Summer is the time to enjoy warm weather, the outdoors, and relaxing vacations. But for some people, summer can mean an entirely different set of headache and migraine triggers that prevent you from having summertime fun.

It is important in the summer not to let yourself get dehydrated. Dehydration is a major headache and migraine trigger for many people. Also take note of what you are drinking. A lot of soda or regular ice tea may seem like a good idea to quench your thirst, but they are loaded with caffeine. Another summertime favorite is lemonade, which can cause a migraine for you if your stomach is sensitive to all the acid.

One of the best parts of summer – the sun – can be another serious headache and migraine trigger. Don’t think that means you have to stay indoors, just be cautious in the sun. Where broad brimmed hats that keep the sun off your face, neck, and upper back, as well as use beach umbrellas when at the beach or ball game. Consider carrying a spray bottle of cool water or wearing a wet bandana around your neck. And don’t go anywhere without your sunglasses!

Sunscreen, insect repellent, body spray are available in a variety of fragrances, which can cause the onset of a headache or migraine. When shopping for any of the above mentioned products, look for fragrance free. If you have any questions about the chemical names listed in the ingredients, don’t be afraid to ask your local pharmacist to help you.

Rest and relaxation are a must during the summer months, but try not to stray too far from your regular routine. Don’t let the longer days get you off your eating and sleeping schedule. When the weather is nice, and you are involved with fun activities, it is very easy to skip meals or splurge on trigger foods. And try to keep your regular sleep schedule. Even though you may be on summer vacation, too much sleep can be a headache and migraine trigger as well.

Planning ahead can reduce the stress that brings on tension headaches and migraines as well. Cook batches and freeze meals, make lists, split up chores around the house, and make travel reservations in advance.

Planning ahead also allows you to make time for yourself. To help prevent summertime headaches and migraines, you need to take time to relax. Try to live by the motto: If you are not at your best, how can you live by your best? By doing your best to make at least 30 minutes a day of “me” time, you can help your body stay healthier, which in turn can help resist headache and migraine triggers.

There’s no sure way to prevent a headache or migraine, but you can take the appropriate steps to try to minimize them and their impact. Also available to health plan members who experience migraine pain, is the Migraine Care Program, brought to you by the CBEBT and the Principal Life Insurance Company.

Anyone who suffers with migraines knows that the disabling pain affects everything from productivity at work, to care for their families and meeting social obligations, to the quality of life they lead. The Migraine Care Program provides support and relief to health plan members who experience migraine pain.

Members who have been identified as at risk for migraine-related events through a review of inpatient hospital admission or emergency room visits, will be contacted by the Principal Life Insurance Company to participate in the Migraine Care Program. If members feel they are a match for this program, they may also self-enroll.

Once enrolled in the program, migraine sufferers will receive a letter and educational materials, and may also be contacted by a registered nurse to provide ongoing one-on-one support and education. Migraine sufferers will also have access to a toll-free number to learn more about their illness and ask as many questions as they may have.

The Migraine Care Program focuses on each case individually to help develop potential ways to reduce migraine frequency and severity. When the sufferer understands how to manage their migraine, they will be better equipped in the future to prevent the severe pain from occurring, giving them a fresh start to living a healthy and headache-free life. If you are eligible to participate in the Migraine Care Program, you will be contacted directly by mail. To self enroll or to request a Migraine Tool-Kit, please call 1-800-533-5044. We encourage you to take advantage of the valuable resources offered through this program.