Listen to Women's Wellness Wednesday on the Murphy and Denise Morning Show on the 1st Wednesday of every month for valuable tips on Women's health

March audio tip - recorded from KOSI 101


Headaches are one of the most common health complaints for women, and women are three times as likely to experience migraines than men. The good news is that serious causes of headaches are rare, and most people can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax and taking pain relievers.

The Most Common Types of Headaches Are: 

· Tension headaches - due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw
· Migraine headaches - pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head
· Cluster headaches - sudden, severe pain centered around one eye
· Sinus headaches - pain in forehead or cheeks, made worse by coughing or bending down

It’s important to let your doctor know if you have sudden, severe headaches. 
And get medical help right away if you have: 

· A headache after a blow to your head
· A headache along with a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness or pain in the eye or ear

If you experience any of the following, please talk with your doctor to find ways to manage your migraines.
Things that Trigger Migraines:

· Strong or unusual odors, bright lights or loud noises
· Changes in weather or altitude
· Being tired, stressed or depressed
· Changes in sleeping patterns
· Certain foods, especially those that contain tyramine, sodium nitrate or phenylalanine
· Missing meals or fasting
· Menstrual periods, birth control pills or hormones
· Intense physical activity
· Smoking

Some people can tell when they are about to have a migraine because they:

· See flashing lights or zigzag lines.
· Temporarily lose their vision.
· Have a “premonition” or “gut” feeling several hours to a day before the headache starts. These feelings can include intense energy, fatigue, food cravings and mood changes.

Women’s Wellness Wednesday is brought to you by The Medical Center of Aurora and Centennial Medical Plaza. Visit http://www.auroramed.com to find out more, and keep listening to KOSI 101 for each monthly Women’s Wellness Wednesday tip.