Forever Young by Elvira Maricic As lifespans increase, ensuring quality of life becomes all the more challenging print article      send to a friend

Here are some tips from the National Center for Voice and Speech.

• If you speak frequently and loudly, you’ll want to increase your vocal endurance.  Consider vocal training to help keep your voice in tip-top shape.
• Stress can lead to improper voice use.  Stretching techniques may help you relax.  Also, try taking slow, deep breaths.
• Certain medications, such as antihistamines, can dehydrate vocal tissues.  For a complete list of drugs that affect the voice you can visit the National Center for Voice and Speech at ncvs.org/clinicians/rx.html.  If you are taking these types of medications, make sure to drink lots of fluids throughout the day. 
• Do not clear your throat or cough repeatedly – this may damage the vocal cords.  If your throat is irritated, drink water or suck on a cough drop.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol – they dehydrate the vocal tissues.  If you cannot avoid them, make sure you drink plenty of water to combat the effects.
• Don’t smoke!  Smoke is an irritant to the vocal tissues, and is also the leading cause of laryngeal cancer.
• Chronic heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth may mean that stomach acid is reaching your larynx.  High-acid and high-fatty foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol should be avoided if you are experiencing these symptoms.  Try elevating your head with extra pillows.  And no late-night snacking.