BeeHealthy
Timely Hints for a Healthy Lifestyle

Dispelling migraine myths

from fact

According to the National Headache Foundation, despite the fact that there are more than 29.5 million sufferers of migraine headaches, there are still a number of myths about migraines.

The first of these myths is that caffeine cannot help to relieve a migraine. According to the foundation, for certain migraine sufferers, caffeine is a migraine inhibitor and for others it is a trigger.

Keeping a headache diary can help determiner whether caffeine helps or hurts an individual's migraine.

Another myth is that migraines are not triggered by stress. Stress is a commonly recognized trigger of migraines and can be physical or emotional. It is an unavoidable part of modern life.

There is also the myth that regular exercise may not help reduce migraine frequency.

According to the foundation, for those who suffer from chronic, recurring migraines, exercise can either provoke an attack or lessen the frequency and severity of the headache.

If exercise or physical strain induce a headache, it is important to see a health care provider. Maintaining a regular exercise program can reduce the number of headaches and contribute to overall good health.

Another myth is that dietary supplements cannot be helpful in migraine treatment.

However, those suffering from frequent migraines may have a low magnesium level. Magnesium has a relaxant effect on smooth muscle, such as in blood vessels. Daily supplementation of 500-750 milligrams increases the body's magnesium level.

There is also the myth that migraines do not run in families, but migraines can be hereditary.

If one parent has migraines, the child has a 50 percent chance of having them. If both parents have them, there is a 75 percent chance the child will develop migraines, and if even a distant relative has migraines, there is a 20 percent chance the child will also experience them.

One more myth the foundation has identified is that migraines are not triggered by lack of sleep.

A migraine can be triggered by lack of sleep. Going to sleep at the same time every night and waking up the same time each morning, including weekends, maintains the body's rhythm and can help prevent these headaches.

For more information on migraines, call 1-888-NHF-5552.

Client assistance program

offered for disabled

The Client Assistance Program is a free service to advise New Yorkers with disabilities on their rights to vocational rehabilitation and one of the specific services Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities is required to offer.

The program provides individualized advocacy services and can even assist students who have defaulted student loans that are keeping them from attending college.

For those interested in learning more about tuition assistance through VESID, or to learn about the application process, contact 1-800-624-4143 or visit http://hometown.aol.com/wny cap/home/html and www.cqc.state.ny.us.

The WNY Independent Living Project family agencies includes the Independent Living Center, AZtech, Native American Independent Living Services, Mental Health PEER Connection and the Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Independent Living Management.

Good Shepherd Healthcare

offers grief support

The Good Shepherd health care ministry of Northeast Buffalo and the staff of St. Lawrence Parish are presenting a new grief support series.

The program offers the opportunity for a small group to work together for eight to 10 consecutive weeks.

The program features the "Understand Your Grief" model developed by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, who uses the technique of companioning and addresses 10 specific areas that lead toward healing.

Wednesday evening sessions are set for 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 in St. Lawrence Rectory, 1520 E. Delevan Ave., Buffalo.

There is no charge for the program. A textbook and workbook will be provided. For program details and registration, contact Patricia Dyer at 308-6302 or St. Lawrence Church at 892-2471.