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