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COLDS AND HEADACHES THE E-BOOK ON COLDS AND HEADACHES
THE E-BOOK ON COLDS AND HEADACHES
PUBLISHED BY HEALTHY JINGLES PUBLICATIONS LLC 2008 Jingles are presented as an efficient and effective way BY VERNON A. QUARSTEIN Ph.D. Copyright © 2006 and 2008 by Vernon A. Quarstein All Copy Rights Reserved unless purchased. The material in this electronic publication is protected under The material in this electronic publication may be stored only
on one computer at one time. You may keep one additional copy on CD or disk for backup purposes. You may not copy, forward, or transfer this publication or any part of it, whether in electronic or printed form, to another person or entity.Reproduction or translation of any part of this work without the permission of the copyright holder is against the law. Contact dr.h.jingles@gmail.com THE E-BOOK ON COLDS AND HEADACHES CARE TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 The Headache Jingles [1] CHAPTER 2 Tension Headaches Jingles [2] CHAPTER 3 Common Headaches Jingles [3] CHAPTER 4 Cervical Headache Jingles [4] CHAPTER 5 Secondary Headaches [5] CHAPTER 6 What to Do about Colds Jingles [6] CHAPTER Treatments for Sore Throat Jingles [7] About This E-book
INTRODUCTION Headaches and colds are two common maladies that at one time or another affect almost everyone who lives in temperate and cold climates. In this presentation we provide no cures, per se, but outline what can be done to reduce or even eliminate one or the other of these two afflictions. We first take the headache problem under advisement but need definitions so that everyone who wishes to solve these problems knows just what we are talking. The reference material on headaches was taken from Massachusetts General Hospitals’ publication entitled Mind, Mood and Memory. [1] That material was used specifically to support creation by us of the jingles indicated, and to provide a basis for the narrative medical explanations of the Healthy Jingles offered in this chapter. HEADACHES Sometimes headaches cause much pain and occasionally indicate more serious underlying problems. By definition the more common headache would be classed as either a tension headache or a migraine headache, and would neither be linked to some underlying problem nor would they be dangerous. Either medication or a change in behavior will correct these most common types of headaches. About 20 percent of all headaches are migraine headaches and are classed as benign. The benign headache is characterized by the following jingle: CHAPTER 1 The Headache Jingles [1] Throbbing Pain Jingle [1.1] Benign headaches mean throbbing pain, Worse pain with physical activity, Vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, side effects, Light, noise, or odor sensitivity. Pain Sources Jingle [1.2] Sources of benign headaches are many, Food additives or certain foods and stress, Oversleeping, lack of sleep, or alcohol, Hormonal fluctuations, skipping the mess. Narrative explanation [1.1]:
To treat migraine headaches the source or causative agent needs to be identified and eliminated. This may be foods, behaviors or stressors that trigger the malady. If you cannot find the source and eliminate the pain yourself refer the headache to a doctor. This, in turn, may require relaxation or biofeedback techniques and helpful medications. Tension Headaches Tension headaches comprise about 70 percent of all headaches. They typically are felt as band-like sensations around the neck and head. Tension headaches are triggered by poor posture, eye strain, fatigue, hunger, noise, stress, anxiety or depression. Episodic tension headaches last for about an hour following treatment with over-the-counter medication. CHAPTER 2 Tension Headaches Jingles [2] Band-like Sensations Jingle [2.1] These headaches are band-like sensations, Felt around the head and neck in excess, Triggered by poor posture, eye strain, Fatigue, hunger, noise, anxiety and stress. Episodic Headaches Jingle [2.2] Some tension headaches are episodes, An episodic headache’s duration? About an hour following a treatment, With over-the-counter medication. Narrative explanation [2.2]: Chronic tension headaches occur randomly on a daily basis and may continue for months. They do not respond to pain killers, but