Family, good food, and great memories… arguably some of the best parts of this time of year. But hand-in-hand with the joys of the holiday season, is the holiday stress. For those who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines, the added stressors can actually make this time of year a dreadful one, rather than joyful.

Middletown Medical's Headache Center Director, Dr. Uri Napchan, offers tips for minimizing head pain and maximizing joy this time of year:

Catch up on your Zzz's

Some chronic headaches and migraines are associated with specific triggers that vary by individual. However, sustaining a healthy environment for your body is the best defense. “Many people get caught up in the additional responsibilities of cooking, traveling, and shopping during the holiday season,” says Dr. Napchan. “Make it a priority to not let your sleep patterns suffer, and strive for the suggested eight hours per night for optimal health.”

Holiday treats in reason

Cookies, baked goods, and rich dinners are some of the best parts about the holiday season. However, they can also wreak havoc on the body's health. “Certain foods and ingredients are known triggers for chronic headaches and migraines, and should be consumed within reason or avoided,” says Dr. Napchan. “Be aware of food ingredients such as alcohol, caffeine, nitrates, MSG, and tyramine, as each has been identified as migraine and headache triggers for some people.”

More joy, less stress

Stress and anxiety are two of the most commonly reported triggers for migraines and chronic headaches among patients. During the holiday season, many report a large spike in the stress in their life, which can lead to an increase in headache troubles. “It is important to enjoy the moment, and not put too much pressure on oneself during the holiday season,” says Dr. Napchan. “Take time to take care of yourself, be realistic, and don't overextend yourself. It'll make this time of year better for you, and for your body.”

Ask the professionals

for help

For those who still find disruption in their everyday life due to migraines and chronic headaches, a personalized treatment plan may be in order. “We offer our patients specialized Botox injections, and cutting-edge medication therapies to combat chronic migraines and headaches,” says Dr. Napchan. “It is my goal to help those with chronic, severe headaches and migraines find relief. I approach every patient individually and tailor a specific plan to help alleviate their pain.”

Interested patients may visit www.MiddletownMedical.com for more information, or call (845) 342-4774.

Uri Napchan, M.D. is a board-certified neurologist who is also board-certified in pain medicine with a sub-specialty in headache medicine. He currently serves as Director of Middletown Medical's Headache Center. An expert in migraine care, Dr. Napchan conducts evaluations to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for each of his patients. He is an advocate for neuropreventative health education — teaching physical, mental, and social activities that help the brain protect itself against neurological disorders.

Dr. Napchan educates patients about how to:

? Identify “triggers” that may initiate the onset of a migraine headache.

? Learn activities and behaviors that reduce their risk of experiencing a migraine.

? Anticipate an episode in time for prevention.

? Adopt coping methods for pain reduction when a migraine does occur.

About The Headache Center

Middletown Medical's Headache Center, opened in 2011 in Middletown, N.Y., was the first of its kind to be available to patients in the Hudson Valley. The Headache Center has since expanded to also serve patients in neighboring Sullivan County through a Monticello, N.Y. office. With education and treatment provided by The Headache Center, patients learn how to modify their lifestyles and living environments to suppress migraine development.