A day to highlight the importance of chewing

Today, and May 9th annually, is Swallowing to overcome eating and swallowing disorders in Japan. The anniversary was established by a doctor from Saga City who is a specialist in swallowing and eating rehabilitation. The date comes from a playful sound association. In Japanese "gokkun" is the onomatopoeia for swallowing and May 9th can be read as "go (5) kku (9) n". 

Behind the lighthearted wordplay is a serious and growing health concern. As people age, their swallowing ability can decline and illnesses may lead to dysphagia or aspiration, increasing the risk of tube feeding, gastronomy or even fatal aspiration pneumonia. For example, in the later stages of dementia, many patients forget how to chew, some even how to swallow. As we age, chewing becomes an even more vital instrument not just for eating, but overall health. 

As a woman who has cared for aging parents, with aging parents-in-law and close to many of the aging parents of my friends, I can tell you this is real health risk both in Japan and all around the world. I appreciate that there is a day to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining muscles and nerves in the jaw and throat for both a healthy appetite and safe eating as we age.