Apr 16, 2009 6:00 pm US/Eastern
Health: World Voice Day
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Our voice is our way of communicating. It also says a lot about our personality. So if you suddenly lost your ability to speak, it can be devastating. Medical reporter Stephanie Stahl tells us why preserving your voice is so important.
Today is "World Voice Day", a day that encourages everyone to improve or maintain good voice habits. And for one local woman, this year is especially significant.
Connie Bosna is the choir leader of the Sweet Adeline's. She's been singing for more than 30 years, but last year, her voice was almost silenced. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
"Every time I started to sing, I got a little bubbly sound," she said.
She had her thyroid removed. But what could have been the end of her singing career wasn't because of treatment at the Center for Voice and Swallowing at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
"I was able to sing practically the next day," Connie said.
That's because of intense voice rehabilitation that consists of a series of vocal exercises.
"We have a very active program with speech pathologists that have helped her rehabilitate her voice and get back to a professional level," said Dr. Joseph Spiegel with Thomas Jefferson Hospital.
Dr. Spiegel says there are a variety of issues that can cause voice problems and some can be really serious. He says the main thing is to not ignore a change in your voice.
"The basic rule is that if hoarseness persists for more than 2 weeks than some medical evaluation should be entertained," said Spiegel.
"Your voice is you, it's such a personal thing and you want it healthy," Connie said.
She added, "A lot of times we take it for granted and when you don't have it you really miss it."
Doctors say there are things you can do to protect your voice. Drink plenty of water, don't scream since that strains the vocal cords and stay away from cigarettes.
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