Page 18 - Talk of Tequesta - March '25

Page 18, The Talk Of Tequesta

Tampa general news

Tampa General Pulmonologist

Suggests Sleeping On It

According to a recent study published online in Although the study does not prove that poor sleep to bed. Avoid working
Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy accelerates brain aging, it does show an association between on projects that require
of Neurology, early middle-aged adults who have poor poor sleep quality and signs of brain aging. Previous complex decision making
sleep quality, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, research links sleep problems to issues with thinking and or involve stressful tasks
showed more signs of poor brain health in late middle age. memory later in life, increasing the risk for dementia. during this time.
The study used brain scans to determine participants’ • Avoid drinking
brain age. Results suggested that poor sleep was linked an excessive amount of
sporTs to nearly three years of additional brain aging as early as fluid before bedtime to
middle age. Overall, the study highlighted the importance
minimize the need to use
of tackling sleep problems earlier in life to maintain brain the bathroom in the middle
health. of the night.
Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández, a pulmonologist with the
Dr. Peña notes that
Jupiter Senior Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Pulmonary Care & Sleep sleeping pills should be Dr. Luis Peña-Hernández
Institute (PCSI), agrees that sleep is important. “Sleep
used only as a last resort.
Softball News quality is a huge determinant of overall well-being and “Avoid them, if at all possible,” he said. “Medications do
quality of life,” he said.
not provide a permanent solution to sleep problems. In
If you’re looking to get your sleep back on schedule,
general, they alter the architecture and quality of normal
Dr. Peña suggests taking these steps: sleep and leave you groggy in the morning.”
John Katulak, a stalwart of the Jupiter Senior • Keep all electronics outside of the bedroom, including When is it a good time to consider seeing a sleep
Softball Association (JSSA) for more than two decades, mobile phones, tablets and laptops. specialist? “Anytime you have a recurrent problem
was enshrined Feb. 7 as the organization’s 2023 Hall • Avoid watching TV, working on a laptop or browsing falling or staying asleep, or you experience daytime
of Fame inductee. on your phone in bed before bedtime. Electronics will sleepiness,” said Dr. Peña. “Also, if you exhibit any
A large crowd of senior softball players plus Katulak’s interfere with the quality of your sleep and may contribute abnormal behaviors like sleepwalking or restless legs,
family members attended the event at Jupiter Community to developing insomnia. among others, it’s important to see a specialist.”
prior to Winter League games. Scheduling conflicts delayed • Avoid eating large meals and consuming alcoholic Dr. Peña and his colleagues at TGH PCSI evaluate and
his formal induction until February. beverages at least three hours before bedtime. address sleep disorders that can negatively affect your
The JSSA Hall of Fame was created in 2020 to • Keep the room as dark as possible and the temperature quality of life and overall health. “We can determine if a
memorialize “those very few members who have made an on the cooler side. sleep study at home or a test in the sleep lab would help,
extraordinary impact on the association.” • Wear comfortable, loose sleepwear. and then recommend a proper plan of care depending on
Katulak’s accomplishments include serving 12 years • Exercise on a regular basis, ideally in the morning the patient’s specific needs.”
on the JSSA Board of Directors under five different hours. For more information about the sleep health services
commissioners. He was assistant commissioner, treasurer, • Do not drink caffeine in the afternoon. offered by the TGH Pulmonary Care & Sleep Institute,
entertainment director and founder of the sponsorship • Create and maintain a sleep preparation routine, please call (561) 739-4TGH (4844) or visit TGHPCSI.com.
program with local businesses. relaxing at least 45 minutes to an hour before going
Richard Sewell, JSSA vice-commissioner, presented
Katulak with the framed Hall of Fame citation which
lauded him for his service and accomplishments, including
the following. “His intricate knowledge of the game is
legendary to those who play alongside him, and it has been
said he exudes an on-field presence that possesses ‘one
of the loudest voices’ but also the biggest heart. He truly
exemplifies the core tenets of the JSSA Mission Statement.”
Katulak, who turns 76 on March 18, said, “It was a great
honor to be respected by all of my peers in softball and I
appreciate it very much.” He was joined at the enshrinement
by his wife Debbie, brother Arthur (also a JSSA member)
and his wife Millie Frantz. As the 2023 Hall of Fame
inductee, Katulak’s brass nameplate was added to the award
plaque on display at the park.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2020 in honor of
longtime JSSA member Ted Battistone who received the
award posthumously. Other honorees are Mike Richmond,
2021; Gerry Elias, 2022; and Mike Manasia, 2024.
The Jupiter slow-pitch softball program is sponsored
by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association
in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation
Department. For more information go to www.leaguelineup.
com/jssa or contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.

John Katulak admires his Hall of Fame citation that he
received from Richard Sewell.