Laulajan terveys

 

 

 

The human voice

A vocalist's instrument is special

  • The instrument is with you at all times
  • The instrument is part of your body
  • The instrument is exposed to
    • the vocalist's mental challenges
    • the vocalist's physical challenges

The vocalist's instrument is his or her entire body

  • The vocalist's voice can reveal the state of his or her health
  • "Your voice is the mirror of your soul" - a poignant thought from the ancient times of Aristotle.
  • The throat and the vocal cords are essential but only small part of the vocalist's instrument.

Physical performance

  • Singing involves both physical work and a mental challenge.
  • Good physical and mental capacity are the preconditions for a good voice.
  • The lack or loss of these is often the reason behind vocal problems.
  • Good sleep and healthy food are the vocalist's fuel.

The anatomy of the singing voice

Vocalist's health challenges

  • Challenging working conditions
  • Irregular working hours
  • Changing work environment
Vocalist's medication

Basic rules

  • Avoid unnecessary medication
  • Consult your doctor before using any new medications
  • Be aware that every medicine may have side effects
  • Avoid trying new medicines right before important performances

Antibiotics

  • Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections
  • Often misused in the treatment of the common flu virus
  • Efficient and safe when used correctly

Antihistamines

  • An effective allergy medicine
  • Often used unnecessarily for other than allergy-related ailments
  • Can cause drowsiness and affect vocal performance
  • May dry mucous membranes, which also affects vocal performance

Painkillers

  • Pain is a warning from your body - respect it and do not sing if your throat hurts
  • Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is not suitable for singers – it reduces coagulation and can cause the feared hematoma of the vocal cord
  • Paracetamol is a safe painkiller for vocalists

Cortisone pills and injections

  • Effectively calms infection and swollen mucus membranes (hoarseness)
  • In the hands of a skilled physician and proper circumstances, a safe treatment for vocalists
  • Should be used cautiously, not too often or for long periods of time - long term use causes side effects

Vocalist's travel medicine kit

  • If you travel a lot, you should carry your own medicine cupboard
  • Prescription medicine e.g. blood pressure medication, reflux disease drugs
  • Occasional medicine e.g. heartburn, allergy, diarrhoea
  • You can plan the medicine kit with your own doctor
  • Replenish the kit regularly and replace expired medicines