By Robert R . Dalton letter
Help us spread the word about headache disorders
W
ELCOME TO THE SECOND ISSUE of the National Headache Foundation ’ s Head Wise magazine . We received a great deal of positive feedback after the first issue , but the words that struck home most with me came from a close friend of the organization , Rebecca Martin , a volunteer who previously served on our board of directors . She wrote : “ As a 22-year sufferer , I read [ the magazine ] thinking it creates a voice for those like me and will help do exactly what Seymour [ Diamond ’ s ] introductory letter states : remove the stigma of headache disorders as well as establish a view of headaches as a legitimate health problem . Thank you for the very large move to make a footprint for the cause .”
After reading that , I felt proud of the achievement , but I also recognize the challenges that come with those kind words . I have had the chance to talk with hundreds of migraineurs this year , and it is clear that one of the greatest obstacles people with headache disorders face is simply getting their family , friends and employers to recognize that it ’ s not just a headache . Headache disorders have been stigmatized for a long time . It will not be easy to create the higher level of understanding you deserve , but this is one of our primary goals with Head Wise .
There are two main groups of people who will read this magazine : NHF members and donors who receive a copy at home , and people who pick it up in health care offices and waiting rooms .* I would like to add a third category to that list — people who get a copy from you . There are articles and features in this issue that will help headache sufferers manage their disease . And for those who don ’ t understand the challenges of migraine and chronic headache , this could be a real eye-opener .
If the copy you are reading right now is in an office waiting room , feel free to take it with you or give it to someone who needs it . The NHF sends these magazines out in quantity , and we will send more to any office that requests them . If you want to get Head Wise at home , look for the tear out card in this issue or go to the NHF website , www . headaches . org , and become a member . The more we can spread the word , the sooner you will receive the support and respect you deserve .
One of the greatest obstacles people with headache disorders face is simply getting their family , friends and employers to recognize that it ’ s not just a headache .
*
The NHF would like to give special thanks to a supervisor at the Broward County Sherriff ’ s Department in Florida who requested six copies of Head Wise to share with his human resources department . Anyone with a similar request can e-mail us at NHF1970 @ headaches . org .
Robert R . Dalton Executive Director , National Headache Foundation
www . headwisemag . org | National Headache Foundation 1