Welcome

Welcome to my blog! My name is Rebecca McGarry, and I have a passion for the voice. The voice is a very delicate instrument, capable of producing incredible sounds and having amazing stamina, yet subject to trauma, illness fatigue and abuse. Voices are designed to last a lifetime, but often, this is cut short. People have no trouble seeking the help of a physician when they break a leg. After the leg is healed, a course of physical therapy is recommended to return the leg to normal function. However, when a voice “breaks,” most people simply ignore it, thinking there is no cure. The voice becomes hoarse, breathy and raspy, yet no help is sought. Most people are unaware of therapy designed specifically for voices. My purpose is to assist those whose voices have failed them, to “find” their voice again, and return to normal functionality. Of course, the best cure is to prevent injury from happening in the first place, so tips will be included to keep the voice healthy and strong for a lifetime. In spite of our best efforts, however, voices often “give out.” Like breathing, we don’t usually notice our voice unless something goes wrong and it doesn’t function normally. Suddenly, we pay attention and wonder what is wrong. The human voice is a unique instrument. It takes longer to train a voice than other instruments, because it is part of the anatomy and so many factors affect how the instrument responds from day to day. Unlike a piano, which sounds the same whenever you strike the keys, the voice responds to illness and fatigue and is not as predictable as a keyboard. Because of this, it’s important to take good care of your vocal health in order to have the best voice possible and to have it last a lifetime.

BREATHING

Breathing for singing and speaking should be easy. Children and animals automatically breathe correctly, but adults tend to breathe inefficiently. Stemming from bending over desks in school, computers, steering wheels or cell phones, many develop a habit of clavicular breathing, or breathing from the chest rather than from the abdomen. This creates problems when speaking or singing for extended periods of time. The body was designed for diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is a large muscle which divides the lungs from the abdominal cavity. When inhalation occurs, the diaphragm contracts, dropping downward, creating a vacuum which pulls air into the lungs. As the diaphragm returns to its “resting,” dome-shaped position, air is expelled from the lungs. Maintaining an upright position, with chest high and wide facilitates diaphragmatic breathing. 

ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux can be a serious problem for singers and voice users. Minimally, it causes redness, swelling and erosion to the delicate tissues in the throat and larynx. At its worst, it can lead to esophageal cancer, so it is definitely something to be reckoned with. Typically, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician will prescribe medications to minimize the acid being produced by the body. Additionally, behavioral lifestyle changes can be made that will help prevent acid reflux. For instance, going to bed with food in the stomach is a major contributor to reflux. It is best avoid eating 3-4 hours prior to lying down, so the food has time to digest. Gravity assists in keeping acid in the stomach when you are upright, so raising the head of your bed at night can be helpful. Maintaining an ideal weight is crucial to keeping acid under control, reducing pressure on the diaphragm. Eating regular meals, including a larger breakfast, medium-sized lunch and smaller dinner will help. Bland foods are better than spicy. Foods to avoid are alcohol, tobacco, coffee, carbonated beverages, caffeine, citrus juices, tomatoes, whole milk, nuts and fatty fried foods, such as burgers and fries. Caffeine, chocolate and mint relax the esophageal sphincters which allow the acid to flow upward into the larynx. This causes burning, mucous and swelling in the vocal folds which make your voice hoarse, weak and sore. You may not be aware that this is happening. It does not feel like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which you have significant heartburn and sour stomach. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is often called “silent reflux” because the only signs might be subtle hoarseness, excessive phlegm, and the presence of redness and swelling on the vocal folds. A drop of acid is to your larynx like a drop of Clorox is to your clothing.  Both can cause significant damage. 

DEHYDRATION

Do NOT drink anything with alcohol, caffeine or carbonation, which can undo the hydration you have just provided. Alcohol regarded as poison by the body, providing no nutritional value, but acting as a stimulant, a sedative and in large quantities killing you. The body responds to what it determines “poison” by flushing it out quickly, using precious liquids which are meant to hydrate your body. Alcohol causes dehydration, excess mucous, numbness limiting muscle coordination, and dilated blood vessels which interfere with blood flow to the vocal folds. It can also strip the body of necessary B vitamins which affects the nervous system. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, draining the body of needed moisture, increasing stomach acid and producing dehydration. Carbonation can increase air in the stomach, causing burping and changing the sound of your voice.  Another source of dryness is medications, particularly those prescribed for allergies. If you require medications for serious allergies, be aware that they have a drying effect, and you will need to consume more water to make up for the deficit. It might be a good idea to consume water containing electrolytes, such as Powerade or Gatorade to assist with the balance of minerals in the body.

HYDRATION

Hydration is very important. Drinking plenty of water and humidifying your environment can keep the voice moist and the vocal folds “floppy.” When the vocal folds become dehydrated, they shrink and cannot vibrate effectively. This forces vocal strain, as extrinsic muscles attempt to help the cords come together, creating additional problems. Using a humidifier in dry climates, especially during the winter months, is a good idea. Sipping water throughout the day is more effective than drinking large amounts all at once. When you drink large quantities, it usually passes right through without “plumping” the cells. Sipping frequently will allow the body to absorb the moisture and retain the hydration. Most adults require 10 glasses per day (that’s half a gallon plus two more cups!). If you are not drinking enough water, start today. You will notice results within just a few days.