Find out how perimenopause symptoms can change your migraine attacks
Slide 2
Perimenopause can affect how you experience migraine disease
You may have a migraine attack for the first time
Your symptoms could get worse
Your symptoms could get better
There might be no change in your symptoms
Slide 3
Hormonal upheaval
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone go up and down.
These hormonal changes can trigger worse pain or more frequent migraine attacks.
For some women, when hormone levels even out during postmenopause, their migraine attacks happen less often or stop completely.
Slide 4
Sleep matters
Perimenopause symptoms such as hot flashes, waking up often, anxiety or depression can affect sleep quality.
Poor sleep can trigger migraine attacks.
Slide 5
Menstrual migraine
Some women experience heavier and/or more frequent periods than usual during perimenopause, which can trigger more attacks and more severe migraine symptoms.
2 out of 3 women with migraine disease experience attacks during their periods.
Slide 6
Take note
Keeping track of your perimenopause symptoms and how they affect your migraine attacks can help you and your healthcare provider (HCP) come up with a treatment plan that works for you.
Slide 7
Write down your perimenopause symptoms
Track whether any of the following symptoms affect how often you get migraine attacks and how bad they are.
At 58, Cora Kasperski is redefining what it means to be strong. A powerhouse in the world of fitness, she’s not just a trainer or a gym owner; she’s a living testament to the power of consistency. As the founder of Laguna Fitness—Laguna Beach’s premier private gym for over 25 years—Cora has coached thousands toward their health and wellness goals through a unique blend of personalized training, nutritional guidance, and unwavering accountability.
Every morning at 3:00 AM, six days a week, Cora begins her day with a fierce dedication to her regimen—pushing limits, building strength, and walking the walk she expects from others. As an IFBB professional fitness competitor, her discipline has made her stand apart on the fitness stage.
In this exclusive interview, we step inside Cora’s world to explore the mindset, mission, and the spirit that keeps her—and those she inspires—constantly moving forward.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you walk us through a typical day of eating for you? How do you balance macronutrients in your diet?
Cora Kasperski
I eat every three hours, times a day. Each meal is a mix of carbs, proteins and good fats to ensure I am always building muscle while supporting rapid recovery and repair. I try to never skip meals and eat the same time each day.
Namita Nayyar:
As a fitness trainer and IFBB professional, how important is nutrition in achieving peak performance?
Cora Kasperski
We talk about this a lot in the gym and it is the hardest thing for people to understand: nutrition and proper dieting is the MOST important part of fitness training and it is the hardest part for people to adopt. Getting to the gym is a change in your day. Nutrition is a change in your life.
Namita Nayyar:
What advice would you give to someone looking to improve their diet but who is new to the fitness world?
Cora Kasperski
My first piece of advice is always to take some time to learn about how nutrition works in your body. Keep a food diary and carefully monitor your weight and muscle growth. There are some basic principles, but everybody is different and you have to learn what’s best for you.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you approach meal prep and planning to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need, especially during intense training periods?
Cora Kasperski
I meal prep twice a week: Sundays and Wednesdays. My diet is carefully planned out and I try to keep it interesting by mixing in different proteins, so I don’t get bored and get off track.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you modify your diet during different phases of your fitness journey, like bulking, cutting, or maintaining?
Cora Kasperski
That’s a hard question to answer succinctly. Let me just say that each stage has very specific fitness and nutritional needs with the goal to be as prepared as possible to walk on stage.
Namita Nayyar:
Are there any foods or supplements you swear by for energy and recovery?
Cora Kasperski
For me. Chelated Glutamine is the supplement I trust in for rapid recovery. And for energy, I use OMG Freak both by Global formulas, but I couldn’t recommend that to everyone unless they have high tolerance with caffeine.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
Disclaimer The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The common oat (Avena sativa) is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed, which is known by the same name (usually in the plural, unlike other grains). While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal and rolled oats.
Oats have numerous uses in food; most commonly, they are rolled or crushed into oatmeal, or ground into fine oat flour. Oatmeal is chiefly eaten as porridge, but may also be used in a variety of baked goods, such as oatcakes, oatmeal cookies, and oat bread. Oats are also an ingredient in many cold cereals, in particular muesli and granola. Oats may also be consumed raw, and cookies with raw oats are becoming popular.
Historical attitudes towards oats have varied. Oat bread was first manufactured in Britain, where the first oat bread factory was established in 1899. In Scotland, they were, and still are, held in high esteem, as a mainstay of the national diet.
