Headaches are more often the butt of jokes than subjects for serious attention. Yet tension headaches, the kind that occur at times of physical or emotional stress, hit most of us at one time or another, and can be devastating. People who suffer severe, frequent tension headaches should get professional help. Because many longtime sufferers are heavy users of painkillers, treatment may include a weaning away from those drugs plus a prescription for antidepressants or muscle relaxants. Warm water soaking, stretching exercises, heating pad sessions, and massaging of tense muscles may also be suggested. The key to long-term prevention of the headaches is to discover the triggers that bring them on, then find ways to cope.

Reducing the stress in your life can help prevent many diseases. One of the services I offer in my general practice is a wellness program because I believe in disease prevention through lifestyle changes. My practice is a general one, including adult and pediatric medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, geriatrics, and industrial medicine. I have a special interest in counseling and mental health, including adolescent behavior and school problems. My office is at the corner of 9th and Locust (562-2222), and office hours are weekdays 9-5, Sat. 9-12, evening and noon hours by appointment.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Public Library all this week. We urge everyone to participate as we are low on type O blood.