Dear National Headache Foundation Press Release,
Lately I’ve found life to be an insufferable bore. All the zest has gone from my life. All I do every day is just sit around the house in my underwear drinking beer and watching Jerry Springer and Hawaii 5-o reruns. My wife thinks I should just go out and get a job, but I think she’s nuts. Any ideas?
-Wondering in Walla Walla
Dear Wondering,
CHICAGO, IL—With the beginning of the school year upon us, many parents are focusing on the education of their children, but along with thinking about academics, parents should be aware that their child might experience headaches as a result of resuming the school year. Nearly 30 percent of children miss school or other activities because of headaches according to an online survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation (NHF). Sixty-five percent of survey respondents stated that stress is a headache trigger and 56 percent of children with headaches feel pressure to receive good grades.
Dear National Headache Foundation Press Release,
Hey, what do you think of using MySpace to track down and possibly stalk ex-girlfriends? I think it’s a totally great idea with absolutely no downside, but my parole officer is less optimistic. Do you know of any controlling legal authority on this?
-Desperate in Denver
Dear Desperate,
For children, the start of school can be a time of both anticipation and anxiety. Facing new teachers, friends and classes along with changes in daily routine can be common triggers of migraine and tension-type headaches. Thirty-five percent of those completing the survey said there was pressure to fit in with peers. Unfortunately, young children are often unable to effectively communicate their symptoms, making it difficult for parents to recognize a recurring problem. According to the NHF survey, 56 percent of child sufferers experienced their first headache before age 10.
Dear National Headache Foundation Press Release,
I’m kinda pressed for time so I’ll be quick: Do you know how to disable one of those wireless security alarms that have like three back-ups? It’s screaming like 85 decibels in my ear right now and I haven’t even gotten to cracking open the safe. I think the heat’s almost here, too. And while you’re at it, what do you think of the Dodger’s chances for getting into the post-season?
-Troubled in Torrance
Dear Troubled,
Treatment options also pose a challenge for young headache sufferers upon their return to school. The NHF survey found that 82 percent of affected children take over-the-counter medications; however, many schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies with regard to bringing these types of drugs to school. Parents should review the school’s policy to determine what is permitted and also make sure that every teacher, the school nurse and administrators are informed about the child’s headache condition. MTW
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