15 Maart 2013
27
Medies
Snork is nie altyd grappies nie
Carla du Plessis In die middel van die nag raak jy wakker en word skielik bewus van die allervreemdste geluide om jou. Daar is verskeie variasies van die geluide terwyl jou geliefdes vas aan die slaap is. Pa saag balke dat die huis se dak amper lig, Ma klink soos ‘n woer-woer en langs jou lê en dreun manlief soos ‘n hamerboor en daar lê jy wa-wyd wakker, want jy is een van die gelukkiges wat nie snork nie. Daar kan baie grappe gemaak word van mense wat snork. Dit is so oud soos slaap self, maar vir baie slagoffers van die rasende geronk is dit hoegenaamd niks om oor te lag nie. Vyf-en-veertig persent van alle volwassenes snork ten minste af en toe, en so 25 persent is gewoonte-snorkers, meen dokters. Probleemsnorkery kom meestal by mans en oorgewig mense voor. Daar is egter verskeie redes waar-
om party mense snork en ander nie. Snork vind primêr plaas wanneer jou keelspiere te veel ontspan terwyl jy slaap en jy dan probeer asemhaal deur ‘n vernoude opening agter in jou keel, met die gevolg dat jou sagte verhemelte vibreer. Erge verslapping van die spiere in die tong en keel kan deur alkohol en middels wat jou lomerig maak, veroorsaak word. Dit kan ook gebeur wanneer jy diep slaap. Buitensporige dik keelweefsel kan ook die oorsaak van snork wees en kinders met groot mangels of adenoïede snork dikwels. ‘n Lang, sagte verhemelte vernou die opening van die neus na die keel en sodra die slaper ontspanne asemhaal, verslap dit tot ‘n raserige, fladderende klep en ‘n lang kleintongetjie maak dit selfs erger. Mense met hooikoors, verkoue en sinusprobleme is dikwels geneig om te snork as gevolg van ’n obstruksie in die lugweë.
Illustrasie foto:
Internet
Athletes urged to bear safety in mind while training Issued for and on behalf of ADT by Cathy Findley Public Relations March is a big sporting month for cyclists and runners; and the countdown to races, including the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, has begun. As race days draw closer, avid athletes will no doubt be going the extra mile to ensure that they are fit and ready.
This may mean squeezing in additional training - possibly in the early morning or in the evening. Training is important; but so is your safety. Clive Humphrey, Managing Director of ADT Central Region, said that it is very important to let someone know that you are heading out and when you expect you will return. “This means that if you are not home as scheduled, the alarm can be raised
immediately and no time will be wasted in the event of an emergency.” He further had these tips for anyone who will be taking part in any kind of athletic training in the coming weeks: -Try to avoid running or cycling when it is dark outside. -Do not go out jogging or cycling alone; invite family or friends to go with you. -Wear bright reflective clothing so that motorists are able to see you easi-
ly; reflective strips on your shoes are not sufficient. -Vary your route as often as you can and steer clear of very quiet or unsavoury areas. Humphrey added that it is also important to make sure your family and home are safe while you are out, even if it is just for an hour or two. “Activate the alarm system and always ensure that you have locked the front door and gates properly behind you.”