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