Opening Statement:
Take it from me, migraines and headaches are debilitating and the after effects are not good as well. I am prone to migraines that are triggered by my sinuses, tension, and stress. I sometimes vomit from the pain, need to sleep off the migraine for several hours, and avoid natural light or regular lighting in my house. Sometimes a hot shower will reduce the pain and a cold wet towel in the back of my neck or on my forehead. After a horrible migraine or a bad headache my body feels so weak that I can hardly move the following day. It also takes me a while to regain my appetite.
Observance and Awareness
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM) is observed in June and it recognizes, and honors the headache and migraine communities that are continuously working together for headache disorders be recognized as legitimate neurobiological diseases. It also encourages people with migraines or chronic headaches to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. It aims to enlighten individuals with headache disorders about the various treatments available.
History Of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
· In 1962, the publication of “Classification of Headache” by the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness was a major advancement in the establishment of the criteria for headaches.
· Specialized headache clinics were extremely rare during the beginning of the 20th century. Arnold Friedman, H. Houston Merritt, and Charles Brenner founded the first Montefiore Headache Unit in New York, in 1945. In 1964, Dr. Seymour Diamond established the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago.
· The National Headache Foundation was established in 1970, also by Dr. Diamond. The organization has since then been a force in the field of headaches and is known all around the country for its wide network of patient support groups. The 1990s saw the advent of triptans, which were used as abortive medication for treating migraines.
· In 2007, the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy was formed. This was because, at the time, there wasn’t enough funding for headache research in the U.S.
· With time, the speed of scientific research and progress increased. The development, certification, and accreditation of medicines for migraines and other headaches have further added to the research as well as the academic reputation of the field.
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Timeline
1989 - National Headache Week
National Headache Week is initiated by the National Headache Foundation.
2012 - Purple for Support
Purple becomes the official color of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, although it was first used in 2004 in an awareness campaign.
2013 - Change in Observance
The headache observance month, changed from National Headache Week in 2011, is renamed National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.
2018 - National Health Observance
The U.S. Government gives National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month the recognition of a National Health Observance.
How To Observe National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
Take Part in Community Walks
Take part in community walks and runs to support the cause. Presently, there are even virtual runs and walks where people can individually walk, run, or use a treadmill to raise funds for the cause.
Volunteer For Campaigns
Many associations carry out campaigns for which they need volunteers. Volunteer and play your part. You can also participate in fundraisers.
Share Your Story
If you suffer from migraines or any other kind of headaches, share your story and how it feels to live with this. Help others with these conditions realize that they aren’t alone.
5 Facts About Migraines That You Didn’t Know:
Migraines In Children
Migraines affect men, women, as well as children, and an estimated 10% of American children suffer from them.
High Rate of Headaches
According to the National Headache Foundation, 47% of adults in the United States experience some form of a headache each year.
Many Different Types of Headaches
There are 150 different types of headaches, with the most common being tension-, migraine-, and cluster headaches.
Migraine Prevalence in America
More than 36 million people experience migraine headaches in America, which is 12% of the entire population.
Migraines Worldwide
According to the World Health Organization, one in seven people suffer from migraines worldwide.
Why National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Is Important:
It Spreads the Word
National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month spreads awareness and legitimizes the harsh truths of these conditions. It brings the concerns of the patients to the forefront.
It Promotes Research Efforts
Throughout National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the International Headache Academy and other organizations carry out different kinds of campaigns to get young minds interested in the issue.
It Encourages People
National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month encourages people who face the issue and reach out to a healthcare provider. There are new treatments available that can help a lot.
Closing Statement:
It is best to bring migraines and bad headache issues to the attention of your healthcare provider. Try not to get through this alone if you have been experiencing migraines or bad headaches for a while. Always have what you need handy at home to help you get through a bad episode (Advil, Motrin, water, Gatorade, dry crackers, etc.) It is also important to alert someone that is close to you that can help you if you need medical attention. In some cases, you may need to go to the hospital to be evaluated if the migraine does not subside and you are unable to eat or drink anything. Becoming dehydrated can be a major issue and an additional health concern.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experiences
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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