Cindy's Health Tips:
Headaches
Health Tip #3, 12 September 1996
Headaches
... in the morning may be caused by the grinding of teeth or clenching of jaw. Humidifying the room may help ease the problem.
... in the afternoon or evening may be caused by eyestrain. Rest your eyes by cupping your hands and placing them over your eyes. Then open your eyes and look into the darkness for about 30 seconds. You may want your eyes checked.
... just on one side of your head may be a migraine. Massaging your scalp and neck may ease the problem. Consult your doctor or make an appointment at Tang or another medical center.
... after sitting at your desk all day may be due to poor posture, causing neck strain and headaches. There is little solid evidence that computers alone cause headaches.
... occurring about an hour before a meal may be due to hunger... so eat something.
... following specific activities or events may be due to stress or tension. Stress related headaches account for 90% of headaches.
... occurring after taking medication may be another cause for those who are susceptible. Take note of that and consult your doctor.
... in environments with smoking, pollution, or other such agents may cause headaches.
... accompanying illnesses such as colds or the flu may cause headaches.
If any of the above apply to you, then you want to avoid those situations in order to prevent your headaches.
What to do to help ease a headache:
massage the tense muscles in the neck and scalp
relax your mind to ease the mental tension
visualize normal blood flow to the head
apply cold during the headache to reduce sensitivity
apply heat before the headache actually hits
Foods that seem to trigger headaches
pork, packaged meats (such as hot dogs, sausages, salami, ham), vinegar, pickled foods, foods high in yeast (such as doughnuts), chocolate, large amounts of citrus fruits, yogurt, MSG, caffeine, alcoholic beverages.
Health Tip written by Cindy Suen
Resources for Health Tip:
Take Care of Yourself, by Vickery and Fries
The American Medical Association: Encyclopedia of Medicine
Self Care Resource Center: M-F 10-4. Any registered student may use this facility, second floor of the Tang Center (to the left as you walk up the stairs).
FREEBORN HALL
Unit 1, 2650 Durant Avenue
University of California at Berkeley
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