LARYNGEAL IMAGING COURSE(!), Walk For Talk, and new PODCAST Feature!

This Blog Post is jam PACKED with information, updates, videos, pictures, and MORE! Take a shoulder roll, slow and full breath in and out, reset from your day, and READ ON! 

Laryngeal Imaging                                             and Videostroboscopy Course!!! 

 (Check out the video above!)...

I am incredibly EXCITED to tell you that my laryngeal imaging and videostroboscopy virtual course is COMPLETE and now available on the VOXFIT website… you can also find it via the link in my bio.
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I’ve put MANY many hours of WORK and LOVE into developing this course and truly believe it is incredibly comprehensive, fully backed and cited by a TON of research, and extremely clear to assist you in optimal learning.
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Within this 4.5 hour, 51 lesson self-study course, you will learn the WHAT/WHEN/WHY and HOW of laryngeal imaging and videostroboscopy, how to apply the VALI-R rating method for interpreting and documenting videostroboscopy within reports, tips on performing the exam, clarity on “what is normal”, tips and tricks for getting the best pictures/views and troubleshooting when performing exams, and a variety of voice and upper airway related diagnoses and suggestions related to therapeutic and/or surgical  interventions with a general mission to teach you how to apply strobe findings to voice treatment planning and/or appropriate referrals. Covered diagnoses include vocal fold nodules, vocal fold polyps, vocal fold cysts, pseudocysts and/or fibrovascular lesions, sarcoidosis, subglottic stenosis and laryngeal stenosis, posterior glottic insufficiency, Reinke’s edema, vocal fold hemorrhage, laryngopharyngeal reflux, granulomas, laryngitis, muscle tension, dysphonia, vocal fold scar, vocal fold sulcus, vocal fold papilloma, leukoplakia and hyperkeratosis, vocal fold/laryngeal cancer, presbyphonia, vocal fold mobility impairments regarding vocal fold paralysis and paresis, laryngeal dystonias, and upper airway disorders. After completing this course you will receive a certificate and can submit 4.5 hours to ASHA as contact hours.
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Additionally, as part of this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in monthly virtual STROBE ROUNDS with myself and others that have also completed the seminar.
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I’m REALLY looking forward to providing this course to all those who are interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of all things laryngeal imaging, especially related to interpretation and application even after the exam is complete.

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FYI soon I’ll have a follow-up course available all about voice/airway-related therapy… so stay tuned. Andddd For today (Wednesday 10/4/23) through Thursday at 11:59 Eastern ONLY, you can get the course for 10% off using code EARLYBIRD. If you haven't yet used your email list code, that will also work!
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Enjoy the week and as always, thank you for being a part of the VOXFIT community! Andddd don’t forget to PRIORITIZE YOUR VOICE!!

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#voxfit #voice #vocalfitness #bevocallyfit #vocalhealth #vocalwellness #videostroboscopy #stroboscopy #strobe #education #continuingeducation #course #valiR #lovetolearn #lovetoteach #prioritizeyourvoice #protectyourvoice #healthyvoice #singer #fitnessinstructor #publicspeaker #occupationalvoiceuser #speechpathologist #voicespecialist #awareness #beproactive #research

WALK FOR TALK!!! 

I STRONGLY believe in the importance of SUPPORT GROUPS. My senior thesis (in grad school) was on developing the (head/neck cancer) support group of a local VA Medical Center. I am so grateful to continue this work with my colleague & FRIEND @scharns & our local @dysphonia_intl support group called VALLEY OF THE SUN!
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DYSPHONIA INTERNATIONAL is an amazing organization with a MISSION to improve the lives of people affected with spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions through research, education, awareness and support.
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The annual Walk for Talk is a 4-day event (Oct 12th-15th) to benefit Dysphonia International. The event started in 2020 & aims to give thousands of people a glimpse into the impact of spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia & related voice conditions through the stories that the community shares. It provides the opportunity to invite family, friends, co-workers, support group communities, healthcare professionals, & even PETS to be part of our organization & better UNDERSTAND the challenges that people living with a voice disorder face on a daily basis. It provides a chance to feel empowered by expanding AWARENESS & RAISING FUNDS for research. We WALK to raise awareness & help find answers, better treatments, & CURES for these voice disorders that impact so many people in our communities. ALL donations are DOUBLED dollar-for-dollar (EVERY GIFT GOES EVEN FURTHER!)!
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YOU can participate—there is NO cost & you can register online. It’s also YOUR CHOICE how you participate! You can simply DONATE to the organization or a local group (check the link in our bios!). You can “use your feet” to help us DEFEAT laryngeal dystonia via walking, running, hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, etc.! OR you can JOIN us at a local Walk event! In Scottsdale we are meeting on Sat Oct 14th…come JOIN!! No matter where you live, YOU can be a part of the Walk for Talk! TAKE PHOTOS & tag #walkfortalk on social media.
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REMEMBER, every dollar raised brings us one step closer to finding a cure!

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Check out the video I made HERE!

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Anddddd check out some pictures from our walk below!!! We had such a GREAT group, and amazing weather.. it was a wonderful morning and event!  Final totals are not yet in but as of the 14th (still one day left!!), we (Dysphonia International) have surpassed our $90,000 goal and are already at past $100,000. All donations are matched as well..and ALL go to fund research for a CURE for laryngeal dystonia/spasmodic dysphonia (and related voice conditions). 

