Archive for the ‘smoking’ Category

Relief From Headache Pain

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

A friend of mine suffers from frequent migraines due to a severe softball accident many years ago. Its awful to see her go through such pain; popping pills in an attempt to alleviate the pain. So I decided to do some research that my help her and other migraine sufferers to get through the pain in their head.

Consider the possibilities:

Seemingly unrelated problems sometimes bring headaches on. Dental disorders like cavities or abscesses, eyestrain or infections are common culprits. When your head hurts, consider whether the ache could have started somewhere else.

De-Stress your life:

95% of headaches are brought on by tension, research shows. In most cases, its not a tense situation, but how you respond to it. Attempt to manage your stress to keep those pesky headaches at bay.

Go with the flow:

One technique found to be particularly useful in dealing with headaches is visualization exercises in which you “go with the flow” of pain. Most people by fighting it. This may make the pain worse. If you flow with the pain, instead of fighting it, you give it the opportunity to flow right out of your body. Try this easy method: In a quiet room, lie on a carpeted floor or a bed. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself standing at the top of a stairway looking down into a beautiful, peaceful place. Slowly count backward from 10 to one. On each count, take a deep breath and imagine yourself descending one step. Go ahead and notice the pain, but continue walking down the steps.

As you take the last step down, notice that you have entered a beautiful garden filled with fragrant flowers, beautiful trees and a sparkling stream. Continue to breathe deeply, walk slowly toward the stream. Stand or sit by its side while you watch and listen to the gently rippling waters. Now imagine your headache pain connecting to and flowing into those waters. This may hurt, but just try to casually notice the hurt.

As the pain begins to flow, notice how the river gently washes it away.

Don’t drink too much:

Alcohol constricts the blood vessels in your brain. More than a drink or two can constrict them to the point of pain. And excessive drinking, of course, often leads to the mother of all headaches, the hangover.

Don’t smoke:

Smoking constricts your blood vessels and fills your lungs with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. If that doesn’t give you a headache, some of the numerous other poisonous ingredients may do the job. Smoking injures your air channels, which can make you prone to sinus headaches.

Brush it away:

A simple scalp brushing can help treat and even prevent headaches. Use a brush with firm bristles. Start at the front of your head. Instead of long brush strokes, move the brush in little circles in one spot, then move it down to the next spot and repeat until you’ve brushed your entire scalp.

Sleep just enough:

No two people are exactly the same. For some, too much sleep can sometimes cause headaches. In fact, midday naps are notorious for bringing migraines. On the other hand, for some people sleep is the best antidote for a headache.

Stand up straight:

Poor posture, especially in your shoulders and neck, can scrunch up muscles and give you a headache. Practice good posture. Throughout the day, pay attention to how you’re sitting or standing and correct yourself if necessary.

Stretch your face:

A little muscle action can counteract tension in your head. Act like a kid: make weird faces to stretch your mouth, cheeks and forehead.

Take herb and homeopathic medications:

A nice, warm cup of rosemary tea can relieve a headache. For something more medicinal yet altogether natural, a homeopathic pharmacist or physician can prepare you a special concoction. Natrum muriaticum is said to relieve throbbing. China officinalis is used to treat light-or odor-induced headaches.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Headache Triggers

Saturday, August 16th, 2008

Triggers are not direct causes of the headache, but they facilitate or provoke the beginning of an attack. Anything that stimulates the pain receptors in the head and neck can cause a headache.

Some of the more common triggers for headache:

* Emotional triggers: problems at work, success at work or school, anticipation, anxiety, an emotional crisis, a new job. Emotions can bring on headaches, keep them going, and make them worse. Emotions don’t cause your headaches, they just make you more vulnerable to them.
* Environmental triggers: bright light, different kinds of aromas like perfume, tobacco, odors (such as gasoline), loud noises, altitude, barometric pressure changes.
* Stress triggers: strenuous exercise, excessive physical work at the work place or at school, physical sickness, not enough sleep or too much sleep
* Chemical triggers: changes in hormone levels (that occur during the premenstrual period, during the post-menstrual period), low blood sugar.
* Food and beverage triggers: caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), hard cheese, vinegar, hot dogs, chocolate, nuts, MSG (monosodium glutamate), pizza, pork. Foods containing nitrites as preservatives can also trigger headaches. Fasting or missing meals is a major headache trigger.
* Changes in the weather can change body chemistry, and have been known to trigger headaches.
* Heavy cigarette smoking.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Tension Headache Pain is Intermittent Not Constant

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008

Daily headaches are relentless in their frequency: they occur every day or nearly every day. Though only moderately intense, they are notoriously difficult to treat, and understandably, they often produce anxiety and depression. To make matters worse, most people with daily headaches also experience more severe headaches on a regular basis.

Most daily headaches develop from intermittent tension or migraine headaches, although about a quarter of people with the condition developed it without any precursors. When daily headaches evolve from intermittent headaches, the process takes about 10 years and generally occurs before age 40. The change isn’t merely one of frequency. The characteristics of the headaches evolve as well.

A daily headache usually begins in the morning and worsens through the day. In contrast, a tension headache generally starts in the afternoon then wanes, and a migraine often develops at night. People with a history of migraines who develop daily headaches find that the pain starts to resemble the steady, vice-like grip of a tension headache although throbbing often continues at the temples. In addition, the aura (see “The aura”) often diminishes. Meanwhile, those with a history of tension headaches often develop nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, and throbbing in the temples, hallmarks of a migraine. This range of commonly experienced symptoms highlights the problem, in some cases, of trying to classify headaches as either pure tension or migraine.

Overuse of medications as a cause

The transformation of an intermittent headache to a daily headache often results from the overuse of over-the-counter or prescription pain-relievers. As many as 50% to 80% of daily headache sufferers report having used headache medicine every day, but how these medications might lead to a daily headache remains unknown. Researchers suspect that continued, regular use of such treatment interferes with the body’s natural painkilling system. Because pain-killers only mask the symptoms of the pain, its actual cause may worsen. As the pain becomes more intense, medications are less able to control it.

Patients with tension-type headache do not typically report any visual disturbance, constant generalized pain, fever, stiff neck, recent trauma, or bruxism.

A thorough headache history should include questions about the type, amount, effect, and duration of self-treatment strategies. Patients typically self-treat their tension-type headaches with OTC analgesics, caffeinated products, massage or chiropractic therapy for symptom relief. A headache history should also include discussion of any lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking) that may have preceded or exacerbated the headache.

Patients who have chronic daily headache present with the typical pain characteristics of tension-type headache but have symptoms that occur daily or almost daily. A careful history will generally reveal that the daily tension-type headache was preceded by intermittent migraine-type headaches

Rather than intermittent tension-type headaches.

The progression of either migraine or tension-type headache into chronic daily headache can occur spontaneously but often occurs in relation to frequent use of analgesic medication. Repeated use of analgesics, especially ones containing caffeine or butalbital, can lead to “rebound” headaches as each dose wears off and patients then take another round of medication. Common features of chronic daily headache associated with frequent analgesic use are early morning awakening with headache, poor appetite, nausea, restlessness, irritability, memory or concentration problems, and depression.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Sinus Headache Prevention

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

To reduce the risk of sinusitis, keep your sinuses healthy.

* Wash your hands often. Soap and water can help you avoid the upper respiratory infections that can lead to sinusitis. You may want to ask your doctor about a yearly flu vaccine as well.
* Avoid irritants. Avoid cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke. These and other air pollutants can cause your sinus membranes to swell.
* Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to dry indoor air can help prevent sinusitis — but don’t overdo it. High indoor humidity can promote mold and dust mite growth in your home. Be sure the humidifier is clean and kept free of mold.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Sex Headaches Causes

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Any type of sexual activity that leads to orgasm — including masturbation, oral sex and intercourse — can trigger sex headaches.

The types of sex headaches that build up for several minutes before orgasm might be caused by tightening the head and neck muscles during sexual activity. The variety of sex headaches that occur abruptly at orgasm may be a response to increased blood pressure that causes the cerebral blood vessels to dilate.

The abrupt variety of sex headache may also be caused by a stroke or bleeding into or around the brain.

Other factors that have been associated with sexual headaches include:

* Birth control pills
* Smoking marijuana
* Glaucoma
* Anemia
* Sinus infection
* Low blood sugar

Risk factors

Sex headaches can affect anyone. But they’re more common in men and in people who are prone to migraines.

