By the Numbers
contents Volume 2, Issue 1 • 2012
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IN EVERY ISSUE
NHF News Learn what’ s happening in and around the National Headache Foundation.
Head 2 Head Be social and join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.
Reader Mail You ask. We answer. Get expert advice from leaders in the field.
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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREAS LARSSON
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You Said It Our readers have spoken. See what they have to say about Head Wise.
Wise Words Read how migraine and headache sufferers are living life to the fullest.
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DEPARTMENTS
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Research SCREEN PLAY New technologies are allowing headache specialists to treat patients remotely, bringing new access to rural patients.
THE SUGAR PILL EFFECT Scientists have long debated the ethics of using placebos to treat patients. But new research suggests the sugar pill may actually generate a positive response.
Self Help MIGRAINE-PROOF YOUR HOME The bright lights and strong smells in your house could trigger migraines. Use these tips to turn your home into a haven.
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Invisible Wounds HEADACHE ON THE FRONT LINES From irregular sleep schedules to overwhelming stress, the war zone is teeming with triggers. Headache prevention is key to avoiding evacuation.
Ask the Pharmacist RHYME AND REASON Richard Wenzel, PharmD, explains how physicians decide which preventive medications to prescribe and why some are more appropriate than others.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mark Twain knew the value of headache relief. A headache sufferer himself, he wrote in Following the Equator,“ While( headache) is at its sharpest,( treatment) seems a bad investment; but when relief begins, the unexpired remainder is worth $ 4 a minute.”
Head2Head
There’ s strength in numbers. Connect with the NHF online community on Facebook and Twitter.
Found on Facebook
We have to pick and choose what’ s important to us. What are you unwilling to sacrifice with chronic illness? Jessica P. – Family. I’ ve had to reduce the rest of my social circle, but I save any good energy I have left for my husband. He spends so much time taking care of me that he deserves all the good moments.
Drew N. – Family and friends. I will drag myself through pain, nausea etc., to give my kids a normal existence.
Rebecca L. – Giving my kids as normal of a childhood as possible. That means [ pushing myself ] to pick them up from school, making sure they get to afterschool activities, going to school functions and making sure we can still eat together as a family. Thank God for my supportive husband who helps me make these things a reality for us.
Pam D. – Reading. It hurts, but I can’ t live without it.
How are you feeling right now? Deb B. – This is the first day in five days that I haven’ t had a migraine. I am afraid to move around too much but I gotta get stuff done.
Dawn B. – Five weeks and two days with a migraine. I went back to my neuro this morning, and they don’ t know what else to do. They’ re going to send me to physical therapy for my neck and back and see if that helps my head.
Kelly W. – I have chronic tension headaches, but really good the last week, strangely. I’ m on holiday, drinking lots, exercising and relaxing.
By the Numbers
4,239 people like the NHF on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: http:// twitter. com / NHF
Overheard on Twitter at # Migraine
@ nikkivargs Tomorrow I shall be productive. I SHALL TRY. But nevermind because I never will anyway. Good Night. # migraine
@ yosoythandie About to take a Nyquil & knock myself out. # migraine
@ extemporaneous My very last # migraine pill. Tried to hold off, but have to take it now. It’ s like leaving me without a net.
When you are in the middle of an attack or in extreme pain, what would you most like from your friends or family members?
To be left alone
28 VOTES 13 VOTES 1 VOTES 4 VOTES
Sleep can sometime affect changes in headache. Which of the following has the strongest impact on your headache?
37 %
Staying up past normal bedtime
Looking for answers? Try an NHF expert. Email info @ headaches. org to send us your question, and it might appear in our Reader Mail section.
1,060
To stand by to bring ice, heating pad, medicine, etc.
29 %
Interrupted sleep
Like us on Facebook: www. facebook. com / pages / National- Headache-Foundation / 26557489636
To act as a diversion
20 %
Sleeping in on the weekends
people are following the NHF on Twitter
Other
14 %
Not enough sleep
Visit the NHF: www. headaches. org
www. headaches. org | National Headache Foundation 9