"Walk for Talk is not only about unifying people living with spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions but also the larger community that supports them, including family, friends, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, neighbors, co-workers, and pets, in a fun and creative way. This event is about empowering people to share the challenges of living with a voice disorder to educate and raise awareness. This event is about funding research to find answers for better treatments and a greater understanding of these complex voice disorders. This event is about hope for the future because every step gets us closer to a cure. And this event couldn't be a success without you! We thank YOU for your participation and support!" (Dysphonia International)

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#voxfit #dysphoniainternational #laryngealdystonia #spasmodicdysphonia #walkfortalk #supportgroup #fundraiser #poweredbypassion #voice #speechpathology #speechpathologist #voicespecialist #laryngology #makeadifference #walkforacure

New Podcast Feature!! 

I was recently featured on the amazing SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE podcast hosted by Theresa Richard, M.A. CCC-SLP, BCS-S and got to chat all about UPPER AIRWAY, which is another one of my PASSIONS (along with VOICE, videostroboscopy, fitness, vocal injury prevention, research, head/neck cancer, and learning...but that list goes on and on)  ;)

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In the podcast episode, we cover A LOT about ILO (inducible laryngeal obstruction), EILO (exercise induced laryngeal obstruction), BPD (breathing pattern disorder), ILS (irritable larynx syndrome) including laryngeal hypersensitivity and laryngeal hyper-responsiveness, DB (dysfunctional breathing), the International Airway and Breathing Conference (that I attended in June), differentiating upper airway conditions from asthma, the importance of using endoscopy for biofeedback to teach with your exams and therapy, and a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions targeting upper airway and breathing function. Some mentioned therapy-related approaches include education (re: the larynx and its role as gatekeeper/protector, teaching the patient about their upper airway via endoscopy and biofeedback), teaching breathing recovery techniques and how to gain control over the airway (especially during biofeedback), improving the laryngeal environment, identifying triggers and improving sensory awareness, managing chronic cough and throat clearing patterns, modifying breathing techniques for specific sports/activities, desensitization training for ILS, reducing the heightened sensory receptors in the larynx, EILOBI techniques for use during EILO episodes and high intensity exercise in general, the importance of mental skills training for the athlete with EILO (shouting out Erika Westhoff with https://ewperformance.com/), the importance of fullness/depth of breath (vs shallow/inefficient breath), Buteyko breathing method and the benefits of nasal breathing, the importance of expanding lung capacity, the importance of lower-focused and 360 degree, breathing, and the myriad of benefits achieved from using respiratory muscle strength trainers and/or respiratory muscle trainers.

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As cumulative as this episode was, I actually forgot to mention a new diagnosis I learned about at the conference--it's called EDAC (excessive dynamic airway collapse), and it is important we are aware of this when navigating differential diagnoses for these upper airway-related conditions/patients. "EDAC is characterized by excessive invagination of posterior wall of trachea...airway lumen gets compromised, especially during expiration, which can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, cough, and wheezing" (Sindhwani et al., 2016). Additionally another article in Lung India defined EDAC as "the pathological collapse and narrowing of the airway lumen by 50% or more of the sagittal diameter which occurs as a result of laxity of the posterior wall membrane with intact cartilage" (Aneeshkumar, Thaha, & Varun, 2018). Patients with EDAC can exhibit some of the same symptoms as other upper (and lower) airway conditions, so it's important not to forget it when treating these patients. 

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Some airway-related recommendations that I can personally attest to include: the book BREATH by James Nestor, the book Conscious Breathing by Anders Olsson, ANY trainings or books by Patrick McKeown (the Oxygen Advantage, The Breathing Cure...), EMST-150, The Breather (including The Breather Voice), the Buteyko Clinic app, stretch bands and/or the Buteyko belt for resistive breathing practice, Buteyko breathing method training/courses, and of course the International Airway and Breathing Conference!

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So, check out the podcast HERE.. and I hope you enjoy it!! Let me know if you have any questions...

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#voxfit #voice #breath #nasalbreathing #prioritizeyourvoice #healthyvoice #vocalwellness #vocalefficiency #vocaldynamics #speechpathologist #speechpathology #voicespecialist #fitnessinstructor #prioritizeyourhealth #vocalinstrument #occupationalvoiceuser #airway #upperairway #buteykobreathing #eilo #ilo #breathingpatterndisorder #induciblelaryngealobstruction #exercise #athlete #eilobi #edac #irritablelarynx #laryngealhypersensitivity #breathe

PYV: Anddd of course, always REMEMBER to PRIORITIZE YOUR VOICE! ... 

How are YOU prioritizing your voice today? And everyday? As an OCCUPATIONAL VOICE USER, it SHOULD be one of your top priorities! 

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What do you need to know to keep your voice healthy?  You should understand how the voice works, how to protect and care for your voice, and how to use your voice and entire vocal mechanism in the most efficient, effective, and dynamic ways possible.  
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I’m super PASSIONATE about this population of voice users (I’m one and most of you are too!), and am HERE TO HELP! Reach out with any questions, concerns, or if you’d like to work together. Email me at [email protected] ...