DECREASING HEADACHES

WINTER 2012

More than 1 or 2 headaches a month are too many...

This 4 session group program meets once a week, providing an introduction to current information on the proven, drug-free strategies most helpful in decreasing, better understanding, and managing stress-related tension headaches and migraine headaches.

CONTENT :

After looking at numerous research studies, the U.S. Headache Consortium (which includes 7 medical societies) has given relaxation therapy, cognitive stress management approaches, and specific biofeedback treatments a Grade A efficacy rating in treatine migraine headaches.

This program includes these approaches, along with the following topics:

the most common causes for awakening with a headache
headache trigger combinations - and the ones to really watch for
the 4 triggers that account for two-thirds of all migraines
the specific types of stressors that prompt headaches
2 ways that breathing can cause headaches
the "3 mini-days" approach to headaches
to eat or not to eat?
practical strategies to try as a headache is coming on
stages in the migraine's neurovascular process where you can intervene
skeletal muscle and smooth muscle self-regulation techniques
4 techniques to relax your eyes
how to release tension in neck, shoulder and back muscles
see what a psychophysiological profile (using sensitive biofeedback monitors) can tell you about the brain/body connection and headaches
practice with 2 types of biofeedback helpful in decreasing or aborting headaches
techniques that decrease head pain
developing a personal pain management action plan

The Decreasing Headaches program includes ideas from the Menninger Clinic, the University of South Carolina Medical School's Headache Program, the New England Institute for Behavioral Medicine's headache program, the St. Louis University School of Medicine's headache clinic and chronic pain clinics. This educational program is meant to be a basic introduction to headache management with the primary goal of developing a comprehensive personal headache and pain management plan. Daily practice of techniques is very strongly recommended. Participants are encouraged to follow-up by self-monitoring, working toward further behavioural change / improved self-care, developing their skills, and/or seeking further resources.

After this program, some participants may benefit from enrolling in the 12 session Relaxation and Stress Management Skills Training program to further develop and strengthen skills in physical and mental relaxation.

Some people choose to have a combination of a group program and private sessions. For example, you may have one or more private sessions to get started on some strategies right away while waiting for the next group program to start. Some individuals progress further with some private training after a group program, tailoring the ideas to their specific situation.

Comments from past participants in the Decreasing Headaches Program.

DATES, TIME, and LOCATION :

This 4 session program meets on Wednesday evenings , from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. in Room 335 University Centre at the University of Guelph, beginning on MARCH 14, 2012 .

A minimum of 6 people is required for this group.

If you are unable to attend a class for any reason, you may make up that particular class at any future program.
(Please call ahead to confirm time and location when making up a class.)

For DIRECTIONS to Room 335 University Centre , click here .

FEES :

$ 20 for University of Guelph students (due to a subsidy from U of G Student Health Services)
$ 30 for members of United Steelworkers Local 4120 (due to a subsidy from Local 4120)
$ 60 for all others

Payment is by cash or cheque.

Gift certificates are available.

TO REGISTER

in advance - Click here for a registration form that you can print out.
Complete the form and mail it back to the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic, Box 7323 UC, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1,
or e-mail it to ksomers@uoguelph.ca.
in person - Space permitting, it is also possible to register and pay in person at the first class.

WHAT IF I MISS A CLASS?

It would be ideal to attend all of the classes, however if you miss a class there are class handouts and instructor's cassettes which can help you "catch up". You may also pick up the missed classes at any future Decreasing Headaches program.

UNABLE TO ATTEND the winter PROGRAM?

Can you come to the next scheduled group program?
Following the March program outlined above, the next Decreasing Headaches program meets on Tuesday evenings in fall 2012 . Click here for an e-mail reminder about this upcoming program.
Join a waiting list to start another class sooner, or meet on a different day / time.
For those interested in having the Decreasing Headaches program offered at another day or time, leave your name on the Decreasing Headaches waiting list by e-mailing ksomers@uoguelph.ca or call the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic at 519 824-4120, ext. 52662. Please specify which days and times you prefer to meet for a program. A group program can begin anytime there are 6 or more names on the waiting list.
Arrange for a program to come to your workplace or community site.
The Decreasing Headaches Program, or selected topics from this program, can be provided on-site at your workplace or community group site. Call the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic at 519 824-4120, ext. 52662 to make arrangements for a program at your location.
Make an appointment for private training.
All of the group program topics can be provided in private, one-to-one training sessions. Daytime, late afternoon, and evening times are available throughout the year. Call 519 824-4120, ext. 52662, or e-mail ksomers@uoguelph.ca to make a private appointment for individual training.
Access other resources.
Click on further headache resources for other sources of information such as books, CDs, cassette tapes, and organizations which can help you learn more about managing headaches or headache pain.

FURTHER INFORMATION :

If you wish more information or have any further questions, do not hesitate to e-mail ksomers@uoguelph.ca or call Kathy Somers at 519 824-4120, ext. 52662.
Please leave a message so I can return your call.

Click here to return to the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic home page.