TEACHER STUDY DATA, FITRPO RESEARCH and UPDATES, The 6th Annual International ILO Upper and Lower Airway Conference, TIPS to Avoid Vocal Exhaustion VIDEO, and PYV!!
Enjoy A LOT of educational & inspiring blog reading & be sure to roll your shoulders & focus on "low and slow" & nasal breathing as you do! Make it a GREAT day. YOU are worthy and YOUR VOICE is BEAUTIFUL. #DONTFORGETIT 
Teacher Study Data Results Comin in HOT...
Well, that is 9% away from 100% and that means we have a lot of work to do.
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Although not yet published, this data point is from our most recent survey-based research study in which 164 respondents (who were all teachers—preschool through grade 12) answered 28 questions related to their perspectives on VOICE relative to their OCCUPATION.
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The RESULTS reveal some REALLY COOL DATA!!!.. and I’m so excited to share it all with you in the near future!! We are currently finishing up our abstract submission right now for the Fall Voice conference!
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Extensive research displays that TEACHERS constitute a large population of OCCUPATIONAL VOICE USERS that are susceptible to voice disorders secondary to high vocal demands and a lack of adequate vocal training. The results of our study demonstrate the presence of voice-related complaints that negatively impact the teacher's quality of life, a need for voice-related education/training to this population of occupational voice users, and their strong desire for this training/education.
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STAY TUNED for lots more about our study results (and related next steps on ways we can and should help TEACHERS and their VOICES!), but for now, consider the importance of PRIORITIZING vocal warm-ups and voice exercises to optimize YOUR vocal HEALTH and EFFICIENCY as an OCCUPATIONAL VOICE USER (no matter what type you are!).
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TEACHERS we are here to help, and we care about your voices!!!! 
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#voxfit #voice #prioritizeyourvoice #voicesfittoinspire #teacher #occupationalvoiceuser #research #voicetherapy #vocalwarmups #voiceexercises #vocalefficiency #vocalhealth #chooseyourbestvoice #protectyourvoice #healthyvoice
OCCUPATIONAL VOICE USERS, #fitpros, Research, and PLANS....
Research demonstrates that voice disorders are more common among occupational voice users than in the general population (Martins et al., 2014). WE KNOW THIS, andddd if you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know it’s one of my PASSIONS.
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FITNESS PROFESSIONALS are an example of OCCUPATIONAL VOICE USERS, and are at risk for voice disorders, secondary to high vocal demand and lack of appropriate vocal training. There's A LOT of great RESEARCH out there on this population of voice users, a few studies of which I've been a part of as well. These passionate voice users dynamically instruct classes while performing vigorous exercises and competing with loud background noise/music. They are often under significant pressure to deliver a perfectly curated class and MOTIVATE and INSPIRE large groups of people, all well knowing each client will likely be prompted to submit a review on their performance.
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This feels like a perfect time to SHOUT OUT these occupational and professional voice users that are so near and dear to my heart because I AM ALSO ONE MYSELF (and have been since 2007!!). 
The creation of VOXFIT® came to be years ago because I noticed there was a lack of adequate training on VOICE (vocal health, efficiency, and dynamics) for these heavy voice users, and at that point I did work as a master instructor (in addition to my medical-related job as a speech/voice pathologist). I was able to witness the NEED for MORE (vocal) LOVE and ATTENTION for these fitpros around the nation and also witness it amongst the other instructors that I taught with (as well as notice the large volume of these voice users we saw in the voice clinic). There was a VOID that so desperately needed to be filled, and by someone who understood BOTH WORLDS. Again, my PASSION led me to learn all about conducting RESEARCH (with my first study completed in 2018) and BUSINESS (in creating VOXFIT®), all while continuing to work as an instructor (of multiple methods) and SLP.
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In my first study (a survey which had ~230 fitpro respondents), 100% AGREED that VOICE HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON EVERY CLASS. Additionally, 92% () felt a vocal training would be beneficial for their work in the fitness industry and 85% stated they would be interested in attending such a training! Of the 230 respondents, 70% also stated they have experienced hoarseness at some point related to their jobs instructing fitness classes, and a high percentage (60%) never sought help from a medical professional regarding the change(s) in their voice quality. With 100% agreement (on the IMPACT of VOICE), a majority expressing vocal health-related concerns, and a strong majority expressing desire to enhance their VOICE via TRAINING, WHY is there not MORE of a PRIORITY on this TRAINING of how to ensure that voice has the POSITIVE, CLEAR, MOTIVATING, and INSPIRATIONAL IMPACT that it should?!… and that the VOCAL HEALTH and USE PATTERNS instituted by the instructor will lead to healthy and fulfilling careers in the industry?!
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A recent study that we just finished up surveyed another large group of occupational voice users (TEACHERS!) and revealed VERY SIMILAR results.
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Our second FITPRO-related study is almost published and found some really amazing data related to establishing the most optimal FITPRO voice protocol.
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It’s SO important for ALL occupational voice users to have tools, training, education, support, and guidance; this PRIORITY will likely be the TICKET to ENHANCING class-related experience and PREVENTING vocal challenges, voice disorders, and/or decline in voice-related quality of life. I hope you can FEEL my PASSION for the importance of this!!
