PHANTOM DEATH
guilty to deliberate use of shock value in an effort to break through the protective fog of inattentiveness and unconcern that keeps too many people ignorant of the danger of undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea. Those who have been diagnosed, and are being treated, often harbor secret fears that one more episode of awakening choking and struggling for breath might be their last; these people need fear less—for they are at less risk than the remaining millions who have it and don’t know.
Those who need to be shocked into attention to this commonplace, malign, yet treatable disease are the 19+ million Americans who have OSA but have yet to get themselves evaluated, let alone treated, for this diagnosis. The need to know more also applies to their friends and relatives. Furthermore, it applies to perfect strangers, such as drivers who share the road with unknown numbers of those who can hardly stay awake at the wheel. Finally, it extends to those who trust their lives, health, safety, and financial security to the clear thinking of experts, who may also be affected by the impaired concentration and memory typical of OSA. OSA can affect anyone: truck drivers, jet pilots, mechanics, technicians, inspectors, lawyers, judges, politicians, accountants, brokers, nurses and, yes, even doctors. Think about that a while; and when the opportunity arises, pass on the news to someone who needs to know.
And who does not?
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