(Foreword: This is our continuation of our response to Thelma C. on her desire to prevent migraine attacks.)
DEAR Thelma C.,
Moving on. To your headache dairy, also jot down the following:
If you get a headache, how bad is it?
Check the medicine you took when you had a headache; how did you like it?
Keeping this diary every day will make you see your headache pattern. What are the foods have you taken? What are the things that you have done? Finding your triggers is the only way that you can avoid them.
Changing your routine will likely find what triggers your problem.
Maintain your routine by doing the following:
Exercise regularly. Now, if you have a migraine while you exercise, take note of the things that you do on that day, including the weather and what you ate.
Sleep regularly. Don’t sleep too much or too little -- as these can trigger migraines. Sleep right and wake up right.
Be cautious of what you eat. Be sure to watch your food and record what may have caused your headaches.
Eat regularly. Don't skip meals. Be sure to eat healthy too. Being hungry is not an excuse to eat junk food.
Drink a lot of fluids. Be sure that the water is enough to make your urine light yellow or clear like water, especially when you exercise. When you don’t have enough water, you might be able to get headaches.
Deal with your stress. You can’t control stressful events, but you can control how you would react to them. Relaxation exercises and getting recharged can help you deal with your stress.
For triggers you can’t control -- like weather changes and your hormones -- as when you are pregnant or when you are menstruating, plan them well to deal with them.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)