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Exciting SIDENOTE — today finally starts FILMING for the VOXFIT® comprehensive virtual FITPRO VOICE COURSE (including training on these and other related protocols as well as research-based education and my own insights over almost two decades of clinic work and teaching)! Stay tuned, but will likely be out VERY SOON. Get at me with any questions and make it a point (as an occupational voice user) to PRIORITIZE YOUR VOICE today and everyday! Let’s goooo! 
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#voxfit #voice #prioritizeyourvoice #voicesfittoinspire #fitpro #fitnessinstructor #fitness #groupfitness #groupfitnessinstructor #teacher #occupationalvoiceuser #speechpathologist #speechpathology #voicespecialist #research #voicetherapy #vocalwarmups #voiceexercises #vocalefficiency #vocalhealth #vocalfitness #bevocallyfit #chooseyourbestvoice #protectyourvoice #healthyvoice #poweredbypassion #poweredbypurpose #staytuned
6th Annual International ILO, Upper, and Lower Airway Conference at UPMC!
What an INCREDIBLE few days at the 6th Annual ILO, Upper & Lower Airway Conference at UPMC!!!! THE UNIFIED AIRWAY. 
I LOVED this conference last year & LOVED IT again this year. It’s amazing to be in the presence of so many GREAT MINDS within ENT/laryngology, pulmonology, allergy/asthma, GI, speech pathology, sports science, & other related disciplines from around the WORLD (USA, Norway, UK, Denmark, & Australia all represented including a few Olympic team docs &/or coaches). The people at this conference are the ones DOING the research to actually ESTABLISH diagnoses, CREATE new protocols, & BOLDLY make a difference within this “niche” part of our fields.
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I’m GRATEFUL to be PASSIONATE about AIRWAY, the BREATH, EXERCISE, SWALLOWING, & VOICE. I’m also grateful for the OPPORTUNITY to learn from & be involved with other colleagues who share the same passions.
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*SLPs keep an eye out for the VORTEX WHISTLE!
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*Per usual I took TONS of notes (18pgs
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* 91 & 9—in any situation you’re not going to be 100% right all the time and you’re not going to be wrong 100% of the time. Can you identify the 91 things you’re doing right & not dwell on the 9 things you may be doing wrong? If you’re only focusing on the 9 that are “wrong” you are missing learning opportunities & hindering your own progress.
* What is normal? Often we don’t even notice what our normal even is. Have we even noticed gravity today?#foodforthought That is the norm & we always ignore it.
* “What’s going well?”
* Zebras are chillin 95% of the time…
* “NO ONE CARES HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE”
* villain to VICTOR
* “You have to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, that’s the secret”(Charlie Chaplin)
* “Education is not the learning of facts, but training the mind to THINK”(Albert Einstein)
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Other than the high quality education & learning DURING the conference, I absolutely LOVED the high quality time spent rooming with two wonderful colleagues & FRIENDS of mine—@kristievoice & @carastvt
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Oh, & join @giiloofficial !!
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Grateful & inspired. Professional cup feeling quite full. CHEERS to the next one & CHEERS to the UNIFIED AIRWAY!
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#voxfit #voice #ilo #induciblelaryngealobstruction #eilo #
TIPS on How to Avoid Vocal Exhaustion and Improve Vocal Control...
(check out the video above...)
Heyyyy VOXFITFAM!!!
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Just wanted to share with you a fun video that I made all about how to AVOID vocal exhaustion and IMPROVE vocal CONTROL. If we want VOCAL FREEDOM , we MUST become an ADVOCATE for our VOICE… This CHOICE, ACTION and MISSION in itself will make a monumental difference in our ability to FIND and MAINTAIN our BEST VOICE with the LEAST amount of effort as well as a FUNCTIONAL voice for all of our OCCUPATIONAL and PROFESSIONAL demands, and of course for EXUDING our PASSION(s) and MISSIONS out into the world.
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Just like if I told you to go run on a treadmill for nine hours, your body will eventually fatigue… it is a given that your voice will also fatigue (with demands and activity) if you do not take into consideration some of these basic helpful tips. #prioritizeyourvoice
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This video is specific to fitness professionals, teachers, coaches, and those who GUIDE, MOTIVATE, INSPIRE and EDUCATE others. However, the tips are fairly UNIVERSAL and ONLY JUST THE BEGINNING.
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YOUR VOICE is a GIFT.
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YOUR VOICE has a PURPOSE.
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YOUR VOICE is BEAUTIFUL (no, really, IT IS).
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There’s only ONE “your voice” for all eternity. Use it to make an IMPACT. And PRIORITIZE it, so that it will be there for you whenever, wherever, and however you need it!
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#voxfit #voice #avoidvocalexhaustion #improvevocalcontrol #makeanimpact #yourvoiceisagift #occupationalvoiceuser #professionalvoiceuser #fitpro #fitnessinstructor #coach #teacher #vocaleconomy #vocalfitness #voicesfittoinspire #chooseyourbestvoice #speechpathologist #speechpathology #voicespecialist #stblaise #voiceshine #vocalendurance #vocalspice #bevocallyfit
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] or DM me on @voxfit_ ...
Author
Sara Davis, M.A. CCC-SLP
Author
Check out the Meet The Founder page for bio!
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