Affinity Health | National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Did you know that chronic headache disorders are the third-highest cause of disability worldwide?

June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month (MHAM), and Affinity Health – providers of affordable health cover for all South Africans – would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness about migraine and other headache disorders.

It’s important to know that you’re not alone if you have a chronic headache disorder and that help is out there.

While most of us will have experienced a pounding head now and then, not everyone understands just how incapacitating and devastating chronic headache disorders can be.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders such as migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, and the so-called chronic daily headache syndrome are among the most common disorders of the nervous system.¹

Just like many other chronic conditions, different kinds of headache disorders have their own set of symptoms, happen for unique reasons, and need different treatments.²

Chronic headaches and migraine triggers can be perplexing for both doctors and sufferers alike. They differ from patient to patient and frequently come from unexpected and unrelated sources.

Research by the Headache Clinic reveals that a staggering 9 million South Africans (almost 16%) suffer from headaches and migraines.³

Although headache disorders can affect both genders, women are mostly affected. Experts believe this statistic can be attributed to the cyclical nature of female hormones.⁴

“Sadly, as a society, we often brush off headaches and migraines and the impact they have on so many lives despite these legitimate neurobiological diseases being responsible for debilitating pain, disability, and damaged quality of life,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“While there is no cure for headaches or migraines, people can treat their symptoms with medication and make lifestyle changes to help prevent future episodes. If your headaches persist, it’s critical that you figure out what’s causing them.”

Affinity Health encourages all South Africans who think they may suffer from chronic daily headaches or migraines to consult a specialist without delay.

To this effect, Affinity Health has pledged its commitment to ensuring all its members have access to sufficient health insurance to cover various headache disorders. Affinity has a day-to-day plan, a hospital plan, and even a combined plan to meet your family’s needs.

Ends

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.

References:

1. World Health Organisation | https://www.who.int/topics/headache_disorders/en/
2. WebMD | https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-basics
3. Mental Floss | https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/548056/facts-about-migraine-headaches-migraine-disorder
4. The Headache Clinic | https://theheadacheclinic.net/