8th June 2004
Sing while we’re winning at Euro 2004 – but look after your voice
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is urging football fans to look after their voices during Euro 2004.During the 2002 World Cup, therapists reported an increase in the number of people attending their clinics with hoarse or no voices, caused by excessive shouting, singing and screaming. According to one therapist, the problem affected young boys in particular.
And while a hoarse voice usually recovers after a few days rest, repeated voice abuse can lead to more serious and long-term damage.
Leading voice therapist Jayne Comins says:
"If you have to
yell do it well. Happy yelling is less likely to cause voice damage. When you
are angry and frustrated you tend to tighten up and cause more injury."
Top tips to look after your voice
- Avoid long periods of overuse
- Drink water and juice (8-10 glasses a day and even more in a hot climate), to keep the vocal cords hydrated.
- Reduce/avoid smoking (tobacco, marijuana, and other recreational drugs). Smoke irritates the vocal cords and causes swelling.
- Cut down your alcohol intake. Again this causes dehydration.
- Caffeine in drinks also dehydrates the body.
- And if your hoarse voice doesn't get better after two weeks, seek medical attention.
Ends
Notes for editors:
- Jayne Comins and is available for comment. Page 07625 264 556
- The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has 12,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. The RCSLT provides an information service and careers guidance about speech and language therapy.
For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004