Health Tips for February 11

Health Tip: When Muscle Cramps Become Worrisome

While a muscle in spasm can be extremely painful, it usually doesn't indicate a serious condition.

But that's not always the case. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says these warning signs should prompt a call to your doctor's office:

• If the cramps become severe.
• If the cramps occur frequently.
• If the cramps don't respond to treatment.
• If the cramps don't seem related to an obvious cause, such as exercise.

Health Tip: Keep a Headache Diary

If you suffer from migraines, identifying what you've been eating, drinking or doing can help you keep these painful headaches under control.

The womenshealth.gov Web site suggests what to log in a headache diary:

• The date and time of the migraine.
• The activity you were doing and where you were when the pain began.
• A list of all foods and drinks consumed within 24 hours of when the migraine began.
• For women, the span of your menstrual cycle.