Intro: Why swallowing exercises are important

Why Swallowing exercises are important:    • Intro: Why swallowing exercises are i...  

Hi I'm Sherry Darling and I am a speech language pathologist at the UHN. I will be introducing you to a self-guided exercise program to help you with your swallowing while going through radiation treatment. Radiation to the head and neck area can cause swallowing problems. This video will teach you how to preform eight (8) simple swallowing exercises that will help you with your swallowing during your radiation treatment. It is important for you to being this exercises two weeks before your treatment begins or as early as you possibly can. It is very important for you to do your exercises daily during treatment and to continue them for at least 6 months after your treatment in order to get the most benefit from them. By doing these exercises you can help to minimize the impact on your swallowing function and minimize the long-term use of a feeding tube. These exercises also minimize the need for a modified diet such as puree or only liquid diet, in the future. We want to help you take control over your swallowing function by doing these exercises and maintain the highest possible pleasure from eating and drinking, in the future. The information within this video is not intended to replace any advice provided to you by your health care team. For your safety, we ask that you do not act on the information within these videos without first discussing your treatment or healthy living plan with your qualified health care providers.

For more information about UHN Patient & Family Education, visit www.uhnpatienteducation.ca.