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There are few things that can wear you down like a painful headache. A headache zaps your energy, lowers your productivity, interferes with your social life, and just plain hurts. There are several different kinds of headaches, from migraine to tension to sinus. But as we understand more and more about headaches, it becomes apparent that they are frequently preventable. The next time you get a headache, don't just reach for the aspirin or the ibuprofen. Instead, try something a little more proactive. Follow these 10 strategies to try and stop the headache in its tracks the next time without resorting to medications. 1. When you're outside on a sunny day, cover your head with a hat. Too much of the sun's heat can cause vascular changes in your brain and alter its delicate balance of fluids. The result is frequently a headache. 2. Avoid exhaust fumes. The toxic mixture of chemicals emitted by heavy machinery or a car's exhaust pipe can quickly trigger a headache. 3. Loosen up -- your hair, that is. If you bind your hair too tightly so that it causes tension on your scalp, you could help cause a headache. The same holds true if you wear heavy earrings or tight headbands, for example. Lighten up and loosen up for headache relief. 4. Take it easy. Stress is a known cause of tension headaches. If you're feeling stressed, take a break, take a walk, listen to music, or soak in a hot tub. Even a short nap can help forestall a headache if you feel one coming on. 5. Easy on the noise. Noise can be a major cause of headaches. And it's not just honking horns, construction, or sirens we're talking about here. Turn down the volume on your iPod, turn off the TV unless you're really watching it, or send your kids outside to play for a little while. Silence can be golden, especially when it comes to headache prevention. If necessary, invest in some earplugs for those times when you're going to have to be in a noisy environment. 6. Get a checkup with your dentist. Oftentimes, the pain of a toothache feels like a headache, or can cause one to occur. If your troublesome tooth is in your upper mouth, the threat of a headache increases. 7. Straighten up. Poor posture can trigger a headache because it puts pressure on the muscles in your shoulders and neck. If your job requires you to sit most of the day, take care that your workstation is set up to discourage slouching. You might want to try out a cushion to support your back. 8. Eat on a regular basis. Skipping meals leads to low blood sugar and reduced energy, which can cause a headache or even a migraine. 9. Avoid monosodium glutamate and caffeine, both of which are known to cause migraines. 10. Start a headache diary. Whenever you experience a headache, make note of the conditions. Did you eat something strange? What was the weather like? Were you unusually stressed, or maybe in PMS? After a while, your headache journal can help you identify a pattern to the cause of your headaches. The above are just some ways you can pinpoint and eliminate, or at least reduce, headaches. If they continue, make sure you get your doctor's advice. It is often possible, though, to take care of headaches, as long as you know what you're doing, without having to resort to medications. Give it a try and just see if you can put that aspirin bottle away, or at least reduce the amount you take.
Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com
Kim Archer writes about women's wellness. She is publisher of The Internet Spa, where you'll find up-to-date information to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
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