A recent study with Harvard Medical School, including Dr. Atul Malhotra (Sleep Group Solutions leading Medical Advisor) and Shaquille O’Neal concluded in a diagnosis of OSA for the Celtics Center.

The Greek word apnea literally means without breath.  Common in athletes,  their large statures make breathing more difficult during sleep.  With Shaq weighing in at 325 pounds and reaching over 7 feet in height, it’s no wonder this superstar athlete snores and fights for breath during sleep.  “It usually happens when he’s on his back.”  confesses girlfriend Nikki “Hoopz” Alexander on Shaqs snoring, and sleep apnea.  Hoopz went on to discuss the severity of Shaqs’ snoring and apnea, in an article published by Yahoo! Sports on May 21st.

Dr. Atul Malhotra diagnosed Shaq with Moderate Sleep Apnea.  Shaquille O’Neal was prescribed a nasal CPAP to be worn at night, to keep his airway open, and flowing with oxygen.    In the Harvard Medical School interview, Shaq was instructed to use his CPAP each night, long term.  Other forms of treatment for OSA include oral appliance therapy.  Oral appliances such as EMA, Respire and the NORAD are other ways to treat OSA, without the CPAP.   Their function is to open and move forward the mandible (jaw) to allow for a more open airway.  Oral appliances have positive results to those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, and to those who are CPAP Intolerant (cannot tolerate CPAP).  Dr. Gelb, an expert in TMJ and breathing related sleep disorders says  “Its good Shaq got tested and is seeking treatment.  Since his sleep apnea is moderate, he could choose a CPAP Alternative, and benefit from an Oral Appliance like the Norad or Respire.”

In an upcoming issue of The Sleep Magazine, a magazine focusing on the treatment and screening of OSA, an article discusses athletes being at an increased risk of having OSA.  More importantly, most athletes remain undiagnosed with OSA, which is more serious than the actual diagnosis (Percy Harvin, Earl Mitchell & Shaq mentioned in the article).  Untreated OSA has been linked to stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, irritability, daytime fatigue and more.  Lucky for Shaq, he was diagnosed early, and treatment will prove life saving.

Will Shaquille O’Neal be sporting a green and white Celtics themed oral appliance at bedtime?  Or will he choose the CPAP for therapy?  Follow Sleep Group Solutions to find the answer.

About Sleep Group Solution
Sleep Group Solutions is an airway diagnostic technology company serving the needs of physicians and dentists interested in screening, diagnosing and treating sleep apnea and other upper airway disorders.  Sleep Group Solutions offers the latest screening and diagnostic equipment solutions for patients who present with allergy, sinus congestion, rhinitis, deviated septum, nasal polyps, snoring and sleep apnea. Most procedures are reimbursed by Medicare and private insurance.  SGS offers the most comprehensive dental sleep medicine CE seminars in the industry focused on teaching dentists the protocols needed to make the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea part of their practice.  SGS is the manufacturer of the Pharyngometer and the Rhinometer.

To View the Harvard Medical School interview, click here.

A Toast To Texas!

Celebrating Everything Texas with NFL Player, Earl Mitchell From the Houston Texans

Houston, Texas (10/5/10). This October 21st 5p-8p marks the second annual A Toast To Texas, hosted by local Texas Tuscan Furniture designer Pamela Halverson. This years event will be supported and co hosted by NFL superstar (and client) Earl Mitchell from the Houston Texans. Last years event caught the attention of Houston’s finest, with over 200 supporters, and catching the media attention of Papercity, The Examiner and LuxSecret Magazine.

A Toast To Texas will be highlighting everything Texas! Introducing local, home grown resources to consumers such as custom made home furnishings, accessories, decor, and fascinating art by local artist, Justin Garcia. Justin will be auctioning off a custom painting signed on the spot, along with Earl Mitchell from the Houston Texans will be signing autographs and actioning off a signed football!  A silent auction will be held with Texas memorabealia-all proceeds of the event go to Medical Bridges.

