The following is adapted from the American Institute for Voice
and Ear Research, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The object is to
replace the potentially harmful behavior with a healthy alternative.
For more detail on how to lead a more vocally healthy lifestyle,
contact us to schedule a personal consultation.  

1.  Avoid clearing your throat.  Try taking small sips of water or dry swallowing instead.

2.  Avoid whispering.  Although you may think you are helping, whispering is actually hard on your vocal cords.
                               If you have a sore throat, write notes to communicate or just stay quiet.

3.  Do not use character voices.  Using your voice in this way can be fatiguing and harsh.

4.  Do not yell or scream.  Use facial and other physical gestures to express emotions.  Also, work to talk               
                                          face-to-face at arms length distance.

5.  Remove yourself from noisy environments.  Take control and find the quietest area rather than speaking over  
                                                                          the noise level.

6.  Do not talk excessively.  Schedule "vocal naps," and learn to be a good listener.

7.  Avoid Caffeine.  Caffeine is dehydrating to the vocal mechanism.  When you do consume caffeinated               
                               beverages, keep water handy and drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee or soda.

8.  Stay hydrated.  Drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day.  If you do not like water, try the new          
                              flavored waters or a twist of lemon or lime in your water.  Also avoid drying medications such    
                              as antihistamines and decongestants.

9.  Be sure to get enough rest.  Get more rest prior to heavy voice use, and be particularly careful when               
                                                  travelling.  

10.  Avoid stressful situations.  Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.  Being in good general health will         
                                                 positively affect your vocal health.

When you consider the statistic that 7.5
million people have or have previous had a
voice disorder, the importance of taking
care of your vocal instrument becomes
clearly evident!