Posted On: June 15, 2021
Headaches are a leading cause of time spent out of commission–time you were going to use to get work done, go to the gym, spend time with family, but instead you’re lying in bed with the curtains drawn, miserable.
So, what can we do to avoid triggering a headache when they sometimes seem inevitable? How can we reclaim that time and attend to the million other, far more fulfilling activities we have planned for the day?
Here are the top seven tips we recommend you take to help prevent headaches before they hit you1:
Now, what if you have a terrible headache? Do you feel like there’s a vice tightening around your head? Most commonly this is a tension-type headache, and such headaches usually respond to over-the-counter medications and do not cause debilitation. To assist with these types of headaches:
Migraine headaches are the most common headaches for which patients will seek medical help. The good news is that there have been tremendous advances in migraine treatment in recent years. So, if you suffer from migraines, now is the time to make appointment with your doctor to explore all your treatment options. If you are diagnosed with migraine with aura, please be aware this diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of stroke; that risk is tripled by smoking and quadrupled by taking hormone therapy (e.g., birth control pills). If any of this applies to you, please follow up with your doctor to discuss steps you should take to decrease stroke risk.
If you are unsure as to whether you suffer from a migraine vs. a regular headache, answering “yes” to two out of three of these simple questions effectively identifies migraine sufferers4:
Whether it’s a tension headache or a migraine, the prevention habits listed above are key. And, if indicated, medications for acute and prophylaxis treatment may also be part of your treatment plan. We assure you that with proper mind and body care and by observing these top tips, you can help reduce your chances of getting a headache and go out and enjoy the summer safely in the sun!
[1] FYI: These headache prevention habits are often referred to as “headache hygiene.”
[2] If you’ve been following this blog, likely you’ve noticed a common theme in all of our recommendations. Whether it’s how to live longer, be happier, or how to treat a variety of health problems, generally the solution always starts (and often ends) with “the basics”: good nutrition, regular exercise, and quality sleep. In today’s hectic world, especially for us women who wear multiple hats daily, embedding “the basics” into our daily routines is our best bet in getting the highest return on investment. Keep following us for a future blog containing a list of high yield healthy habits I recommend for just about everyone.
[3] Please check with your doctor first to see if you have more strict limitations for dosing based on your health conditions, interactions with other medications you’re taking, etc. Ibuprofen more so than Tylenol can cause a number of problems including stomach ulcers, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.
[4] Collected from https://headaches.org/resources/headache-tests/.
The scenario plays out like this… you’re sitting at home watching reruns of Friends when your vision blurs. Minutes later your head feels like it's set in a vice, and someone is cranking the lever. With your head throbbing, the nausea kicks in. After making a bathroom stop (goodbye lunch), you climb into bed and pull the covers over your face, lying still in the dark. Can you relate? This is called migraine, and sadly this illness is all too common. ● Approximately 39 million people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide have migraines ● Most people with migraine have 1 to 2 attacks per month which can extend from 4 hours to 3 days ● 36 billion is spent each year on healthcare and loss of productivity due to migraines Add onto those staggering stats this surprise—WOMEN are at greatest risk. Studies show that 8 out of 10 people with migraine are females. While research isn’t fully conclusive as to why, the data points to women’s hormone levels changing. ➡️ If you are battling migraines, please know that you do not need to suffer alone. At Eileen West, MD, and Associates, we are here to help you find the right treatment to prevent migraines and make them less painful. You have a life to lead. We’re here to help you on that journey and provide exceptional care. ⭐️ June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. Share your migraine questions below… We’d love to help. #youdeservebetter #msmedicine #fairfaxphysician #conciergemedicine #lifestylemedicine #doctorsofinstagram #femalephysician #womenshealth #fairfaxdoctor #fairfax #fairfaxva #fxva #dc #washington #loveVA #fairfaxcounty #virginia #northernvirginia #nova #dcarea #dmv #va #nham
IT’S SELF-CARE SUNDAY. We’re back this week to focus on the importance of self-care and giving you tips on how to practically care for the physical, mental, emotional, & social parts of you. Today’s self-care tip is simple but necessary: Find Ways To Relax Our American society prides itself on doing, doing, doing. Here’s the truth - busy doesn’t equal beneficial. We need a balance of work, play, and rest. Your mind, body, and emotions need periods of relaxation in order to refuel. Here are 10 Ways You Can Relax: ● Meditate ● Do Yoga ● Get a massage ● Take a nature walk or hike ● Journal ● Swim ● Listen to calming music ● Sit in the sun ● Color ● Read a book Self-care isn’t selfish, it is essential. Your brain and body need downtime. Do yourself a favor & RELAX. ➡️ What is your favorite way to relax? Tell us in the comments. #youdeservebetter #msmedicine #fairfaxphysician #conciergemedicine #lifestylemedicine #doctorsofinstagram #femalephysician #womenshealth #fairfax
More than 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Hot flashes can occur during the day or night and have a range of severity. If you fall into the category of moderate to severe, here are 6 tips to help you find relief: 1. Keep the temperature in your home cool. 2. Reduce stress with yoga, tai chi, meditation, biofeedback, acupuncture & massage. 3. Eliminate hot drinks, hot foods, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarette smoking 4. Wear light, breathable clothing during the day and to bed. 5. Sleep with cooling products, including sprays, gels, and a cool-fabric pillow. Use layered bedding that can be easily removed during the night. Cool down with a bedside fan. 6. When a hot flash is starting, try “paced respiration”—slow, deep, abdominal breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe only 5 to 7 times per minute, much more slowly than usual. ➡️ There are some prescription treatments to help with menopausal symptoms. Talk with your primary care doctor to discuss the best path for you. If you currently are seeking a provider, we are here to advocate for your total wellbeing and provide knowledgeable and personal care. Please reach out to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help! References: The North American Menopause Society (mnflashes.pdf), Stat from National Library of Medicine #youdeservebetter #msmedicine #fairfaxphysician #conciergemedicine #lifestylemedicine #doctorsofinstagram #femalephysician #womenshealth #fairfaxdoctor #fairfax #fairfaxva #fxva #dc #washington #loveVA #fairfaxcounty #virginia #northernvirginia #nova #dcarea #dmv #va #menopause
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