Pediatric Sleep Services Now Offered

Pediatric sleep studies, entailing knowledge, screening, evaluation and treatment practices regarding sleep disorders in children, are often unspoken of.

According to Child Uplift, Inc., less than two percent of students with sleep disorders are identified, treated and corrected.

The Sleep Disorders Center of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, is changing that silence for Northwest Indiana with a new location and pediatric evaluations introduced in February 2012.

Located in the second floor of what was previously Surgical Hospital of Munster, 7847 Calumet Ave., Munster, the Sleep Disorders Center provides a range of pediatric sleep disorders tests, along with their adult testing.

Sleep disturbances can represent highly common phenomena interfering with daily life and causing significant emotional, behavioral and cognitive dysfunction over time. Elevated occurrences of sleep problems in youth often coincide with medical conditions and psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Muhammad Najjar, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center, states "approximately twenty five percent of all children experience some type of sleep problem at some point during childhood, ranging from short-term difficulties in falling asleep to more serious primary sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy."

Childhood sleep disorders, classified into the categories of dyssomnias, parasomnias and medical-psychiatric disorders, include sleep walking, bedwetting, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and others.

"Sleep is the only priority in our center," explains Najjar. "We have always aimed to be the best sleep disorders center in Northwest Indiana for adults and children by having a board certified physician and credentialed staff here full-time. We continue to be open seven days a week to address the sleep needs of Northwest Indiana in our new facility."

For more information, call the Sleep Disorders Center at (219) 836-7535.

Days of Health - Get Screened!

You and your family are invited to Franciscan St. Margaret Health's Days of Health screening days. Learn more about Franciscan St. Margaret's services and take advantage of a wealth of health information, screenings, giveaways and refreshments.

Thursday, September 22, 2011
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond
Renal Dialysis Building
5454 Hohman Ave., Hammond

Thursday, September 29, 2011
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer
Outpatient Center
24 Joliet St. (US Route 30), Dyer

Screenings Available

You must register for the following screenings by calling the Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322:

• Bone Density Screening for Osteoporosis
• Foot Screening (free)
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (free)
• Prostate Screening ($8)

Registration is not necessary for the following FREE screenings:

• Balance Test and Posture Screening (Dyer only)
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Glucose Screening for Diabetes
• Body Fat Analysis
• Heart Risk Assessments
• Oxygen Saturation
• Sleep Disorder Screening (Dyer only)
• Stroke Screening (Dyer only)

Unless otherwise noted, screenings are free. Other screening fees may be paid by cash or check.

For more information, contact the Health Resource Center at (800) 931-3322.