When to seek medical advice

Sex headaches aren’t usually a cause for concern. But you should consult your doctor if you experience headaches during sexual activity — especially if it’s your first headache of this type.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Rebound Headaches Prevention

Saturday, June 28th, 2008

Taking good care of yourself can help prevent most types of headaches.

* Avoid headache triggers. If you’re not sure what triggers your headaches, keep a headache diary. Include details about every headache. When did it start? What were you doing at the time? What did you eat that day? How did you sleep the night before? What’s your stress level? How long did it last? What, if anything, provided relief? Eventually, you may begin to see a pattern — and take steps to prevent future headaches.
* Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends. If you’re not tired at bedtime, don’t fight it. Read or watch television until you become drowsy and fall asleep naturally.
* Don’t skip meals. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eat lunch and dinner at about the same time every day.
* Exercise regularly. Physical activity causes your body to release chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. With your doctor’s OK, choose activities you enjoy — such as walking, swimming or cycling. To avoid injury, start slowly.
* Reduce stress. Get organized. Simplify your schedule. Plan ahead. When the going gets tough, stay positive.
* Relax. Try yoga, meditation or relaxation exercises. Set aside time to slow down. Listen to music, read a book or take a hot bath.
* Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Smoking can trigger headaches or make them worse.

Complementary and alternative medicine

For many people, complementary or alternative therapies offer welcome relief from headache pain. It’s important to be cautious, however. Not all complementary or alternative therapies have been studied as headache treatments, and others need further research.

* Acupuncture. This ancient technique uses hair-thin needles to promote the release of natural painkillers and other chemicals in the central nervous system. There is some evidence that it can help control headaches and other conditions that cause chronic pain.
* Hypnosis. During a hypnosis session, a trained hypnotist might suggest ways to decrease your perception of pain and increase your ability to cope with it — such as visualizing a calm, safe place when a headache strikes.
* Meditation. During meditation, you focus on a simple activity, such as breathing or repeating a single word or phrase. The practice creates a deeply restful state in which your breathing slows and your muscles relax — which can help you manage pain and reduce the stress that can trigger or worsen a headache.
* Massage. Massage can reduce stress, relieve tension and promote relaxation. Although its value as a headache treatment hasn’t been fully determined, massage may be particularly helpful if you have tight, tender muscles in the back of your head, neck and shoulders.
* Herbs, vitamins and minerals. Some dietary supplements — including magnesium, feverfew and butterbur — seem to help prevent or treat some types of headaches, but there’s little scientific support for these claims. And ongoing challenges in regards to quality of supplements in the United States makes decisions about using herbs even more complicated. If you’re considering using supplements to treat headaches, check with your doctor. Some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or have other harmful effects.
* Chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation can effectively treat some types of pain, but studies don’t support claims that chiropractic care relieves headaches. Chiropractic manipulation of the neck has been associated with injury to the blood vessels supplying the brain. Rarely, this may cause a stroke.

If you’d like to try a complementary or alternative therapy, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Chronic Daily Headaches Prevention

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

Taking good care of yourself can help prevent chronic daily headaches.

* Avoid headache triggers. If you’re not sure what triggers your headaches, keep a headache diary. Include details about every headache. When did it start? What were you doing at the time? What did you eat that day? How did you sleep the night before? What’s your stress level? How long did the headache last? What, if anything, provided relief? Eventually, you may begin to see a pattern — and be able to take steps to prevent future headaches.
* Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends. If you’re not tired at bedtime, read or watch television until you become drowsy and fall asleep naturally.
* Don’t skip meals. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eat lunch and dinner at about the same time every day. Avoid any food or drinks, such as those containing caffeine, that seem to trigger headaches.
* Exercise regularly. Physical activity causes your body to release chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. With your doctor’s OK, choose activities you enjoy — such as walking, swimming or cycling. To avoid injury, start slowly.
* Stop smoking. Smoking can trigger chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headaches. Higher levels of nicotine are also associated with increased anxiety and depression.
* Reduce stress. Get organized. Simplify your schedule. Plan ahead. Stay positive.
* Relax. Try yoga, meditation or relaxation exercises. Set aside time to slow down. Listen to music, read a book or take a hot bath.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Cluster Headache Self-Care

