October WNY Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group Meeting

October WNY Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group Meeting

Please join us for the next meeting of the Western New York Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group on Monday, October 28, 2013. We will be meeting at 7 p.m. in the conference room on the first floor of the Dent Tower, 3980 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, N.Y. 14226.  

We will be having an "open topic" night. Bring your migraine and headache disorder questions, concerns, tips and tricks to discuss with the group.

We ask that you please not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or scented hair products as these may be strong migraine triggers for some people. Feel free to wear protective eye wear, though we do try to keep the lights as low as possible.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Monday, October 28, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Dent Tower. The office is handicap accessible and there is plenty of parking. For more information contact nhb@wnymigrainesupport.com or call (716) 512-3983.

 
For more information and update, and to "Like" us on our Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/wnyMigraineandHeadacheGroup.

Thanks for reading,

Nancy

                        Follow me on  or 

               Migraine.com    WNYMigrainesupport.com       HormonesMatter.com

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2013.

Last updated October 28,  2013.

Western New York Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group Meeting

September Western New York Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group Meeting

Please join us for the next meeting of the Western New York Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group on Monday, September 23, 2013. We will be meeting at 7 p.m. in the conference room on the first floor of the Dent Tower, 3980 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, N.Y. 14226.  

A  representative from Allergan (the makers of Botox®) will be joining us and will hopefully answer any questions we may  have.

We ask that you please not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or scented hair products as these may be strong migraine triggers for some people. Feel free to wear protective eye wear, though we do try to keep the lights as low as possible.

We look forward to seeing you Monday, September 23, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Dent Tower. The office is handicap accessible and there is plenty of parking. For more information contact nhb@wnymigrainesupport.com or call (716) 512-3983.

 
For more information and update, and to "Like" us on our Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/wnyMigraineandHeadacheGroup.

Thanks for reading,

Nancy

                              Follow me on  or 

               Migraine.com    WNYMigrainesupport.com       HormonesMatter.com

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2013.

Last updated September 20,  2013.

Obesity and Migraine - What's the Connection

Obesity and Migraine - What's the Connection

I am an overweight female who has migraine disease. It’s been suggested to me by my loved ones and medical team that if I were to "lose some weight" I would feel better. The truth is I have lost weight and lowered my BMI (body mass index) by 11 points, but  still have migraines. Is there a connection between being fat and migraines? Yes, we do know from other studies that there is an association between being overweight and chronic migraines. Now however, it appears that people who have episodic (14 or fewer migraine attacks a month) migraines are more apt to be obese people who do not have migraine.

 A study was recently released from the American Academy of Neurology in the September 11, 2013 online issue of Neurology ® regarding obesity and migraine. "Episodic migraine and obesity and the influence of age, race, and sex " authored by Dr. B. Lee Peterlin of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD  showed people with a high BMI are 81% more likely to have episodic migraines. Peterlin said "previous studies have shown a link between people with chronic migraine and obesity, but the research has been conflicting on whether that link existed for those with less frequent attacks."

This study included 3,862 participants who completed a questionnaire on their age, height, migraine frequency  and weight. Of the participants, 1,044 were reported to be obese; 188 of them had episodic migraine. Per the study, participants who showed the strongest association between migraines and obesity were women under 50 years-old and Caucasian.  

Dr. Peterlin also said that it would be beneficial for health care professionals to encourage people with episodic migraine to incorporate healthy choices into their lives. He went on to say "as obesity is a risk factor that can potentially be modified and since some medications for migraine can lead to weight gain or loss, this is important information for people with migraine and their doctors.” 

 A healthy food plan, avoiding migraine triggers, getting some form of daily exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule are all lifestyle choices that many of us need to make. A conversation about weight gain as a potential side effect of the medications we take is important to have with our doctors. While some of these changes are more difficult to make and stick to then others, it is important to be mindful of our choices. This will enable us to take control of our migraines and not let them control us.

 ________________

Sources: 

Press Release. "Obesity May Be Associated with Even Occasional Migraines."
Minneapolis, M.N. September 11, 2013. http://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/1208.

 Vroomen Durning, Marijke. "Obesity May Increase Migraine Odds." USA News. HealthDay, September 11, 2013. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/09/11/obesity-may-increase-migraine-odds.

Photo credit: Nancy Harris Bonk 

Thanks for reading,

Nancy

                                   Follow me on      or   

             Migraine.com   WNYMigrainesupport.com  HormonesMatter.com

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2013. Last updated September 15,  2013. 

Can We Call Migraine a Migraine, Please

Can We Call Migraine a Migraine, PLEASE?

