Many people these days know about the dangers of falling in the elderly. Falls account for nearly 20,000 deaths annually in the United States. Caregivers do a lot to prevent these tragic accidents from occurring. Relatively few people, however, realize the danger of swallowing problems. They, too, take tens of thousands of lives every year through choking, pneumonia, and malnutrition. SWALLOW SAFELY seeks to erase this knowledge gap. The book presents in clear, non-technical language with illustrations how swallowing works normally, how things can go wrong, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to get help. The book is written primarily for caregivers of elderly persons and others with medical and neurologic problems such as stroke, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer disease commonly associated with swallowing problems. Appendices include a Letter For Your Doctor and Suggestions For Safe Swallowing.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
An extremely useful and potentially life-saving book. --Christiane Northrup, M.D., Author of Mother-Daughter Wisdom: Understanding the Crucial Link Between Mothers, Daughters, and Health
Don't wait for a swallowing disaster. This book tells you how to keep a swallowing problem from becoming fatal. --Henry J. Heimlich, M.D., Author of Heimlich's Maneuvers
What an eye-opener! Who knew a runny nose could actually be a clue to having a life-threatening swallowing problem? Easy to read and packed with lifesaving knowledge everyone should know. Especially valuable for families and caregivers of elders with dementia, who often develop swallowing problems. --Jacqueline Marcell, Author of Elder Rage, Host of Radio Show Coping with Caregiving
Swallowing is a four-step process that usually happens without conscious thought or deliberate physical effort, even though most people swallow approximately six hundred times a day. More than ten individual body parts are involved in swallowing, and muscular weakness or poor coordination during its four phases--preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal--can ruin mealtime and put certain people at risk of dehydration, malnutrition, oxygen distress, choking, or pneumonia caused by the inadvertent aspiration of food or drink into the lungs. Patients, family members, and health care providers must be educated and alert for signals of dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing.
Don't wait for a swallowing disaster. This book tells you how to keep a swallowing problem from becoming fatal. --Henry J. Heimlich, M.D., Author of Heimlich's Maneuvers
What an eye-opener! Who knew a runny nose could actually be a clue to having a life-threatening swallowing problem? Easy to read and packed with lifesaving knowledge everyone should know. Especially valuable for families and caregivers of elders with dementia, who often develop swallowing problems. --Jacqueline Marcell, Author of Elder Rage, Host of Radio Show Coping with Caregiving
Swallowing is a four-step process that usually happens without conscious thought or deliberate physical effort, even though most people swallow approximately six hundred times a day. More than ten individual body parts are involved in swallowing, and muscular weakness or poor coordination during its four phases--preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal--can ruin mealtime and put certain people at risk of dehydration, malnutrition, oxygen distress, choking, or pneumonia caused by the inadvertent aspiration of food or drink into the lungs. Patients, family members, and health care providers must be educated and alert for signals of dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing.
Despite its seriousness, too few people know how to identify and treat dysphagia. The authors of this book, a wife and husband team, a speech-language pathologist and neurologist, respectively, have extensive expertise with dysphagic patients, and they have written a well-researched, informative guide for those caring for the elderly or the ill. The book's straightforward language and clear terminology are accompanied by sixteen well-labeled illustrations of the swallowing process. Each chapter ends with a summary of important terms and information for quick reference or review. The authors' comprehensive approach to this quality of life issue extends to their thoughtful decision to publish the book in large print that can be read comfortably by both elderly patients and their middle-aged or aging children and spouses.
Swallowing difficulties are often overlooked because their symptoms may be relatively subtle and discounted or ignored. Patients [or caregivers] might not realize that a runny nose during meals, coughing, or excessively slow swallowing can indicate a potentially life-threatening problem with swallowing. The authors include many tips for careful eating that may help restore safety and pleasure to mealtimes. A thoughtful, pre-written Letter for Your Doctor lists swallowing problems and provides space to list hospitalizations, medical conditions, and medications. This book will save lives. --ForeWord Reviews
What an eye-opener! Who knew a runny nose could actually be a clue to having a life-threatening swallowing problem? Easy to read and packed with lifesaving knowledge everyone should know. Especially valuable for families and caregivers of elders with dementia, who often develop swallowing problems. --Jacqueline Marcell, Author of Elder Rage, Host of Radio Show Coping with Caregiving
About the Author
Roya Sayadi, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a graduate of the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. She received her Ph.D. degree from Michigan State University in neurogenic communication disorders. She has taught speech-language-swallowing pathology at the undergraduate and graduates levels. She works with the Natick VNA, having extensive contact with elderly persons with swallowing problems associated with stroke, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig s disease), cancer of the head and neck, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, and head injury. She lives in Natick, Mass., with her husband. They have four children. Joel Herskowitz, M.D. , Dr. Sayadi s husband, is a graduate of Princeton University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A board-certified pediatric neurologist, he is on the faculty of the Boston University School of Medicine. He is the author of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Psychiatry: Common Ground (with N. Paul Rosman, M.D.), Is Your Child Depressed?, and TWISTED!, a play about a woman with Wilson disease he has presented in Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, and Heidelberg.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
I would have not stuffed my father's mouth full of food had Swallow Safely been available
August 6, 2010
Format:Paperback
Toward the end of my father's life, he had difficulty chewing food and eventually swallowing. I didn't know it then. One morning, while feeding him breakfast at the nursing home, I stuffed more and more food in his mouth, thinking this might stimulate him to swallow.