A Texas salute featuring Houston’s finest designers, local craftsman, local resources and local cuisine. These experts will discuss decorating tips, room layouts, and the latest in Texas Decor and food.  A Texas wine symposium presented by Fall Creek Vineyards, featuring the Vineyards champion selection, MERITUS which is the “finest wine red or white ever produced in the state of Texas.”  A local Texas cheese platter provided by Sonoma Wine Bar and Restaurant, along with other samples of special Texas wines.  d’lish Catering will supply the tasteful treats while WHERE Magazine will add some excitement  with their Texas surprise.

Furniture Designer, Pamela Halverson wants to create a true Texas experience which allows her guests to mingle with Houston’s finest designers, and experience the unique culture and lifestyle which Texas has to offer. “There are so many unknown treasures from right here in Texas, I want to show my clients and guests that they don’t need go looking any further than our backyards!” Says Pamela about her original idea of this showcasing.  “We want to inspire our guests with new decorating ideas, especially for the Holiday season that is quickly approaching. If they leave here with a new outlook on design, and a Texas sense of pride-then we were successful!”

A Toast to Texas is sure to inspire, uplift and tempt any taste bud! Keep it local this season, and get the latest in Texas living and Hospitality. Texas Tuscan Furniture Design is located at 1302 West Gray Houston, Texas 77019. Call for more information on the event at 713.426.5556.

About Pamela Halverson

Pamela is the designer of the Texas Tuscan Furniture collection and founder of Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs. Her travels around the world work as her inspiration for her furniture designs. She started designing furniture in 1994, and began working with interior designs in 1996. She has experience with interior design projects both residential and commercial in the USA and abroad. Her approach to furniture making has caught the attention of several publications and has been acknowledged in Paper City Magazine, Texas Monthly Magazine, Arts, Antiques and Designers magazine, The Houston Business Journal, The Houston Chronicle and Houston Lifestyle magazine. Pamela is also a luxury column writer for international magazine, LuxSecret Magazine-where she highlights the luxurious secrets Texas has to offer.

ThinkDaisy.com offers the largest selection of Margarita Activewear, for the gal on the go

New York, NY (9/20/10) – Favored by top fitness instructors, and health & fitness experts, ThinkDaisy.com - the online boutique dedicated to empowering active, fashion forward women who refuse to compromise style, quality or comfort in their wardrobe – is the largest distributor of Margarita Activewear clothing worldwide.

ThinkDaisy.com founder, Unchalee Lodin says, “These are the pants that will last for years, wash after wash. Stylish and luxurious enough that you can go from gym to grocery store, restaurant or errands, and look appropriate!” The vibrant and exceptional Margarita Activewear design leads women to feel confident and carry that energy into living and embracing a healthier lifestyle.

ThinkDaisy.com is the largest distributor of Margarita Activewear, showcasing these strategically placed patterns, seam-lines and quality stretchy fabric; this activewear is desired by the hippest, most bodacious fitness fanatics around. Designed to inspire women of all ages, shapes and sizes to stay active without giving up their “sex appeal.” Margarita Activewear clothes easily transition from “workout” to “go out,” so you don’t miss a beat or a meet and greet!  Exclusively manufactured in Israel, Margarita Activewear is known for its quality, longevity and unique style; stands in a class of its own compared to other fitness brands.

About ThinkDaisy.com

Founded by scientist and fashion enthusiast Unchalee Lodin, this one of a kind online shopping experience will always provide the best fitness fashion products and personal customer service.  Branded and inspired by the phenomenal Margarita Activewear women’s clothing line, Thinkdaisy.com is one of the only exclusive retailer/distributor of Margarita Activewear in the world.  Why only Margarita Activewear?  Every piece of Margarita women’s activewear is hand-crafted on an Israeli kibbutz using premium Grade AA Dupont supplex material that won’t shrink or fade. All Margarita clothing has a superior sweat wicking property making it possible to wear the clothing for longer periods of time, while remaining comfortable. Margarita active wear has flat seams that provide comfort and fit over full range of motion.

