Do's and don'ts of vocal health

The Do's and Don'ts of Vocal Health 

Do 

• Consume a variety of nutritious foods, beverages, and vitamins 

• Attain and maintain physical fitness with regular aerobic and muscle 

toning workouts 

• Obtain sufficient rest, sleep, and recreation 

• Maintain a humid living environment (40-50 percent humidity) 

• Maintain body hydration by drinking 7 to 9 glasses of water daily 

• Use efficient vocal technique in speech and singing 

• Use the voice judiciously 

• Wash hands frequently 

Don't 

• Inhale or ingest harmful substances such as caffeine, alcohol, recre 

ational drugs, tobacco, and polluted air 

• Pursue an overly stressful lifestyle 

• Make physical contact with persons who have contagious diseases 

• Work or live in noisy, polluted environments 

• Speak too much or too loudly, especially in noisy environments 

• Scream or clear the throat too much 

• Use over-the-counter preparations for colds and allergies, especially 

antihistamines