Upon seeing his stuffed cheeks, the aide who usually helped him eat exclaimed, "Brenda what are you doing?"
Embarrassed I confessed, "He won't eat!"
What did I know?
I'm embarrassed to admit it now, thanks to Roya Sayadi, PhD, CCC-SLP and Joel Herskowitz's, MD new book. Swallow Safely educates and empowers caregivers to prevent those with swallowing problems from choking.
Highlights:
Four-steps to the swallowing process, p. 15.
It's amazing how many of us don't even focus on our eating; yet, with an estimated 600 swallows daily, a lot can go wrong!
Difference between a "café coronary" and a heart attack, p. 49.
Heimlich maneuver--on someone else and self-administered, p. 58.
Two additional points bear mentioning:
follow then stay with a choking person, as embarrassment may cause him/her to leave the setting.
pneumonia may not show up for months after a choking incident.
Medications and how to manage them when they cause dryness and swallowing complications, p. 78 and in appendix. Tips for taking meds, p. 85.
Treating swallowing problems including: warnings about mixing foods, the need for sensory stimulation and aiding the swallow reflex with an ice-cold applicator dipped in lemon juice, diet modification can get emotional, aspirating even while tube feeding, pgs. 91- 107.
What to expect when going for a thorough swallowing exam, p. 113.
The role of the caregiver, p. 121 I was particularly touched by this paragraph (italics added for emphasis): It is your love that guides you to learn more, your caring that ensures... recommendations are carried out..., your patience and strength that enable you to be with someone you love through difficult times.
Mindful swallowing, p.125.
Read this twice, it can save your or your loved one's life!
Appendices include a form where you can record your observations of a loved one's difficulty swallowing and tips for swallowing safely.
Sayadi and Herskowitz caution family caregivers to be more specific in helping loved ones define their advance directives. Many are either DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or resuscitate. Yet, there remains a lot of gray area in between these extremes, such as when a mildly impaired individual chokes on a bone. In such an instance, detailed instructions on the Heimlich maneuver are offered.
Given the number of medical terms used throughout the book, it would have been nice to refer to a glossary-something the authors should consider including in a subsequent edition.
Also, as one whose nose runs each time I eat, I'd like to learn more about this and why it occurs. When I asked Herskowitz, he offered the following explanation: The runny nose and the watery eyes result from reflex irritation of the mouth, throat, or (most ominously) the larynx.
I know I could have been much better informed had Swallow Safely been available while my father was still alive.
Recommended for family and professional caregivers for those experiencing swallowing difficulties due to stroke, Alzheimer's, MS, ALS, cancer, heart disease, and even healthy individuals who experience swallowing problems.
Reviewed by Brenda Avadian
Editor, The Caregiver's Voice Book Review
Upon seeing his stuffed cheeks, the aide who usually helped him eat exclaimed, "Brenda what are you doing?"
Embarrassed I confessed, "He won't eat!"
What did I know?
I'm embarrassed to admit it now, thanks to Roya Sayadi, PhD, CCC-SLP and Joel Herskowitz's, MD new book. Swallow Safely educates and empowers caregivers to prevent those with swallowing problems from choking.
Highlights:
Four-steps to the swallowing process, p. 15.
It's amazing how many of us don't even focus on our eating; yet, with an estimated 600 swallows daily, a lot can go wrong!
Difference between a "café coronary" and a heart attack, p. 49.
Heimlich maneuver--on someone else and self-administered, p. 58.
Two additional points bear mentioning:
follow then stay with a choking person, as embarrassment may cause him/her to leave the setting.
pneumonia may not show up for months after a choking incident.
Medications and how to manage them when they cause dryness and swallowing complications, p. 78 and in appendix. Tips for taking meds, p. 85.
