Common DiSoRdErS

Regina Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:54 am

!!Headache Shockers!!

Headache Triggers:

Your Boss Common DiSoRdErS 278

Yes, your boss really can give you a headache. Anything that boosts your stress level can make you more vulnerable to tension headaches or migraines. Tension headaches are thought to be caused by a heightened sensitivity of nerve pathways in the brain that relay pain. Migraines come from changes within the brain itself. During a migraine, brain signals trigger the release of chemicals that alter blood vessel dilation. These signals also activate inflammation in the brain, which can lead to a migraine headache.

Warm Weather
When the temperature climbs, so does the likelihood of developing a migraine or other severe headache. In one recent study, researchers found a 7.5% increase in headache risk for every 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Low barometric pressure, which often precedes rain, was linked to a small bump in non-migraine headaches.

Strong Scents
Strong smells -- even nice ones -- trigger migraines in many people. Why this happens is unclear, but the odors may stimulate the nervous system. The most common culprits are paint, dust, perfume, and certain types of flowers.

Hair Accessories afro

How you wear your hair can take a toll on your head. A tight ponytail may strain the connective tissue in the scalp, leading to a hairdo headache. Headbands, braids, and tight-fitting hats can create the same effect. If this is the cause of your headache, letting your hair down usually brings fast relief.

Exercise
Strenuous exercise can lead to exertion headaches. Physical exertion causes blood vessels in the head, neck, and scalp to swell, producing a build-up in pressure. An example includes jogger’s headache. This type of headache is most common in people who are susceptible to migraines.

Poor Posture
You don’t have to work up a sweat to build pressure in the head and neck muscles. Slouching at your desk will do the job, too. Common forms of poor posture include hunching your shoulders, using a chair with no lower-back support, staring at a monitor that is too low or too high, and cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder. If you have frequent tension headaches, take a good look at your workspace.

Cheese
One of the most common migraine triggers is aged cheese, including blue cheese, brie, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Swiss. The culprit is a substance called tyramine, which forms when certain types of protein break down. The longer a food ages, the more tyramine it contains.

Cold Cuts
Processed meats, such as cold cuts, have two strikes against them. They often contain tyramine, as well as food additives called nitrates or nitrites. These additives appear to increase blood flow to the brain in some people. Headaches caused by food additives are usually felt on both sides of the head (in contrast to a classic migraine, which strikes one side at a time.)

Skipping Meals
Hunger headaches aren’t always obvious. If you skip a meal, your head could start to ache before you realize you’re hungry. The trouble is a dip in blood sugar. But don’t try to cure a hunger headache with a candy bar. Sweets cause blood sugar to spike and then drop even lower.

Smoking
Smoking is known to trigger headaches -- and not just in the person holding the cigarette. Secondhand smoke contains nicotine, which causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Giving up cigarettes or reducing exposure to secondhand smoke appears especially helpful to patients with cluster headaches. These are extremely painful one-sided headaches that occur in groups.

Caffeine Common DiSoRdErS 165779

For the headache-prone, caffeine fits firmly into the category of “can’t live with it, can’t live without it.” In moderation, caffeine is often beneficial -- in fact, it’s found in many headache medications. But chain-chugging coffee can be a cause of headaches. And, if you’re hooked on caffeine, cutting back abruptly may only make things worse. Caffeine withdrawal is another headache trigger.

Headache Solution:

Identify Triggers
If you can identify your most common triggers, you may be able to cut off headaches before they start. The best way to accomplish this is through a headache diary. Keep a daily log of foods you eat, stressful events, weather changes, and physical activity. Whenever you have a headache, record the time it starts and stops. This will help you find patterns, so you can try to avoid your personal triggers.

Manage Stress
Many people are able to manage migraines or tension headaches through stress-busting strategies. Although you can’t control the stressful events that come your way, you can alter your response to those events. You may need to experiment with techniques such as meditation, massage, and acupuncture to find what works for you.

Stretch Your Legs Common DiSoRdErS 957751

Moderate exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Walking is a great choice because it delivers an extra defense against tension headaches. When you walk, the swinging motion of your arms tends to relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Breaking up those knots diminishes the very root of tension headaches.

Eat Regular Meals
Eating balanced meals throughout the day will help keep your blood sugar on an even keel. That means no more hunger headaches. Aim for meals and snacks that pair a protein with a complex carbohydrate, such as peanut butter on whole-grain bread or chicken breast with brown rice. And be sure to drink enough fluids -- dehydration is another common headache trigger.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy combines exercise and education to reduce pain and improve range of motion. In people with tension headaches, physical therapy can help strengthen the neck muscles and establish new habits that lead to better posture.

Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, are effective against many types of headaches. But avoid taking these drugs continuously, as this can result in medication overuse headaches or rebound headaches -- headache pain that returns as soon as the analgesic pills have worn off. For frequent headaches, especially migraines, talk to your doctor about prescription medications that help prevent them.

When to See a Doctor
Any new headache that is unusually severe or lasts more than a couple of days should be checked by a doctor. It’s also important to let your healthcare provider know if the pattern of your headaches changes -- for example, if there are new triggers. If you have a headache accompanied by paralysis, confusion, fever, or stiff neck, seek emergency medical care.

fnoo Mon Sep 14, 2009 1:45 am

Hey Regina,

we appreciate the info.

I was surpriZed really how 'cheese' can cause headaches!

have a great day
Common DiSoRdErS 471797

Regina Fri Oct 30, 2009 3:01 pm

Why So Tired

Common DiSoRdErS 797338

Causes of fatigue & how you fight it

Not Enough Sleep Common DiSoRdErS 785919

Don’t overlook the obvious – one of the most common causes of fatigue is getting too little sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, 70 million Americans may be chronically sleep-deprived. If you’re fond of burning the midnight oil, lack of sleep may be causing your fatigue.

Fix: Sleep for seven to eight hours every night

Sleep Apnea
Some people think they’re sleeping enough, but this sneaky condition gets in the way. Sleep apnea briefly stops your breathing many times during the night. Each interruption wakes you up for a moment, although you may not be aware of it. The result: you’re sleep-deprived despite spending eight hours in bed.

Fix: Lose weight if you’re overweight, quit smoking, and sleep with a CPAP device to help keep airway passages open at night.

Not Enough Fuel drunken

Eating too little is another obvious cause of fatigue, but eating the wrong foods can also be a problem. If you start your day with doughnuts, your blood sugar will spike and crash, leaving you sluggish.

Fix: Always eat a good breakfast. Try to include protein and complex carbs, such as eggs and whole-grain toast. This combination creates sustained energy.

Anemia
Anemia is a leading cause of fatigue in women. It occurs when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells (shown here) to carry enough oxygen to your tissues and organs. Anemia is easily diagnosed with a blood test.

Fix: Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. Common iron deficiency can be fixed by taking iron supplements and eating iron-rich foods, such as lean meat, liver, shellfish, beans, and enriched cereal.

Depression Common DiSoRdErS 546359

You may think of depression as an emotional disorder, but it causes many physical symptoms as well. Fatigue, headaches, and loss of appetite are among the most common symptoms. If you feel tired and “down” for more than a couple of weeks, see your doctor.

Fix: Depression responds well to psychotherapy and/or medication.

Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck. It controls your metabolism, the speed at which your body converts fuel into energy. When the gland is underactive and the metabolism functions too slowly, you may feel sluggish and put on weight.

Fix: If a blood test confirms your thyroid hormones are low, synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed.

Caffeine Overload Common DiSoRdErS 165779

While many of us consider coffee a defense against fatigue, it can be a Trojan horse. Caffeine is a stimulant and improves alertness and concentration in moderate doses. But research indicates too much caffeine actually causes fatigue in some people.

Fix: Avoid caffeine as much as possible. This includes coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and any medications that contain caffeine.

Diabetes
In people with diabetes, sugar remains in the bloodstream instead of entering the body’s cells, where it would be converted into energy. The result is a body that runs out of steam despite having enough to eat. If you have persistent, unexplained fatigue, ask your doctor about being tested for diabetes.

Fix: Treatments for diabetes may include lifestyle changes, insulin therapy, and medications to help the body process sugar.

Heart Disease
When fatigue strikes during everyday activities, such as cleaning the house or weeding the yard, it can be a sign that your heart is no longer up to the job. If you notice it’s becoming increasingly difficult to finish tasks that were once easy, talk to your doctor about heart disease.

Fix: Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapeutic procedures can get heart disease under control and restore your energy.

Food Allergies
Some doctors believe hidden food allergies can make you sleepy. If your fatigue intensifies after meals, you could have a mild intolerance to something you’re eating – not enough to cause itching or hives, just enough to make you tired.

Fix: Try eliminating foods one at a time to see if your fatigue improves. You can also ask your doctor about a food allergy test.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)If your fatigue lasts more than six months and is so severe that you can’t manage your daily activities, chronic fatigue syndrome is a possibility. CFS can have various symptoms, but the main one is persistent, unexplained exhaustion.

Fix: While there’s no quick fix for CFS, patients often benefit from changing their daily schedule, learning better sleep habits, and starting a gentle exercise program.

Fast Fix for Mild Fatigue
If you have mild fatigue that isn’t linked to any medical condition, the solution may be exercise. Research suggests healthy but tired adults can get a significant energy boost from a modest workout program. In one study, participants rode a stationary bike for 20 minutes at a mild pace. Doing this just three times a week was enough to fight fatigue.

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