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/.
This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating independence in all forms. At Eileen West, MD and Associates, that means empowering women to take charge of their health with care that’s personalized, preventive, and rooted in evidence-based medicine. Here’s to freedom, well-being, and the strength that comes from putting your health first. 🇺🇸✨ Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday! #FourthOfJuly #WomensHealth #IndependenceDay #EmpoweredHealth
You likely recognize the signs. It may begin with a dull pressure behind the eyes or a disturbance in your vision. Soon after, you find yourself retreating to a dark, quiet room, unable to function as usual. Migraines are a serious and often disabling neurological disorder that affect millions worldwide. There’s no single “cure” for migraines, but there are long-term strategies that can give you back your time, energy, and peace of mind. To read more click the link for our blog. https://www.eileenwestmd.com/blog/how-to-manage-migraines-for-a-healthier-life/
Feeling overwhelmed or burned out? Nature might be just what you need. 🌿 Spending time outside has real, measurable benefits for women’s mental health—from reducing anxiety and depression to improving focus and self-esteem. Whether it's a walk in the park or time in your garden, connecting with nature can be a powerful part of your wellness journey. 👉 Discover the science-backed benefits and tips for getting more green time in your life in a blog from our affiliate Ms.Medicine: https://www.msmedicine.com/blog/mental-health-benefits-nature-for-women #WomensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #NatureHeals #MsMedicine #SelfCareForWomen
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