Article: Your physician can prescribe preventive medication to reduce the number and severity of your migraines. There are several different preventative medications that your physician may suggest. Preventive medications are meant to be taken daily and can include: Beta blockers, which are also used to treat heart disease. Although the reason they work is not clear, doctors believe it may be that they keep blood vessels from constricting and dilating in the brain. Beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal). Calcium channel blockers are another type of heart medication that have been found to reduce the number and duration of migraine headaches. These medications include verapamil (Calan) or diltiazem (Cardizem). Tricyclic antidepressants help prevent other kinds of headaches as well as migraines. Medications include amitriptyline(Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil). Some anticonvulsant medications will also prevent migraine headaches, although physicians are not sure why. Some anticonvulsants that have been effective include divalproex sodium (Depakote), gabapentin (Neurontin), topiramate (Topamax). Botox injections have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to treat migraines. The medication helps some people and is injected in a series in the forehead, temples, back of the neck and shoulders about every three months. Acute or abortive medications are designed to stop the headache you currently have. Acute or abortive medications are given when the symptoms first appear. Different medications are used to treat either the pain or the associated symptoms. Triptans are some of the first medications prescribed to relieve pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. Triptan medications include: almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig). Ergots work by constricting the blood vessels but have more side effects than triptans. These are the second type of medications used to help relieve pain and the associated symptoms, which can be worse than the headache itself. These medications include dihydroergotamine (Migranal) and ergotamine (Ergomar). Isometheptene, dichloralphenazone, and acetaminophen, known as Midrin, combines a pain reliever, sedative, and medication that also constricts blood vessels to address the needs of someone with a headache. Narcotics, such as codeine, are used for people who can't take triptans or ergots because of side effects, allergic reactions, or interactions with other medications. But keep in mind that narcotics may also cause dependency and rebound headaches. Consider using feverfew daily to prevent migraines or reduce the severity of migraine headaches. This is not proven to reduce the severity or the number of headaches from which you suffer. However, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests some effect, so it is worth considering. Freeze dried capsules are recommended because the tea is bitter and can irritate the mucous membranes in your mouth. Speak to your physician and pharmacist about integrating feverfew into your daily routine before starting. Feverfew can interact with other medications you may already be taking. Do not take feverfew if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or taking another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Taper off slowly if you decide to quit taking feverfew. Stopping feverfew quickly can result in the return of migraine headaches with more symptoms, such as increased nausea, and vomiting. Butterbur can be taken on a regular basis for up to four months, though again its helpfulness is based on anecdotal evidence and is not scientifically proven. Ask your doctor what extract and dose would be appropriate for your circumstances, including your weight, age, and any underlying medical conditions. Keep in mind that if you are allergic to ragweed, then you may be sensitive to butterbur. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or want to become pregnant should not take butterbur.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk to your doctor about prescription medications to prevent migraine headaches. Discuss acute or abortive medications with your doctor. Try feverfew. Consider butterbur to help reduce the severity and number of your migraines.
Article: Losing weight is not always healthy, and in fact can be quite harmful if you are already at a healthy weight or rely on inadvisable methods. Talking to a doctor or registered dietitian before embarking on a program is the best way to set the proper goals and methods for your healthy weight loss. Peer pressure and body image issues can make school-age young people particularly susceptible to the mistaken belief that they need to lose weight. If you are healthy just the way you are, focus only on maintaining that health and increasing your self-esteem and confidence. If you do need to lose weight, don't focus on a set number, or trying to look just like some famous person or popular schoolmate. Instead, establish with a professional what your healthy weight range should be and how best to reach it. You may want to believe that there is some miracle fix that will let you shed five pounds in the week before school starts; however, any fad diet that promises such results is either a lie or detrimental to your health. Also, even if they do work temporarily, quick-fix diets don't produce lasting results. Aiming to lose 1, and possibly at most 2 pounds per week is considered healthy for most people. Consult your doctor or dietitian. If you really want to lose weight before the new school year starts, your best option is to begin the process as soon as the prior school year ends. The tortoise and the hare weren't concerned with shedding pounds, but "slow and steady" is definitely the way to win this race. If you want to lose weight and keep it off then you need to make lasting changes to your lifestyle, including how you eat, how you think about food, and how active you are in your daily life. This takes time, as it requires you to recondition your brain and body. Weight loss works best when it is not a solo endeavor. Everyone needs a boost, an encouraging word, or a kick in the pants from time to time to succeed. Getting family, friends, and trusted advisors involved is your best option. It can be tough to stick with a salad with canned tuna on top when your brothers are inhaling a pizza from your favorite shop. Ask for some understanding as you try to change your habits, or better yet, see if you can get the rest of your family on board. It always helps to have someone you trust as a sounding board for those times when your cravings are getting the better of you or your confidence is low. If an organized weight loss program provides the support you need, by all means utilize one. You can be part of your own support network by keeping a food diary. Keeping track of what you eat, how much you eat, and why you eat, along with your lifestyle changes, exercise activities, and overall feelings, can help keep you self-motivated.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Consult an expert. Be realistic. Give yourself time. Rely on a support network.