Chicago, IL - July 17, 2006 - In an effort to strike out headache pain, the National Headache Foundation (NHF) is working with the Chicago Bandits to educate their fans about the impact of this legitimate neurobiological disease and how sufferers can take control of their lives.
On Saturday, July 29, the NHF will be at the Bandits game to provide information about headaches, their causes, symptoms and treatments and answer headache-related questions from the fans. Also at the July 29 game will be former players from the All American Girls Baseball League. With more than 45 million headache sufferers in the United States, the Bandits fan base is undoubtedly affected by this disease. To provide headache relief, the NHF offers the following 12 tips for a headache free year in the categories of Work, Home and Play:
Work
- Schedule a realistic day. Avoid the tendency to schedule back-to-back appointments for a breathing spell.
- Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. This way, unexpected delays won’t make you late.
- Make sure your work space is ergonomically designed from your chair to your computer keyboard. Using a non-glare computer screen and proper lighting can also be helpful.
- If an especially unpleasant task faces you, do it early in the day; then the rest of your day will be free of anxiety.
Home
- Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.
- Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table, make lunches, put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.
- Don’t rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc. Crossing tasks off of your list gives a sense of accomplishment.
- Don’t put up with something that doesn’t work. If your toaster, alarm clock, windshield wipers-or other item-is a source of aggravation, get them fixed or replace them.
Play
- Check your breathing throughout the day, and before, during, and after high-pressure situations. If you find your stomach muscles are knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax all your muscles and take several deep, slow breaths.
- Try a yoga technique. Inhale deeply through your nose to the count of eight. Then, with lips puckered, exhale very slowly through your mouth for 16 counts, or for as long as you can. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.
- Use your weekend time for a change of pace. If your work week is slow and patterned, build action and time for spontaneity into your weekends. If your work week is fast-paced and full of deadlines, seek peace and solitude during your days off.
- Allow yourself time – everyday – for privacy, quiet, and introspection.
“The National Headache Foundation is excited about this unique opportunity to partner with the Chicago Bandits and to help their fans improve their quality of life with these twelve easy tips,” states Suzanne Simons, executive director of the NHF.
The National Headache Foundation, founded in 1970 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving headache sufferers, their families and the healthcare providers who treat them; promoting research into headache causes and treatments; and educating the public to the fact that headaches are a legitimate biological disease and that sufferers should receive understanding and continuity of care.
The Comcast Chicago Bandits are now in their second year as a professional team and are currently in first place with 20 wins and 3 losses. For additional information, call 1-877-7BANDIT or e-mail chicagobanditsmedia@gmail.com.
Interviews with NHF Executive Director Suzanne Simons are available upon request. For an electronic copy of this release, e-mail broberts@silbarpr.com
Contact:
Suzanne E. Simons
Executive Director
National Headache Foundation
(312) 274-2651
Brent Roberts or Brooke Highline
Merton G. Silbar Public Relations
(847) 729-7333
broberts@silbarpr.com or bhighline@silbarpr.com
