Uh-oh! Wearing your go-to striped top could be bad for your health

May 23, 2017

We all have a million and one striped breton tops hanging up in our wardrobes.

It's seriously to the point where our washing line sometimes looks like the laundry of a Where's Wally reject.

But unfortunately, our go-to look might actually be bad for our health.

A post shared by Rinelle Hernyk (@rinelle_h) on Nov 27, 2015 at 2:56pm PST

According to researchers at University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMC) in the Netherlands, there could be a potential link between looking at stripes and getting headaches.

Looking at static parallel lines could increase brain activity in some people, which sounds like it should be a good thing.

But actually, the activity can lead to severe migraines, and in some cases even seizures and epilepsy.

A post shared by Lulu McGuiness (@lulumcguiness) on Apr 9, 2016 at 10:02am PDT

‘Our findings imply that in designing buildings, it may be important to avoid the types of visual patterns that can activate this circuit and cause discomfort, migraines, or seizures,’ said Dr Dora Hermes, head of the research.

This discovery will be majorly inconvenient for future work outfits…

Feature image: Instagram / Rejanemode

Knowledge is power: Combat your headaches by keeping a pain diary

Apr 5, 2017

by Amber Saunders

There are few of us who have made it this far in life without suffering a headache or two.

And while the vast majority of us are no stranger to a bit of a thumper the morning after the night before, according to research carried out in conjunction with the #HeadacheHacks campaign by Nurofen Express, a staggering 19 per cent of Irish people suffer from headaches on a weekly basis.

Many sufferers will opt to take painkillers while others are more interested in means of prevention so as to combat the condition before it kicks in. If you’re one of those people, it might be worth your while taking Dr Ciara Kelly’s diary tip into account.

It’s time to consider the following:

What have you eaten?

When you feel a headache kicking in, make a note of the food you’ve eaten so far that day.

Some foods are known for triggering headaches, so it’s always worth your while recording the food you’ve tucked into throughout the day.

What were you doing?

At what point, did you feel the symptoms developing?

Perhaps you were sitting at your computer or staring at your phone for a prolonged period of time? Maybe you were on public transport or reading alone in your house?

Noting your activity will help establish your triggers.

What were you feeling?

Dr Kelly advises sufferers to take their mood into account when they feel a headache kicking in.

By noting your mood in the lead-up to a headache, you may be able to better identify situations which will bring about a headache.

Remember, knowledge is power.

By taking note of these factors, you may begin recognising a pattern, and ultimately be able to pre-empt or prevent the onslaught of a headache.

If you are concerned about the regularity with which you suffer from headaches, it’s important you approach a medical professional for further support.

And don’t forget to bring your diary with you.

More complaints for Kylie! Her cosmetics are causing headaches

Feb 12, 2017

by Amber Saunders

It looks like Kylie's cosmetics are being a real pain for customers… literally.

After many complained that the reality star's eyeshaow palette smelled like chemicals, it's now being reported that one of the eye kits is causing people to have headaches.

A photo posted by Kylie Cosmetics (@kyliecosmetics) on Feb 10, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

According to TMZ, at least 15 people have made complaints in the last two weeks saying that the paint-thinner-smelling kit is making them get a "horrible headache."

The Better Business Bureau in the US has launched an investigations into Kylie Cosmetics, and has already found that the adhesive in the packaging is causing the chlorine-like smell.

A photo posted by Kylie Cosmetics (@kyliecosmetics) on Feb 8, 2017 at 8:50pm PST

However, the BBB say that the youngest Jenner's company insist it's safe to use.

There has been no word as to whether the packaging has been replaced, but the BBB reports that it has got fewer complaints this week.

Kylie Cosmetics has yet to comment.

This lavender lemonade recipe will cure your headaches and anxiety

Jan 12, 2017

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Sometimes, we just need to sit back and relax.

Most of us will suffer from a form of anxiety at some stage in our life, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

Well, this wonderful lavender lemonade recipe has been proven to ease anxiety (and even cure headaches).

Lavender oil possesses amazing anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifier, hypotensive, and sedative properties.

Check it out…

What you'll need:

1 cup raw honey

5 cups pure water

1/4 cup dried lavender. dried, organic culinary lavender ( or 1 drop lavender essential oil)

6 lemons, peeled and juiced.

Lavender sprigs for garnish.

What you'll do:

Pour 1/2 the water in a pan, bring to boil and remove from heat

Add honey and dried lavender let steep for approximately 20 minutes.

Strain mixture and pour into larger container.

Add lemon juice and the remaining water. Stir well.

Pop in the fridge for a few hours.

Sit back and enjoy an ice cold glass of this calming beverage.

These seven SNEAKY things might be the cause of your headaches

Nov 16, 2015

by Amber Saunders

The amount of people that suffer from headaches is astoundingly mind-numbing. The World Health Organisation estimates that 47 per cent of adults suffer from headaches at least once a year.

