You have a voice, a say in things, a song, and other ideas you want to communicate. Let your voice be heard by taking good care of it.

About 7 million Americans have some type of voice disorder. Most of us take our voices for granted, but just like with other parts of the body, there are certain things you can do to help protect your voice and keep it healthy. This is particularly important for those who rely on their voices for their work, such as teachers, umpires, speakers and performers.

Keep your voice healthy by:

• Trying not to scream or yell. These are abusive practices that put great strain on the lining of the vocal cords.
• Drinking plenty of water. Moisture and hydration helps to keep the thin secretions flowing that lubricate your vocal cords.
• Warming up your voice before heavy use. Before you speak or perform, do warm-ups such as going from low to high tones on vowel sounds, or trilling your lips and tongue.
• Not smoking (or quitting if you do smoke). Smoking is a risk factor for voice box cancer, and also causes inflammation and polyps of the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness, weakness and other damage.
• Using good breath support. To avoid straining vocal cords, practice proper breathing to help support your voice.
• Using a microphone for performing or public speaking. The amplification makes it easier on you and your voice.
• Listening to your voice. If you are hoarse, take a break. Your voice is telling you that it needs time to recover.

The following quiz can help you determine if you need to have your voice checked:

1. Do you have trouble speaking loudly or being heard in noisy situations?
2. Do you run out of air and need to take frequent breaths when talking?
3. Do you clear your throat excessively?
4. Do you have trouble using the telephone?
5. Do you have frequent, unexplained hoarseness?
6. Do you have trouble doing your job or practicing your profession?
7. Does your voice cause you anxiety, frustration or depression?

If you answered "yes" to two or more of these questions, you may need to see your doctor, or an otolaryngologist - ear, nose and throat specialist - for a voice evaluation. He or she can make recommendations to correct the problem. If an underlying disorder is the cause, treatment can be provided to help restore your voice. Exercises can often help improve the voice, but occasionally surgery may be necessary.

Proper vocal care is important to your health. So listen to your voice. It may be telling you something.

MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.