SAY WHAT? What Is Speech Therapy, and How Can It Help Me?
Despite speech therapy’s immense benefits, it’s often only associated with helping people speak clearly. The truth is this treatment can help patients of all ages suffering from the side effects of dementia, autism, strokes, head trauma, swallowing difficulties, speaking and social disorders, and even cancer. Speech therapists do more than just work with patients on facial exercises; they are problem-solvers who find solutions for alternative communication with their patients. They can function as practitioners who diagnose patients with certain conditions and subsequently come up with treatment plans. They even teach people to eat safely by conducting exercises that target specific muscles in the face and neck. Therapists have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings, including schools, nursing homes, WITH SUDOKU TAKE A BREAK
patients’ homes, and clinics, like Four Corners Health & Rehabilitation.
As any experienced therapist will tell you, the sooner you jump into speech therapy, the better. Waiting too long to get help with speaking clearly and eating properly can cause your brain to think this adaptation is a normal function. These modified actions can be unhealthy, dangerous, and lead to social isolation. But speech therapy can have immense benefits for patients with lifelong speech impediments, those who are living with the aftereffects of a stroke or head trauma, and even cancer patients who are struggling with lingering side effects of cancer treatments. It’s never too late to start speech therapy, as therapists are trained to treat a variety of conditions and severities. The best time to begin speech therapy is in childhood, when the brain is still developing.
Like traditional physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy is more than just showing up to appointments. It takes months, sometimes years, of dedication. But patients will find success when they continually do at-home prescribed exercises and find a support system that encourages healthy mouth movements. Four Corners Health & Rehabilitation recently revamped its speech therapy options, and we have new dedicated therapists for a variety of your needs. Learn how they can help you by calling 352-243-4422 or visiting FourCornersRehab.com .
Inspired by Bon Appétit
CITRUS AND AVOCADO SALAD
INGREDIENTS • 1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 bunch arugula • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves • 1 avocado, cut into wedges • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil,
season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.
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