Beat Common Headaches

Almost everyone gets headaches, and there are more complaints about them than any other type of ailment. Tension headaches are most common with statistics showing they affect a majority of the population — 69 percent of men and 88 percent of women.

Much of the dramatic increase in tension headaches has been brought about by people working long hours on computers and sitting for hours doing paperwork. Stress adds to this type of headache. Tension headaches can be some of the most severe headaches and also the most resistant to treatment.

Although common headaches can be a pain, there are ways to fight back:

Watch your posture. Poor posture is a sure cause of tension headaches. If you find yourself sitting for an extended period, make it a point to practice good posture. Also, make sure you get up and stretch, since neck and shoulder muscles contract throughout the day. Get up periodically and move around, concentrating on stretching.

Relax. A major cause of headache is stress, so take time from your busy day to relax.

Get enough sleep. One of the most common causes of headaches is lack of sleep, so be sure to get what your body needs — usually eight hours. See my report "Good Sleep: Stop Insomnia, Reduce Stress, Boost Your Total Health”

Don’t skip meals. Make sure you eat — hunger is another common cause of headaches. But what you eat is vital — stay away from excitotoxic food additives. For more information on food additives and the damage they can cause to your body, read my newsletter "Food Additives: What You Eat Can Kill You."

Drink plenty of water. Water can cool your body down, which can reduce headaches. Eight glasses of distilled water a day are recommended. To learn more about what's in the water you're drinking, read my special report “Is Your Drinking Water Fit to Drink?"

Got a headache? Try these remedies:

• Apply a warm compress to the affected area. Soak a towel in warm water and apply it to the back of your neck.

• Get a massage. You hardly need an excuse for a massage, but a headache provides a good one. Massages can go a long way to relieving tension headaches. To release tension, massage the back of neck, scalp, and shoulders.

• Use topical ointments and oils. You can use an assortment of analgesic rubs such as BENGAY or essential oils to ease headaches.