Speaking freely about good voice habits

Some believe that public speech is the essential political act. So this election season, it should come as no surprise that an annual event that urges proper care of the human voice chose a political theme for this year's observance on April 16.

Sponsored by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, World Voice Day encourages men and women, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take action to improve and maintain their voice.

The theme for this year's observance was "Let Your Voice Be Heard," a reminder that the voice is an important symbolic and physical tool for self-expression. For presidential candidates and the public alike, the academy offers these tips to maintain vocal health:

•Drink plenty of water. •Try not to scream or yell.

•Warm up your voice. This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.