1. Overuse injuries, whether to the vocal cords or an arm muscle, only can happen to us as we age, never in someone as young as a teenager.  FACT or MYTH?

           Answer:  MYTH!  Whereas it is true that overuse injuries such as tendinitis, does take time to develop, it doesn't take years.  Overuse can happen as quickly as two months and a minor injury that precedes it, may speed that process along.  Although many problems that we feel as we age might stem from things we did as youths, certainly children as young as 12 years of age can suffer from overuse.

2. Since there have been no reports about the danger of inhaling theatrical smoke, it is safe to assume the smoke is ok to inhale.  FACT or MYTH?

          Answer:  MYTH! To this date, IFPAM is not aware of ANY safe theatrical smoke.  It has the potential to be a health hazard to actors, singers, instrumentalists, production professionals, dancers, and the audience.  Although NIOS (National Institute for Occupational Safety) has cleared defined permissible exposure limits to glycol and mineral oil based fogs (smokes), there isn't anyone backstage to make sure those limits are adhered to.  It is best not to be exposed at all but if you must, try to make sure it is only a minimal exposure. 

3.  Since it is good to keep the throat and throat membranes moisturized, it is safe to drink alcohol.

             Answer: MYTH!  Alcohol, (although a liquid) will dry out the membranes of the throat and therefore, should be avoided.

Last updated  10/8/09

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