Health Tips for October 3

Health Tip: Help Prevent Childhood Migraines

Adults aren't the only ones affected by the often disabling pain of a migraine. Many children and teens also are prone to the intense pounding, occasional nausea and "aura" that warns some migraine sufferers.

While there's no sure way to prevent a migraine, the American Academy of Family Physicians says there are certain things that your child can do that may help:

• Eat regularly and don't skip any meals.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Get frequent and consistent exercise.
• Recognize what triggers migraines (examples may include stress or overexertion) and try to avoid those triggers.
• Identify any foods that may trigger a migraine. Common examples are chocolate, caffeine, cheese and processed meats.
• Talk to your child's pediatrician about medication if migraines can't be controlled by other methods.

Health Tip: Things That Trigger Migraines

While migraines and their causes vary from person to person, researchers have identified some common triggers.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list:

• Too much sleep, or not enough shut-eye.
• Missing meals.
• Overstimulated senses, including noises that are too loud, scents that are too strong, or lights that are too bright.
• Hormonal changes.
• Stress.
• Changes in the weather.
• Drinking red wine or changes in caffeine intake.
• Aspartame, an artificial sweetener.
• Food additives such as tyramine, monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates.