The Singer's Guide to Complete Health

About this book

• Written in accessible style, and heavily illustrated
• Addresses all aspects of singers' health, with focus on health maintenance and illness prevention
• Includes both Western and complementary medicine
• Features essays by expert physicians from many fields and by seasoned performers in a variety of musical styles

Anthony Jahn, MD, internationally-acclaimed for his work as an "opera doctor" with some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world, offers a thorough and comprehensible guidebook on all aspects of health and disease that affect the voice. A vital tool for singers, voice instructors, and choral directors without formal medical training, The Singer's Guide to Complete Health empowers vocal performers to take charge of their own minds and bodies. Along with a full range of experts, Jahn provides advice about the various health disorders that affect professional well-being as well as remedies to the most important and common health problems that singers face in their careers.

Jahn has invited a diverse group of health care specialists and music professionals to share their expertise and tips with singers and instructions. The chapters cover a broad range of topics, including psychological well-being, age-related changes, travel, diet, and exercise, accompanied by easy-to-follow illustrations, diagrams and charts. Each chapter provides a clear explanation of the relevant vocal anatomy, as well as detailed descriptions of the most troublesome disorders for singers. The book enables singers to make informed decisions about their own health, and gives guidance on seeking appropriate professional help and self-remedies. It includes numerous suggestions on ways to maintain a healthy vocal lifestyle, not only with traditional methods such as diet, exercise, and Alexander technique, but also holistic approaches such as yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs. The book also features assistance for singers who are interested in osteopathic, chiropractic, and craniosacral therapies.

A comprehensive blend of professional voice expertise and medical science, The Singer's Guide to Complete Health is an essential addition to bookshelves and medicine cabinets of all professional and aspiring singers and instructors.

Readership: Vocal performers, vocal instructors and program directors, music educators, medical professionals working with vocal performers

Table of contents

Foreword
Fred Plotkin
1. Good Health and Singing: An Overview
Anthony F. Jahn, M. D.
2. The Vocal Apparatus: Structure and Function
Anthony F. Jahn, M.D.
3. Pulmonary Medicine for Singers
Len Horovitz, M.D.
4. Allergy Basics
Boyan Hadjiev, M.D.
5. Disorders of the Nose, Sinuses and Throat
Anthony F. Jahn, M.D
6. Hearing and Hearing Loss in Singers
Anthony Jahn M.D. Marshall Chasin, Au.D.
7. Hearing conservation and hearing rehabilitation
Marshall Chasin, Au.D., David Goldfarb, M.D., Maris Appelbaum, Au.D.
8. Sleep: The Art and Science
Rebecca Scott, Ph.D.
9. Hormones and the Voice
Jean Abitbol, MD.
10. Pregnancy: A Singer's Primer
Anthony F. Jahn, MD
11. Nutrition and Weight Management
Sharon Zarabi RD
12. Obesity and Bariatric Surgery for Singers
Mitchell S Roslin, MD
Barrett Polan
13. A Singer's Perspective on Bariatric Surgery
Ory Brown
14. Skin care for the Performing Artist
Karen H. Kim, MD
Phillip C. Song, MD
15. Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Techniques
Andrew Blitzer, MD, DDS
16. Anesthesia for Singers
Anthony F. Jahn, MD
17. Facial Plastic Surgery:
Maurice M. Khosh, MD
18. Advances in Laryngeal Surgery for Singers
Steven M. Zeitels, MD
19. Home Remedies
Anthony F. Jahn, MD
20. Medications and the Voice
Youngnan Jenny Cho, MD
21. Exercise Programs
Annette Osher, MD
Richard A. Stein MD
22. Mental Health for Singers
David M. Sherman, MD
23. The Alexander Technique
Pedro de Alcantara
24. Eastern Philosophy: Practical Implications
Steven K.H. Aung, M.D
25. Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
Steven K.H. Aung, M.D
26. Yoga for Singers
Judith E. Carman, DMA
27. Acupuncture
Anthony F. Jahn M.D
Gertrude Kubiena MD
28. Chinese Herbal Remedies for Singers
Gertrude Kubiena MD
29. A singer's guide to self-screening for Vocal Injuries
Anat Keidar, PhD.
Nancy Kleemann, MA
30. Crossing Over Safely
Jackie Presti, MA
31. That <"Somebody Done Somebody Wrong>" Sound
Tom Cleveland, Ph.D.
32 Pearls and Pitfalls for the Performer
Leontine Hass, BA, RAM
33. Surviving Eight Shows a Week on Broadway
Joan Lader, MA
34. Perils of the Stage (and Backstage): An Insider's View
Anthony Laciura
35. Secrets of a Long Career
Marni Nixon
36. Coda: Reflections on the Treatment of Singers
Anthony F. Jahn, MD