Treating swallowing problems including: warnings about mixing foods, the need for sensory stimulation and aiding the swallow reflex with an ice-cold applicator dipped in lemon juice, diet modification can get emotional, aspirating even while tube feeding, pgs. 91- 107.
What to expect when going for a thorough swallowing exam, p. 113.
The role of the caregiver, p. 121 I was particularly touched by this paragraph (italics added for emphasis): It is your love that guides you to learn more, your caring that ensures... recommendations are carried out..., your patience and strength that enable you to be with someone you love through difficult times.
Mindful swallowing, p.125.
Read this twice, it can save your or your loved one's life!
Appendices include a form where you can record your observations of a loved one's difficulty swallowing and tips for swallowing safely.
Sayadi and Herskowitz caution family caregivers to be more specific in helping loved ones define their advance directives. Many are either DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or resuscitate. Yet, there remains a lot of gray area in between these extremes, such as when a mildly impaired individual chokes on a bone. In such an instance, detailed instructions on the Heimlich maneuver are offered.
Given the number of medical terms used throughout the book, it would have been nice to refer to a glossary-something the authors should consider including in a subsequent edition.
Also, as one whose nose runs each time I eat, I'd like to learn more about this and why it occurs. When I asked Herskowitz, he offered the following explanation: The runny nose and the watery eyes result from reflex irritation of the mouth, throat, or (most ominously) the larynx.
I know I could have been much better informed had Swallow Safely been available while my father was still alive.
Recommended for family and professional caregivers for those experiencing swallowing difficulties due to stroke, Alzheimer's, MS, ALS, cancer, heart disease, and even healthy individuals who experience swallowing problems.
Reviewed by Brenda Avadian
Editor, The Caregiver's Voice Book Review
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am finishing up my graduate program in speech-langauge pathology and wanted a resource I could refer my patient's families to. This is a great a book, very easy to read (I read it in under 2 hours). As a future speech pathologist I found it extremely helpful to have the list of medications that may impact swallowing, as this is something we do not typically get directly instructed on in our graduate programs.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is required for my graduate-level medical speech-language pathology course, to supplement our textbook. I find this book extremely useful. It is very easy to follow, with just enough detail provided to have a functional understanding of the swallowing mechanism, possible abnormalities or complications, and dysphagia management/treatment. It is written at a level for the layperson to understand, and very informative. I highly recommend this book to any person who is at risk for a swallowing disorder or who is the caretaker for such an individual. It is also highly useful for a student or professional, as it will provide a clear example of how to best educate and counsel caretakers of or individuals who have or are at risk of dysphagia.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Coping with swallowing problems
I devoured this book in one sitting. As an 80-year-old man diagnosed 15 years ago with Parkinson's, I felt this book fit me to a T. Read more
Published 12 months ago by JoeH
I learned everything I needed to know
This book was a wonderful reference to learn all the mechanics and problems that could be associated with swallowing. Easy to read and understand for the lay person. Read more
Published 15 months ago by D. Maxine Beyer
A useful resource for anyone caring for an elderly relative
Swallowing, something done effortlessly everyday can be a risk of death. "Swallow Safely: How Swallowing Problems Threaten the Elderly and Others" discusses swallowing disorders... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Midwest Book Review
"Swallow Safely" Very Important Book!
Swallow Safely is a very important book. It explains everything you need to know about swallowing. I am so glad that Dr. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Eileen
Swallow Safely: Timely Book for Elders and Caregivers
"SWALLOW SAFELY" is a very helpful book, a valuable reference when it comes to swallowing.
The authors provide special tips for those of us caring for loved ones with... Read more
The authors provide special tips for those of us caring for loved ones with... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Carol Bradley Bursack
Swallow Safely: Timely Book for Elders and Caregivers
"SWALLOW SAFELY" is a very helpful book, a valuable reference when it comes to swallowing.
The authors provide special tips for those of us caring for loved ones with... Read more
The authors provide special tips for those of us caring for loved ones with... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Carol Bradley Bursack
Important Information for those with swallowing problems & their...
Swallowing problems can affect far more than the elderly and whether you have a known swallowing problem or have something that could affect your swallowing in the future, you... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Janet Perry
Well done! Important Book!
This book is so well written, with illustrations, so easy to follow. This is very important information that will save lives.
Published 22 months ago by Marilyn J. Mcleod
How to recognize, treat and prevent life-threatening swallowing...
This husband/wife physician team brings to light the dangers of swallowing that can affect those dealing with Stroke, Parkinson Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer Disease, ALS,... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Susan Johnson
Swallow Safely
If you are a caregiver, then this is a book for you. The author has done an excellent job of explaining what you need to do with an elderly person who might have swallowing... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Michael Monji
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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