Page 17 - Florida Sentinel 10-4-19

Health
PAIN TRIGGER:
PAIN TRIGGER:
PAIN TRIGGER:
PAIN TRIGGER:
PAIN TRIGGER:
BEVERAGES
STRESS
YOUR HAIRDO
STRONG SMELLS
When it comes to beverages, alco- hol is the king of pain. Red wine, whiskey, beer, and champagne are the drinks blamed most often for a throb- bing head.
Solution: Limit your intake of al- cohol.
Stress contributes to a vast array of aches and pains. Many people tighten the back muscles when anx- ious, leading to chronic back pain. Most tension headaches stem from stress. And stress may play a role in teeth grinding, leading to jaw pain.
Solution: Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
A tight ponytail may trigger -- or worsen -- a headache. Some migraine sufferers are more sensitive to sensa- tions that wouldn't bother others, such as a tight hat, headband, bun, or braids.
Solution: Wear your hair down and skip the hat.
Doctors aren't sure why, but strong smells are another common mi- graine trigger. This can include obnox- ious odors, such as paint and smoke. But pleasant scents, including perfume and fresh flowers, can also be a prob- lem.
Solution: Identify which smells spark your headaches and try to avoid them.
If you spend many hours a day at your desk or workstation, give some thought to the setup. A poorly posi- tioned chair can cause you to slouch forward, straining the back and neck. A monitor that's too low or too high will also strain the neck.
Solution: Place your monitor with the top of the screen at eye level. Position your chair so that you are sitting straight with your feet on the floor. Use a cushion to support the lower back if needed.
PAIN TRIGGER:
FLIP-FLOPS
YOUR WORKSTATION
Often, the blame for our pain rests on the simple choices we make every day. The Cleveland Clinic Florida shares a few examples -- start- ing with flip-flops and foam-soled sandals. They provide poor arch sup- port, leading to pain in the feet, an- kles, and knees.
Solution: Wear shoes with arch support. When you know you'll be walking a lot, opt for sneakers.
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