Sleep is a critical part of our lives that many take for granted, especially when we are experiencing a restful night’s sleep. However, when that sleep becomes interrupted, whatever the cause, an individual may start to experience restless nights, daytime sleepiness, mood changes, pain, discomfort, all of which can have a negative effect on his or her personal and professional life.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders and intermittent sleep problems that can significantly diminish health, alertness and safety. Untreated sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, depression, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Sleep problems can take many forms and can involve too little sleep, too much sleep or inadequate quality of sleep.

If you are in search of a better night’s sleep, Nancy Butler, spokesperson for the Better Sleep Council, offers these tips.

1. Remove distractions. Your bedroom should be for two things only: sleep and romance. Keep everything to do with work or worries elsewhere. Banish workout equipment, office gear, laptops, cell phones, paperwork and clutter. “You don’t want anything in the room that makes you feel like you need to do something else.
2. Keep it cool. Studies show that 65 degrees is the ideal sleeping temperature; it helps people fall asleep and stay asleep. The best sleep occurs in dark, cool, quiet rooms.
3. Banish the light. Light is the body’s cue to be active, an instinct embedded in our DNA. Be sure your window coverings block light, so sun doesn’t sabotage sleep.
4. Cover the noise. If you can’t achieve total silence – depending on your current environment – get a sound-masking device. “You want a steady, unbroken sound that masks interruptive sound,” says Butler.
5. Turn off the television. Although some people swear they only can fall asleep with the television on, Butler says it interferes with sleep. The person may not realize it, but the fluctuating light and sound messes with sleep patterns, so sleep won’t be restful.

Some sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia are very common but also treatable. Sleep apnea currently effects 12 million Americans but likely continues to be an under-diagnosed and under treated condition. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed, with obstructive being the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea is due to a blockage of the airway from the soft tissue in the rear of throat collapsing and stopping the flow of air while asleep. In central sleep apnea, the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe rather than a blockage of the airway. Mixed apnea is a mix of the two conditions.

Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, apneas or pauses in breathing, waking gasping for breath, daytime sleepiness, frequent trips to the bathroom at night, memory loss, moodiness, early morning headaches, and even weight gain. Other physical indications include increased weight, large neck size (men greater than 17”), large tonsils, large adenoids, deviated septum and narrowed nasal passages. The greater the weight, the more soft tissue there tends to be, allowing obstructive events to occur more frequently. Also, larger tonsils and adenoids and smaller, obstructed nasal passages may also increase the risk of obstruction by reducing the airflow’s path.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, you should consider seeking medical advice and undergo a sleep study (Polysomnogram) to determine if you could be suffering from sleep apnea. You are not alone! According to recent polls conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, nearly 7 out of 10 Americans say they experience frequent sleep problems. Sleep apnea will not just lead to a poor night’s rest or daytime fatigue, but new studies have included increased risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, and diabetes. Sleep apnea also causes a substantial number of motor vehicle accidents due to “drowsy driving.” However, when proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders occur, the feeling of sleepiness declines, memory improves and safety risks decrease dramatically. In fact, sleep disorder specialists help an estimated 85 to 90% of their patients get better sleep. With the wealth of treatment options now available, a good night’s sleep is within reach.

Robert Showalter, RPSGT, is a Polysomnogram Technologist with Baptist Easley Hospital’s Sleep Center. You can reach him at Robert.Showalter@baptisteasley.org

The population of Easley, South Carolina swells every year as the temperature outside rises. The pulse of the city beats faster as the lazy days of summer countdown to the “Big” days ahead.

8 days of baseball. 8 days featuring the Future Stars of Tomorrow, Today.

Easley proudly hosts the Big League Baseball World Series for the 10th consecutive year July 28-Aug 4. Eleven teams from around the world meet in Easley to compete for the title of World Champions. Teams from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Canada, Mexico, and Europe-Middle East-Africa will make up the International Pool. The US Pool will be represented by teams from the East, West, Southwest, Southeast, Central, and the local host team representing SC District 1. Big League is a division of Little League International. The players age range from 16-18 years old.

Each year, the series grows in popularity and as changes are made to continually improve the event. This year is no exception. On Aug 4th, the championship game played in “Prime Time”. ESPN will televise the championship game under the lights for the first time.
So while other towns slow down in the heat of the summer, Easley pulls out all the stops and comes together to create an experience to last a lifetime. The shops of Easley see new customers. The hotels welcome guests from near and far. The restaurants in town will introduce their local cuisine. All because the boys of summer come to Easley, SC to play a game. All because of the Big League Baseball World Series.

July 27th: Fan Fest – Homerun Derby and Free Concert; ‘Boys like Girls’
July 28 – August 2: World Series Pool Play
August 3: Pool Championship Games
August 4: Championship Game Live on ESPN2, 8:00 PM

From left are:
Front Row~ Cortni Nations, Addie Bradshaw, Hattie Rhone, Susan Gist, Danny Graybeal, Jessica Baker
Back Row~ Heather Love, Amanda Blanton, Alan Abshire, Ron Wilson, Michael Crenshaw
Not pictured~ Jennifer Crenshaw, Amy Lark, Lindsay Howerton

The Leadership Pickens County class of 2010 graduated fourteen (14) members on June 17. The graduation ceremony and dinner was held on board the houseboat of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Walsh (LPC class of 2005) on Lake Hartwell. The class was then treated to a cruise around the lake.

This was the end of a nine month course beginning in September 2009 and ending in May 2010. The class dedicated one day per month learning about leadership and group dynamics, economic development, infrastructure, social systems, health care, education, communications, local and state government and tourism in Pickens County.

