Vocal Health for Singers
To sing at your best, it's important to look after your vocal health. Many things can affect the quality of your singing voice. It is a good idea to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can limit the chance for trouble when it comes time for you to sing. These are some everyday factors that can have an effect upon your vocal health:
Alcohol and your voice
Alcohol dilates blood vessels in your body, which is not a good thing for your vocal cords if you plan to sing. When your vessels dilate, the blood moves closer to the surface and this increases the risk of a hemorrhage on your vocal cords when you are singing. Do not drink alcohol on days when you will be singing, either performing or practicing, and on the days when you do drink alcoholic beverages, drink lots of water to counteract alcohol's dehydrating effects.
Cigarette smoke affects your voice
Cigarette smoke causes the tissue in your throat to become irritated and inflamed and this makes it more difficult for you to sing well. If you want to sing well, don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke as well. You especially want to avoid smoke several days before a lesson or performance.
Throat clearing
If you are a habitual throat clearer, now is the time to break the habit and find the root of the problem. Constantly clearing your throat could be an indication of a medical condition like acid reflux or postnasal drip. Try to develop the habit of swallowing rather than throat clearing and discuss the problem with your doctor to find out the cause. Many times, singers develop a habit of throat clearing because of frequently clearing the cords for singing. A little mucus on your vocal cords should not be too much of an interference with your voice.
Food and your vocal health
You'll discover that certain foods cause vocal irritation. Dairy foods in particular are noted for causing mucus to buildup and that makes you clear your throat more often. Some people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. You'll have to discover which foods bother you so you can avoid them for a few days prior to a big performance.
Pollen, dust and your vocal health
Being allergic to dust or pollen can cause your vocal folds and throat to become irritated and swollen. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help you overcome your allergy problems. There are a few things you can do at home to limit your exposure to allergens. Maintain a clean home so dust doesn't have the chance to settle and cause your problems and select allergy-free bedding to sleep on at night. Pay attention to your local news and weather for pollen count updates. Usually, pollen counts are the highest in the early evening or early morning hours. If you limit outdoor activities to the middle of the day, you're less likely to encounter the highest levels of pollen.
Medications and your vocal health
Many of the medications that you take to treat a runny nose or watery eyes will dry out your throat too. If you have to take the medication, then drink lots of water before you sing so your throat won't become too dry. You may also want to avoid the medications on the days that you have to do plenty of singing.
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Tags: singers vocal health, singing vocal health, vocal health, vocal health for singers, vocal health tips
