Many people with cerebral palsy have difficulty swallowing liquids, like water and juice. These are too thin for them, and they choke as they drink. Sometimes, this can cause liquid to move into their lungs, which leads to aspiration pneumonia.
Dexter cannot drink juice or water, unless it has thickener added to it.
His drinks are very thick.
He is learning to drink thickened water, which is a great step.
Usually, Dexter drinks thickened juices.
So, today...
Drink the thickest drink you can find.
You could buy a small can of thickener from the chemist and add that to your drinks for the day.
Not everyone with cerebral palsy needs thickener.
Some people may be unable to drink, even with thickeners added. They may need to rely on gastro tubes.
#raisingawareness #cerebralpalsy