TO JOIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY/HEAD & NECK SURGERY IN OBSERVING APRIL 16, 2012, AS WORLD VOICE DAY IN THE PALMETTO STATE, AND TO ENCOURAGE ITS CITIZENS TO PRACTICE TECHNIQUES THAT MAY HELP PREVENT THE ONSET OF A VOICE DISORDER OR TO VISIT AN OTOLARYNGOLOGIST/HEAD AND NECK SURGEON IF THEY ARE SUFFERING FROM A VOICE DISORDER.

Whereas, it is estimated that nearly seven million Americans suffer from some form of voice disorder; and

Whereas, voice disorders can impact the everyday lives of those affected by inhibiting their ability to express themselves effectively; and

Whereas, there are many ways in which people can conserve their voices and prevent the development of voice disorders. These methods include keeping hydrated; minimizing activities that cause vocal strain, such as yelling; warming up before heavy vocal use; using appropriate breath support; taking advantage of amplification; and paying attention to voice cues; and

Whereas, it is important to draw state, national, and international attention to the existence of voice disorders and the availability of services provided by otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons--the only kind of medical doctors specifically trained to treat the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck--as well as other specialized providers for the amelioration of these disorders; and

Whereas, every year on April 16, otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons and other voice-health professionals worldwide join together to recognize World Voice Day, an international celebration of the human voice established to help raise public and professional awareness about voice disorders; and

Whereas, World Voice Day, sponsored in the United States by the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, encourages men and women, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take action to improve or maintain good voice habits; and

Whereas, in light of the prime importance of the human voice to all people, it is entirely appropriate for the members of the House of Representatives to join in recognizing World Voice Day and in encouraging good voice habits for the citizens of this great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, join the South Carolina Society of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery in observing April 16, 2012, as World Voice Day in the Palmetto State, and encourage its citizens to practice techniques that may help prevent the onset of a voice disorder or to visit an otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon if they are suffering from a voice disorder.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Society of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery.