Know When to Say When: Alcohol and Your Liver
APR 02, 2024The liver normally breaks down alcohol, but if the amount of alcohol consumed exceeds the liver's ability to break it down, toxins can build up to cause liver damage over time.
Read MoreHeadaches can put a stop to your day. The pain can range from annoying to downright debilitating. Many people suffer from headaches and there are many different types.
For addressing the pain, or reducing the frequency, of headaches, over-the-counter medications often provide relief, but not always. Here how to know when to seek medical attention.
Just as there’s more than one type of headache, there are a variety of approaches and even prescription medications that can help, particularly for migraine and cluster headaches. Sometimes lifestyle habits can make a big difference.
Several factors can trigger everyday headaches, including stress, lack of sleep, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration and even poor posture. Sometimes a headache can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such high blood pressure or a vitamin deficiency. These are called secondary headaches because, unlike primary headaches (such as migraine and cluster varieties), they are a symptom that something else needs to be addressed.
For some people, headaches become debilitating and affect your quality of life. If headaches go beyond being a nuisance and disrupt more than a few hours of your day, it may be time to seek medical guidance to diagnose, manage and treat your headaches.
Headaches can be an ongoing struggle for many. If the strategies you’re using stop working, or don’t work well enough, it may be time to see your provider. Sometimes we can suggest lifestyle modifications that can help, and there may be new medications and treatments you haven’t yet tried.
Sometimes headaches can be a sign of something more serious or even a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately if the headache:
Because headaches are common, people can dismiss them as part of everyday life. If you’re concerned or want help to feel better, see your primary care provider for diagnosis, treatment and possibly a referral to a specialist.
The liver normally breaks down alcohol, but if the amount of alcohol consumed exceeds the liver's ability to break it down, toxins can build up to cause liver damage over time.
Read MoreAn innovative device is helping snorers get a good night’s rest and reducing their risk of health issues – all without the need of a sleep mask or cpap.
Read MoreStarting as early as February and persisting through October, seasonal allergies can cause a variety of annoying symptoms.
Read MoreWhen you need local health information from a trusted source, turn to the CHI Health Better You eNewsletter.