may, in fact, be the result of over medication. Treatments for chronic tension headaches include use of antidepressants, counseling for anxiety and depression, stress avoidance, relaxation training, and an emphasis on proper posture. CHAPTER 3 Common Headaches Jingles [3] Getting Started Jingle [3.1] Keep a journal of headaches to identify, Symptoms, timing, and possible ills. Exercise reduces stress-linked headaches, Try a range of simple painkiller pills. Certain Foods to Avoid Jingle [3.2] Avoid common headache foods, Such as preservatives or alcohol, Eat regularly to control blood sugar, And don’t over-medicate at all. Relaxation Jingle [3.3] Try progressive relaxation techniques, Contract muscles, then relax them in place, Starting with your toes work on up, Until you reach your neck and face. Imagery and Concentration Jingle [3.4] Guided Imagery consciously de-stresses,[2] Relax, visualize in mind’s eye repeatedly, Concentrating on the abdominal muscles, Breathe deeply, slowly and steadily. Cervical and Secondary Headaches Information on cervical headaches is taken from a CHAPTER 4 Cervical Headache Jingles [4] Symptoms Jingle [4.1] Cervical headaches are characterized by, Pain in the back of the head so to speak, Numbness or tingling in the scalp, neck, And arms, the arms start feeling weak. Narrative explanation [4.1]: Cervical headaches are linked to inflammation and damage to cervical vertebrae and connective tissue in the neck and spine caused by arthritis.
This type of headache is characterized by pain in the back of the head, numbness or tingling in the scalp, neck and arms, and/or weakness in the arms. Cervical Headache Treatment Jingle [4.2] Treatment involves use of NSAIDs This drug controls arthritic pain. Massage, heat, use physical therapy, Wear a therapeutic neck collar or chain. Narrative explanation [4.2]: Treatment involves use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or drugs to control pain caused by the underlying arthritis. Massage, heat, physical therapy, and wearing a neck collar can also be therapeutic. Surgery may be recommended in more serious cases. The foregoing information and advice, and the jingles that we have provided, are based on a CHAPTER 5 Secondary Headaches [5] Primary headaches include those treated as above except for cervical headaches, which are serious and secondary. Definitions of more complex and serious headaches referred to as “Secondary Headaches” signify a more serious condition requiring special medical treatments. The Secondary Headaches include eight different types: 1. Inflammation of the temporal artery: Temporal (giant cell) arthritis is an inflammation of the temporal artery that can lead to blindness if not treated quickly, usually in people over the age of fifty. 2. Nerve irritation: Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve irritation that causes head and jaw pain when chewing for which medical treatment by your doctor is recommended. 3. Brain tumors: which occur more frequently in the elderly. 4. Trauma from falls or other injuries: which present the risk of a dangerous bleeding on the brain. If your headaches begin after a fall, seek medical attention immediately. 5. Neck problems: which include arthritis, osteoporosis or changes associated with aging. 6. Vascular disorders: which presents a bleeding risk such as an aneurysm, a weak spot in an artery. 7. Systemic conditions: which may be infections, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, kidney failure, anemia or abnormal thyroid. 8. Depression and stress: which research suggests a link between depression and headache. Antidepressant drugs such as Cymbalta are often used to treat headache. Common Causes of Secondary Headaches The most common medicinal causes of headache are over-the-counter analgesics, such as ibuprofen[5], aspirin, and acetaminophen[6]. If you take these daily for months you need to see a doctor to run tests, like DT scans, or an MRI to pinpoint the cause of your headaches. You may be referred to a specialist, who will do more detailed testing. Most importantly, you will undergo in-depth questioning about your headache history; keep a diary documenting the frequency of your headaches and what you are doing when they occur. Recaps Recaps (recapitulations) of the messages following Healthy