T.J. Samson | Destination Health | August 2021

Get help for migraines A migraine can make it next to impossi- ble to work, manage household responsibil- ities or do just about anything else. That’s something you may know all too well if you’ve recently started getting these severe headaches. Here’s what else you should know: Migraines are manageable, and a variety of options are available today to treat them. GET IT CHECKED OUT If you haven’t done so yet, your first step should be to see your doctor.They can usu- ally tell if you’re having migraines based on your symptoms. Migraines tend to involve intense bouts of throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraine episodes can last for several hours or even days. During a migraine attack, many people get an upset stomach. Light, sounds and movement can make a migraine worse. Many people also experience visual dis- turbances, called auras, prior to getting a migraine.They might see flashing lights or heatwaves. MEDICINES FOR MIGRAINES Some medicines treat migraine attacks when they occur, while others help prevent migraines in the first place. Preventive medications. You take these medicines—such as erenumab, lasmiditan and ubrogepant—every day to help prevent a migraine. And while you may know Botox injec- tions as a wrinkle treatment, they can be another option for preventing migraines. Medicines that stop migraine pain. They’re taken at the first sign of a migraine to keep it from getting worse. Options in- clude triptan drugs and ergotamine. In addition to prescribing medicines, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes that may help you manage migraines, such as: ● Keeping a regular sleep schedule. ● Avoiding migraine triggers. Those might be things like certain foods and drinks, stress, loud sounds, bright lights, or strong smells. Keeping a journal of what you were eating and doing when you got a migraine can help you identify triggers. ● Losing excess weight, if you’re overweight. ● Exercising and finding other ways to manage stress. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Stopping your blood pressure from climbing too high is one of the healthiest things you can do for many reasons—including that it may help lower your risk for having a stroke or developing dementia. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, making it more likely that they will: ● Become narrowed and clogged, which reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. ● Rupture or burst. Both of these changes to the blood vessels can lead to stroke. Many people who have a first stroke have high blood pressure. Some people also develop what’s called vascular dementia or vascular cognitive impairment, which can cause memory and thinking problems, after having a stroke. KEEP YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN Start by getting regular blood pressure checks by your primary care provider (PCP). High blood pres- sure has no symptoms. So regular testing is the only way to know where you stand. Ask your PCP if you should also check your blood pressure at home. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers: a top (systolic) number and a bottom (diastolic) number: BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY Top number Bottom number NORMAL Less than 120 ELEVATED 120 to 129 And less than 80 STAGE 1 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 130 to 139 Or 80 to 89 STAGE 2 140 or higher 90 or higher HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (CALL YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY) Higher than 180 Higher than 120 If your blood pressure is not in a healthy range, you may be able to bring it down (and possibly help protect your brain) by: Making lifestyle changes. For instance: ● Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. ● Cut back on salt and sodium by comparing food labels. ● Keep moving. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity, like brisk walk- ing, each week. ● Watch your weight. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight. Taking medications. If your PCP prescribes blood pressure medicines, take them exactly as directed. Sources: Alzheimer's Association; American Heart Association; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Neurology Do your brain a favor Keep i ng b l ood pre s sure unde r cont ro l may he l p pre vent dement i a and s t roke Tackling triggers can prevent headaches. Learn how at tjregionalhealth.org/headaches . Learn five ways to get a more accurate home blood pressure reading at tjregionalhealth.org/homebp . August 2021 5