Winter Warning for Vocalists

I’m starting off this week with a persistent cough that started as a sore throat.  Not fun when Christmas is just a couple days away.  It’s also bad timing what with being scheduled as a guest on a radio program tomorrow.

I recently learned that the widespread belief that you can get sick from being out in the cold (or in bad) weather is misunderstood.  In fact, the cold weather keeps everyone indoors and thus you are more exposed to their germs, so that is what actually gets people sick and not the weather they’re trying to stay out of.

Nonetheless, that scenario is sure to play out for lots and lots of people as holiday travel ensues and family gatherings commence.  Picture, in the case of my family, 32 people all coming together under one roof for Christmas.  Then keep in mind that a big percentage of them are children who aren’t just bringing home pictures that they drew in school for Christmas, they’re also carrying the sneezes and coughs of the other kids in their classes.

Suffice it to say, if you sing, this is a time to be proactive about protecting your voice.  But it’s also a good time for a refresher on steps you should be practicing year-round.

There are actually many more than this, but, to get your wheels turning, here are three dos and three don’ts:

DO:
•    Sing if you have phlegm or mucus in your throat due to allergies or a cold.  Singing will help clear out excess mucus.
•    Drink frequent, small sips of water to clear excess mucus and moisturize your throat.  Drink water all day long in moderation to avoid dehydration.
•    Get the support of friends and family if you are resting your voice between singing or due to vocal fatigue.  Get them to politely remind you to rest your voice if they find you talking excessively.

DON’T:
•    Cough or clear your throat vigorously.  This causes the vocal chords to rub together and can result in inflammation.
•    Take aspirin or ibuprofen before singing.  Both of these have been known to increase the risk of vocal fold hemorrhage.
•    Sing if it hurts to talk.

Your family will likely ask you to sing a tune or three for everyone gathered, but be polite and smart about it.  Christmas falls on a Thursday this year, which means you might likely be booked to perform the night after – and the night after that.  Take care of yourself so you can be ready to get right back to work.  And, of course, have yourself a merry little Christmas.