In Scotland, a dish called cow pat was made by soaking the husks from oats for a week, so the fine, floury part of the meal remained as sediment to be strained off, boiled and eaten. Oats are also widely used there as a thickener in soups, as barley or rice might be used in other countries.
Oats are also commonly used as feed for horses when extra carbohydrates, and the subsequent boost in energy, are required. The oat hull may be crushed (“rolled” or “crimped”) for the horse to more easily digest the grain, or may be fed whole. They may be given alone or as part of a blended food pellet. Cattle are also fed oats, either whole, or ground into a coarse flour using a roller mill, burr mill, or hammer mill. Winter oats may be grown as an off-season groundcover and ploughed under in the spring as a green fertilizer, or harvested in early summer. They also can be used for pasture; they can be grazed a while, then allowed to head out for grain production, or grazed continuously until other pastures are ready.
Oat straw is prized by cattle and horse producers as bedding, due to its soft, relatively dust-free, and absorbent nature. The straw can also be used for making corn dollies. Tied in a muslin bag, oat straw was used to soften bath water.
Oats are also occasionally used in several different drinks. In Britain, they are sometimes used for brewing beer. Oatmeal stout is one variety brewed using a percentage of oats for the wort. The more rarely used oat malt is produced by the Thomas Fawcett & Sons Maltings, and was used in the Maclay Oat Malt Stout before Maclays Brewery ceased independent brewing operations. A cold, sweet drink called avena made of ground oats and milk is a popular refreshment throughout Latin America. Oatmeal caudle, made of ale and oatmeal with spices, was a traditional British drink and a favourite of Oliver Cromwell.
Oat extract can also be used to soothe skin conditions. It is the principal ingredient for the Aveeno line of products. Oat grass has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, including to help balance the menstrual cycle, treat dysmenorrhoea, and for osteoporosis and urinary tract infections.
Oats are generally considered “healthful”, or a health food, being touted commercially as nutritious. The discovery of their healthy cholesterol-lowering properties has led to wider appreciation of oats as human food.
Oats: Multi-Beneficial Food for WomenOat bran is the outer casing of the oat. Its consumption is believed to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and possibly to reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats contain more soluble fibre than any other grain, resulting in slower digestion and an extended sensation of fullness. One type of soluble fibre, beta-glucans, has been proven to help lower cholesterol.
After reports of research finding that dietary oats can help lower cholesterol, an “oat bran craze” swept the U.S. in the late 1980s, peaking in 1989, when potato chips with added oat bran were marketed.
The food fad was short-lived and faded by the early 1990s. The popularity of oatmeal and other oat products again increased after a January 1998 decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), when it issued a final rule that allows food companies to make health claims on food labels of foods that contain soluble fibre from whole oats (oat bran, oat flour and rolled oats), noting that 3.0 grams of soluble fibre daily from these foods may reduce the risk of heart disease. To qualify for the health claim, the whole oat-containing food must provide at least 0.75 grams of soluble fibre per serving. A class of polysaccharides known as beta-D-glucans comprise the soluble fibre in whole oats.
Beta-D-glucans, usually referred to as beta-glucans, comprise a class of indigestible polysaccharides widely found in nature in sources such as grains, barley, yeast, bacteria, algae and mushrooms. In oats, barley and other cereal grains, they are located primarily in the endosperm cell wall.
Oat beta-glucan is a soluble fibre. It is a viscous polysaccharide made up of units of the monosaccharide D-glucose. Oat beta-glucan is composed of mixed-linkage polysaccharides. This means the bonds between the D-glucose or D-glucopyranosyl units are either beta-1, 3 linkages or beta-1, 4 linkages. This type of beta-glucan is also referred to as a mixed-linkage (1?3), (1?4)-beta-D-glucan. The (1?3)-linkages break up the uniform structure of the beta-D-glucan molecule and make it soluble and flexible. In comparison, the indigestible polysaccharide cellulose is also a beta-glucan, but is not soluble. The reason it is insoluble is cellulose consists only of (1?4)-beta-D-linkages. The percentages of beta-glucan in the various whole oat products are: oat bran, greater than 5.5% and up to 23.0%; rolled oats, about 4%; and whole oat flour about 4%.
Oats, after corn (maize), have the highest lipid content of any cereal, e.g., greater than 10% for oats and as high as 17% for some maize cultivars compared to about 2-3% for wheat and most other cereals. The polar lipid content of oats (about 8-17% glycolipid and 10-20% phospholipid or a total of about 33%) is greater than that of other cereals, since much of the lipid fraction is contained within the endosperm.
Oats are the only cereal containing a globulin or legume-like protein, avenalin, as the major (80%) storage protein. Globulins are characterised by solubility in dilute saline. The more typical cereal proteins, such as gluten and zein, are prolamines (prolamins). The minor protein of oat is a prolamine, avenin. Oat protein is nearly equivalent in quality to soy protein, which World Health Organization research has shown to be equal to meat, milk, and egg protein. The protein content of the hull-less oat kernel (groat) ranges from 12 to 24%, the highest among cereals.
Oats: Multi-Beneficial Food for WomenCoeliac disease (celiac disease) is often associated with the ingestion of wheat, or more specifically, a group of proteins labelled prolamines, or more commonly, gluten. Oats lack many of the prolamines found in wheat; however, oats do contain avenin. Avenin is toxic to the intestinal mucosa of avenin-sensitive individuals, and can trigger a reaction in these coeliacs.
The most recent research indicates some cultivars of oat can be a safe part of a gluten-free diet, because different varieties of oats have different levels of toxicity. Although oats do contain avenin, several studies suggest this may not be problematic for all coeliacs. The first such study was published in 1995. A follow-up study indicated it is safe to use oats even in a longer period.
Disclaimer The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What to Do If You’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
Here are steps to take if you’ve been newly diagnosed
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Know that you are not alone
More than 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.
Over the years, better treatments have lowered death rates — which have dropped by 43% since 1976.
Slide 3
Find the right medical partner
Slide 4
Learn about ovarian cancer
There are several different types and stages of ovarian cancer. Learn about the type and stage you have, so you can research and understand your disease.
Be sure to use reliable websites like the CDC, NIH and medical journals — and ask your healthcare provider about what you learn.
Slide 5
Be proactive
Learning about treatment options will help you work in partnership with your medical team. Your doctors are cancer experts, but only you have expertise on your preferences, needs and body.
Shared decision-making with your team empowers you to be an active participant in your care.
Slide 6
Get genetic and biomarker testing
Your results can reveal information about your cancer that can help your medical team identify the most effective treatments for you.
Your results may also help you get into clinical trials, if appropriate.
Slide 7
Learn about common treatments
Treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove one or both ovaries, or remove the fallopian tubes and uterus. Ask your doctor about pregnancy preserving options if you need this. Chemotherapy can be injected, oral or infused into the abdomen during surgery.
Slide 8
Learn about newer treatments
Targeted drug treatments attack identified weaknesses in cancer cells. Hormone therapy drugs block the effects of estrogen on cancer cells, and immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer. Ask your doctor if any of these options should be used in your treatment plan.
Slide 9
Ask about clinical trials
Clinical trials develop and test new treatments for cancer. To get the most advanced therapies, you can search online for clinical trials using online tools such as OCRA’s Clinical Trial Navigator , or speak with your doctor for guidance.
Slide 10
Get support
Don’t forget about your mental health. A cancer diagnosis can be devastating. Finding support by attending support groups, talking to a therapist and leaning on friends and family can help.
Saying yes to help is an important part of self-care.
Resources
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Resources
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance’s (OCRA) Doctor Finder Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance’s (OCRA) Support Services
SHARE Cancer’s support groups
This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo and Merck.
Laneah Bryan is US Flag Football Player for the year 2023, 2024 and 2025. She lives in El Paso Texas. She grew up playing every sport but always had a passion for football. Where she lived there wasn’t space for girls to play football, so she focused on basketball. She went on to play D1 college basketball at the University of New Mexico on a full scholarship. After college she got into flag football. Now she has been on the U.S. National Flag Football team for three years and has won two gold medals. She also a business owner. She own a roofing and solar company in El Paso.
Before finding flag football, Bryan was a standout on the hardwood at Franklin High School in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. Bryan averaged 20.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.5 steals in her senior season (2013-14) for the Cougars, who won 20 games and won the Region 1-5A title. She was named District 1-5A MVP for her efforts and the year prior earned the El Paso Times’ All-City MVP. She began her high school career at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, N.M., leading the Hawks to the 5A state championship her sophomore season (2011-12).
Bryan went on to earn a basketball scholarship at the University of New Mexico, playing four seasons (2014-18) for the Lobos and seeing action in 121 career games. Bryan says her mom, Sharon, is the biggest influence in her life. Bryan made her first foray into flag football following college, playing in a local league in El Paso.
Football was her first love, but where she lived there weren’t opportunities for girls in football, so she chose basketball which she quickly fell in love with. After that chapter came to an end, she found flag football, and the rest was history. Bryan has only been playing flag football for five years, but she has made the most of her time, first earning a spot with U.S. National Team in 2023 and helping the team to a gold-medal winning performance in the IFAF Americas Continental Championship over Mexico. In that tournament, Bryan helped the U.S. to a perfect 6-0 record, tallying seven interceptions, including one in the gold medal match.
The USA’s men’s and women’s flag football teams both won gold at the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Lahti, Finland. Held at the Lahti Sport Centre, the event showcased top athletes with Austria and Mexico taking silver in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. August 27–30, 2024.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Laneah Bryan an exceptionally talented US Flag Football Player here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
Where were you born? When did you start playing Flag Football? Later in the sports of Flag Football you propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world as a Flag Football player. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Laneah Bryan:
I was born in Weatherford Texas. I started playing flag football in 2019. My professional journey in flag football has been a dream come true. I played college basketball at the University of New Mexico and after college I just started playing flag football for fun. At the time I never imagined I’d be where I am today. In January of 2023 was when I was able to really get noticed in the flag world. I played in a big tournament in Tampa and that was when I got my invite to the US national team trials that would be March of 2023. So I had a couple months to get ready.
I had already been working with a trainer, but we took it up a notch. Throughout my entire athletic career I’ve never been the fastest, or the tallest, or the most athletic. What has always separated me is discipline and determination. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and desires”. It was separates the good from the great. Staying disciplined and having the mindset of “I will get this done no matter what it takes” will take you further than talent ever will. My career has had its ups and downs just like anyone else. The downs is where we learn and grow to boost us to the ups.
Namita Nayyar:
It is a dream for a Flag Football player to play in the IFAF Flag Football World Championships. You won a Gold medal as part of the US Team at the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Lahti, Finland, Held at the Lahti Sport Centre, from August 27th–30th, 2024. Tell us more about this spectacular achievement of yours?
Laneah Bryan:
Having the opportunity to play in Finland and represent the United States was an honor. Our team and the culture of the team was by far the best part of this journey. We have created an amazing bond that is so genuine and full of love. We all support and celebrate each other’s success. We really are sisters and that is what means the most to me.
Winning a gold medal feels like the culmination of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. It brings an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride, as you realize that all those hours of training and dedication have paid off. There’s a rush of joy and validation, not just for yourself but for everyone who supported you along the way. It’s a moment that symbolizes reaching your peak potential and fulfilling your dreams, leaving a lasting memory that inspires me to keep striving for excellence.
Namita Nayyar:
The Women’s U.S. Flag National Team won gold at the 2023 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship that was hosted by USA Football. Representing the US Team you won a Gold medal. How does such winning honour being bestowed upon you act as a catalyst in your metriotic rise as a world leading Flag Football player?
Laneah Bryan:
As a group of women competing in a male dominate sport we take a lot of pride in what we do and represent. So getting the opportunity to play in the Charlotte in front of the eyes of a lot of younger girls dreaming and aspiring to play was truly an honor. We hope to set a good example and show these girls that they can do anything they set their mind to.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
Disclaimer The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Growing up, I never really thought much about what it meant to be gay, bisexual or trans. I was raised in a Catholic household, and topics of sexuality and gender identity didn’t come up one way or another. I was at some point made aware that my cousin was gay, but she was much older, and we weren’t close.
I went to Catholic school and was taught that marriage was something that should exist only between a man and a woman.
I never thought of myself as anything other than straight. In my early twenties, I was in an on-again, off-again four-year relationship with my live-in boyfriend, Alex*. Things between us were often rocky, largely because he would often cheat on me. We’d break up, but then I would end up taking him back.
I was working for a shuttle service at the Orlando airport with, Marilyn*, a woman I was certain was gay. She’d come by and talk to me often. There was always a bit of flirtation on her end, and that didn’t bother me. In fact, I liked it.
I started to look forward to Marilyn’s little visits. And it wasn’t just because she was nice, had a swag about her or fun. It was because there was a spark between us. We had real chemistry, which was completely confusing. I was a straight woman who had always been in straight relationships and never felt anything romantic or sexual about a woman.
So how could I be getting butterflies over a woman? What on earth was going on with me? Honestly, I didn’t even really want to know. I just wanted to keep everything simple, safe and familiar. I didn’t let myself think too deeply out loud about Marilyn or my growing feelings for her. Certainly, I didn’t let myself talk about any of it with anyone.
2024
Despite being confused and sometimes even stressed about what these new feelings meant, I didn’t stop hanging out with Marilyn. In fact, things escalated. I had to take a trip down to Miami and rather than asking Alex to accompany me on the long drive, I asked Marilyn. She said yes. I didn’t tell Alex or anybody else.
It was that night in Miami that we kissed for the first time. It was unlike any other kiss I’d had. It was softer and yet more intense. From the moment I felt her lips on mine I was hooked. Kissing her was like a drug.
Marilyn and I began spending as much time as we could together. We continued to keep it a secret. She was out but had good reason for being hush-hush. The reason? Her girlfriend. Yeah, it was all pretty messy.
A month or so after my first kiss with Marilyn, Alex caught on because I was always talking to and hanging out late at work with Marilyn. He stopped by the airport once during my shift without giving me a heads-up. Marilyn and I weren’t making out or anything, but I guess it was still obvious that we were definitely more than friends.
I’d always forgiven Alex when he’d strayed, understanding that he really did feel bad about what he’d done. But when I came to him crying and begging for forgiveness the night he found out about me, he had no compassion. Only rage. In the middle of the night, he threw a fit — stormed around the house and ripped it apart while yelling at me. He kicked me out onto the street. As I headed to my car, where I would end up spending the rest of the night, he called my mother. He knew she was one of the closest people to me.
“Your daughter has been cheating on me with a woman,” Alex shouted into the phone as he was kicking me out the house. “She’s going to be homeless!”
I couldn’t believe how completely out of control everything had gotten. I couldn’t believe this person I’d once loved and given so much of myself to, was now outing me — in a most threatening way — to my mother. I was hurt and afraid.
Vanessa and her family, August 2024 (Photo/Kahea Clark)
When I called my mom later, she was upset, but not unsupportive. She has always wanted nothing more than for me to be happy. On the phone, she helped walk me through my feelings and assured me she’d always be supportive. It meant everything to me.
It took a while for everything in my life to calm down and clear up. For a couple months, I lived with my best friend until I was able to get back on my feet. She couldn’t, at that time, fully understand my being in love with a woman. She seemed not totally accepting of Marilyn but supported my decision to be with her as best as she knew how.
Once I got my own place, Marilyn, by then broken up with her partner, moved in with me. But there was just too much drama there, and we ended up parting ways three years later.
I moved to California and it was there that I really opened up about being bisexual. I made a point of exploring my sexuality and becoming part of the LGBTQ+ community. I got involved with organizing Pride events for the company I worked for. Through that experience, I discovered the power and purpose of advocacy work.
I’ve met so many people who are struggling to navigate being LGBTQ+ because they’ve been shunned by their family or by society at large. I never stop to think about how lucky I’ve been to have a supportive family. But I must say, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
Some family members judged my sister’s decision to appoint me as my niece and nephew’s godmother in church. Additionally, I didn’t tell my dad I was bisexual until a year after my mother found out because I thought he’d be sad or disappointed. I came out to him when I was going through some drama on my birthday with Marilyn’s family because I was physically attacked by Marilyn’s mother that day. He went dead quiet, then said, “Why do you continue to find yourself around these types of people?”
Vanessa and her partner, Melissa, August 2024 (Photo/Kahea Clark)
That hurt me so much. But over time, he’s come around. He’s always kind to my fiancée, Melissa, and makes an effort to be funny and interested in her life.
It’s been roughly 20 years since that day Alex threw me out of the home we shared. It’s not pleasant to look back on how I was outed and kicked out of my home, but I no longer feel devastated about it. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m grateful he outed me, but I am grateful that the experience led to me finally being myself and living a shame-free life that makes me proud.
I didn’t know how stressful my secret was for me until I was forced to let it go. Once it was gone, life — and love — opened up for me.
I’ve been with Melissa for 15 years, and she’s shown me what true unconditional love is. I’m so much stronger now than I was back then. My strength enables me to be there for others who are trying to find their safe space in the world and to be a voice for people who don’t have one. We don’t all have the privilege of speaking up. For that reason, I’ll never be silent again.
*Alex and Marilyn are pseudonyms.
Have your own Real Women, Real Stories you want to share? Let us know.
Our Real Women, Real Stories are the authentic experiences of real-life women. The views, opinions and experiences shared in these stories are not endorsed by HealthyWomen and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthyWomen.
Sweat-soaked roots, frizzy strands, and a greasy scalp — summer can be tough on your hair. But what if you could bottle up a little freshness and spray it on anytime you need a quick refresh? That’s exactly what DIY hair mists are for.
Natural, cooling, and easy to make at home, these hair mists help manage sweat, reduce frizz, and soothe the scalp — all without weighing your hair down or loading it with chemicals.
