Migraine headaches aren't reserved for the stressed-out adults of the world. Kids are susceptible to the severe headaches as well. Recent research shows that overweight children have more frequent and more severe migraine headaches.

The study found that 34.1% of the patients at seven pediatric headache centers were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. The researchers -- who analyzed data several times over a six-month period -- found a link between weight and migraine headaches.

Losing excess weight can help children who suffer from migraines. If you have a child who is overweight or obese, there are many things you can do to help them achieve a healthy weight.

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I've thankfully never experienced a migraine myself, but people I know who have describe them as being tremendously debilitating. And, the fact that their migraines sometimes keep them locked in a dark room for hours on end, it's quite clear that migraines are no ordinary headaches.

But, are there health risks associated with migraines beyond the terrible discomfort and occasional vomiting? There are indeed, according to an article that appears in this month's edition of Women's Health magazine. Citing a recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, the article suggests that migraine frequency may indicate an elevated risk of stroke.



In the study, almost 28,000 women were followed for an average of 12 years. Those who had migraines with aura or visual disturbances of any kind were found to be three times more likely to have a stroke than women who did not suffer from migraines of this kind or at all. However, researchers stated that more investigation into this possible link needs to be conducted before any determination can be made conclusively.

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I've always been a bit of a wimp when it comes to headaches. But, until recently, I had never had a migraine. Just a few weeks ago I found myself dealing with the most painful headache I've ever had. I found a position -- half-sitting, half-laying down -- on the couch that was somewhat comfortable. I covered my eyes with a damp washcloth. And I just stayed put. I tried to turn the TV on so I'd at least have something to listen to, but if it was loud enough to hear it at all, it felt like it was booming in my ears. Even though the blinds were closed, every time I took that washcloth off my eyes, the light felt blinding. And every time I moved, I felt sick to my stomach. It was awful. I seriously sympathize with anyone who has migraines regularly.

A few months ago I wrote about natural treatments for migraines. (Maybe writing that post and saying I never had a migraine jinxed me... ya think?) Revolution Health has more ideas for managing migraines:

• OTC pain relievers may provide some relief; your doctor can also prescribe medications to help.
• Caffeine can constrict blood vessels and relieve some of the pressure, but don't go overboard -- too much caffeine can be a trigger for migraine headaches.
• Avoid foods containing tyramine. Tyramine is found in aged or fermented foods including some cheeses and wine.
• Visit a chiropractor. Some chiropractors believe that migraines are caused by a misalignment of the spine and that adjustments can minimize migraine frequency.
• Include magnesium-rich foods in your diet.
  
• Get a massage -- massage therapy has helped some migraine sufferers reduce the frequency of their headaches.

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I can handle most things -- I once fell down a flight of stairs at work and toughed it out as best as I could for the rest of the day -- but headaches... well, they can bring me to my knees. And my headaches can't even be classified as migraines. So I can only imagine how painful and debilitating true migraine headaches can be.

If you suffer from migraine headaches, your doctor can prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms. But there are many things you can do to help manage the pain, too:

• Seek a calm environment. Soft, low lighting is your best bet when you feel a migraine coming on. Also, try massaging painful areas, using cold compresses, and drinking a caffeinated beverage.
  
• Sleep well. Poor sleep can trigger a migraine. Stick to a consistent bedtime schedule and help yourself wind down at the end of the day.
  
• Eat wisely. Eat healthful, regular meals. There are certain foods that can trigger migraines; try eliminating any foods you think might be causing problems for you.
  
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to reduce stress and just makes you feel better overall. But be sure to start slowly; vigorous exercise can trigger migraines for some people.
  
• Manage stress. A stressful life can trigger migraines. Try simplifying your schedule and asking for help if your need it.
  
• Keep a migraine diary. Keeping track of your headaches can help you recognize your own triggers and what methods help to minimize your pain.
  

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The Norwegian National Headache Center found that people with high blood pressure were less likely to have migraine headaches. Previously, it was believed that high blood pressure was a causative factor for migraine headaches, but research shows otherwise.

The study followed more than 50,000 adults and included information on headache frequency, use of blood pressure medication, and blood pressure readings. People with the highest pulse pressure had up to 50% fewer headaches.

Knowing that high blood pressure doesn't cause migraines is a good thing -- it leads researchers closer to better understanding painful migraine headaches. Also, blood pressure medication is sometimes prescribed for migraines and this study may prove that is unnecessary or ineffective. However, it's clearly not a reason to stop treating high blood pressure. As my grandmother used to say, "don't trade one evil for another." High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and can even lead to reduced function later in life.

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If you suffer from frequent headaches, health experts recommend keeping a headache diary for three months. Finding out what triggers a headache can be tricky, especially if there are multiple causes. A headache diary can help you and your doctor find a pattern so that you can avoid triggers or seek preventative treatment.

Seventy five percent of people who suffer from frequent headaches named changing barometric pressure as a common trigger. Other triggers named included:

• cigarette smoke
• loud music
• time spent in front of a computer screen
• strong odors
• altitude changes
• bright or flickering lights
• stress
• not eating

You can't avoid the weather, but knowing what kinds of conditions cause your headaches can help you control them, so they don't control you.

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My preschooler happily gets herself dressed every morning, being a girl who loves clothes. Sometimes, she comes down in an outfit that goes together -- a basketball t-shirt with yoga pants, cords with a matching sweater, a dress with appropriately colored tights. And sometimes, well, her outfits are a little hard on the eyes. But, we have a deal. She lets me sleep an extra 10 minutes and I don't tell her what to wear. It works for us.

