June is Dysphagia Awareness Month, which as been a statued agreed to by Congress since 2008. The National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders (NFOSD) aims to increase the awareness of swallowing disorders.
Take sometime this June to reflect on the impact dysphagia has upon those who live with dysphagia, the professionals who work to diagnose and treat it, and the researchers who are continuously vaulting the field forward for the betterment of patients with dysphagia.
Because swallowing is a function that happens so often and easily for most people, it is often overlooked or dismissed; however, there is a vibrant community of researchers, businesses and individuals who are working to make swallowing less difficult for patients. Some work done includes a standardized swallowing protocol used in research (MBSImP), respiratory-swallow training, tongue-strengthening devices (e.g., IOPI), and creating special diets for people with dysphagia to enjoy their food again and no longer feel self conscious about how they eat.
For more information on Dysphagia Awareness Month, please visit the NFOSD website: http://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/national-dysphagia-awareness-month-photo-facts/