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The act of speaking clearly involves the finely coordinated efforts of many muscles from the abdomen, lungs, larynx, tongue, lips to the palate. Air pressure is forced from the lungs by the action of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles which then causes the vocal folds to vibrate producing sound. This sound is then resonated or echoed into the oral cavity where the tongue, lips and palate change the shape and configuration of the air and sound to forrn individual speech sounds. The tongue is probably one of the most active muscles as it races from one precise point in the mouth to another in millisecond tirning. Speaking is an act that we all have done automatically since early childhood. However, individuals with ALS may have difficulty with the strength and coordination of rnany different muscle groups in their bodies including those involved with speaking. When this occurs, the act of communication, which has been taken for granted since infancy, becomes challenged. Difficulty communicating interferes with normal activities of daily living. This can result in extreme frustration not only for the person experiencing the difficulty but also for family members and concerned friends as they try to understand the patient.
The following are a few suggestions that may assist in making the act of communication a powerful and successful one.
- Over-Articulation is vital. This involves, exaggerating the production of all sounds within words. It is especially important to pronounce the final sounds in words.
- Slowing down the rate of speaking it allows you the extra time needed to make all the necessary muscular movernents to speak clearly.
- Maximize the environment where you are coinmunicating. Trying to speak over background noise (television, stereo, etc.) increases difficulties. Good lighting helps to allows the listener a better opportunity to watch the speaker's face while communicating to pick up on facial expression, gestures, and other cues. Speaking close to the listener enhances this ability.
- Maximize the hearing of significant others. it is exceptionally difficult for the individual with ALS to have to focus on speaking as clearly as possible without also needing to do it in a loud voice.
Preparedness Tips
Hurricane preparedness is a natural part of living in Miami-Dade County. Below are some key tips to include in your personal hurricane plan. Be sure to involve your whole household in the plan and make sure everyone knows what they are supposed to do. Include these items:
- If you live in an evacuation zone, make plans to move inland to a friend or faniily member's home.
- Rehearse your evacuation with your household and leave extra time for traffic.
- If you live in a mobile home or are ELECTRICALLY DEPENDENT you should evacuate for any category of tropical storm or Hurricane, to the closest hospital.
- Residents who may need assistance evacuating from disaster should call the Office of Emergency Management at: 305-273-6790.
- Evacuation Centers are prepared for handicapped patients. They have nurses and special equipment to provide services during a hurricane.
- Pets: Evacuation Centers will not accept pets. Make plans to board your pets now.
- The most important part of your hurricane kit is water. Have I gallon per person per day.
- DON'T FORGET: Your water heater can store several gallons of fresh water to use if there is not water pressure.
- If your residence is not in an evacuation zone, and is protected adequately, remember these things:
- Take refuge in an interior hallway or srnaller room with no windows like a closet near load bearing walls.
- Gather your hurricane kit around you and keep a mattress nearby to protect your head.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and only use battery operated lamps.
- Be sure to leave a clear path to exit in case of fire.
Check out more preparedness facts in the Answer Center at:
Miami-Dade County Rumor Control
Line: 305-598-7550
To arrange transportation call:
 My Book of Recipes |
CREATE A SHAKE
Pour 1 cup (or more) of the following liquids into a blender:
- Whole Milk or Half & Half
- Chocolate Milk
- Non-dairy liquid Coffee Creamer, Soymilk
- Nutritional Supplement (i.e. Ensure, Sustacal, Boost)
- Fruit Juice (i.e. Orange, Apple, Pineapple, Cranberry)
- Yogurt or Silken Tofu
- 1 cup sliced peaches
1 cup whole milk
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
Combine all ingredients in a blender, cover and blend on high speed about one minute or until smooth.
- Eat first, then drink to avoid filling up on liquids.
- Do not drink water, tea, coffee, or diet beverages. They will fill your stomach without providing calories. Instead, drink milk, juices and nutritional supplements.
- Eat small rneals frequently throughout the day instead of 3 large meals.
- Avoid long periods of time when you are not eating.
- Eat in a relaxed and attractive setting with flowers, music, etc.
- Take extra nutritional supplements (high caloric-high protein drinks) as a "nightcap", before going to sleep.