Drinking Plenty Of Water.pdf

Vocal hygiene refers to the care and feeding of the voice, including improving larynx function through voice therapy and taking care of the body and using the voice well. Good vocal health requires keeping the vocal folds moist through hydration, which can be achieved internally by drinking plenty of water and externally through steam inhalation and room humidification.

Internal hydration involves drinking at least eight eight-ounce servings of water per day, avoiding drying substances like alcohol and caffeine, and eating hydrating foods. External hydration methods include steam inhalation, room humidification, and using a personal steamer or hot-water vaporizer.

Vocal misuse, such as yelling, screaming, and loud talking, can cause vocal fold lesions and permanent damage, while vocal overuse can lead to vocal fold injury. To avoid misusing or overusing the voice, individuals can use noise makers or gestures instead of yelling, walk over to the person they want to talk to, use easy throat-clearing, and avoid talking in noisy situations.

Additionally, medications like cold and allergy medications can be drying to the body, and individuals should try to avoid them or drink extra water to compensate. Mucolytic medications can help keep mucus thin and slippery, but are only effective if the individual is well-hydrated. Cough drops and throat lozenges that contain menthol and eucalyptus can be drying, while glycerin, pectin, or slippery elm lozenges are better options.

Overall, maintaining good vocal hygiene requires a combination of internal and external hydration, avoiding vocal misuse and overuse, and being mindful of medications and other substances that can affect the voice.