SLYOU Magazine Issue 2 | Page 77

that may be easily removed from your routine or can help your doctor develop a treatment plan. Know your headache and migraine triggers should seek medical help for your headaches • You have more than the occasional headache (more than twice a week) • Food is one of the more common triggers -- from smoked foods to alcohol and avocados -- that is often overlooked. Keep a food journal to see if you can identify patterns and triggers • Your headache persists and continues to get worse or won’t stop • Weather changes, including high- and low-pressure systems • You find yourself taking pain relievers more than two days a week • For women, menstruation and hormone fluctuations or imbalance • Screen time • Stress and a compromised sleep schedule Headaches or uncharacteristic migraine symptoms can indicate you need medical attention. People are often reluctant to call their healthcare provider or go to the ER because they don’t want to arrive only to learn that nothing out of the ordinary is wrong. Diamond advises, “If your symptoms are out of the ordinary for you, absolutely seek medical attention from a specialist and get help. Your headache or migraine should not keep you from living your life to its fullest.” Common signs that you • Your headaches interfere with your normal activities of daily life and needs with your healthcare provider include staying focused on the most important questions you have, providing a daily record of your symptoms, sharing your concerns and reactions, and asking questions. After consulting with you to best understand your personal experience and needs, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments that may or may not include: • Pharmaceutical therapy • Massage therapy • You take over-the-counter medications for headache relief, but the recommended dosage is not adequate Headache and migraine are serious conditions and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or to seek out a certified headache expert: www.headaches.org/ resources/healthcare-provider- finder. Most patients want their healthcare providers to be prepared and engaged when answering questions and be willing to educate them about their treatment options. On the other hand, healthcare providers often think that what matters most to their patients is expressing understanding and compassion. Diamond emphasized both a patient and their healthcare provider need to communicate clearly to effectively treat the headache or migraine. Simple steps you can take to effectively communicate your concerns www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019 • Acupuncture • Yoga • Meditation • Diet changes • Exercise • Sleep changes • Journaling symptoms • Biofeedback therapy The debilitating effects of headache and migraine don’t have to be part of your regular routine. Understanding your condition, knowing your triggers and having an honest conversation with your healthcare provider can help you get back to living your life. For more information about headache and migraine or to find help, visit: www.headaches.org. SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 75