� Limit your intake of drinks that include alcohol or caffeine.
� Drink plenty of water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.
� Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
� Cancer of the vocal cords is seen most often in individuals who smoke.
� Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking.
� Avoid eating spicy foods.
� Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.
� Wash your hands often to prevent colds and flu.
� Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.
� Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.
� Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals.
� Avoid using mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath. Halitosis (bad breath) may be the result of a problem that mouthwash can't cure, such as low grade infections in the nose, sinuses, tonsils, gums, or lungs, as well as from gastric reflux from the stomach.