Most people think not getting enough sleep or hormonal changes can trigger a sore head, and while they are big factors, there are other sneaky influences that can cause your head to throb too:

1. Zoning out in front of the TV

Relaxing after a stressful day is actually a classic headache trigger. Called the Let Down headache, it usually arises when you let your hair down after a hectic day.

2. Bad weather

A study from the journal Neurology reports that you can get a headache or migraine if the weather is particularly bad. If you're constantly going from the chilly outside, to the heated inside, the temperature change can be a major problem.

3. Your mam (or dad)

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, if one parent suffers from migraines there is a 40 per cent chance their child will suffer too. And if both parents suffer, then the child's chances sky-rocket up to 90 per cent.

4. Switching up your routine

If you're constantly waking up, eating and sleeping at different times every day/week, it can make your head hurt. Try keep a regular routine as much as possible to avoid the pain.

5. Skipping breakfast

Always make sure to grab a bite before you head out in the morning. In a recent study of 1,200 migraine patients, researchers found that missing a meal was the third most common trigger of headaches in females.

6. Your friend's strong perfume

About 95 percent of fragrances are made up of synthetic compounds, one of which is benzyl alcohol. This ingredient can be a major cause of headaches, especially if you are scent-sensitive.

7. Your liking for strong cheese

Yes, we love cheese too, but it might be causing your sore head. Food and drink release neurotransmitters, which can cause headaches in some people. Triggers include caffeine, chocolate, cheese, alcohol and more. Sob.

Finally! One hipster trend might be the cure for chronic migraines

Nov 13, 2015

by Amber Saunders

If you’re one of the unlucky people who is a long-term sufferer of migraines or headaches then we have some good news for you.

If you’re also a lover of piercings then this news is going to make you even happier.The internet has recently been full of claims surrounding a certain piercing and the positive affects it has for headache sufferers.

A daith piercing (a piercing that passes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold) is being claimed as the cure for those who suffer with migraines and headaches.

@EbaeJordan the daith piercing is a pressure point to reduce headaches and migraines! I just got mine done ! pic.twitter.com/hIOEAubbXQ

— amk924 (@AMKlueg) May 19, 2015

This is pretty great news for those that do suffer, considering that it could mean they would no longer be relying on expensive painkillers. A long term cure could cost just €25.

A photo posted by IPRICKU (@ipricku) on Nov 10, 2015 at 3:09pm PST

It sounds almost too good to be true. However, many people who have had the piercing are using social media to support the claims that the piercing really does work.

39 days and counting – since my Daith piercing and no migraine – my background headache reduced !! Long may it continue

— Daith Club (@DaithClub) October 17, 2015

It hasn’t been confirmed as of yet whether the piercing is a real cure for migraines and headaches. One doctor wrote a blog post addressing the issue and noted:

“If a person enjoys ear piercing and suffers from frequent headaches, it may be worthwhile to consider getting this spot pierced.Since body piercings are generally less than $100, this may be a very economical treatment alternative.”

The theory behind the daith piercing being a cure for headaches is based on the idea that it is the same pressure point acupuncturists will target to relieve headaches.

The Migraine Relief Center recognises the link between ‘daith’ piercings and easing migraine symptoms.

“The principle is that the piercing mimics acupuncture by hitting a pressure point, which relieves the pressure in the patient’s head,” the website states.

“By having it done on the same side as most migraines occur, it’s thought to help reduce the incidence of migraines in the area.”

The natural ways to ease your PMS woes

May 27, 2014

by Amber Saunders

If you’re like most girls on earth, you have a hate-hate relationship with PMS.

Mood swings, bloating, uncontrollable food cravings – they really kick our ass every month don’t they!

But before you raid the medicine cabinet, here are a few alternative remedies to help ease your monthly woes.

Supplements
A recent study showed that vitamin E and fatty acids are amazing for easing those PMS mood swings, sore breasts, cramps, headaches and bad skin. A daily multivitamin should supply you with the Vitamin E you need, and you can pop a daily fish-oil capsule to get your fatty acids.

Acupuncture
Research shows acupuncture is ace at treating PMS cramps, insomnia, headaches and nausea. Most women are said to experience PMS relief within 24 hours after a session, so depending on your reaction, you might want to get treated once a month in the week before your period.

Herbs
New studies have shown thyme to be pretty effective in easing PMS woes. Evening primrose may help alleviate anxiety and cramps, while valerian root, an ingredient in many teas, can ease bloated tummies.

Sweating and stretching
Mild forms of exercise can ease several PMS symptoms, including cramps and headaches. Working out not only releases pain-busting endorphins but also triggers dopamine (your natural source of pleasure and satisfaction) and serotonin (a depression and anxiety fighter). And doing hip and back stretches can increase blood flow to contracted uterine, abdominal, and lower-back muscles, easing the tension that leads to cramps.