Reps. Slavens, Switalski, Roberts, Tlaib, Lisa Brown, Huckleberry, Barnett, Constan, Liss, Haugh, Haase, Cushingberry, Geiss, Kennedy, Womack, Slezak, Kandrevas, Scripps, Robert Jones, Griffin, Byrum, Coulouris, Corriveau, Donigan, Terry Brown, Dean, Durhal, Gonzales, Gregory, Lemmons, Lipton, Meadows, Miller, Opsommer, Rogers, Spade, Valentine, Warren and Espinoza offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 73.

A resolution recognizing April 16, 2009, as World Voice Day in the state of Michigan.

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

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

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

            Whereas, It is important to draw state, national, and international awareness to the existence of voice disorders and the availability of services provided by otolaryngologist- head and neck surgeons - the only medical doctor specifically trained to treat the ear, nose, throat, head and neck - as well as other specialized providers for the amelioration of these disorders; and

            Whereas, Every year on April 16, otolaryngologists, who are head and neck surgeons, and other voice health professionals worldwide join together to recognize World Voice Day, an international celebration of the human voice established to help raise public and professional awareness about voice disorders; and

            Whereas, World Voice Day, sponsored in the U.S. by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, encourages men and women, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take action to improve or maintain good voice habits; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives,  That the members of this legislative body recognize April 16, 2009, as World Voice Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That we encourage all citizens to practice techniques that may help prevent the onset of a voice disorder or to visit an otolaryngologist if they are suffering from a voice disorder.