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Balanced Living
 Pulling Ahead of Headaches
June 3rd to 9th, 2007 is National
Headache Awareness Week
First, you burned breakfast. Then, you were late for work. And on your way home, the car had a flat tire,
making you miss your daughter's softball game.
Now, you've got this throbbing headache that has gone from a minor annoyance to a major jackhammer
pounding away in your skull. And, this jackhammer crew keeps busy: An estimated 45 million Americans
suffer from chronic headaches, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. In
fact, for half that number, that pounding pain will be severe and possibly disabling.
For most of us, though, relief is as close as the medicine cabinet: About 90 percent of all headaches are
harmless episodes that can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers -- alone or together with rest, ice
packs, or relaxation techniques.
Just what is a headache?
Most often, that pain is caused by one of two things:
- An inflammation, spasm, or stretching in the scalp, in the membranes that cover the brain and in the
muscles of the face and jaw.
- A temporary distortion of the blood vessels that supply the brain. They tighten, then relax and expand.
The enlarged blood vessels press against nerves, causing pain. A shortage of serotonin, a chemical in the
brain, can cause the vessels to constrict.
In general, headaches fall into three classes: tension, migraine, and cluster.
Tension headaches
The most common type of headache (accounting for about 90 percent) is the tension type. Some people
describe them as a band of pressure or tightness around the head, at the back of the neck, or at the base of
the skull. Some can last weeks, months -- even years.
"A headache is nature's way of telling you that there's been an overload on the nervous system," says
Joseph P. Primavera 3rd, Ph.D., a psychologist with the Jefferson Headache Center, part of Thomas
Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. "In a sense, it's like blowing a fuse in your brain. For most
people, the 'fuse' will re-set in a few hours, whether or not you take a painkiller, and the symptoms will
gradually recede until you're feeling fine again."
A lot of stress factors contribute to headaches, says Seymour Diamond, M.D., executive chairman of the
National Headache Foundation. "The first step in controlling chronic headache pain is pinpointing the
nature of its causes and symptoms."
Migraine headaches
Unlike tension headaches, you can blame migraines on those temporary changes in the diameter of blood
vessels serving the brain and scalp.
While some people call any severe headache a migraine, the real thing is usually much more intense --
throbbing pain accompanied by nausea and even vomiting. Migraines can also bring heightened sensitivity
to light, sounds, and smells.
Migraines affect 28 million Americans, who often inherit the affliction. Research has also shown ties to
diet, stress, menstruation, and environmental changes.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches bedevil about a million U.S. residents, mostly men and mostly at night. Like migraines,
cluster headaches follow changes in the brain's blood flow. Unlike migraines, they last less than an hour
and occur in predictable "clusters" -three- to eight-week periods in which they can strike several times a
day.
Cluster headaches produce extremely severe pain, incapacitating victims even more than migraines. But,
cluster headaches can enter long periods of remission.
The causes
Doctors aren't sure what causes migraines or cluster headaches, but they've identified foods and food
additives that can trigger a headache.
Have you heard of "Chinese restaurant syndrome"? It's the headache some of us get after a favorite
Chinese meal. It comes from the food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG), also found in some frozen
foods, lunch meats, canned and dry soups, and many other processed foods.
Then there's a class of chemicals called nitrites, used to preserve bacon, sausage, canned ham, smoked fish,
and other meats. Nitrites can affect the body much the same way as low levels of serotonin-blood vessels in
the brain dilate, sometimes producing a headache.
And, certain foods that contain tyramine (such as hard cheeses, peas, navy and lima beans, fresh bread,
yogurt, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate) can trigger headaches -- especially in people who get migraines.
Only 5 to 7 percent of the Americans who suffer chronic headaches seek medical help. But, Dr. Diamond
stresses that "if you're getting headaches almost daily, you need a doctor." Ditto if your headaches "are
increasingly unresponsive to over-the-counter medications."
Take your headache to a doctor, he adds, if you experience "neurological manifestations" (such as flashing
lights, blurred vision, slurred speech, numbness, weakness, or less feeling in a limb), or if the headaches seem
to be triggered by exertion such as exercise, sneezing, or bowel movements.
Other red flags:
- Headaches three or more times per week.
- Sudden or very severe head pain, especially if you were previously pain free.
- A headache you'd call the worst you've ever had.
- A headache after a head or neck injury.
- A headache accompanied by fever, nausea, shortness of breath, or vomiting, or unexpected symptoms of
eyes, ears, nose, or throat.
A trip to the doctor can help eliminate discomfort.
Treating your headache
Over-the-counter medications are the first line of defense for treating the common headache. Some other
methods:
- Place an ice pack on the forehead, eyes, temples, or nape of the neck.
- Take a warm bath or shower to help relieve tension.
- Rest in a quiet, darkened room.
