 Guest Speaker Dr. Nancy B. Swigert, right, and SUNY Fredonia Clinical Supervisor Julie Williams, organizer of the event. |
Dr. Nancy B. Swigert, director of an acute care facility in Lexington, Kentucky discussed the the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) in adults and children at a continuing education conference held at SUNY Fredonia on Friday March 27.
The conference, which took place in the Williams Center Multipurpose room on campus, was titled “Management and Treatment of Adults and Children with Dysphagia," and was sponsored by the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) and by the SUNY Fredonia Student Association.
Dr. Swigert, director of Speech-Language Pathology and Respiratory Care at Central Baptist Hospital, emphasized the importance of using evidence-based practice in evaluating and treating dysphagia, and also discussed clinical and instrumental exams forming the basis for treatment planning, as well as both old and new controversial techniques.
The conference was well-received, with 144 professionals and students in attendance. Professionals from several different disciplines were present, including speech language pathologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and both graduate and undergraduate students.
Dysphagia is a disorder that makes it difficult or painful to swallow. It can be categorized several ways, including weak tongue and cheek muscles, and inability to start the swallowing reflex. Dysphagia often impairs a person’s ability to consume enough nutrients to stay healthy. Speech-pathologists use a variety of techniques to treat swallowing disorders, such as muscle exercises to improve tongue strength.
