Reducing Holiday Headaches
As the holidays approach, people across the country are looking forward to
the twinkling lights, festive music, sweet treats and extra dose of family.
But for many, these favorite holiday traditions can also bring on an unwelcome
threat of headaches and for some, a debilitating migraine headache attack.
Most people suffer from the occasional headache and an estimated 25 million
Americans -- 75 percent of whom are women -- experience much more severe migraine
headaches. No matter what the type, however, experts now know that headaches
can be triggered by foods, beverages, and other lifestyle factors. Each headache
sufferer has his or her own combination of personal headache triggers, which
can be increasingly difficult to avoid during the holiday season.
The holidays can be a difficult time for headache sufferers. Not only are many
headache triggers more prevalent, but also people may not want to feel excluded
at the office parties or family gatherings by avoiding some of the more 'festive'
headache triggers. To avoid turning into a no-show this holiday season, try
some of the following solutions to some of the most common holiday headaches:
|
Headaches/Triggers
|
Solutions
|
|
The "Last
Minute Shopping" Headache (stress)
|
Reduce stress
by planning ahead as much as possible by shopping early before the
stores are crowded and making lists.
|
|
The "Are
We There Yet?" Headache (travel)
|
Consider the
easiest routes to travel to friends or relatives. Avoid noisy and crowded forms of transportation.
|
|
The "Decoration
Overload" Migraine
|
Avoid bright
or (twinkling lights) flashing lights from holiday decorations.
Instead hang mistletoe or create beautiful centerpieces for your
home with winter fruits and festive foliage.
|
|
The "Be-Everywhere"
headache (lack of sleep)
|
Prioritize during
this busy holiday season. Pick and choose a few fun activities and
get plenty of rest.
|
|
The "Overactive
Perfume Counter Spritzer"
|
Rather than
using Headache (strong odors) colognes or perfumes, fill your home
with lightly scented candles for a fragrant and festive aura.
|
|
The "Eggroll
Hors d'Oeuvres" Migraine (M.S.G.)
|
Instead of snacking
on M.S.G.-laden appetizers, fill your plate with alternative goodies
from the buffet table.
|
|
Besides avoiding personal triggers, there is more good news for headache sufferers,
especially for those who suffer from migraines. New research shows that many
people can help stave off migraines by taking something for their pain as soon
as they feel one coming on. I advise my patients to carry medication with them
and keep it in their car or office.
For more information on headaches, click here.
Created: 2/14/2001 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
