In this episode of the "Swallow Your Pride" podcast, host Theresa Richard interviews Bennett Blakeman, co-founder of K Pharmaceuticals, about Aquoral, a product designed to alleviate dry mouth (xerostomia). Bennett explains how Aquoral differs from typical water-based products by creating a protective layer in the mouth, offering longer-lasting relief. They discuss the importance of patient education, access, and the cost of Aquoral, emphasizing its benefits for individuals undergoing cancer treatments or dealing with Sjögren's syndrome. The episode underscores the need for innovative, patient-centered solutions in the field of swallowing disorders.

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What do rats have to do with swallowing disorders? More than you think! In this episode, we talk with Michelle Ciucci, PhD, CCC-SLP, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore the important role of animal research in understanding swallowing disorders in neurogenic diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Michelle explains how her lab uses […]

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"I go to swallow, and nothing triggers. Alarm bells are ringing in my head because, as a speech therapist, it's the scariest feeling."

What started as a routine cosmetic procedure turned into a medical nightmare for SLP Megan McCue. After just 12 units of Botox, she experienced severe swallowing difficulties, systemic complications, and a battle to be believed by medical professionals. Her story exposes the darker side of a treatment millions undergo without question.

In this eye-opening episode, learn about:

The hidden risks of botulinum toxin treatments
How Botox can affect swallowing function
Critical warning signs every medical professional should know
The importance of including Botox history in patient screenings
Latest research on systemic spread and nervous system impact

As both a patient and healthcare provider, Megan offers unique insights into this under-discussed issue, challenging common assumptions about a widely-used treatment. Whether you're a medical professional or considering Botox treatment, this episode provides crucial information about potential risks and the importance of informed consent.

Get the show notes: https://syppodcast.com/360

The post 360 – When Beauty Treatments Go Wrong: An SLP’s Warning About Cosmetic Botox Injections appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

Is picky eating just a phase, or could it be something more serious?
How can we tell the difference?
What do we do next?

These questions are so common for clinicians and caregivers alike.

Feeding challenges can contribute to high levels of stress and even PTSD for the families we serve.

Thankfully, in this week’s episode, renowned feeding specialist Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, brings her 25 years of experience and expertise to the table (pun intended)!

She shares how her experiences with feeding challenges inspired her career and offers advice on navigating the complex world of feeding therapy.

Get the notes: https://syppodcast.com/359

The post 359 – The truth about picky eaters: What every parent and SLP should know appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

When passion meets purpose, incredible things happen… In this inspiring episode, Melissa Grassia-Chisholm shares her vision for bridging gaps in voice and swallowing therapy through the upcoming Functional Voice Swallow Airway Conference – and proves that innovation often starts with seeing what's missing. With remarkable enthusiasm, Melissa opens up about: ➡️ Creating a hands-on learning […]

The post 358 – Breaking the Voice Conference Mold: From hands-on workshops to innovative therapy approaches appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

Ever wished there was a way to make nutritional supplements actually enjoyable for your patients with dysphagia? Meet Jeff Holtz, the ice cream innovator who's shaking up how we think about dysphagia nutrition. With 30 years in the ice cream industry, Jeff didn't just create another supplement – he developed a fortified ice cream that […]

The post 357 – Ice Cream That Heals? Meet Jeff Holtz, CEO of Thrive Ice Cream! appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

When life hands you an unconventional path, sometimes it leads to exactly where you're meant to be… In this inspiring episode, Hannelyn Perez shares her remarkable journey from Navy medical service to speech-language pathology to tech innovation – and proves that your background doesn't define your future. With remarkable candor, Hannelyn opens up about: ➡️ […]

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Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of medical trauma, depression, and suicidal ideation. One minute she was living her dream as a school SLP. The next, she was using eye gaze to communicate in the ICU… In this deeply personal episode, Vanessa Abraham, M.S., CCC-SLP shares her profound journey from school-based SLP to ICU patient, […]

The post 355 – From SLP to Patient: A Journey That Will Change How You Practice – Vanessa Abraham, M.S., CCC-SLP appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.