1% Thursday: Be Prepared
This week, think about how prepared you are for your next attack, and adjust accordingly.
"Why do you always have that backpack with you?"
I was asked that recently. All right, so I like to be prepared for things – there are lots of reasons I carry a backpack with me.
But some of the things in that backpack are migraine-related. I’ve got my Klean Kanteen with me, with fresh water to keep me hydrated, and to take medication with if necessary.
Obviously, I have whatever medication I need with me. For my purposes I have a tiny container with various medications I might possibly need, though usually I only take one type (and hopefully none!). It’s important to be ready to hit a migraine attack early.
I also have a small amount of food. Not much. But if all of a sudden I realize the blood sugar is getting low, I don’t want to stand in line under the bright lights and bright smells of a convenience store if I can help it.
Your schedule is different from mine. Sometimes I walk, sometimes I ride, sometimes I drive – you may be almost always in your car or at home or at the office. Fine – make sure you have "emergency packs" in those locations.
Whatever your situation is, be prepared. Not so that you can take more medication – most of us want less! But sometimes taking less earlier, or catching a quick snack, or staying hydrated – whatever – even stopping life for 10 minutes to read your favourite book – may mean less drugs in the long run.
And at least 1% fewer attacks.
What is 1% Thursday?
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Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better. Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge. Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!
4 February 2010 @ 7:33 pm
This is an important 1% Thursday and one that I follow faithfully. I always have my Imitrex and my Klean Kanteen with me where ever I go. I was taught to always be prepared. I am diabetic as well and always have something to bring my blood sugar up as well. Having to find water or food while waiting in traffic is not something that is fun to do. Thank you for a good post.
5 February 2010 @ 11:32 am
Great tip. I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s always carrying a large bag around! I carry a little pack of the various meds I might need, plus a notebook and pen, a snack bar and spare change for a taxi (in case I need to get home pronto when a migraine strikes).
My car and office are similarly equipped, but my handbag goes everywhere with me, so that’s the most important.
Keep up the great work, James!
15 February 2010 @ 3:55 pm
I have the meds to go with me; a packet of nuts, candied ginger or fresh ginger wrapped in foil, a bottle of water, and I always have the dog pooh plastic bag in handy just in case I vomit. Since I love changing bags; all of my bags have these ubiquitous “standards” so it’s only my wallet that I have to think of transferring. Forgotten are the days of the cute little purse.
Are You a Short-Term Thinker? – The Daily Migraine
4 March 2010 @ 11:44 am
[…] Â A lot of small improvements can really add up. Â This is why I think the fellow who runs this site has the right idea when he advocates doing things that make your life go 1% […]