FOR THE HEALTH OF YOUR VOICE
 

• Avoid antihistamines, decongestants & antidepressants if possible (They dry out the membranes in the throat)
• Drink plenty of fluids, e.g. water (7-9 glasses/day), herbal tea, chicken soup
• Don't eat late at night as this can cause stomach acid to back up on the vocal folds. (if you consume a late meal and you have trouble with acid reflux, elevate the head of your bed and take an antacid at bedtime.)
• Don't drink caffeinated and alcoholic drinks because they cause dehydration of the vocal folds.
• Use medications that help to liquefy thick mucous.
• Avoid the use of local anesthetic over-the counter preparations.
• Use a humidifier to assist with hydration.
• Learn to use your voice with as little effort & tension as is necessary.
• Less is more if you think of vocal longevity.  Do not speak excessively.
• Try taking vocal naps, avoid lengthy telephone conversations & wisely use natural pausing in conversation (Avoid vocalized pauses)
• Before singing or using the voice in unusual ways, always do vocal warm-ups.
• Avoid shouting, screaming, loud laughter, & heavy throat clearing.
• Use non-vocal sounds such as clapping, snapping fingers, bells or other ways to gain the listener's attention.
• Move closer to those with whom you are speaking.  Face the person(s) with whom you are speaking.
• Use amplification if needed.
• Be aware of noise in the environment and don't compete with it (parties, cars, airplanes)
• Avoid making strange vocal noises and sounds.
• Do not whisper. (It is worse than speaking because it strains your throat muscles.)
• Try your best to maintain good general health, i.e. exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes.  They are bad for the vocal tract as well as other structures of the body.
• Avoid dry, artificial interior climates.