Recently, Dr. Roger Roubal went on Boomer radio and talked with DJ Jack Swanda on Boomer Radio. He shared memories of his youth growing up on a farm near Howells. He talked about many aspects of his childhood, including his life on the farm, his education, his cars, and his favorite music. And along the way he also gave some important information about snoring and sleep apnea.
Brought Up to Go to College
Dr. Roubal was born to a family of farmers, and while many expected that he would also grow up to be a farmer, there was an undercurrent in his family that set him off on a different path. Both of his parents were relatively uneducated, and they felt bad about it. They wanted to make sure that young Roger took his education seriously.
They only rethought that plan after he spent his first year off at college. Then they wanted to reconsider because they missed the extra hands around the farm. But, by that time Dr. Roubal was, in his words, “hooked.”
A Car Guy
Dr. Roubal also got from his father a love of cars. His dad helped him out by giving him his first cars, including a brand new 1966 Chevy Impala 2-door hardtop with blue interior and exterior. He also shared some of his memories of old cars, including the fact that their early cars didn’t have radios–or heat.
He also talked about the car that made him cry to sell: a ‘77 Corvette. He’d had the car the longest, but as his son was reaching driving age, it seemed best to remove the possible temptation.
Musical Memories
Being on an old-time radio show means that they spent a lot of time talking about music, and Dr. Roubal got to share some of his favorite musical memories. He remembers the first song he ever heard on a car radio: “Sherry Baby” by The Four Seasons. He also talked about his favorite song in high school: “The Last Kiss” by J. Frank Wilson. And he talked about his favorite driving song, “Lightnin’ Strikes” by Lou Christie.
He also talked about the first concert he remembered going to: The Association. On the way to the concert, his car broke down so he and his girlfriend hitched a ride to see the show, then picked up the car on the way back. He also remembered seeing Jim Croce at Creighton University.
But he didn’t just enjoy music, he played it, too. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the band called the Zarfs.
Sleep Apnea Discussion
In addition to talking about the great times he enjoyed during his youth, Dr. Roubal talked about snoring and sleep apnea. He emphasized that while old, overweight men are the most common sleep apnea patients, young, slim men and women can also develop the condition.
He talked about reasons why people snore (including about 60% of adults), such as the anatomy of the throat, and weight that presses down on the airway.
He said that nearly 80% of people who snore also have sleep apnea, and talked about its effects, including the death of brain cells and stress on the entire body. He also stressed that the condition can be surprisingly deadly. He said that he has had a number of patients that he never got a chance to treat because they died soon after they called and before he could see them for an exam.
Dr. Roubal also ended the broadcast with the song “Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg, a lush ballad that reminds us life only gives us so many chances to make things right. If we don’t take advantage of them today, we may not have them tomorrow.
This is why we encoutage people who might have sleep apnea to get tested. If you get treated, you have a lot more time to make the best of everything else in your life.
If you suspect that you or someone you love might have sleep apnea, please call (402) 493-4175 today for an appointment with sleep dentist Dr. Roger Roubal.
