Not for singers only

Yes, you’re still reading Funfare and not The STAR’s Health Section, although this story is is not only about singers’ health – specifically their voice and/or vocal cords – but also that of lay people like you and me.

This should concern people who use their voice extensively, to the point of abusing their voice, and they include singers like Lani Misalucha, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, Piolo Pascual (besides a good actor, he’s also a good singer, or didn’t you know?) and Carlos Agassi; talk show hosts like Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, Paolo Bediones and Miriam Quiambao; and newscasters like Mel Tiangco, Korina Sanchez, Julius Babao and company.

I cleared my throat when Dr. Eutrapio Guevara invited me to take a look at the newly-opened Voice-Swallowing & Sinus Disorder Center of the St. Luke’s Medical Center, of which he is director, and he warned me, "Clearing your throat continually is bad for your throat, as bad as shouting at sporting events and staying up late at night."

So throughout the 20-minute quick tour of the Center, the inauguration of which was graced by showbiz stars (who would be benefiting from it), I resisted clearing my throat, smiling as if I wasn’t feeling that ubiquitous "lump" as I watched magnified images of a sick throat which looked like a pinkish cave.

"This Center is the most modern and fully-integrated unit, the first in the country which specializes in the valuation, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with voice-speech and laryngeal disorders," said Dr. Guevara, whose eternal smile, I’m sure, eases the suffering of any patient in his care. "This is not only for singers but for everybody with voice problems, and snoring problems, too, or some such ailments of the nose."

Earlier that afternoon, I had an interview with RJ Rosales and how I wished I tagged him along so he could see for himself how the Center worked and pass on the information to his colleagues, most of whom take their voice/vocal cords for granted by smoking, discoing/partying and indulging in other voice-destructive activities.

"He and his friends should drop by sometime," said Dr. Guevara as he settled behind his table, ready to dish out more information about the Center which is run by an interdisciplinary team of specialists who have received special training in their respective fields of the upper aero-digestive tract. "We have also acquired the latest and the most advance technology, equipment and instruments needed for the surgical treatment such as the C02 Accuspot-Accublade Laryngeal Laser Unit, XPS 2000 Microdebrider for sinus surgery and Coblation Radio frequency systems for snoring and tonsillectomy treatment."

I wondered, is drinking cold water, as most singers believe, bad for the vocal cords?

"Not really," said Dr. Guevara.

Here are Dr. Guevara’s suggestions on how to save your voice, especially helpful to professional singers and TV/radio people:

1. Avoid abusing your voice

* You should do nothing to your voice that results in hoarseness and/or throat pain.

* Avoid screaming to the point of causing hoarseness.

* Avoid singing so loudly that you develop hoarseness, and avoid singing in situations that are so noisy that you cannot hear yourself singing.

* When you have a cold or laryngitis, do not try to talk or sing "over" the problem, since this can lead to vocal-fold damage. See your Laryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat specialist)

2. Avoid misusing your voice

* Be careful when using "character voice" not to strain, and use especially good breath support.

* Do not attempt to alter your "normal" speaking voice to create an effect; particularly avoid pitching your voice too low. (If you are using the lowest note of your pitch range for everyday conversation, this is too low).

* Avoid using long run-on sentences and rapid speaking rate that stresses the vocal apparatus; good breath support for conventional speech is every bit as important as good breath support for singing. (if you don’t know what this means, you should consider taking voice lessons, and/or seeing a voice therapist).

3. Avoid overusing your voice.

* In very noisy environments such as airplanes, keep conversation to a minimum.

* Examine your "vocal schedule" carefully. Remember that all your vocal demands are not of equal importance. Avoid making a schedule that leaves no room for rest and recovery.

* Use amplication when available and appropriate, especially for rehearsals.

* Use "marking" techniques when appropriate, especially for rehearsals.

4. Monitor your work and home environments for possible problems.

* Avoid, if possible, performing in smoky, dusty, and noisy environments.

* Use humidification in your bedroom

5. Monitor your diet and lifestyle.

* Eat regularly, and eat a healthy diet.

* Avoid fried and other fatty food.

* Avoid dehydration, since this adversely affects the vocal folds; drink plenty of water.

* Avoid eating or drinking, particulary alcoholic beverages, within three hours of bedtime.

* Minimize consumption of caffeine-containing foods and beverages.

* Strictly avoid smoking or other tobacco consumption; if you are smoking, quit.

* Exercise regularly; aerobic exercise is the best.

6. Avoid unnecessary medications.

* Don’t self-medicate.

* Avoid drying medications such as antihistamines.

* Avoid anesthetic throat sprays.

7. Consider taking voice lessons, if you have never had a voice problem; voice lessons have been shown to increase vocal efficiency, and decrease the likehood of developing voice problems.

(Note: For further information about the Center, call 723-0101 locals 4715 or 4716; or 723-1025/7230101 local 6509.)

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