Friday, April 18, 2008

Health Tips for April 18

Health Tip: What's Behind My Migraine?

Migraines are severe headaches that can also cause nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraines are more common in women than men. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists these common triggers of migraines in women:

* Not getting enough to eat.
* Not getting enough sleep.
* Exposure to bright lights or loud noise.
* Fluctuating hormone levels, such as during your period.
* Changes in the weather.
* Emotional factors, such as stress or anxiety.
* Chocolate, alcohol, nicotine or foods with additives such as MSG.

Health Tip: Tame Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are often triggered by stress or anxiety, causing pain and muscle tension in the head and neck.

Here are suggestions to help keep tension headaches at bay, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Help control stress and anxiety with exercise, meditation, yoga or other stress-relieving methods.
* Get plenty of sleep each night.
* If you have muscle soreness in the upper back, neck or head, gently massage the muscles in these areas.
* Know what causes headaches for you, and try to prevent the condition. For example, if cold temperatures tend to cause your headaches, try to keep warm.
* Try sleeping with a different pillow, or sleeping in a different position.
* Maintain good posture. Exercise the neck and shoulders often, especially when typing, reading or working at a computer.

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