Swallow Your Pride Podcast

Latest Episodes:

299 – Airway Induced Obstructions: What are they, and why should Med SLPs know? Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever worked with an athlete or a young patient who fears exercise because it can trigger what feels like an asthma attack? Or maybe you’ve helped someone who feels like they can’t breathe when they smell a strong perfume or have acid reflux.

Only none of this is asthma…it’s a form of airway-induced obstructions.

In this podcast episode, Sara Davis, an SLP and the founder of Vox Fit discusses exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (formerly known as vocal fold dysfunction/paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder) and inducible airway obstruction due to other triggers. She opens up about the impact of high stress and pressure on individuals with upper airway disorders and the importance of behavioral therapy in managing symptoms.

Learn about the use of scopes for biofeedback, techniques for managing airway conditions, and the role of education and empowerment in helping patients understand and manage their symptoms. Understand the importance of tailoring breathing techniques to specific sports and activities and the need for individualized treatment.

You’ll walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of airway-induced obstructions, desensitization training, and techniques for addressing exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction.

Get the show notes and references: https://syppodcast.com/299

Timestamps:

The conference on upper airway disorders and conditions [00:01:09]
Establishment of the Global Initiative for Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (GLO) [00:02:22]
Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) [00:05:01]
The fear cycle and high stress [00:06:55]
Importance of the first visit and education [00:08:07]
Differentiating upper airway disorders from asthma [00:11:26]
The role of scope for biofeedback teaching [00:13:31]
Understanding the larynx as a gatekeeper [00:14:50]
Teaching breathing techniques and gaining control over the airway [00:18:08]
Establishing Triggers and Sensory Awareness [00:20:31]
Managing Cough and Throat Clearing [00:21:36]
Breathing Techniques for Vocal Fold Opening [00:22:43]
Modifying breathing techniques for sports [00:27:53]
Assessing exercise-induced condition [00:30:55]
Desensitization training for triggers [00:33:32]
Reducing sensory receptors in the larynx [00:35:35]
Ellerby techniques for exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction [00:36:58]
The importance of fullness and depth of breath [00:40:09]
Breathing techniques during high-intensity exercise [00:41:17]
The benefits of respiratory muscle trainers and nasal breathing [00:42:09]

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298 – What Should SLPs Know About Business and Leadership? A Discussion with Laura McWilliams Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you in your business skills as an SLP?

What about your leadership skills?

Whether it’s public speaking or knowing how to use an Excel spreadsheet, we should have a deeper understanding of business skills and healthcare leadership as SLPs. That’s exactly what Theresa Richard and Laura McWilliams dive into in today’s episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast!

It’s easy for Med SLPs to have “clinical tunnel vision” when pursuing continuing education and professional development opportunities. But we shouldn't JUST focus on the clinical side of our career! Tune in to see what Laura’s unique experience with leadership as a med SLP has taught her and what you can do as a clinician tomorrow to begin building your own business leadership skills.

Get the show notes with citations list at syppodcast.com/298

The importance of expanding skills [00:02:05]
The relevance of basic business tools [00:04:15]
The value of business understanding [00:05:35]
The importance of effective communication and collaboration [00:07:01]
Understanding workplace culture and leveraging it for evidence-based practice [00:09:13]
Creating a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing [00:13:39]
Establishing norms and culture [00:19:09]
Working groups for standardized practice [00:21:19]
Collaborative decision-making [00:22:02]
The importance of time logistics [00:24:57]
The role of project management and gap analysis [00:27:29]
Broadening professional growth and encouraging innovation [00:29:07]
The importance of partnerships in driving change [00:32:47]
Assessing and improving team culture [00:34:02]
Being the solution and changing the conversation [00:37:45]
The importance of self-assessment and quarterly reflection [00:41:41]
The value of culture and self-awareness in the workplace [00:42:26]
Leaning into what feels right and supporting others [00:44:12]

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297 – The Tongueometer: We’ve got updates! Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

Why rely on tongue depressors when you can give your patients a portable workout device that comes with an app to track their tongue strength, endurance, and exercise results?