3 DIY Hair Mists
Here are three summer-ready recipes your hair will thank you for.
Aloe & Rose Water Cooling Mist
Aloe vera is a natural hydrator and scalp soother, while rose water calms irritation and adds a refreshing scent. Peppermint oil cools the scalp and has antibacterial benefits that can help combat sweat-related irritation.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
½ cup rose water
5 drops peppermint essential oil
1 clean spray bottle
How to use: Shake well and mist directly onto your scalp or roots whenever your head feels hot or sweaty. Store in the fridge for a super-refreshing experience!
Lemon & Green Tea Scalp Refresher
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and soothes the scalp, while lemon helps balance oil production and refreshes greasy roots. A dash of witch hazel boosts the cleansing effect without drying out your hair.
Ingredients:
½ cup cooled green tea 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon witch hazel (optional) 5 drops of tea tree essential oil 1 spray bottle
Spray onto the scalp, then gently pat with a cotton pad or let it air dry. Use it midday when your scalp feels oily or sweaty.
Coconut Water + Mint Frizz Tamer
Coconut water is hydrating and full of nutrients that add shine. Glycerin locks in moisture, and mint oil refreshes your scalp while helping to control frizz and static.
Ingredients:
½ cup pure coconut water
1 teaspoon glycerin
3 drops of mint or lavender essential oil
1 spray bottle
Mist lightly over dry or damp hair to reduce flyaways and leave your hair looking glossy and smooth. Avoid spraying directly on the scalp if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Summer Hair Mist Tips
Shake well before each use to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Store in the refrigerator and use within 5–7 days for freshness.
Always do a patch test before trying a new mist if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
These DIY hair mists are the perfect pick-me-ups for your summer hair routine. Whether you’re dealing with sweat, sun damage, or stubborn frizz, these natural sprays can refresh your strands without stripping them of moisture or harming your scalp. Easy, affordable, and customizable — your perfect summer hair fix is just a spray away!
Disclaimer The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
HealthyWomen shares the concerns of leading medical associations and public health organizations about the recent decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to abruptly dismiss all 17 sitting members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the CDC on the use of vaccines in the U.S.
The ACIP is a group of unpaid experts who provide recommendations on how to best apply research findings on vaccine use to the benefit of public health. The committee has served as a trusted national source of data-driven advice on the use of vaccines to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases for decades.
The ACIP recommendations are relied upon by healthcare providers, public health officials, community leaders and families for guidance. Their decisions also influence what vaccines are covered by insurance, which largely determines patient access.
We now urge government leadership to maintain a scientifically grounded process with the ACIP to determine best use of immunizations. We support decisions that encourage trust and confidence in evidence-based, patient-centric public health practices for vaccine use.
We renew our call to reverse the decision on Covid-19 vaccines during pregnancy as outlined in our recent statement. As always, we recommend speaking to your doctor or healthcare provider regarding health decisions.
When Stephanie Weaver plans a vacation, her very first thought is, “What if I get a migraine attack?” The possibility causes her so much anxiety that she goes over a game plan with her therapist in case it happens. She packs multiple medications, a hat to shield her eyes from bright lights and Ziploc bags to make an emergency ice pack. “I know I’ll have to deal with whatever comes,” she said.
Weaver, who’s in her 60s and lives in southern California, has struggled with unpredictable migraine attacks most of her life, and they’ve affected her mental health. “I can’t trust my body to behave, and the anxiety that comes with these feelings has never gone away,” she said.
The link between migraine and mental health disorders
According to a 2022 Migraine and Mental Health Connection Survey by the American Migraine Association, migraine disease and mental health strongly impact one another. Even though migraine disease and mental health disorders are separate diseases, they have a correlation with each other. Their links are not fully understood, but the relationship is likely the result of several factors. These can include abnormal brain structures, genetics, sex hormones and stress.
Up to half of people with chronic migraine disease have an anxiety disorder, compared to around 19% of the general U.S. population. And 25% of people with chronic migraine disease have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is thought to affect 5% of the general population in the U.S. Other mental health issues linked with migraine disease include a three times higher likelihood of having bipolar disorder and an increased tendency for suicidal ideation (thoughts of taking your own life).
Childhood trauma also plays a role. People who have experienced trauma early in life are 48% more likely to have a headache disorder. The more traumatic events a person experiences as a child, the more likely they are to have migraine disease.
