©2019 Independent Health Association, Inc. IH27087 From the warmer weather to the beautiful flowers blooming, most people look forward to the beginning of summer. However, for some of us, the temperature fluctuations, change in daylight hours and increased allergens in the air can be a literal headache. According to a study done at the Montefiore Headache Center in New York, the changing seasons can bring upon headaches, migraines and sinus issues due to several factors, including: • Longer daylight hours – The amount of light you get each day can influence the quality and quantity of sleep you get. Changes in sleep is a known headache/migraine trigger for many. • Barometric pressure changes – These atmospheric pressure changes are potential triggers for head pain. The same is true for variations in temperature and humidity which are common throughout May and June. • Seasonal allergies – With each new season, come new allergens in the air. For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this increase in sinus pressure can turn into headaches and migraines. So, how do you still enjoy the wonders that come with each seasonal shift? Below are some common headache/migraine triggers to avoid with the changing seasons or any time you know you are more vulnerable to suffering head pain: • Alcohol. You're more sensitive to its effects, so even small amounts can set off a headache. • Dehydration. As the temperatures increase, so does our chance of becoming dehydrated. Increase your fluid intake as we move into the summer months. • Cigarettes. Smoking can make your headaches worse. Avoid other people's smoke, too. • Foods with nitrates. These include bacon and processed meats. It may also help to keep a food-headache journal to determine if there are other foods triggering your head pain. • Daytime naps. These may interfere with your sleep patterns and make it harder for your body to stay well. Try to keep a consistent sleep – wake cycle throughout the week. If the early morning rays are waking you, consider hanging black out shades in your bedroom. • Long periods of intense light. This can include computer screens, phones and even sunlight. Take breaks when working in front of a computer monitor and wear sunglasses when heading out on a sunny day. Do you suffer from migraines? Migraines are a recurring type of headache that cause moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is often on one side of your head. Other symptoms include nausea, weakness and sensitivity to light and sound. The more you understand the unique nature of your migraine and its triggers, the easier it can be to anticipate and avoid them. Visit the American Migraine Foundation website at americanmigrainefoundation.org to learn more and to find a headache doctor near you. How to avoid summer headaches and migraines Independent Health Wellness Tip — June 2019

How to avoid summer headaches and migraines · are some common headache/migraine triggers to avoid with the changing seasons or any time you know you are more vulnerable to suffering

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Page 1: How to avoid summer headaches and migraines · are some common headache/migraine triggers to avoid with the changing seasons or any time you know you are more vulnerable to suffering

From the warmer weather to the beautiful flowers blooming, most people look forward to the beginning of summer. However, for some of us, the temperature fluctuations, change in daylight hours and increased allergens in the air can be a literal headache.

According to a study done at the Montefiore Headache Center in New York, the changing seasons can bring upon headaches, migraines and sinus issues due to several factors, including:

• Longer daylight hours – The amount of light you get each day can influence the quality and quantity of sleep you get. Changes in sleep is a known headache/migraine trigger for many.

• Barometric pressure changes – These atmospheric pressure changes are potential triggers for head pain. The same is true for variations in temperature and humidity which are common throughout May and June.

• Seasonal allergies – With each new season, come new allergens in the air. For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this increase in sinus pressure can turn into headaches and migraines.

So, how do you still enjoy the wonders that come with each seasonal shift? Below are some common headache/migraine triggers to avoid with the changing seasons or any time you know you are more vulnerable to suffering head pain:

• Alcohol. You're more sensitive to its effects, so even small amounts can set off a headache.

• Dehydration. As the temperatures increase, so does our chance of becoming dehydrated. Increase your fluid intake as we move into the summer months.

• Cigarettes. Smoking can make your headaches worse. Avoid other people's smoke, too.

• Foods with nitrates. These include bacon and processed meats. It may also help to keep a food-headache journal to determine if there are other foods triggering your head pain.

• Daytime naps. These may interfere with your sleep patterns and make it harder for your body to stay well. Try to keep a consistent sleep – wake cycle throughout the week. If the early morning rays are waking you, consider hanging black out shades in your bedroom.

• Long periods of intense light. This can include computer screens, phones and even sunlight. Take breaks when working in front of a computer monitor and wear sunglasses when heading out on a sunny day.

Do you suffer from migraines?

Migraines are a recurring type of headache that cause moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is often on one side of your head. Other symptoms include nausea, weakness and sensitivity to light and sound. The more you understand the unique nature of your migraine and its triggers, the easier it can be to anticipate and avoid them. Visit the American Migraine Foundation website at americanmigrainefoundation.org to learn more and to find a headache doctor near you.

How to avoid summer headaches and migraines

Independent Health Wellness Tip — June 2019