1Designating April 16, 2013, as "World Voice Day" in
2Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, It is estimated that nearly seven million Americans
4suffer from some form of voice disorder; and

5WHEREAS, Voice disorders can impact the everyday lives of
6those affected by inhibiting their ability to effectively
7express themselves; and

8WHEREAS, There are many ways in which people can conserve
9their voices and prevent the development of voice disorders,
10including keeping hydrated, minimizing activities causing vocal
11strain, such as yelling, warming up before heavy vocal use,
12using appropriate breath support, using amplification and paying
13attention to voice cues; and

14WHEREAS, It is important to draw State, national and
15international awareness to the existence of voice disorders and
16the availability of services provided by otolaryngologist-head

1and neck surgeons, the only medical doctor specifically trained
2to treat the ear, nose, throat, head and neck, as well as other
3specialized providers for the amelioration of these disorders;
4and

5WHEREAS, Every year on April 16, otolaryngologist-head and
6neck surgeons and other voice-health professionals worldwide
7join together to recognize World Voice Day, an international
8celebration of the human voice established to help raise public
9and professional awareness about voice disorders; and

10WHEREAS, World Voice Day, sponsored in the United States by
11the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery,
12encourages men and women, young and old, to assess their vocal
13health and take action to improve or maintain good voice habits;
14therefore be it

15RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives join the
16Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
17in observing April 16, 2013, as "World Voice Day" in this
18Commonwealth and encourage its citizens to practice techniques
19that may help prevent the onset of a voice disorder or to visit
20an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon if they are suffering
21from a voice disorder.