This creates a vicious circle where mental health issues can lead to migraine attacks, and migraine attacks can lead to mental health issues. “When someone is dealing with chronic pain or chronic headache, it’s very understandable why they can also then experience mental health problems too,” said Rashmi Halker Singh, M.D., FAHS, FAAN, a neurologist specializing in migraine at Mayo Clinic and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council.
Migraine disease affects more women than men
A study from the National Library of Medicine says that more than twice as many women (43%) suffer from migraine attacks compared to men (18%). This is partially due to the fluctuation of estrogen in a woman’s body. “About a third of women who have migraine experience onset at the time of puberty. Menstruation and perimenopause are times when migraine can really be a problem,” said Halker Singh.
Racial discrimination plays a role
People of color are less likely to receive treatment for migraine attacks and mental health disorders compared to white people. Many BIPOC don’t receive proper treatment because of distrust of the healthcare system and racial and socioeconomic discrimination in healthcare.
And they’re less likely to be diagnosed with migraine as well. In fact, the American Migraine Foundation found that only 47% of Black people and 50% of Latinos are likely to receive a migraine diagnosis compared to 70% of white people.
In turn, if patients don’t have a diagnosis, they are less likely to receive the treatment they need. And this means they’re less likely to feel better both mentally and physically.
Two invisible diseases
People with migraine and mental health disorders often struggle to get the support they deserve. This is, in part, because migraine and mental health disorders are invisible diseases, making it difficult for others to understand what you’re going through. Unlike other diseases that are visible, people can’t always see outward signs of migraine and mental health disorders.
It’s important to remember that migraine disease is not something you can control. Halker Singh said her patients often worry about how their migraine attacks impact other parts of their life, including their relationships with their loved ones.
Getting the right treatment
Luckily, there are a lot of treatments available for both mental health disorders and migraine disease. And some of the treatments for each condition are the same, including some overlapping medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs (two types of antidepressants), cognitive behavioral therapy, other forms of psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques.
Halker Singh helps her patients come up with a comprehensive treatment plan, including finding the right medication. “We have so many amazing options,” she said. She also makes sure to discuss ways to prevent attacks. And if a patient is struggling with their mental health, she refers them to a mental health specialist.
Similarly, Weaver takes a whole body approach. “Finding a therapist who works with people with chronic illness, taking a meditation class and learning about my specific triggers have all helped with my anxiety,” she said.
Advocating for better care
In the Migraine and Mental Health Connection survey, 87% of people who experienced migraine and 94% of healthcare providers (HCPs) felt that mental health would improve with better migraine control. This is why it’s important to have an honest conversation about both your mental and physical health with your provider.
Halker Singh said it might even be a good idea to get a second opinion. Asking another HCP to review your diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if you feel it isn’t working well, can make all the difference. Finding an HCP who listens to your concerns and works with you to find the treatment that’s right for you is the key to helping you feel better.
This educational resource was created with support from Pfizer.
Migraine attacks aren’t just head pain. They’re part of migraine disease, a neurologic disorder, and they involve a wide variety of symptoms that can include intense headache attacks, particularly occurring on one side of the head; sensitivity to light, sounds and smells; tingling or numbness in your arms and/or legs, mood changes and intense fatigue, among other symptoms.
This chronic condition can be difficult to treat, but there are a lot of different migraine treatments out there. We reached out to Jessica Ailani, M.D., FAHS,, neurologist and director of Georgetown Headache Center, to find out more about treatment options for people living with migraine disease.
What types of treatments can I use for the onset of symptoms from a migraine attack? (non-prescription, prescription)
Treatment used at the beginning of migraine symptoms are called acute treatments. These range from over-the counter medications and treatments such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen to acetaminophen, and combination treatments like aspirin/acetaminophen/caffeine to devices and prescription medications.
Some people find ice packs and cold rubs to be helpful during an attack as well. Though there are not many studies that support this, it is common for people with migraine disease to use ice on their head and neck during an attack.
If over-the-counter treatments are not effective, it’s time to speak to your healthcare provider (HCP) about prescription medications.
Neuromodulation devices are a non-medication way to treat a migraine attack after it starts but may still require a prescription. Devices work in different ways to reduce the abnormal signaling in the brain involved during a migraine attack. FDA-cleared devices for acute treatment of migraine prevention include sTNS (Cefaly), remote electrical neuromodulation (Nerivio), sTMS (e-Neura), eCOTs (Relivion) and nVNS (gammaCore).
The most common prescription medication prescribed for migraine is a class known as triptans. These are medications you use as needed for an attack that work on blocking chemicals that are released during the pain phase of a migraine attack. Triptans can be tablets you swallow, tablets that dissolve in your mouth or nasal sprays, and one comes as a self-injection.
