This week, parts of the Las Vegas valley reached temperatures above 115°F.
We’re kinda used to it.
Many parts of the country, though, are breaking heat records right and left, making this probably the hottest Summer on recent record in the USA.
I pity the folks living through energy blackouts in this weather…or with high humidity accompanying the heat.
Here in the desert SouthWest, it’s common for the humidity to linger around 10% most of the year….and that brings me to the point of this blog.
Drink water.
Drink water — first for your health, and secondly for your voice.
The upside to my propensity for getting kidney stones is that I learned decades ago that I must drink water constantly, copiously…and I do. The side-effect is that it’s great for my health, and my voice, too. Whenever I need to voice anything, my cords are ready.
All ENT’s and throat specialists say the same thing. JUST. DRINK. WATER. Lots of it. If you’re thirsty, you’re already below a good level of hydration. Get in the habit of carrying water with you. I’m not going to get into the eco-debate about water bottles…but there are virtually no excuses for NOT having water with you…ready to drink all day, every day.
In this hot weather like we’re having now, the recommendation is to drink an extra 3 liters a day ABOVE AND BEYOND what you normally should be drinking.
Here are a few links supporting this admonition.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2216199_keep-vocal-cords-hydrated.html
http://www.natf.org/wad/vocal_health.htm
http://www.uthscsa.edu/oto/voice.asp
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080317152108AAn5ZM6
http://www.wqxr.org/#!/articles/wqxr-features/2010/may/31/keeping-vocal-cords-humming/
CourVO
