Saturday, December 7, 2013

Not Now

every time



     Isn't this how it always happens?  Not just with waiters, but the dentist too.  Do you really want me to answer and choke to death?
    'Eating and swallowing are complex neuromuscular activities consisting essentially of three phases, an oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phase. Each phase is controlled by a different neurological mechanism.' Swallowing is one of those things we take for granted but many people struggle with it due to stroke, alzheimers or neurological disease.  Anybody can have this problem due to being in a hurry and not chewing their food well.
     Here are some tips to help with any swallowing problems that you or someone you know might find helpful..........

--Try eating smaller, more-frequent meals. Be sure to cut your food into smaller pieces, and eat at a slower pace.
--Avoid sticky foods, like peanut butter and popcorn
--Liquids like milk or carbonated drinks cause phlegm
--Use something like yogurt w/meals to help with food that seems to get caught in your throat
--Try not to talk while eating....finish your bite first
--If you struggle with a certain food, avoid it...it's not worth it.


3 comments:

  1. I think I just need to eat less food, and then I could kill two "squirrely" problems with one stone! :0)

    ReplyDelete
  2. good practical advice from one who knows.
    put it in the blender and drink it. Eddie Airheart did that with
    hamburgers when he had his jaw wired shut, said it wasn't bad.
    nancy h.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My mother used to say about almost any food, "It fills a hollow spot"! I guess liquid can do that just as well as solid food, LOL! I agree that I SO dislike being "talked to" and asked questions while in the dentist chair. How in the world are we supposed to answer without mumbling or drooling? Love you, T.

    ReplyDelete