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V.I. Ear, Nose & Throat Recommends Healthy Voice Strategies on World Voice Day

April 12, 2007 — Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat is joining hundreds of otolaryngology practices around the world in recognition of World Voice Day on April 16th.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery has sponsored the U.S. participation in World Voice Day since the event was established in 2002.
According to a release issued Thursday, the 2007 theme, “Don’t Tax Your Voice,” ties in to the mid-April tax season and offers a catchy phrase that encourages people, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take action to improve and maintain good voice habits.
The voice is a delicate instrument that requires preservation and protection in order to avoid disorders. Dr. Adam M. Shapiro, a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, runs the V.I. Voice Disorder Center and advocates these simple tips to maintain a clear and trouble-free voice:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Warm up the voice before heavy and extended use.
3. Don’t scream or shout, use a microphone when you must project your voice.
4. Take “voice naps” during the day when you simply do not speak.
5. Don’t smoke.
6. Limit your cell phone use.
When and if you do notice a change in the sound or quality of your voice and/or experience throat pain that persists for more than a couple of weeks, the V.I. Voice Disorder Center encourages you to come in for an evaluation. Common voice disorders like laryngitis (vocal cord swelling), vocal cord lesions (non-cancerous growths), vocal cord paralysis and acid reflux in the esophagus and the throat can be effectively treated so that your voice returns to its original quality.
More serious diseases, such as cancer of the throat and/or larynx (voice box), could be life threatening and may require surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. According to Shapiro, “Smokers are at much greater risk for more serious voice disorders. A smoker who is experiencing persistent hoarseness and a sustained change in his or her voice should be evaluated immediately as these symptoms typically occur at an early stage in the development of cancer.”
To learn even more about the World Voice Day “Don’t Tax Your Voice” campaign and the importance of caring for your voice, visit the Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat website. Patient education materials and additional details on voice disorders and treatments are available online.
The Virgin Islands Voice Disorder Center welcomes, evaluates and treats both adult and pediatric patients. To schedule a consultation, call 774-8881. New patients are welcome and most major insurance plans are accepted.

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