The 18th Medical Operations Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, recently opened a sleep lab to help military members and families overcome sleep disorders and get a good night’s rest. The lab is the only one of its kind in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility. “Sleep is a vital component to a person’s mental, spiritual, and physical well-being,” said Maj. Peter Crawley, 18th MDOS medical services flight commander. The lab features a variety of tools such as electrodes to monitor brain wave and heart activities, air flow monitors, and video cameras equipped with infrared sensors to monitor a patient’s sleep patterns and identify issues such as narcolepsy, insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea. Upon diagnosis, lab specialists then work with the patients to address the issue. (Kadena report by SrA. Nestor Cruz)
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.