adults. Young people need to be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure their heart health is not compromised. Consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have sleep apnea.

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In this article, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights of the findings and provide Hawaii residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.

Why This Matters to You

A new study from Penn State University suggests that prunes may play a significant role in supporting bone health in postmenopausal women. This research is particularly relevant for women in Hawaii County, Hawaii, because maintaining strong bones can significantly impact quality of life and independence.

Incorporating prunes into your daily diet could help preserve bone density and strength, potentially reducing your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. This simple dietary change offers a natural, accessible way to support bone health, especially important for women experiencing age-related bone loss. While more long-term research is needed, this study provides encouraging evidence for the potential benefits of prune consumption on bone health.

We approached our panel of health experts and they added some color to these findings.

Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, commented: "Engage in weight-bearing exercises by incorporating activities like walking, dancing, or low-impact aerobics into your routine. These exercises stimulate bone formation and improve balance, reducing fall risk. And, you should know that a social mind is a healthy mind. So, while you're dancing your way to a healthy body, you're also working to improve your mental health."

Regular bone health monitoring: Dr. Adriana Davis, DO, recommends: "Schedule your bone density scans, especially if you're over 65 or have risk factors for osteoporosis. Early detection is key to preventing fractures."

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Optimize calcium and vitamin D intake: Dr. Shelandra Bell, DO, also noted that "...while prunes are beneficial, they don't replace calcium and vitamin D or any other prescribed medicines that your doctor may have put you on. This is not the time to just stop taking those--please have a conversation with your doctor before you stop any prescribed medicines."

Reduce fall risks at home: Dr. Lindsay, Boik-Price, an emergency room physician cautioned: "You should conduct a home safety assessment. Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, and consider grab bars in bathrooms. Strong bones are crucial, but preventing falls is equally important."

Bone density preservation: The study found that daily prune consumption impacted factors related to fracture risk, particularly in the tibia (shin bone).

Maintenance of bone strength: Women who consumed prunes maintained bone density and bone strength and preserved bone structure, especially in cortical bone.

Potential fracture risk reduction: The research suggests that regular prune consumption could help reduce the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women.

Study limitations: The researchers note that while these results are promising, longer-term studies, with larg