Those interested in Leadership Pickens County 2011 should contact their local Chamber of Commerce in Easley, Pickens, Clemson and Liberty for an application or go online to the website www.leadershippickens.com. The course fee is $750 per person. Application deadline is August 10, 2010.

From left is owner Joe Bacigalupo giving a tour to visiting manufacturers.

Tri Tech USA opened for the first public tour of their new facility June 16. Prior to the public tours, owners Joe and Linda Bacigalupo hosted twenty five (25) manufacturing members of the Easley Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon, presentation, and tour. The group went around the table and reported on their business condition. Generally there is improvement in manufacturing activity among this group.

Tri Tech USA moved in November 2009 from Burlington, Vermont and built a 40,000 sq. ft. facility in the Pickens County Commerce Park. The facility has engineering, laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining as well as the ability to manufacture fully assembled equipment. One of their major products is fully contained field kitchens for the U.S. military.

“We came to Pickens County because you were friendly to business,” stated Joe Bacigalupo to the group. “Everyone in the area was very helpful in our move from Vermont. The upstate gets it!”

Pictured are: Michelle Gray, Signature Pointe Apartments presenting the door prize for business card drawing to Terrie Albright, Albright Associates

Signature Pointe Apartment Homes was the host for the June Business after Hours gathering of the Easley Chamber of Commerce. Signature Pointe Apartment Homes is 195 apartments located in nearby Piedmont SC. Michelle Gray, General Manager reported to the group of chamber members that they were 90% occupied with great tenants. A meal was provided by Bucky’s BBQ located in Donaldson Center. There were many first time attendees at this business after hours. Michelle offered tours to the model apartment and many chamber members went. It was announced that the next chamber business after hours would be July 8 and will be a speed networking event at First Citizens Bank on Calhoun Memorial Hwy.

Pictured in Powdersville Council Tent: Sean Thornton, Cynthia Smoak, Celia Thompson with participating children.

The Powdersville Council of the Easley Chamber of Commerce had a good showing at the first Saluda River Kayak Rally in June. A fleet of Grady’s kayaks were on hand to welcome those new to the water sport. Sponsored by Anderson County Parks and Recreation, there was no cost for the event.

On Saturday, June 5th, they transported individuals 2.6 miles upstream and put in a the Saluda River Kayak club entrance and participants paddled and floated downstream to be taken out at the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex. On Sunday, kayakers paddled 9.2 miles from Dolly Cooper to the Town of Piedmont. The event offered early exposure to 12 miles of a 43 mile corridor development plan. Approximately 150 people participated in kayaks during the event.

Eight booths were on site at the Dolly Cooper Park with the Powdersville Council booth giving away bottled water, koozies, cookies/crackers, and chamber literature to attending kayakers. Powdersville council members also participated in the kayak run.

Many things will be happening in June in preparation for magazine delivery late August.

1. You may receive a call or visit from Gaela McGinnis, sales representative for Gannett Publishing, selling advertisements for our chamber annual business directory and magazine. Give Gaela your time and attention. Her phone number is 298-4288 if you want to contact her. Gaela will be aided by Stephanie Dachman, who may call you as well.
2. You should also go to the chamber’s website to the membership directory http://easleychamber.net/members/
   Look closely at your business entry on this website for accuracy. This will be in the EASLEY LIVING exactly as it is unless you correct to Fran Cape by June 21. Call Fran 859-2693 or email ecc@easleychamber.org.

From left are Captain Darrell Hill and Sheriff John Skipper

The Powdersville Council Luncheon of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held their monthly luncheon on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at the Powdersville Library. The Luncheon was sponsored by Babb & Brown Law Firm located in Powdersville at 153 Commons Office Park, Suite B. Sheriff of Anderson County, John Skipper, was the guest speaker along with Captain Darrell Hill. Elected as Sheriff again in 2009, Mr. Skipper talked about dividing Anderson County into four regions, with a Captain over each region; 911 dispatchers now in the department of the sheriff; budget for 2011 & various expenditures; and gangs & organized crime. Question and answer period followed.

From left are Terry Harrington (SC Telco) and Coach Brad Brownell

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held the 3rd Thursday Luncheon meeting on May 20, 2010 at Dunburks Premier Events in downtown Easley. Babb & Brown Attorneys at law sponsored the event. There was a much larger turn out than usual, due to the fact that Clemson’s new Basketball coach Brad Brownell was the speaker. Coach Brownell recently moved to Clemson from Wright State in Dayton Ohio, where he had an impressive record. Coach Brownell said, “I want to be here at Clemson. It’s a dream come true for me. Something I’ve always wanted to do.” Not only does he want to win games, he realizes the importance of having a good education. 100% of his past players have graduated.

Terry Harrington (SC Telco) won the business card drawing at the luncheon and was the proud recipient of an autographed Clemson basketball by Coach Brad Brownell.

From left are Easley Living Center employees Kelly Johnson (Activities Dir.), Becky Pitts (Business office), Sandra Dickey (Administrator) and Stacy Cape (Admissions)

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held “Business After Hours” Thursday, May 13 at HMR Advantage Health Systems sponsored by Easley Living Center. This 103 bed living center is conveniently located near Baptist Easley Hospital. The center offers skilled nursing, intermediate nursing and rehabilitation services that include orthopedic care and neurological care. They believe their job is to help the residents restore or maintain their quality of life. They do this with clinical care and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, as well as Restorative and Wellness Programs. Their highly trained professionals provide the guidance and encouragement to help residents on the road to recovery.

The outstanding food for the evening was provided by CES. CES prepares the meals for Easley Living Center residents. Everyone that attended can attest to the huge array of delicious food that was served. Easley Living Center also provided the door prize which was won by Ann Frederick of Professional Flooring.

“Business After Hours” will be held next month June 10, 5:30-7:00 at Signature Pointe Apartment Homes.