Nov 27, 2008 8:54 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Avoiding 'Holiday Headaches'
CBS 2 HD's Dr. Holly Phillips Has Tips On How You Can Avoid An Unpleasant And Painful Turkey Day
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Everyone has had a bad headache, and for those who suffer regularly, this time of year can be a pain.
However, there are tips to prevent so-called "holiday headaches."
"The pain behind my left eye gets horrible," migraine sufferer Amanda Gabbard said. "I can tell it starts to throb and throb."
Gabbard's migraines are at their worst during one special time of year.
"I think migraines are served to you on a sliver platter at the holidays," Gabbard said.
"You'd think this is the holiday season, you'd see less headache," Dr. Larry Newman, of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, said. "In fact, from just before Thanksgiving to just around New Year's, the phones in the headache center start to ring off the hook."
Headache triggers are showcased this time of year, and food is often to blame, with some common culprits found right on the holiday snack tray.
Aged cheeses, chocolate, nuts, and smoked meats are loaded with tyramine, which is a headache waiting to happen.
Drinks can also affect the onset of a headache.
"Alcoholic beverages contain a substance that actually triggers headaches in anybody, but especially people with migraines," Dr. Newman said.
No matter how much you feel like you have to get done for the holidays, it's important to get your rest – skimping on sleep is a top migraine trigger.
A good tip is to try to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.
Shopping centers can also provide a head-throbbing trigger, with the heavy perfumes and holiday scents constituting just one seasonal cause.
"The bright lights, the flashing lights that are very festive and fun," Gabbard said. "But for a migraine sufferer, any kind of strobe effect or bright lights can really aggravate your head."
"People come in with the overcoats, so it's hot and it's stuffy and dehydration can trigger the headache," Newman said
Holiday entertaining can be stressful as well, so it's best to plan ahead.
"There's no reason you have to take on every responsibility," Newman says. "Ask people to cook and help you with some of the cooking if they're coming over."
"Just do mantras," Gabbard recommends. "Just de-stress as much as you possibly can."
If you are prone to headaches, make sure to carry any medication you might need with you at all times.
Just knowing that treatment is within reach can minimize stress and anxiety, thereby preventing the onset of pain.
Experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration, a frequent trigger of headaches.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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