Is It a Headache or a Migraine?

I have been a patient of Dr. Casanova for 30 years and followed him from Canton to Portage Lakes. He is an incredible doctor and has done wonderful things to treat my migraines. He is caring and open and listens to everything I tell him. His staff is the same way and they respond immediately if I call for any issue I may have. This is a top-notch team.

- Patient C.S.

Most of us have had a headache at some point in our lives. Frequent or severe headaches can affect a person’s quality of life. Knowing how to recognize the type of headache and its cause can help a person take appropriate action.

Types of Headaches:

Primary Headaches – include tension headaches and migraines

Tension headaches:

• Mild

• Most common type

• Usually caused by stress, lack of sleep or dehydration

• Only last a few hours

• Pain is global, not in one specific spot

• Usually helped with over-the-counter medication, rest, sleep and relaxation

Migraines:

• Usually on one side or the other

• Can start at the back of the head and move behind your eyes

• Sensitivity to light and noise is very typical

• Run in families

• Can last between four hours and several days

• Over-the-counter medication does not usually help relieve pain

• Triggers include stress, weather changes, food and lack of sleep

Secondary Headaches – due to underlying disease like tumors or inflammatory diseases

Although headaches can be a sign of a brain tumor, there usually are other symptoms than a headache, such as:

• Cognitive problems like memory issues

• Motor symptoms like weakness in one arm or leg

• Trouble swallowing

If you are having one migraine or a “migraine-like” headache monthly or every other month, your primary care provider can take care of you. If you are starting to have four to five migraines a month, call the Summa Health Neuroscience Institute at 888.241.5493

Tips to Make Your Pregnancy as Smooth as a Baby’s Bottom

If you are expecting, you probably have a lot on your mind as you prepare for this momentous life event. From the earliest weeks of pregnancy, many questions arise on what you should do to prepare for your baby. Here are 10 tips to help ensure your bundle of joy has a smooth arrival.

First Trimester

Third Trimester

Community Events

July

• July 4: Western Reserve Racing, Four on the 4th –First & Main, Hudson

• July 12: Wellness Chat –Stroke Awareness, 10 a.m., Wadsworth Soprema Center

• July 13: Medina Ladies Night Out – Medina Public Square

• July 27: Kent’s Wizardly Weekend – Downtown Kent

August

2

Search for and establish with an obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN) or certified nurse midwife (CNM) in your area

Complete your necessary prenatal care, including visits, labs and assessments and start taking a multivitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid*

Second Trimester

3 Read about the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby

4 Consider second trimester blood work and screening

1 6 7 8 9 10

5 Talk to your provider about birth control options after birth

Register for childbirth classes and schedule a tour

Make sure baby’s room and essential items are ready, including bassinet or crib and bedding, baby clothes and an infant car seat

Establish your baby’s provider so they are prepared to examine your baby in the hospital after delivery

Finalize your birth preferences, including who you want with you during labor, pain relief options, after delivery care and feeding options

Pack your hospital “to go” bag with everything you need during your stay so you are ready when the baby’s big day comes

Being pregnant can be a scary — but quite enjoyable — experience. Summa Health’s multidisciplinary team is here to guide you along on your pregnancy journey, putting you at ease and providing the highest quality of healthcare. To make an appointment or to learn more, visit summahealth.org/maternity or call 888.495.3859

• August 12: Akron Marathon Half & 10K – Goodyear World Headquarters

September

• September 13: Wellness Chat – 10 a.m., Wadsworth Soprema Center

• September 14: Silver Speakers Series: Lung Health –10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tallmadge Community Center

• September 16: Medina Fall Festival – Medina Public Square

• September 23-24: Barberton Mum Festival – Lake Anna Park

• September 29: Akron Marathon Expo – John S. Knight Center

• September 30: Akron Marathon – Downtown Akron

Please visit summahealth.org/events for up-to-date information.