Jingles listed above, but without the narrative explanations, are provided below. These recaps are useful when explanations become clear and are retained. Headache Jingles Recap Throbbing Pain Jingle [1.1] Benign headaches mean throbbing pain, Worse pain with physical activity, Vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, side effects, Light, noise, or odor sensitivity. Pain Sources Jingle [1.2] Sources of benign headaches are many, Food additives or certain foods and stress, Oversleeping, lack of sleep, or alcohol, Hormonal fluctuations, skipping the mess. Tension Headaches Recap Band-like Sensations Jingle [2.1] These headaches are band-like sensations, Felt around the head and neck in excess, Triggered by poor posture, eye strain, Fatigue, hunger, noise, anxiety and stress. Episodic Headaches Jingle [2.2] Some tension headaches are episodes, An episodic headache’s duration? About an hour following a treatment, With over-the-counter medication. Cervical Headaches Recap Relaxation Jingle [3.3] Try progressive relaxation techniques, Contract muscles, then relax them in place, Starting with your toes work on up, Until you reach your neck and face. Imagery and Concentration Jingle [3.4] Guided Imagery consciously de-stresses,[7] Relax, visualize in mind’s eye repeatedly, Concentrating on the abdominal muscles, Breathe deeply, slowly and steadily Symptoms Jingle [4.1] Cervical headaches are characterized by, Pain in the back of the head so to speak, Numbness or tingling in the scalp, neck, And arms, and the arms start feeling weak. Cervical Headache Jingle [4.2] Treatment involves use of NSAIDs This drug controls arthritic pain. Massage, heat, use physical therapy, Wear a therapeutic neck collar or chain. THE COMMON COLD Colds usually occur in the winter months because of lower humidity and closer proximity of people to each other. The lower humidity dries out the mucus membranes where infections quickly start and quickly spread through closer contact with other. The most important strategy to prevent colds is to wash your hands often and avoid touching your face even when you sneeze or cough. Eyes, nose and mouth are convenient places for viruses to enter. Neither vitamin C nor Echinacea prevents colds. Research gives mixed results that Echinacea strengthens the immune system and wards off infections including colds and flu. Zinc preparations help treat colds but do not help prevent colds. CHAPTER 6 What to Do about Colds Jingles [6] The jingles on colds are based upon The Cleveland Clinic Men’s Health Advisor publication. [8] Use of Antibiotics Jingle [6.1] Colds are caused by germs, not cold climates, In most cases antibiotics are not useful, Only when you have bronchitis or sinusitis, Can antibiotics expect to be helpful. Rest and Fluids for Viruses Jingle [6.2] Viruses are killed by immune systems, So rest and fluids are your big canes, To help eliminate the virus infections, Restore moisture to the membranes. Wash but Don’t Touch Jingle [6.3] With hot water and with plenty of soap, Wash hands well and frequently, And keep them away from the face: Nose, eyes, and mouth- sanitarily. Cold Immunity System Jingle [6.4] Boost immunity with good and fresh, Nutrition and frequent exercising, Get adequate sleep, manage stress, Avoid smoking and limit alcohol-izing. Don’t Spread Infections Jingle [6.5] Drink fluids to flush out your system, Humidifier-moistened membranes abound, Cough or sneeze into tissue paper not hands, Use a disinfectant to clean objects around. Cold Symptoms Jingle [6.6] Itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, muscle aches, Means a combination medication would be good. But if you just have a runny nose and watery eyes, Sudafed or Afrin[9] would be a better than food. Self-treatment for Colds Jingle [6.7] If your symptoms are mostly sinus pressure, With congestion less itchy eyes and runny nose, Sudafed or Afrin would decongest you, Otherwise, call a doctor as he or she knows. Call a Doctor IF Jingle I [6.8] Call a doctor for any of these conditions, Unable to keep fluids down or vomiting. Chest pains or breathing difficulties, Sore throat with difficulty swallowing. Call a Doctor IF Jingle II [6.9] Call a doctor if coughing keeps you awake, Headaches or congestion despite medicine, Persistent fever for more than 48-72 