Spotlight

Tips for Taking Control of a Headache or Migraine

Much like heartburn or the common cold, headaches are a health condition with which most people have some familiarity. It is a safe bet that we have all suffered a headache at some point, and they can come in many different types (e.g. tension headaches; sinus headaches; cluster headaches; "ice cream" headaches; or simply headaches from having a cold, flu or fever).

Other people, however, suffer from migraines, which can make some of the aforementioned headaches seem like a warm, lazy, August afternoon. There are several different migraine types, among them: menstrual migraines; migraine with aura; hemiplegic migraine; retinal migraine; or basilar artery migraine.

Learn everything you need to know about headaches and migraines.

The Health Nudge
Try keeping a diary to help identify the source or trigger of your headache symptoms. What time of day did the headache occur? What did you eat? How long did you sleep the night before? Is there any stress in your life at the time of the headache? How long did it last? What made it stop? After a period of time, you may begin to see a pattern.

Headaches and migraines may be relieved by resting and staying away from light. A massage or heat applied to the back of the upper neck can also be effective. Acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen may be helpful for tension headaches.

If over-the-counter remedies do not control your pain, talk to your doctor about possible prescription medications. Migraines may also be prevented or treated with prescription drugs.

Health Experts Sound Off

• Seven Healthy Habits to Prevent Headaches by JC Jones, MA, RN
• Migraine Headache by Paul Auerbach, MD, MS, FACEP, FAWM
• Headache Awareness: Menstrual Migraines by JC Jones MA, RN

Site Feature of the Month:

Teens are gearing up to return to high school. With all of the academic and social pressures they face, do they really need to worry about their health? The National Association of School Nurses wants us to get our preteens and teens the recommended booster shots and immunizations to prevent serious communicable diseases like tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (Whooping Cough); meningitis; HPV; and Hepatitis A.

Check out our Meningitis Learning Center to get back-to-school health tips as well as info on vaccinations you and your teen should know about.

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