That device exists! And it’s improved…

Elizabeth Daly and Ed Steger are back on the Swallow Your Pride Podcast with exciting updates on the Tongueometer - a handheld lingual manometer that measures tongue and lip strength and endurance. From Android and iOS compatibility to bluetooth connections to two new research studies using the Tongueometer, this is a dysphagia therapy device all med SLPs should be aware of.

Get the show notes with references here: https://syppodcast.com/297

Timestamps:

Updates on the Tongueometer device [00:01:18]
Recent publications on the Tongueometer [00:09:33]
Comparing Validity of Tongueometer and EOP [00:10:04]
Concurrent Validity Study by James Curtis [00:12:12]
Patient Populations Using Tongueometer [00:17:11]
The reimbursement codes for remote therapeutic monitoring [00:20:33]
Gamification of the app [00:21:21]
Insurance reimbursement process [00:26:32]

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296 – A Caregiver and Her Cookbook: How one woman’s caregiving journey inspired a cookbook for dysphagia care Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

“It flipped the whole household upside down. None of our meal times are quote-unquote normal...it's totally dysfunctional chaos.”

☝️This is the real and raw experience of Diane Wolff, dysphagia cookbook author and caregiver for her mother with dementia and impaired swallowing. This experience led Diane to write Essential Puree - The A to Z Guidebook: 67 Delicious Recipes for the Dysphagia Diet & Soft Food Diet, a cookbook addressing this overlooked aspect of care, including tips on simplifying recipes, cleanup, and food storage for families dealing with time constraints or challenges.

In this episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa and Diane discuss the caregiver’s journey and the need for more resources and solutions for loved ones living with dysphagia. From ditching food molds to piping puree onto colorful plates, Diane shares several of her recommendations to promote better dining experiences for everyone impacted by dementia and swallowing disorders.

If Med SLPs can agree on anything, it’s that food is more than sustenance. It’s a way to connect, share love, and find joy in life. This episode dives into all of that and more with vulnerability and forward-thinking.

Get the show notes: https://syppodcast.com/296

Timestamps:

The importance of nutrition for seniors with swallowing disorders [00:03:08]
Challenges of feeding a child with a feeding disorder [00:04:30]
Creating easy and nutritious pureed meals [00:05:25]
The importance of atmosphere and using pretty plates [00:10:07]
Using a xanthan gum thickener for food consistency [00:11:18]
Cooking the same recipe for the patient and the family [00:13:33]
The nutritional status of the speaker's mother [00:21:30]
Developing a line of pureed foods for hospitals and home healthcare [00:22:50]
Patient and caregiver education on pureed foods and tools for the kitchen [00:27:07]
Boosting the immune system during COVID [00:31:34]
Collaboration between speech pathologists and other professionals [00:32:17]
The caregiver's perspective [00:33:35]

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295 – The First Multidisciplinary Dysphagia Clinic in New York City: A discussion with the MD who started it all Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Did you know there’s a team of clinicians who come together each day in New York City to conquer dysphagia?

In this episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa Richard interviews Dr. Anaïs Rameau, laryngologist and trailblazer of New York City’s first multidisciplinary dysphagia clinic!

Together they discuss the concept, logistics, and benefits of an integrated swallowing disorder center that calls together a powerhouse team of dysphagia-serving healthcare professionals. This type of comprehensive care should be more accessible, and it’s up to us to get the ball rolling.

So, sit back, hydrate, and enjoy this inspirational episode.

Get the show notes at https://syppodcast.com/295

The history of multidisciplinary dysphagia clinics [00:02:27]

The Japanese transdisciplinary approach [00:06:39]

Patient selection for multidisciplinary clinics [00:08:54]

The assessment and intervention process [00:11:22]

Logistics of the clinic and future considerations [00:12:36]

Collaboration and teamwork in the clinic [00:13:43]

The Dream Team of Multidisciplinary Specialists [00:21:44]

The Role of Laryngeal ENTs and Manometry [00:25:27]

Benefits and Challenges of Multidisciplinary Teams [00:28:55]

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294 – SLPs and Cancer: What’s our role? Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

The word “cancer” is often cloaked in feelings of uncertainty and fear - understandably so. But what can a medical SLP do to help? What’s our role in the world of oncology?

