The current economic condition might be impacting yet another aspect of your life- your health. Results from the most recent online survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation (NHF) focus on how the economic downturn is affecting headache sufferers. The study reveals headache sufferers make significant changes in headache treatment and prevention methods during a financial crisis.
Eighty-two percent of survey respondents claim to have made financial cut-backs due to the current economic situation. For example, 62 percent of respondents reported making dietary changes in response to the rising costs of food. Research shows that certain foods can act as triggers to headaches and dietary changes should be monitored accordingly. Additionally, stress, lack of sleep and anxiety were cited as the top three headache triggers by respondents. All of these conditions were also reported as occurring as a result of the economic strain on the participants’ lifestyles.
When asked about treatment methods, 63 percent admit they rely on prescribed medications for their headache. However, since the economic decline, 29 percent have either delayed or skipped filling prescriptions for headache medications due to financial set-backs. Another 53 percent switched to over-the-counter medication instead of their prescription medication to treat headache in an effort to save money.
“It’s not the economy that causes headaches, it’s the impact of the economy on lifestyles that can potentially trigger a headache,” says Suzanne E. Simons, executive director of the NHF. “Most people are dealing with higher levels of stress and anxiety over their financial situations, but to a migraineur, those emotions can translate into debilitating pain. On top of it, those who are suffering financially may not have access to proper medical care. This translates into a more severe hardship.”
THE FOLLOWING WOULD MAKE A GOOD SIDEBAR:
NHF’S TIPS FOR MANAGING HEADACHE DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURN:
• If you are unable to afford your medication, many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs. Talk to your doctor or visit www.headaches.org and click on Headache Education- Tools for Sufferers for a list of available programs.
• Talk to your doctor about your financial situation; there may be a generic form of your prescription available.
• Be aware of your individual food triggers. When making grocery choices, try to maintain a healthy diet and consider purchasing store-brand items rather than name-brand products.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as guided imagery or visualization.
• Include exercise in your daily routine, even a brisk walk can help to reduce stress.
