Newswise — It's almost that time of year again. Many Americans (and their accountants) have a very important date on their minds: April 17th, also known as Tax Day.
Eyear on April 16th, otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons and other voice health professionals worldwide join together to recognize World Voice Day. This year World Voice Day falls at the same time as your taxes are due to the federal government. Therefore, there is no better time to spread the message, "Don't Tax Your Voice."
In the same way we deal with our tax deadlines, we generally don't think much about our voices until the pain in staring us in the face. World Voice Day encourages men and women, young and old, to assess their vocal health all year long and to take action to improve or maintain good voice habits.
This year's theme, "Don't Tax Your Voice," prompts us to consider ways to preserve and protect our voice to avoid developing voice disorders. Otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons and other healthcare professionals associated with voice care have marked this day to ask the public to recognize that the voice is a delicate communication instrument that requires adherence to some basic rules for preservation and surgical intervention for selected disorders. This health observance is unique because it is acknowledged worldwide; the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) leads observance of this special day in the United States.
For 2007, the Academy's recognition of World Voice Day includes two new fact sheets: "Don't Tax Your Voice" and "Spasmodic Dysphonia." Several other fact sheets regarding the care and treatment of common voice disorders are on the AAO-HNS World Voice Day website, http://www.entnet.org/news/voiceday.cfm.
The fact sheets are:
"¢ Don't Tax Your Voice: "¢ Spasmodic Dysphonia"¢ Common Problems Affecting Your Voice"¢ Keeping Your Voice Healthy"¢ The Voice and Aging"¢ What Is Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancer?"¢ Special Care for Occupational/Professional Voice Users "¢ Can Medications Harm My Voice?
In addition to the fact sheets, a website dedicated to providing information for the public regarding voice care is available at www.entnet.org/news/voiceday.cfm. Featured on the website is:
"¢ An interactive Voice Quiz that offers an easy Q&A format to determine your Voice-Related Quality of Life. Patients are encouraged to share the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) on their next physician visit.
"¢Seven brief video clips, offering tips on how to conduct an appropriate vocal warm-up to start your day.
Just as taxes are important, so is World Voice Day. We are all responsible for the quality of our own voices. When preservation techniques fail to prevent a disorder, the public must also be made aware that the otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon has the training and experience to provide the necessary treatment.
The Academy will also observe the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation's Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week from April 16 through April 22, 2007. This effort is designed to both educate and increase public knowledge about oral, head, and neck cancers.
About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."
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