Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

As the World Health Organization (WHO) points out, migraine and headache disorders are some of “the most common disorders of the nervous system.”

Although a migraine or headache can be defined as having pain “in any region of the head,” the cause, duration, and intensity of this pain can vary according to the type of headache.

The most common primary headaches

Primary headaches can occur when the pain in your head is the condition. In other words, your headache isn’t being triggered by something that your body is dealing with, like illness or allergies.

These headaches can be episodic or chronic:

  • Episodic headaches may occur every so often or even just once in a while. They can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours.
  • Chronic headaches are more consistent. They occur most days out of the month and can last for days at a time. In these cases, a pain management plan is necessary.

Tension headaches occur if you feel a dull, aching sensation all over your head. It isn’t throbbing. Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles also might occur. Anyone can get a tension headache, and they’re often triggered by stress. 

If you are getting headaches more than 15 days out of the month over a period of three months, you might have a chronic headache condition. You should see your doctor to find out what’s wrong, even if you’re able to manage the pain with aspirin or ibuprofen.

Headaches can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, and some do require treatment beyond OTC medications and home remedies.

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Extreme Heat: Tips & Tools to Stay Safe

Did you know? Extreme Heat causes more deaths each year than Earthquakes, Floods, Hurricanes, Lightning and Tornados combined!

The number one weather-related killer is Heat, and kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits.

In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and our bodies must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition.

Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

Extreme Heat

HEAT STROKE: What to Look For

High Body Temperature (103 degrees F or higher), hot and red skin, fast and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, losing consciousness passing out

What to do:

Call 911 as heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place, lower the person’s temperature with cool, moist cloths.  Do not give the person anything to drink.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: What to Look For

Heavy Sweating, Cold Pale and Clammy Skin, Fast and Weak Pulse, Nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting

What to do:

Move to a cool place, loosen clothes, apply cool wet cloths to the person’s body, sip water

Get medical help if vomiting, symptoms get worse or last longer than 1 hour.

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Your Health Matters!

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4 Facts Everyone Needs to Know About Beach Safety

beach safety

Whether you’re in Southern or Northern California, odds are you’re going to hit the beach at some point this summer. After all, our beaches are one of the major benefits of living in California! It’s helpful for you and your family to understand the importance of beach safety.

Beach Safety Facts

In order to practice beach safety, you need to understand the risks. Familiarize yourself with these beach safety facts before your day in the sand, sun, and surf:

  1. Dangerous rip tides – Rip tides can travel as fast as 8´/second, which means if you’re caught in one, it could take you out to sea. You can spot a riptide if you see that the waves aren’t breaking, seaweed is being pulled back in from the shore, or there’s foam on the beach.
  2. Flag colors – Different flags are posted at various parts of the beach to indicate safety conditions. You should only go swimming in an area with green or black and white checkered flags.
    • Double red flags mean the area is closed.
    • Single red flag means swimming in that area is risky.
    • Yellow indicates medium hazard.
    • Purple flags tell you there is dangerous marine life (see: sharks) nearby.
  3. Heat risks – Understand the risks of a hot sunny day. It’s the best time to go to the beach, but make sure everyone wears sunscreen. Avoid time in direct sunlight; bring an umbrella for shade to reduce the risk of sunburn. Additionally, drink lots of water to avoid heat exhaustion.
  4. Lifeguards are not babysitters – Even if there’s a lifeguard on duty, always keep an eye on everyone in your group when they go into the water. Never let children go into the water on their own without adult supervision.

Going to the beach can be a fun time. Just make sure that you familiarize yourself with these beach safety facts. For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store.

Men’s Health Week: What you need to know

Did you know about National Men’s Health Week?

In June, National Men’s Health Week always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. 

This year it is June 14-20.

Men’s Health Statistics

What better way to celebrate dad than to encourage him to take care of his health!

The week is all about the need for healthy bodies, hard exercise, good diet, and regular visits to the doctor.

Men’s health is not only a concern for men, but it is also a concern for women who care about the health of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers.

The health of men in America is steadily deteriorating, largely due to poor health education, lack of awareness and culturally induced behavior patterns.

This has caused a silent health crisis, whereby men face higher mortality rates than women for 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in addition to a shorter life span.

Additionally, men’s health is an issue for employers who lose productive employees and pay the costs of their medical care, as well as for society, which absorbs the enormous costs of premature death and disability. 

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Why Do I Have a Headache?

headache causes

Headaches are defined as any type of pain you might feel in your head. Everyone has experienced a headache at some point; they’re not uncommon. However, there are many types of and different headache causes.

If you’re having serious headaches, such as cluster headaches or migraines, then you should seek medical attention from a doctor in California. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they should go seek medical help due to headaches. Because of this, June was designated as National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month.

What Are the Common Headache Causes?

There are essentially two headache causes: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are when the pain that you feel in your head is the actual condition. A secondary headache is when the pain in your head is caused by something else, such as an illness or an allergy. There are many different triggers for primary headaches, including hormone fluctuations, dehydration, sleep disruption, stress, and more.

What Are Different Types of Headaches?

Headaches can be classified as either episodic or chronic. Episodic headaches occur infrequently. Chronic headaches occur regularly. The following are a few of the common types of headaches that you should know about:

  • Allergy – Certain allergies and sinus problems can lead to these secondary headaches.
  • Cluster – Cluster headaches cause burning sensations around the eye or on one side of the face.
  • Exertion – Exertion headaches are secondary headaches caused by intense physical activity, such as running or weightlifting. Such head pain is caused by the increased flow of blood to the skull.
  • Migraine – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 7 people experience migraines. They can be incredibly intense and can last days. They can cause nausea and vomiting as well.
  • Tension – Tension headaches are usually triggered by stress and cause dull, aching pains.

Visit A Doctor if You Experience Chronic Headaches

If you’re experiencing headaches on a regular basis, then you should seek medical attention. A doctor can help you manage the pain headaches cause as well as identify and avoid certain triggers.

For more information about headache causes and for general health advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store.