About a month ago Dr. Oz had a show discussing  how we could heal our headaches holistically. The show was called The New Science to Reverse Aging and I was excited to watch the video. 

From the start I became uneasy as both doctors were using the phrase 'migraine headache' without distinction. This drove me nuts - is it so to call migraine a migraine and headache a headache? If you are going to have 'experts' on your show, shouldn't they know the difference? And enough already, Dr. Oz, please - migraine is a genetic neurological disease - NOT a headache.

 

Now, to give this doctor a bit of credit he did have some good points. Prevention is key, vitamin B2 is helpful, and it's  important watch our triggers. BUT was he talking about - migraines or headaches? 

I've continued with my "rant,"  Please Folks - Migraine is Not a Headache -on Hormones Matter.com.  Take a minute and go over to see what you think. 

Thanks for reading,

Nancy

                      Follow me on      or   

             Migraine.com   WNYMigrainesupport.com  HormonesMatter.com

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2013. Last updated August 26,  2013. 

The August 2013 Headache Disorders and Migraine Blog Carnival

 Presenting the August 2013 Headache Disorders and Migraine Blog Carnival


I have the special honor of being able to host the August 2013 Headache Disorders and Migraine Blog Carnival. Diana Lee at Somebodyhealme.com has been hosting this carnival since December 2007 and has given migraine and headache bloggers a wonderful venue to share their very personal experiences, trials and errors, treatments, thoughts, and hopes for the future.  

We have some wonderful submissions this month I can't wait to share with you.  Candy Meacham at Art of Migraine has written a very personal look at suicide called "Suicide is a scary thought."

Diana Lee's contribution is a blog post she wrote for the American Headache and Migraine Association called "Migraine & Headache Disorders: We Are Mourning."

Kerrie Smyres of The Daily Headache shares her thoughts and helpful hints for people with migraine in "Suicide & Migraine: Thoughts From Someone Who's Considered It."  



Nikki Albert talks about her deeply personal "suicide survival date" on her blog, The Brainless Blogger.

See what happens when you think you've hit rock bottom with Kat at Happy Healthy 365 in her post "Believe." 

Andy Honaker talks about just how inconvenient migraine is in his post "Migraines are NOT Convenient" at his blog, "Against the 'Graine."


"Tomorrow will be better, till you get there…" is a post written by Casey Russell at the blog, My life with the BEAST. A strong believer in "suicide is a quick solution to a big problem," Casey shares how important it is not to give up hope.

My submission is "Headache Disorders and Suicide" right here at Closing the SEAMS in Migraine and Headache Disorders.


Deb Maire asked me to share this with you. They are a bit dark in spots, but heartfelt. Please try not to worry, Deb is OK.

Suicide has been on my mine alot these days
I have so many people to use me for their on purpose
Even though I can humbly say I have helped many
My dreams have demised by the financial abuse if others that take advantage of my kindness on a daily basis.
Now my assistant who has been with me for 3 years has used my connections for a job. Well, if I was totally well I would wish her well and say ---- ok - fine, we will meet sometime for lunch.
My husband who has been has not agreed with her hours and says she works slow to make money and has not put forth a big push for Gemassist in a year.
Said she was looking for connections for another job Full time at our expense - meaning he pays her to help me around the house and keeping a schedule, etc. 
Sometimes I am so house bound that I am lonely and I enjoy her company to know some one will be by or call. Yes, I have told my doctor, yes I have told my psychologist about my suicidal thoughts.
I have noticed that I just can not keep friends with my illness.
I desperately asked my husband to give me something due to my religion is the only thing that keeps me alive. 
I am sorry for writing but this is thoughts of a suicide person giving up on fighting her illness. Making friends that are fake on the web and in person.
Tried of paying doctors.
Tried of believing that there is hope out there to do more.
I watch my diet but I can seem to loose weight due to calories intake is more than exercise due to my sleeping for my head pain.
I have not had Botox in awhile due to issues so maybe ??? I will feel better after it.
No I doubt it.
I still do not have a brain that can handle stress well.
Well, all for now
 Do not worry about me! 
This is my thoughts on suicide




The September 2013 Headache Disorders and Migraine Blog Carnival theme is: How has blogging and/or social media helped you combat stigma in your life or in the disease community at large?  

Submissions are due Friday, September 6, 2013, by midnight - the end of the day please and will be published on Monday, September 9, 2013. Teri Robert of the Headache Disorders Blog Network with be the host. Please submit your links to teri@terirobert.com.



Thanks for reading,

Nancy

                                      Follow me on  or 

             Migraine.com   WNYMigrainesupport.com  HormonesMatter.com

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2013. Last updated August 12,  2013.