Miami, Florida ( June 1, 2010). South Florida business owner, David Levy shows running a successful and fun business can be a family affair.   Levy, founder of GOINGAMERS, a mobile indoor/outdoor video party theater-on wheels, wanted to give his son a positive perspective, and a hands on approach to the business world. “I actually started this business to teach my 12 year old son, Max that business and hard work, can be about something FUN!” expresses Levy.   The father and son combo work hand and hand in most aspects of their mobil entertainment  business, GOINGAMERS.

GOINGAMERS is excited to saturate the South Florida market, being one of the only upscale mobile party vans around, they pride themselves in their quality customer service, and top of the line HD equipment.  Their party painted, fully leather and air conditioned van arrives at your party, office, or home and sets the atmosphere to party mode!  It opens up to provide video games (up to 20 people), outdoor laser tag, an Inflatable 169″ TV that adds another 4 players, or just watch the game/movie in HDTV.  Great for birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs, fundraisers, corporate events or just a way to beat the crowds and have the party come to you.

The Levys prove that hard work, dedication and FUN can be recipe for success.  During your party, son Max is onsite handling client interaction-making sure everyone is having a BLAST, as well as training on video games and technical assistance.  He has his hands full, and is excited to learn the next phase of the business model.  If your looking for a unique approach to your next party, call GOINGAMERS…Theres no other party on wheels.

Note To Editor: GOINGAMERS is available for all candid and informative interviews.  Please email Holly Jordano at Holly@angelfishconnections.com or call 305.469.0767 for more information on how to feature/interview GOINGAMERS.  To Book GOINGAMERS, please log onto goingamers.com.

Dwyane Wade is now a free agent and Miami wants him to stay! We’ve seen the “Welcome to Wade County” and “Good Enough Ain’t Enough” campaigns.  SBC wants Miami to show their support in keeping Wade in Miami: http://wewantwade.com/. This is SBC’s latest campaign for Miami’s basketball team, the Miami Heat.  Get the real behind-the-scenes perspective: what’s it’s like to be the ad agency for the Heat at a time like this?

Miami, Florida – Despite tough economic times, local Miami advertising agency Southern Brand Collective has not just “weathered” the storm but flourished, attracting the attention of world-famous entertainers like Tim McGraw, Pete Seeger, North Mississippi Allstars and Muhammed Ali Enterprises and national brands Nature’s Bounty and Perdomo. How are they adding clients to their roster while other agencies are closing their doors? According to Southern Brand Collective owner Chris Romero, doing what they’ve always done – Hard Work.

Sounds simple enough, but truth is it’s a concept all too rare. But not at this boutique shop. “We’ve got a willful group. We all work together and we all work hard. No one says ‘that’s not my job’, nobody’s above pitching in,” Romero said. “And quittin’ time is whenever the work is done. There’s a lot of pride in what we produce here.”

Now, more than ever, in the midst of an economic downturn, clients appreciate their nose-to-the-grindstone attitude. “When you work with Southern Brand Collective you get more than just an agency, you get a creative and sales-driven business partner,” says Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Miami HEAT. “They’ve been our agency of record for 11 years now and they never get complacent. Every year they think of ways to raise the bar – and keep us and our fans on our toes.”

With an impressive client list that includes autograph-worthy NBA All-Stars and Grammy-Nominated Artists it seems they’re doing something right. So right, that even the advertising world noticed and recently awarded them with nine ADDY awards – awards given as part of the world’s largest advertising competition.

So what’s next for the rapidly-growing ad agency? For starters, a revamped website that fully encompasses their brand and a new Miami HEAT billboard campaign that had Twitter buzzing with pictures and positive tweets.

Southern Brand Collective is a full-service marketing, design and branding shop located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, where they’ve been for all 12 years they’ve been in business. They have experience and expertise in everything from brand development, marketing and merchandising to muli-platform, fully-integrated campaigns.

To see more work and case studies from Southern Brand Collective visit www.southernbrandcollective.com.  To interview, feature or blog about SBC, please email Holly@koa-PR.com

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