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Andrea Rooz
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 05 Jul 2006
Posts: 25
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 Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006, 01:35 (GMT) Post subject: Coughs, colds and congestion |
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| Hi everyone. This is my first post and I'm just wondering what you all do when you get sick. I've fought off about 3 colds within the last couple of months (that's what you get with a 3 year old in daycare and a 1 year at home) thanks to Cold FX but I'm feeling another one coming on and I don't know if I can get my immune system up again to fight this one. I was just wondering what all of you pros do when you've still got to do the gig and you sound like crap! |
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Andrea Rooz
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 05 Jul 2006
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006, 01:47 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| It looks like that cold I thought I was getting has turned into laryngitis! I have no voice whatsoever. I've got two gigs booked next week and another client who wants a couple of redos. I'm taking lozenges and trying not to speak (try that with a 3 year old in the house!) but I'm wondering if there are any magic cures out there. I need my voice back!!! |
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Gary Johnston
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 19 Aug 2006
Posts: 57
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| Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006, 22:21 (GMT) Post subject: |
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Back in the days when I was still on-air I used to get laryngitis at least once a year. Best thing I found was a tincture called Friar's Balsam. The Friar's Balsam is used as a steaming agent and remarkably the voice starts to come back pretty soon.
I hope it works for you. |
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Chip Hinshaw
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 65
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| Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006, 03:34 (GMT) Post subject: |
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Andrea - Sorry I didn't catch your post sooner (hopefully your cold is over by now). In any case, get yourself some Zicam Gel Swabs or Nasal Gel. It's the best. You have to use it when you start to feel the cold coming on (for best results anyway).
Also, a lot of people (VO and otherwise) swear by Airborne tablets that dissolve in water -- sort of like Alka Seltzer. Again, best if taken at the first sign of a cold. I personally think Zicam works faster, but I've used Airborne and it certainly helps. |
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Todd Ellis
Talent and/or Voice Producer - Voice Seeker
Joined: 27 May 2005
Posts: 817
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| Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006, 03:35 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| Just tried Zicam yesterday - as John Madden would say "BOOM!" I'm well. |
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Andrea Rooz
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 05 Jul 2006
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006, 20:06 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| Todd Ellis wrote: | | Just tried Zicam yesterday - as John Madden would say "BOOM!" I'm well. |
Be careful with that stuff! Consumers Report just came out with a study and they're basically telling people not to use it. I believe they said something like the risks outweigh the benefits. You can see it in this month's Consumers Report mag. Just looking out for my fellow voicers! |
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Chip Hinshaw
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 65
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| Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006, 00:06 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| Andrea Rooz wrote: | | Consumers Report just came out with a study and they're basically telling people not to use it. |
Yeesh! Thanks for that heads-up, Andrea! Here's the blurb from CR:
"Zicam: Safe cold cure?
“Most cold medicines only treat cold symptoms,” but Zicam Cold Remedy “shortens the duration and severity of the cold,” says the Web site for this zinc-based nasal gel. Does Zicam, which costs $11 to $12 for about a week’s supply, really work--and is it safe?
Test-tube studies have shown that high levels of zinc might curb the growth of cold viruses and boost production of infection-fighting substances. But only about half the clinical trials we looked at for nasal zinc have found that it shortens or eases a cold.
More important, studies with animals and case reports suggest that nasal zinc may cause loss of smell, possibly permanent. Last year we unearthed more than 200 complaints to the Food and Drug Administration about an impaired sense of smell, taste, or both after using zinc nasal products. And about 340 consumers have sued Matrixx Initiatives, the maker of Zicam, claiming loss of smell. Last January the company agreed to settle almost all outstanding lawsuits without admitting fault. Matrixx’s promotion of Zicam is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission, which regulates product advertising.
Oral zinc is probably safe if you take less than 40 milligrams a day. But the evidence on its efficacy is also mixed.
CR’s take. The possible risk posed by nasal zinc outweighs any benefit. it’s not clear whether oral zinc is worth taking for colds." |
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Todd Ellis
Talent and/or Voice Producer - Voice Seeker
Joined: 27 May 2005
Posts: 817
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| Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006, 02:10 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| Wow ... I guess it's back to the bourbon. |
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Mad Dog
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 02 Nov 2006
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006, 04:27 (GMT) Post subject: |
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If you have laryngitis and you're really desperate, get to a doctor who will give you Prednisone. A number of years ago I was on the air in Richmond, VA and got laryngitis the day before Thanksgiving....and I needed to be on the air to do a special show on Thanksgiving night. The doctor gave me the Prednisone, said he didn't think it would help quickly enough, but lo and behold I did it. I didn't talk for 24 hours, then went on the air -- a little hoarse, but I had a voice. I know professional singers who have had Prednisone injected into their vocal cords so they could do a show. Risky since you can harm your vocal cords without realizing it, but hey....the show sometimes must go on.