hours, Even if taking your acetaminophen. Narrative explanation [6]: Colds are caused by germs, not cold weather, and usually by viruses. Therefore, antibiotics are not helpful in most cases. Only where you have bronchitis or sinus infections can antibiotics be expected to help much. The viruses are killed by the immune system so rest and plenty of fluids help eliminate the viruses. A humidifier is also often recommended as a way to restore moisture to the membranes. CHAPTER 7 Treatments for Sore Throat Jingles [7] The jingles on sore throats are based upon, “The Cleveland Clinic Men’s Health Advisor” publication. [10] Sore Throat Treatment I [7.1] Encourage the immune system, To relieve the symptoms faster, Gargling with warm salt water, Soothes a sore throat soon after. Sore Throat Treatment II [7.2] Chicken soup or hot liquids, A steamy shower or cool-mist, Can open your nasal passages, Try humidifiers for a real-assist. Sore Throat Treatment III [7.3] The mucus can be loosened by, Drinking plenty juice and water, Caffeine and alcohol-type drinks, Dehydrate mucus so they’re not better. Narrative explanation [7] Treatments usually focus on encouraging the immune system to relieve the symptoms. Gargling with warm saltwater can soothe a sore throat, Chicken soup or other hot liquids can open nasal passages. A steamy shower or cool-mist humidifier also helps. The mucus can be loosened by drinking plenty of water, juice, caffeine-free, or alcohol-free drinks as the latter two have a dehydrating effect. As for herbal and dietary supplements, vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc have all shown some ability to reduce symptom duration and severity, but not all studies have supported this contention. No matter how you choose to doctor a cold, it is important to react to the warning sign noted in the cold jingle above and call a real doctor. Recaps For Recall Recaps (recapitulations) of the messages following Healthy Jingles listed above, but without the narrative explanations, are provided below. These recaps are useful when explanations become clear and are retained Sore Throat Jingles Recap Sore Throat Treatment I [7.1] Encourage the immune system, To relieve the symptoms faster, Gargling with warm saltwater, Soothes a sore throat soon after. Sore Throat Treatment II [7.2] Chicken soup or hot liquids, A steamy shower or cool mist, Can open your nasal passages, Try humidifiers for a real assist. Sore Throat Treatment III [7.3] The mucus can be loosened by, Drinking plenty juice and water. Caffeine and alcohol-type drinks, Dehydrate mucus so they’re not better. About This E-book This E-book provided jingles to cover a variety of headaches and colds. Common headaches, tension headaches, cervical, headaches, secondary headaches and serious headaches were covered but without any sure cure through self help. The common cold and sore throats fall in the same category but there are ways to reduce severity. [1] Massachusetts General Hospital Mind, Mood & Memory. 2006. Handlingcommon headaches 2 (1): 7 [2] Alternative: Sit down, close eyes and listen to soothing tape, recite soothing words, or use soothing optical projection in your mind’s eye. [3] Massachusetts General Hospital Mind, Mood & Memory. 2006. Handling cervical headaches 2 (1): 7 [4] Massachusetts General Hospital Mind, Mood and Memory, 2006. Handling secondary headaches 2 (1): 7 [5] Used to treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation caused by tendonitis, arthritis, bursitis, gout, soft tissue injuries, migraine and other vascular headaches, menstrual cramps and other conditions such as reducing fever. [6] Used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever, including simple headaches, muscle aches, and mild forms of arthritis. Used for patients who cannot take aspirin such as those with ulcers or bleeding disorders. [7] Alternative: Sit down, close eyes and listen to soothing tape, recite soothing words, or use soothing optical projection in your mind’s eye. [8] The Cleveland Clinic Men’s Health Advisory. 2004. The common cold: What works? 6 (1): 4 [9] It would be important to drink plenty of water while taking these products. [10] The Cleveland Clinic Men’s Health Advisory. 2004. The common cold: What works? 6 (1): 4 |
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