One in 17 people will develop some form of swallowing difficulties (known as dysphagia) in their lifetime. This week we've been taking part in activities as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week, which includes Swallowing Awareness Day yesterday.

Yesterday our speech and language therapists were out in force spreading awareness for Swallowing Awareness Day. 

Therapy assistant Catherine Dobson, said: "We had samples of crackers, chocolate and sweets for people to try with various techniques which mimicked having a swallowing problem as well as the thickened fluids. 

"We also handed out quizzes, word searches and people had to name the anatomy of the head. All in all, it was a fun day and we had a lot of people come to us and say they did not realise how much you take your swallow for granted and what kind of muscles you use on a daily basis without realising."

And as part of Nutrition and Hydration week there have been lots of activities across our sites (see pics). We've had food -asting sessions, snacks and drinks delivered to wards, quizzes, information stands and the dietetics team have been offering advice on alternative snacking options.

Today there is free water at HRI as part of Thirsty Thursday.

**Tomorrow there is a guided tour of CRH kitchens. Tour starts at 10am and lasts for around 30 minutes.

Please book a place if you would like to know more about how we prepare our patient meals. Call CRH 4612 to book your place.

Read more about global Nutrition and Hydration Week here.