BOCA RATON, Fla. (August 28, 2012) – Watermark Medical, Inc. (“Watermark”), the leader in Health Information Technology for managing chronic diseases, has come together with Sleep Pro Network and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to provide home sleep testing for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for NFLPA members.
“We are very excited to be working with Sleep Pro Network and the NFLPA to assist in the awareness and early identification of sleep apnea,” said Charlie Alvarez, President of Watermark Medical.
Sleep apnea is a serious, under-diagnosed and treatable medical condition that is directly linked to depression, memory loss, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Studies project that one in seven professional football players have obstructive sleep apnea; nearly four times the prevalence of the general populations.
“The NFLPA’s move to proactively address undiagnosed OSA is tangible representation of their clear commitment to the long-term health and wellbeing of its members,” said Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino.
The program, slated to launch this summer, will begin with a risk assessment screening of the 6000+ former players, followed by diagnostic evaluation using home sleep testing technology and appropriate sleep therapy when applicable.
“Player health continues to be a top priority of the NFLPA. With the link to so many co-morbid conditions, educating our players about OSA will have immeasurable impact,” said Andre Collins, NFLPA Director of Former Player Services.
Contact: JR Finkelmeier, jr.finkelmeier@watermarkmedical.com / (561) 283-1247
ABOUT WATERMARK MEDICAL:
Watermark Medical, Inc. Is a privately held healthcare information technology company focused on improving the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic diseases. Watermark pioneered cloud-based HST for Obstructive Sleep Apnea by allowing primary care physicians to become the point of care for diagnostic testing. Its co-founders are serial entrepreneurs with a track record of building successful information technology companies and sales channels for medical service companies. Information technology management company CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) is Watermark’s largest investor. Currently, Watermark has a national direct sales force of more than 30 sales representatives covering all 50 states and approximately 2,000 distribution sales representatives. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL.
ABOUT SLEEP PRO NETWORK:
Sleep Pro Network (SPN) is a Washington, D.C. based healthcare provider to patients with sleep related breathing disorders. The management team at SPN has over 12 years of experience in the development, accreditation and management of sleep diagnostic (polysomnography) labs throughout the United States. The sleep labs developed by this same management team has tested over 50,000 patients since year 2,000. Because there are 18-20 Million undiagnosed cased of sleep related breathing disorders throughout the United States, SPN’s mission is to actively educate, advocate and treat all professional/collegiate /amateur athletes, patients and family members suffering from various forms of sleep related breathing disorders and its co-morbidities.
About the NFL Players Association:
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA’s responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; ensuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; providing other member services and activities; providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.NFLPlayers.com.