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

The following measures may help you avoid a cluster attack:

* Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Cluster periods often begin when there are changes in your normal sleep schedule. During a cluster period, follow your usual routine.
* Avoid afternoon naps. Once a cluster period has started, taking an afternoon nap brings on a headache for many people.
* Avoid alcohol. Alcohol, including beer and wine, almost always triggers a headache during a cluster period. This can happen quickly, even before you finish the first drink.
* Limit exposure to volatile substances. Prolonged exposure to substances such as solvents, gasoline and oil-based paints may trigger an attack.
* Be cautious in high altitudes. During a cluster period, the reduced oxygen at altitudes over 5,000 feet may trigger a headache. There may be drug interactions between medications for cluster headache and medications for mountain sickness.
* Avoid tobacco products. Nicotine may occasionally trigger a headache during a cluster period. If you’re prone to cluster headache, it’s best to stop smoking and avoid other tobacco products.
* Avoid glare and bright lights. For some people, excessive glare and bright lights can bring on a headache.

Coping skills

Living with cluster headache can be difficult. In addition to the physical symptoms, the chronic pain that often accompanies cluster headache attacks can make you anxious or depressed. Ultimately, it may affect your interaction with friends and family, your productivity at work, and the overall quality of your life.

You may find that talking to a counselor or therapist can help you cope with the effects of cluster headache. Or you may find encouragement and understanding in a headache support group. Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be good sources of information. Group members often know about the latest treatments and tend to share their own experiences. If you’re interested, your doctor may be able to recommend a group in your area.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

Have a Headache or Migraine?

Friday, May 16th, 2008

Cause:

Headaches are a neurological condition with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and disabling. More than 23 million people in the United States suffer from migraine, corresponding to over 17% of all females and 6% of all males living in the U.S.

There are two main types of headache?

Primary and secondary. Primary Headaches include tension-type, migraine and cluster headaches and are not caused by other underlying medical conditions. More than 90% of headaches are primary.

Secondary Headaches result from other medical conditions, such as infection or increased pressure in the skull due to a tumor. These account for fewer than 10% of all headaches.

What May Help?

Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi), Female Formula and Osteogen

Why?

Contain magnesium and calcium. Daily supplements of calcium and magnesium are recommended for those who suffer from Migraines. These minerals help to maintain healthy blood vessels, and low levels of magnesium are common in people who suffer from migraines. Superfood Multiple (Super Multi) also contains riboflavin (B-2) which may help to reduce the frequency of migraines.

What May Help?

Watkins Rezist Plus

Why?

Ingredients help to block harmful invaders from entering the body which may help to reduce the triggers that lead to headaches.

What May Help?

Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream

Why?

Research has shown that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples may help to ease headache pain and compares favorably with acetaminophen in its ability to reduce headache symptoms.

What May Help?

Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, may help prevent migraines.

Why?

They may help to reduce blood vessel spasms.

Helpful Hint:

Certain foods and beverages are known to trigger migraines. If you suffer from migraines, try to avoid the following: Aged cheeses, onions, pickles, cured meats, chocolate, red wine, beer, sour cream, nuts, freshly baked yeast products, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits and caffeinated beverages.

Try This:

At the outbreak of a headache, apply Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream, Icy Blue Ointment or Menthol Camphor Ointment (Medicated Ointment) onto the temples, forehead and back of neck. Rub in circular motion. Repeat at least 2 times at 15-minute intervals.

If you experience chronic headaches, before going to bed, rub Watkins Menthol Camphor Ointment (Medicated Ointment) or Icy Blue Ointment onto feet. Put on a pair of cotton socks over the ointment. According to Naturopaths and personal testimonials, this may help to ward off headaches.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy

What Are Migraine Triggers?

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

Examples of triggers include stress, sleep disturbances, fasting, hormones, bright or flickering lights, odors, cigarette smoke, alcohol, aged cheeses, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, nitrites, aspartame, and caffeine.

For some women, the decline in the blood level of estrogen during the onset of menstruation is a trigger for migraine headaches.

buy cheap esgic plus headache free prescription pills
FedEx overnight shipping free prescription online pharmacy