Mad Dog |
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Marc Chase
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 24 Jun 2003
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006, 06:11 (GMT) Post subject: |
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Well I know the South Africans and the Brits will appreciate this.
There's a sauce that I know is available here which is used as a complement to dishes like scrambled eggs and the like. It's called Worcestershire Sauce by Lee & Perrins.
A pharmicist friend of mine said I should try using that to gargle with 30 minutes to go to a recording. I was going through flu-like, post nasal drip symptoms and had tried most else. I tried it, and it really helped. I wouldn't say that I was cleared up 100%, but good enough to do a recording.
Good luck!
Marc |
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Andrea Rooz
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 05 Jul 2006
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006, 08:40 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| Marc Chase wrote: | Well I know the South Africans and the Brits will appreciate this.
There's a sauce that I know is available here which is used as a complement to dishes like scrambled eggs and the like. It's called Worcestershire Sauce by Lee & Perrins.
Marc |
Just to let you know...we Canadians use that stuff too! It goes in a Bloody Ceasar, same as a Bloody Mary for you guys in the States. The difference is we use Clamato juice instead of Tomato (yes, Clamato actually has clams in it...sounds gross but tastes good!) and Worcestershire Sauce with a dash or two of the hot stuff. |
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Khristine Hvam
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 04 May 2005
Posts: 31
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006, 18:22 (GMT) Post subject: Been There! Here's what you do! |
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Hey girly! I just got over laryngitis myself, had to cancel two voice gigs because i couldn't talk. Whatever you do DONT SPEAK AT ALL for at least 2-3 days. Drink lots of Ginger tea with honey and rest. Go to the dr. and get some antibiotics for that germ and sleep a lot. with two kids not very easy but... that's the best i can offer. it worked for me.
good luck |
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Kim Somers
Talent and/or Voice Producer - Voice Seeker
Joined: 02 Oct 2003
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 17:30 (GMT) Post subject: bad cold |
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Whenever I get a cold - sometimes overnight with no warning - I get old the dristan nose spray - or anykind that will clear my nose and enjoy the deeper voice I get. Cold F/X also works GREAT for me although it is a bit pricey.
Kim |
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Maureen (moe) Egan
Talent and/or Voice Producer - Voice Seeker
Joined: 11 May 2004
Posts: 34
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 17:34 (GMT) Post subject: |
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This suggestion won't help with current illnesses...but it WILL prevent future problems. When I was the radio, EVERY winter I would get a nasty cold, flu, or case of strep throat, which would lead to laryngitis. Once I started doing voice work full time, I did a lot of research into how to keep my throat & voice healthy....so I wouldn't miss any work ( funny how much more important that becomes when one is self employed).
Anyway, three years ago, I started using a Neti Pot...basically a way to cleanse out your nasal passages with a saline salution. Most people I suggest it to are totally disgusted and don't ever try it.  But I can tell you that along with keeping myself properly hydrated, using a humidifier in my bedroom and using my Neti pot, I have not missed one day of work in three years.
Just Google "Neti Pot" and you'll find a bunch of options. Hope this helps!
moe |
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Joe J Thomas
Talent and/or Voice Producer
Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 1521
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 17:51 (GMT) Post subject: |
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| Maureen (moe) Egan wrote: | | Anyway, three years ago, I started using a Neti Pot...basically a way to cleanse out your nasal passages with a saline salution. Most people I suggest it to are totally disgusted and don't ever try it. But I can tell you that along with keeping myself properly hydrated, using a humidifier in my bedroom and using my Neti pot, I have not missed one day of work in three years. |
I'd heard of the Neti Pot, but was also too geeked out to try it.
That being said, my wife went to an ear-nose-throat MD, and he got her started using the NeilMed (similar effect, but easier to use)
Here's their site for those interested:
http://www.neilmed.com/
I just got one myself, and intend to start using it in the new year...
More as this story develops,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com |
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