- Use simple relaxation techniques -- breathing deeply, relaxing your muscles and using visual images.
- Try progressive relaxation. Tense your toes slowly as you breathe in, then relax your toes as you let go of
the tension and exhale. Work your way up the body, tensing and relaxing other muscles.
- Exercise for 30 minutes at least three to four times a week. Any aerobic exercise slows your heart rate and
releases painkilling chemicals in the brain.
- Avoid foods associated with the onset of your headaches.
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Don't skip meals.
- Have your eyes checked.
For more information:
https://fhahelps.personaladvantage.com/logon?target=content?sub=10000136
http://www.headaches.org
 Screening for Men's
Health Problems
June 11th to 17th, 2007 is
National Men's Health Week
Although you might not want to take the time to see your doctor if you're feeling fine, regular checkups
and screenings can help you find out about any potential health problems you may have. Early detection
is crucial in treating the following conditions affecting men.
Testicular cancer
Cancer of the testicle is the most common type of cancer in American men ages 29 to 35. The following are
considered at-risk groups: males ages 15 to 35 (especially Caucasians), men with a family history of testicular
cancer, and those who had an undescended testicle at birth. Monthly self-examinations for lumps are
crucial, as often there are no other symptoms in the early stages.
If cancer is confirmed by a physician, the affected testicle usually is surgically removed. The remaining,
healthy testicle, in most cases, can produce sufficient sperm and hormone levels for normal functioning.
Enlarged prostate
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of the body.
While the prostate becomes enlarged in nearly all men over age 50, in one of every 10 men this enlargement
constricts the urethra, making urination difficult or, in extreme cases, blocking the flow of urine altogether.
African-American men are especially prone to this condition.
Look for these symptoms of prostate enlargement:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty in starting flow of urine
- Decreased force and thickness of urine stream
- Sleeplessness due to need to urinate at night
- Dribbling after the end of urination
Report these symptoms to your physician, who will conduct appropriate testing.
Save the date!
National Cancer Survivors Day
is June 3rd, 2007.
For more information visit:
www.ncsdf.org
Prostate cancer
Except for skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among American men. The following
are considered at-risk groups: all men over 50 (especially African-Americans), men with a family
history of prostate cancer, and those with a high-fat diet.
All men should consult their doctor to assess their potential risk and discuss an appropriate screening
strategy. Periodic screenings using a digital rectal exam or a prostate specific antigen test may detect
prostate cancer in its early stages.
If prostate cancer is confirmed, surgical removal of the organ is not always necessary. Doctors will determine
if the disease is limited to the prostate and recommend
further treatment as needed.
Colon and rectal problems
Cancer of the colon or rectum is the third most common
form of cancer among American men. Several
tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer. They include a digital rectal exam, a fecal occult blood test (to
look for blood in the stool), sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower colon with a thin and flexible scope),
barium enema with air contrast and colonoscopy (examination of the entire colon).
The American Cancer Society recommends that men 50 and older have a yearly fecal occult blood test and
a sigmoidoscopy every five years.
For more information:
https://fhahelps.personaladvantage.com/logon?target=content?sub=10000233
http://www.menshealthweek.org
 10 Facts About AIDS
and HIV Infection
National HIV Testing Day is
June 27th, 2007
If you're not quite sure what's up with AIDS these days, don't feel alone. Misconceptions and falsehoods concerning
AIDS and HIV abound. The following facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
can help you learn more about the disease and its source virus, and what you can do to protect yourself.
- AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system is
slowly but ultimately destroyed.
- AIDS is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Infection with HIV is preventable.
- HIV is spread through contact with blood and intimate body fluids. This contact comes primarily through
sexual relations and sharing needles with illegal drug users. A pregnant woman can also pass on the virus to
her unborn child. An infected woman who is breast feeding can also pass the virus on to the infant.
- You can protect yourself from HIV infection by correctly using latex condoms every time you have sex
(unless you are in a committed monogamous relationship with someone who you are sure is not HIV-positive)
and by not sharing needles.
- HIV isn't spread through casual contact. Shaking hands; hugging; and sharing restrooms, equipment, food
utensils and drinking fountains won't transmit HIV.
- Medical tests detect antibodies to HIV. These antibodies are in the bloodstream and are the immune system's
attempt to eliminate the virus. Antibodies are detectable about six to 12 weeks after infection with HIV. When
antibodies are present in someone's blood, that person is said to be "HIV-positive."
- Most HIV-positive people live normal, active lives for some years after infection. Not everyone who's HIVpositive
develops AIDS, but most people have. For many HIV-positive people, symptoms serious enough to
constitute an AIDS diagnosis begin to appear eight to 10 years after infection. In February 2005, a new strain of
HIV was detected; it progresses from time of infection to full-blown AIDS in less than 20 months, and possibly
in as little time as two to three months. This strain is resistant to three of the four classes of available AIDS
drugs. Although only one case had been detected at the time, it is a very worrisome development.
