Politicians' Heated Campaigning Takes Toll on Vocal Cords, Often Requiring Surgery and Extended Voice Rest
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Politicians often damage their vocal cords from overuse during heated campaign speeches without microphones. This leads to growths like nodules, polyps, or cysts.
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Researchers found Type A personalities, known for loud, fast talking, are more prone to vocal issues. Most politicians fit this Type A profile.
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Doctors report politicians often delay seeking help, mistakenly thinking rest and gargling will resolve issues. This leads to needing surgery.
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Vocal cord surgery requires extended voice rest post-op, which politicians struggle to strictly follow even with coaching.
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One senior politician used a "voice rest" badge and pointed to it when others tried talking to him during his recovery.