I can only imagine what mornings would be like if she went to this preschool in Sweden. The school banned preschool children from wearing clothing with stripes or spots, because the patterns trigger migraines in one of the teachers. Instead, children are asked to wear clothing of all one color. The ban has been in place for three years, but parents are challenging it this year because they think it's unfair.

We adore our preschool teacher, so I'd be happy to pick out a few monochromatic outfits for school clothes if it meant protecting her health. But boy, would it put a damper on the fun for my kiddo. What about you? Appropriate rule, or going overboard?

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Serious headaches can come from any angle. Whether you're used to them or not, targeting the cause isn't always easy. Here's a no-frills article about seven of the most common triggers that you can blame migraines on. Even though these might not apply to everyone, the solution may be simpler than you think!

For example, one of the causes points to a person's diet. Most foods out there are highly processed and include a host of added chemicals. But natural foods can trigger migraines too. The article recalls a patient who suffered a headache each morning, having no idea why it happened. It turns out he had a glass of milk each night before going to bed -- once he stopped, so did the migraines.

The weather can also have something to do with it. Dr. Lawrence Newman, who is director of the Headache Institute in New York, says that 70 percent of people who experience migraines do so under climate changes. That can include moving from a humid environment to a dry one. Ever experience a headache right before a big rain? Air pressure is the culprit as well. These are just a couple triggers, so check out the full article to learn more.

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Diabetes and heart disease top the worry list when it comes to poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. Eat too much, move too little, and pack on the pounds and you risk developing both diseases. Make a commitment to health and you're likely to ward them off, even reverse their onset. Six diabetics featured in the documentary Raw for 30 Days did just that by embracing a vegan, organic diet of uncooked nuts, seeds, and veggies. By the end of their study period, all had gone off insulin and most lost 25 pounds. Amazing. But not easy.

A raw diet is hard core, says Andrea Giancoli of the American Dietetic Association. This way of eating -- marked by consumption of mostly plant-based foods that are not heated above 115 degrees -- has backers who say it helps ease conditions from migraines to arthritis. But it leaves out a lot of foods, says Giancoli who maintains that a balanced diet must include both raw and cooked foods.

Going raw is also hard to stick with. So until research confirms it's the way to go, your best bet is to eat a diverse and healthy diet with the power to sustain you through life.

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I've had headaches from too much stress and for looking at computer monitors for way too many hours a day. But have I ever had a headache caused by smells or tastes? Not that I am aware of.

I've become a tad nauseous by walking in a grocery store cleaning supplies aisle before due to the staggering array of chemicals and smelly perfumes manufacturers use to sell more products, but that is about it.

Some of the more odd headache triggers can be certain smells (yes, perfumes in laundry detergent qualify) as well as weather due to barometric pressure changes. How about earrings and ponytails? Certain earrings can produce stress near the head, as can pulling hair into a group that applies pressure to the scalp.

But, there are ways to remedy all of these headache-causing examples. Alternatives are there if you're eager to reduce those annoying headaches you have.

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Medical research is big business these days, especially when it comes to developing new drugs to help us with the slew of medical problems we're all developing on a practically daily basis. And for us women who sometimes face very gender specific issues thankfully there's very specific research going on. This article from Women's Health goes into several of the latest developments, including new medications for menstrual migraines, rosacea, constipation, SAD, and of course: pain. Yay for science!

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Each week, we'll be offering original recipes and unique ways to use those Super Foods that pack nutritional power. After all, you are what you eat -- make it count!

Quinoa is probably not on the shelf in your pantry next to the rice or pasta. It just may join those staples once you find out how delicious and nutritious it is.

Not actually a grain, but a seed, quinoa is rich in complete protein (not usual for grains) and minerals. Since quinoa is so high in magnesium, it may help migraine sufferers and improve cardiovascular health. High in fiber and lignans, quinoa is a well-rounded heart health food.

OK, but what can you do with quinoa? Well, just by cooking it according to package directions, you end up with a simple side dish. But here are some of my family's favorite things to do with quinoa:

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There's good news out there for teenagers who suffer from Migraines -- new studies are showing that a nasal spray called zolmitriptan can provide relieve within 15 minutes of being administered. What's more, it seems to be a safe form of relieve and produces few side effects, the taste of the product being the biggest concern.

I'm lucky to have never suffered from migraines, but I know the crippling effects they can have on people. And while it's not ideal to rely on drugs for pain management, those whose life is severely affected by migraines should take what relief they can get. Do you agree?

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Of all the people you know who suffer migraines, are more of them women or men? According to recent research there are more women out there suffering because our brains are quicker on the trigger than men when it comes to getting a migraine started. Yay! Not.

It comes down to new brain imaging techniques that are debunking the old idea that migraines are caused by expanding and contracting blood vessels, and showing instead that excitability seems to be the cause. And women, lucky us, have more excitable brains.

Of course, like any of these studies, the good news is that now researchers have a new direction to take as far as treatment goes -- maybe they'll finally come up with something that works!

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Migraine headaches are not pleasant -- ask anyone who has had them. Therefore, it's rather unfortunate that a new U.S.-based study finds that many migraine sufferers don't ever get the right or appropriate amount of medications for those migraines due to insurance amount restrictions -- in addition to fears of actually running out of certain migraine-reducing drugs.

The result? Migraine suffers cope with more pain and the potential for complete or partial disability from many things in life due to cost control by insurance companies. These folks almost certainly begin leading, at some point, a lower quality of life than they should.

After looking at the results of the study here, it seems that business decisions continue to take precedence over patient welfare. What else is new?

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