In this podcast episode, host Theresa Richard interviews Heather George about her experience as an SLP working with oncology patients and the role of palliative care in dysphagia management. They discuss the challenges of navigating treatment for patients with complex medical conditions, the importance of taking a holistic approach to patient care, and the need to address patient concerns and fears. They also touch on the difficulties of managing differing opinions among healthcare providers.

If you serve this population or hope to one day, this episode is for you.

Get the show notes with references at syppodcast.com/294

[00:03:29] The role of palliative care in dysphagia management

[00:04:27] Understanding the differences between rehabilitation and palliative care

[00:06:53] Considering the medical status and prognosis in dysphagia management

[00:10:31] The multifactorial components of swallowing difficulties

[00:10:40] Highlighting the need to consider the patient's specific diagnosis and how it impacts their swallowing difficulties.

[00:13:09] Managing the dynamic between providers and dysphagia treatment

[00:20:32] Importance of reflecting on personal biases as clinicians and how it can influence communication with patients and physicians.

[00:21:37] The impact of presenting information in a fear-inducing manner and the importance of discussing risks and benefits in a balanced way.

[00:22:25] The speaker's personal experience of realizing the need to present both professional and personal perspectives when discussing treatment options with patients and their families.

[00:29:05] Understanding the Patient's Medical Condition

[00:30:06] Collaborating with the Medical Team

[00:32:16] Navigating Difficult Conversations

[00:38:20]Palliative Team Consultation

[00:39:42] Exploration of consulting the ethics department for added insight and evaluation in complex situations.

[00:40:43] Supporting Patients Transitioning to Hospice

[00:48:26] Being cognizant of language and writing in a more respectful and patient-centered way.

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293 – The Esophagus Has Entered the Chat: Understanding and Addressing Esophageal Dysphagia with Dr. Watts Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

So a patient walks into a fluoroscopy suite, points to their throat, and says “I have trouble swallowing.”

You do the VFSS, and their oropharynx looks…okay! Maybe even within normal limits!

Now what?

*The esophagus has entered the chat*

In this podcast episode, Theresa Richard interviews Dr. Watts, a speech-language pathologist, researcher, and clinician scientist at the University of South Florida known for her work with esophageal dysphagia.

Get the show notes: https://syppodcast.com/293

The passion for esophageal dysphagia [00:02:19]
The development of the REST protocol [00:03:30]
Future research and expansion of the REST protocol [00:06:06]
The nature of modified barium swallow [00:10:17]
Screening protocol and next steps [00:11:23]
Importance of multidisciplinary team [00:13:58]
The implementation of esophageal dysphagia education [00:19:58]
The prevalence of esophageal dysphagia and the need for further investigation [00:20:59]
The importance of counseling and referrals in dysphagia management [00:23:06]
The Art and Science of Fluoroscopy [00:29:04]
Standardized Protocol for Reporting Results [00:30:18]
Describing Aberrant Movement and Reporting Failed Screening [00:31:19]

The post 293 – The Esophagus Has Entered the Chat: Understanding and Addressing Esophageal Dysphagia with Dr. Watts appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

292 – How We Practice and What We Consider: A Discussion on Clinical Experience and Evidence with Gavin Levy Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Exploring diet consistencies (including the great bread debate)...

Identifying barriers of modified barium swallow studies (and what to do about them)...

Encountering tough pills to swallow (literally)…

☝️ These are just three of the topics Theresa Richard and Gavin Levy discuss in the most recent episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast!

Together, Theresa and Gavin look at evidence-based practices for medical SLPs while sharing their personal experiences on the job. Through this discussion, key takeaways focus on involving SLPs in dietary conversations, clinical documentation verbiage that reflects dietary needs when designing menus, and collaborating with caregivers, dieticians, and other medical professionals to further gain knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

Timestamps:

