CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — For those diagnosed with migraines, it’s clear that a migraine isn’t just a headache.

People with migraines may be sensitive to light, sounds, specific smells, fast movements and other various triggers. A day at the river with the family can be a wonderful experience, but long days in the hot sun could trigger a migraine attack and cut into summertime fun.

How can you help yourself reduce the chances of an attack? Plan accordingly to avoid triggers and get the most out of your summer. Read on to learn more.

As Southern Utah remains in triple-digit heat, the specialists at Vista Healthcare’s neurology department want to provide the public with tips to minimize migraines and avoid headaches.

The neurology specialists at Vista can treat a full spectrum of headache disorders, including the following:

• Tension-type headaches.
• Cluster headaches.
• Daily chronic headaches.
• Medication overuse headaches.
• Cervicogenic (“neck-related”) headaches.
• Post-traumatic headaches.

While it’s difficult to fully eliminate headaches and migraines, we can take proactive steps to reduce their frequency and impact. It’s crucial to be aware of potential triggers without becoming overly fixated on them, as the stress of avoidance can sometimes contribute to headaches.

Tips to avoid migraines and headaches

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

• Did you know that dehydration is a major headache and migraine trigger for many people?
• Skip the sugary soda and caffeine-fueled drinks.
• Opt for water or electrolyte-containing beverages.

Evaluate your routine

• Summer often brings a more relaxed pace with longer daylight hours and a laid-back vibe. However, it’s important not to let this lead to disruptions in your meal and sleep schedules.
• Are you working out inside or outdoors? With temperatures over 110 degrees, you may need to modify your exercise regimen. If you have questions, ask your medical provider.
• Even on vacation, make sure not to skip meals and try to avoid indulging in trigger foods. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is also crucial, as both too much and too little sleep can be triggers for some individuals. By staying mindful of these habits, you can enjoy a healthier and more balanced summer.

Be careful with your medications

• Extended exposure to high temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of your medications.
• Medications have a storage temperature that can be exceeded by the Southern Utah heat. Avoid leaving your medications in the car and store them in a cool, dry, dark place.

Pack a hat and sunglasses

• The summer sun is brutal.
• Excessive time in the summer sun can be a significant trigger for headaches and migraines. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Consider wearing hats with broad brims to shield your face, neck, upper chest and back from the sun. Beach umbrellas are also excellent for providing shade at outdoor events like soccer games or a day at the lake.

Fragrance isn’t just in perfume

• Some of our patients are sensitive to excessive fragrance or even small odors. When shopping for sunscreen, hairspray, lotion or anything going directly on your skin, look for fragrance-free products. If you are not sure if an ingredient is a fragrance, you can ask the pharmacist or do a web search.

Summer is a season full of opportunities for family fun, vacations and getaways. By prioritizing self-care, we can make the most of our summer experiences. Enjoy your summer to the fullest!

Vista’s neurology specialists understand that you cannot leave your migraine at home while on vacation. Planning and being proactive with self-care can make a huge difference.

Make plans, but also remember it’s OK if things need to change due to a migraine. Keeping yourself healthy and happy will make those around you happy too. It’s impossible to avoid every migraine attack. Still, planning and having a system in place if you have a migraine attack makes a tremendous difference.

If you or a loved one is suffering from migraines, make an appointment with one of our award-winning providers.

Provider spotlight

Dr. Shawn Allen evaluates and treats general neurological conditions including epilepsy, stroke, migraine and other headache syndromes, dementia and movement disorders (including Parkinson’s disease). He has completed further training in neuromuscular medicine and additionally treats myasthenia gravis, neuropathy, muscle disease including adult and pediatric muscular dystrophies/myopathies and ALS. 

Allen performs EMG and nerve conduction studies as part of evaluating conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, polyneuropathy, neck and lower back pain (i.e. radiculopathy) and muscle disease. 

His personal interests include exploring new areas and being outdoors with his family. He enjoys hiking, camping, travel, golf, mountain biking and watersports, which makes Southern Utah a fun playground. He loves watching and coaching his kids in youth sports.

Mindi LeMonds, FNP-BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She received her associate’s degree in nursing at Salt Lake Community College and went on to get her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. While receiving her education, she worked full-time as an ortho-trauma nurse at the university’s hospital.

After moving from Riverton to St. George to be close to family and escape the snow, she worked for Intermountain Health in the emergency department as a trauma nurse. During that time, she successfully completed a master’s in family nurse practitioner at the University of Phoenix.

LeMonds acknowledges the critical work that nurses, physician assistants/nurse practitioners and physicians do and the incredible impact they make in people’s lives. She knows firsthand the importance of compassionate care after having a stroke at the age of 26. After spending years in recovery, she decided to follow her passion for medicine. LeMonds is committed to patient focus and providing dedicated care through her career with Vista/Southwest Spine and Pain Center. 

Kelsie Montgomery, DNP, was born and raised in Utah. She graduated from Dixie High School and obtained an Associate of Science in nursing from Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Georgia. After completing her associate’s, she moved back to St. George and earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University).

While going to school, Montgomery worked as a nurse in the cardiac care unit as well as the intensive care unit. She then received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Rocky Mountain University and began her work in general outpatient neurology.

Montgomery treats patients with migraines and other headache disorders, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. She loves to spend time with her 10-year-old daughter and her dog, Kona.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T • 

Resources

• Vista Healthcare | Address: 2891 E. Mall Drive, St. George | Telephone: 435-215-0257 | Website.

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