The different forms are important because migraine can cause nausea and vomiting. If nausea or feeling like you can’t eat or drink during an attack is common for you, using a medication by nose or by injection is important. Triptans should not be used more than 10 days a month or they can cause something known as rebound headache or medication overuse headaches (MOH). They also do not work well late in a migraine attack.
Another category of acute treatment are gepants. Gepants are also used specifically for migraine attacks and can be taken as a tablet, an oral dissolvable tablet or a nasal spray. They have fewer side effects than triptans and can be used in a wider range of populations, but they may not be as effective as triptans for some people. Gepants block a protein called CGRP that is involved in what can bring on a migraine attack. One gepant has been shown to work if taken during the prodrome phase or aura (before the pain of migraine starts). Gepants are not thought to cause rebound headache and can be beneficial for those with more frequent attacks.
A third category of acute treatment are ergots. Ergots block a wider number of chemicals involved in migraine, so they can sometimes be effective when other treatments are not. Ergots can be taken as a nasal spray or injection and can work early or later in a migraine attack.
Are there treatments available to prevent migraines? (non-prescription, prescription)
To reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and improve disability, preventive treatment is used. Preventive treatment includes behavioral therapies, vitamin supplements, neuromodulation devices and medications that can be prescribed by your clinician.
For all people with migraine, lifestyle changes should be considered. These include:
Regular sleep and wake schedules
Regular eating times
Good hydration with water — drink water when you are thirsty
Regular exercise — move your body every day even if you’re having a headache attack. Try stretching in place or holding a gentle yoga pose.
Regulate stress — meditate, practice deep breathing, get regular exercise and movement, journal, listen to calming music, step away from negative situations
Behavioral interventions can be used alone or in addition to medication to help reduce migraine frequency. The best studied behavioral techniques to reduce frequent migraine attacks include biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy if you’re experiencing generalized anxiety or anxiety about your migraine attacks or struggling to cope with chronic pain.There are other types of intervention that are being studied, including mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy.
Vitamin supplements that have good evidence for migraine prevention include riboflavin, magnesium and butterbur. Butterbur should be used under the instruction of an HCP because using the wrong type may be dangerous for your liver health. There are other supplements used for migraine prevention, but the studies are not as strong that they are effective.
Many medications are available to prevent migraine. There are migraine-specific treatments that block CGRP, which is a protein involved in causing migraine. Tablets that block CGRP can be given daily or every other day. Injections of monoclonal antibodies that block CGRP can be given monthly or every three months. Tablets can be easier for some people to take, but a monthly or quarterly injection may be more convenient. To make a decision about what medication may be best for you, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your HCP and review potential side effects.
There are also medications that are older and inexpensive because they have been around for decades that have been found to be effective in reducing migraine frequency. These include some blood pressure medications, some anti-seizure medications and a few specific antidepressants.
For people with chronic migraine (more than 15 migraine days per month for three months, where eight headache days have migraine characteristics), injections with onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) is an FDA-approved treatment option as well. A trained injector follows a specific injection protocol to give the treatment every 12 weeks to reduce migraine frequency and disability.
Finally, there are the neuromodulation devices mentioned above.
When should I consider using preventive therapy?
If you have six or more migraine attacks per month, you should consider starting preventive therapy.
You should also discuss preventive therapy with your HCP if you have two or more migraine attacks per month and you’re missing work or life events, you don’t have a good acute treatment that works for attacks, or you have attacks associated with severe symptoms (such as muscle weakness during the migraine attack).
How can I determine what treatment will work well for me?
At this time, there is no great way to know what treatment will work for you without trying different options and seeing what works.
Are there any alternative therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acupuncture, or biofeedback, that I should consider?
There is a body of evidence that biofeedback reduces the number of migraine attacks people experience and how bad their migraine attacks are compared to people who are not taking medication, but the evidence does not show that it helps more than medication or CBT, which also has robust evidence supporting its effectiveness. Acupuncture has mixed evidence, but I do recommend that patients who are interested (and can afford the cost and the time off work) give it a try because it can help reduce attack frequency.
Should I go to a headache specialist? How can I find one?
A good place to start treatment is with your primary care provider or a general neurologist, as there are very few headache specialists in the U.S. If you feel you are not improving or have multiple types of headache disorders or conditions that go along with your headache attacks, then a headache specialist would be the next step.
Vanessa and her partner, Melissa, August 2024 (Photo/Kahea Clark)