Implementations of Soft and Bite Size Diets: The Role of SLPs (05:44 - 10:58)
Where Does Bread Fit in Alterations Diets? (10:59 - 16:15)
Exploring the Benefits of Modified Diets for Patients on Altered Diets (16:15 - 21:25)
Risks and Benefits of Video Fluoroscopy for Swallowing Studies (21:25 - 26:29)
Advocating for Better Communication in Swallow Studies: Involving a Multidisciplinary Team (26:29 - 31:22)
Team-Based Recommendations for Patient Care (31:23 - 36:06)
The Role of Environment in Swallowing and Testing Outcomes (36:06 - 40:53)
A Conversation on Safety,Staff Shortages, and Modifying Diets for Skilled Nursing Facilities (40:54 - 45:42)
The Role of Speech Therapists in Medication Administration and Swallowing Studies (45:42 - 50:39)
The Impact of Aspiration on Decision Making (50:40 - 55:35)
Embracing Change and Connecting Research in Speech Therapy (55:35 - 01:00:34)
Exploring Physical Therapy, Coordination of Respiration and Swallowing, and Dementia (01:00:34 - 01:03:22)

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291 – Oral Dysfunction Can Lead to That? Discussions with an Orofacial Functional Specialist. Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

“Every unique symptom is a call to explore beyond the known territories of our field.” -Autumn Henning, MS, CCC-SLP, COM, IBCLC

☝️Who can argue with that?

In this podcast episode, Theresa welcomes Autumn Henning as her guest, who specializes in infant and pediatric feeding and orofacial functional disorders. They discuss the importance of practice-based evidence, collaboration, functioning vs functional therapy, and trying different treatment strategies. They emphasize the need to consider the bigger picture and connect different systems in the body. Finally, Theresa and Autumn touch on a component of therapy we’re all too familiar with: provider burnout and the significance of self-care.

Tune in to today’s Swallow Your Pride Podcast episode: Oral Dysfunction Can Lead to That? Discussions with an Orofacial Functional Specialist.

Get the handout here: https://syppodcast.com/291

Timestamps:
The importance of orofacial dysfunction [00:03:52]
Functional therapy and its implications [00:03:52]
Referral sources and interdisciplinary care [00:06:16]
Practice Based Evidence [00:10:01]
Clinician Experience and Trying New Approaches [00:10:40]
The Interconnectedness of Symptoms [00:14:09]
Interprofessional Collaboration [00:18:41]
Provider Burnout [00:19:52]
The Power of the Comeback [00:24:56]

The post 291 – Oral Dysfunction Can Lead to That? Discussions with an Orofacial Functional Specialist. appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

290 – Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Insights from Feeding Matters CEO Jaclyn Pederson Aug 11, 2023

Show notes

Pediatric feeding difficulties aren’t just physical…they can be traumatic, too.

While everyone can agree that caring for and nourishing our little ones is a top priority, access to the research and knowledge on pediatric feeding disorders remains elusive. Why? What can be done about it? And what should medical SLPs understand?

In this podcast episode, host Theresa Richard interviews Jaclyn Pederson, the CEO of Feeding Matters, a nonprofit organization focused on pediatric feeding disorders. They discuss their personal experiences with pediatric feeding disorders and the importance of a holistic approach to addressing feeding issues. They also touch on topics such as the challenges of conducting research in the field, the importance of evidence-based practice in feeding therapy, and the difficulties of integrating feeding therapy into insurance coverage. They emphasize the need for ongoing support for families and the importance of recognizing and addressing the trauma involved in feeding difficulties. Overall, the episode highlights the work of Feeding Matters in advocating for and supporting those affected by pediatric feeding disorders.

Get the notes and handouts here: https://syppodcast.com/290

Timestamps:

[00:02:23] Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month

[00:06:35] The Consensus Paper on Pediatric Feeding Disorder

[00:07:40] The Need for Identifying Pediatric Feeding Disorder

[00:09:47] The importance of awareness and recognition of feeding difficulties

[00:11:55] The need for further research and education in feeding

[00:18:35] Challenges in implementing evidence-based practice in feeding

[00:19:41] Importance of evidence-based practice and considering the clinician's experience and family's expectations in treatment.

[00:20:49] Challenges when research doesn't align with personal experiences, the need for a global approach, and the importance of considering the family's dynamics in treatment.

[00:22:46] The need for space to adapt treatment approaches, the readiness of families to receive information, and the integration of therapy into the natural home feeding environment.

[00:29:25] Insurance Challenges

[00:30:21] Integration of Feeding Therapy into Insurance

[00:36:28] Healing Feeding Trauma

[00:37:38] The Trauma Involved with Feeding

[00:39:08] The Impact of Trauma on Feeding

[00:41:14] Supporting Parents and Caregivers

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