Ventura, CA - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep, will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Dr. James Jacobs, a Ventura oral and maxillofacial surgeon, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Memorial Hospital’s eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium.

Dr. Jacobs will discuss the diagnosis and causes of sleep apnea, a disorder affecting up to 18 million people in the U.S. that can lead to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke and excessive daytime sleepiness. Dr. Jacobs also will cover available treatment options, the risks and benefits of non-surgical and surgical techniques as well as the benefits and outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement.

Dr. Jacobs is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff. He received his doctor of dental surgery from the University of Washington and his oral and maxillofacial surgery training at Ohio State University.

Admission is free, but space is limited, and reservations are required. Call (805) 652-5436, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp. Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 10 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.