June is bustin’ out all over!

Today’s Prompt: What’s the best tip you can offer others for having some summer fun despite Migraines?

Sun, heat, food and fumes….with so many potential triggers how is a person with Migraines suppose to have any fun? Here are some basic summertime tips that I have discovered help me enjoy even the hottest days. Thanks to using these strategies I can now enjoy July 4th fireworks with my family after missing them for years.

1. Hydration, hydration, hydration – Take that big water bottle with you everywhere you go. Drink it all and fill it up again, and again, and again.
2. Wear your shades. That bright summer sun and its glare on the pavement can easily trigger an attack. Don’t leave the house without a nice pair of dark sunglasses.
3. Keep your cool. Use a cooling neck wrap bandana to keep cool when the temperature rises. You can find these in the camping section of any “big box” or outfitters stores. Just soak the wrap in cold water and tie around your neck or forehead. Dish towels soaked in ice water or ice bags filled with ice can also keep you cool on the hottest days.
4. Wide brims – They’re not fashionable, but they work. Find a wide-brimmed hat that covers your entire face and neck to protect you from the sun’s harsh rays.
5. Know your limits. Each migraine patient has their own unique tolerance level for the heat and sun. Know when to take a break. Sit in the shade or air conditioning as much as you need.
6. Watch your food triggers. Hot dogs, bratwurst, meat seasonings, chips & dip, and artificial sweeteners are plentiful in summertime fair. Bring your own meat for the grill, a veggie plate to share, and large coolers of your own safe beverages. If gluten is a trigger, plan ahead with your own gluten-free options.
7. Alcohol and migraines do not mix. Just tell your friends and family it’s “doctor’s orders” and then offer to be the designated driver.
8. Cigarette smoke and other harsh fumes are off limits. I had to eventually draw a hard line with my smoking family members. I am so sensitive to cigarette smoke that I will get a migraine if someone who just finished smoking walks by me. I gave them a choice. They could use alternative forms of nicotine (patch, gum, electronic cigarette) for the day or I would decline the invitation. My health is too important.

Have a fun, safe, migraine-free summer!

National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation.
The Blogger’s Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.