- The epidemic affects people of all ages, races and sexual preferences. Infections among women and adolescents
are increasing faster than in any other population group.
- Assessing and taking responsibility for your behavior and educating yourself about HIV and AIDS is key to
protecting yourself and your partners from HIV infection.
- There's no cure for AIDS, but new medications such as protease inhibitors can significantly slow the progression
of the disease.
For more information:
https://fhahelps.personaladvantage.com/logon?target=content?sub=10000228
http://www.napwa.org
 Correcting Errors on
Your Credit Report
Under the law, both the Consumer Reporting Agencies ("CRA") and the organization that provided the
information to the agencies, such as a bank or credit card company, have responsibilities for correcting
inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. To protect all your rights under the law, contact
both the CRA and the information provider if you have a dispute.
First, tell the CRA in writing what information you believe is inaccurate. Include copies (not originals) of
documents that support your position. In addition to providing your name and address, your letter
should identify each item in your report you dispute. State the facts and explain why you dispute the
information and request deletion or correction. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested,
so you can document what the CRA received. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures.
CRAs must reinvestigate the item(s) in question - usually within 30 days - unless they consider your dispute
frivolous. They also must forward all relevant data you provide about the dispute to the information
provider. After the information provider receives notice of a dispute from the CRA, it must investigate,
review all relevant information provided by the CRA and report the results to the CRA. If the information
provider finds the disputed information to be inaccurate, it must notify all nationwide CRAs so that they
can correct your file.
Disputed information that cannot be verified must be deleted from your file.
- If your report contains inaccurate information, the CRA must correct it.
- If an item is incomplete, the CRA must complete it. For example, if your file showed that you were late
making payments, but failed to show that you were no longer delinquent, the CRA must show that your
payments are now current.
- If your file shows an account that belongs only to another person, the CRA must delete it.
When the reinvestigation is complete, the CRA must give you the written results and a free copy of your
report if the dispute results in a change.
If you request, the CRA must send notices of any correction to anyone who received your report in the
past six months. You can have a corrected copy of your report sent to anyone who received a copy during
the past two years for employment purposes. If a reinvestigation does not resolve your dispute, ask the
CRA to include your statement of the dispute in your file and in future reports.
In addition to writing to the CRA, you should tell the creditor or other information provider in writing
that you dispute an item. Be sure to include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position.
Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider continues to report the disputed item to
any CRA after receiving your notice, it must include a notice that you dispute the item. If you are correct -
that is, if the information is not accurate - the information provider may not report it again.
Accurate Negative Information
When negative information in your report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal.
Accurate negative information generally can stay on your report for seven years. There are certain exceptions:
- Bankruptcy information may be reported for 10 years.
- Credit information reported in response to an application for a job with a salary of more than $75,000 has
no time limit.
- Information about criminal convictions has no time limit.
- Credit information reported because of an application for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life
insurance has no time limit.
- Default information concerning U.S. Government insured or guaranteed student loans can be reported
for seven years after certain guarantor actions.
- Information about a lawsuit or an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until
the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer.
Seven-Year Reporting Period
With regard to any delinquent account placed for collection - internally or by referral to a third-party debt
collector, whichever is earlier - charged to profit and loss, or subjected to any similar action, the seven-year
period is calculated from the date of the delinquency that occurred immediately before the collection activity,
charge to profit and loss or similar action.
For example, assume that your payments on a loan were late in January, but that you caught up in
February. You were late again in May, but caught up in July. You were again late in September, but did not
catch up before the account was turned over to a collection agency in December. You made no more payments
on the account, and it is charged to profit and loss in July of the following year.
Under the FCRA, the January and May late payments each can be reported for seven years. The collection
activity and the charge to profit and loss can be reported for seven years from the date of the September
payment, which was the delinquency that occurred immediately before those activities.
Adding Accounts to Your File
Your credit file may not reflect all your credit accounts. Although most national department store and allpurpose
bank credit card accounts will be included in your file, not all creditors supply information to
CRAs. Some travel, entertainment, gasoline card companies, local retailers, and credit unions are among
those creditors that don't.
If you've been told that you were denied credit because of an "insufficient credit file" or "no credit file" and
you have accounts with creditors that don't appear in your credit file, ask the CRA to add this information
to future reports. Although they are not required to do so, many CRAs will add verifiable accounts for a
fee. However, understand that if these creditors do not report to the CRA on a regular basis, the added
items will not be updated in your file.
You can file a complaint by calling the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center toll-free at
1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or by filling out the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Complaint Form
online.
Three Largest National Credit Bureaus
- Equifax 1-800-685-1111
- Experian 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
- Trans Union 1-800-916-8800
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