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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by George Nierenberg, Documentary Filmmaker on Sleep Apnea Screening Bill
2:48:13
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133 sec
George Nierenberg, a documentary filmmaker, testifies in strong support of bill number 1047, which proposes a screening pilot program for sleep apnea. He shares his personal experience with undiagnosed sleep apnea and its devastating effects on his life, as well as his work on a documentary film about sleep apnea's impact.
- Nierenberg lost his marriage, job, and nearly caused a serious accident due to undiagnosed sleep apnea
- He created a documentary film, "Out of Breath," showcasing the real-world impact of sleep apnea on diverse individuals
- The proposed screening program is described as a "lifeline" that could significantly improve the lives of New York City residents
George Nierenberg
2:48:13
Members of the New York City Council, I'm here to express my strong support for bill number 1047, directing the city's health department to implement a screening pilot program for sleep apnea.
2:48:30
I lost my marriage, my job, and almost killed my grandchildren and daughter while driving.
2:48:39
If I had been diagnosed and successfully treated for sleep apnea, this would not have happened to me.
2:48:47
I just discovered that I could apply my career experience as a as a successful documentary filmmaker, to others to make others understand the suffering of untreated sleep apnea and the opportunity opportunity that diagnosis offered to my well-being, my family, my career, and my contribution to society.
2:49:15
My latest film, Out of Breath, shares potent, impactful scenes of the real world impact of sleep apnea from 4 diverse individuals and their families.
2:49:30
The same people that the New York City Council represents, white and black, young and old, married and single, straight and gay.
2:49:41
I heard from dozens of parents, spouses, friends who had no idea that the exhaustion, the living in a fog, the constant fatigue, the irritability, the lack of focus, and even the frightening near misses behind the wheel were all symptoms of something that could be treated.
2:50:02
These are real stories of people who felt like they were failing in life, but the truth was that they were fighting a battle that no one could see.
2:50:13
This is a program so important.
2:50:16
It's not just a piece of legislation, it's a lifeline.
2:50:20
It's a chance to change the course of lives of the people of New York City.
2:50:26
Thank you.