The human voice is a precious commodity worth the effort to use strategies to protect, maintain and enhance. It is a vital communicative behaviour. Voice is used to relate to one another, to support and encourage, to describe and educate, to convey and conceal, and to supplicate and persuade. Yes, it is also used to debate, degrade and betray one another at times. It both applauds and denigrates ethics, law and chaos. While these are unfortunate purposes of the voice, it cannot be considered at fault for them; these are faults of the human condition. The voice is worth protecting to be tolerant of bad behaviour, but more importantly to encourage good, right and productive behaviour.
What are the best strategies for vocal care? These are not ethical concerns; they are matters of practical use. First among various strategies is simply to use the voice without causing stress to the voice. The occasional outburst in anger or in support of athletic teams at sporting events will never be eliminated, but it may be controlled so it is not a frequent experience. Temporary damage to the voice may become chronic damage.
Proper nutrition for the voice is no different than the needs of the rest of the body in terms of a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. The voice is particularly demanding of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Since a higher concentration of these foods than a typical balanced diet would suggest does not deter the function of the body in other systems, why not attend to the voice with a daily splurge of them. The same goes for an increase of healthy fluids as a daily regimen; 6-8 glasses of water.
Vocal and breathing exercises a few minutes each day will keep the organs and tissues involved in producing the voice active, flexible and productive for an entire life. Slow and deep breathing exercises with good, straight and relaxed posture, will ultimately expand the capacity of the lungs and this will enhance the quality of the voice. Without a clear, even and sufficient supply of air, the voice will become weak.
Dedication to these three strategies, with support of others not mentioned, will assure the voice remains productive, well exercised and durable.
If you have questions about speech pathology contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a speech pathologist. We‘ll provide you with a straightforward, efficient and very effective treatment plan targeted to your concerns. Contact Us Today!
