In Germany, about two-thirds of students suffer from headaches.
It's high time something changed!

The initiators of the action day against migraine and headaches at the Technical University of Dresden (from left to right): Dr. Astrid Friedmann-Ketzmerick, Head of University Health Management, Prof. Antonio M. Hurtado, Vice-Rector for University Development, Prof. Hartmut Göbel, Director of the Kiel Pain Clinic and Karin Frisch, Managing Director of ZIES gGmbH

Our head is our control center: our thinking apparatus, database, and steering instrument. It is the foundation for creativity, ideas, intellect, courage, boldness, meaning, and the pursuit of new knowledge. It is the basis for students and teachers.

Our minds are constantly occupied with thoughts, we overthink things, sometimes we have a mental block. And our minds are like seismographs, sensitive to shocks, disturbances, and stress.

The HEADACHE HURTS prevention program explains the causes of headaches and shows how they can be avoided.

Knowledge about headaches is based on current research findings.

Under the motto "Everything that's good for your head," the University Health Management department at TU Dresden dedicated an entire day to headaches December 10, 2019. All students and staff of TU Dresden were , held in the lecture hall center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. , to learn more and receive advice. Current scientific studies show that headaches and migraines can be effectively and sustainably prevented or alleviated through preventative measures.

The pilot project "KopfHoch – Competently Preventing Headaches & Migraines at University" aims to develop practical measures and materials to help students and university staff effectively prevent headaches and migraines. The pilot project was initiated by Prof. Dr. med. Dipl.-Psych. Hartmut Göbel ( Kiel Pain Clinic ) and Karin Frisch (ZIES gGmbH Frankfurt am Main). BARMER supports the project based on its legal mandate to provide preventive care services.

At the heart of the project is the innovative prevention campaign "Headache Hurts," designed to raise students' awareness of the issue. Following the principle of knowledge – understanding – action, the campaign conveys fundamental medical knowledge as well as the most important dos and don'ts of headache prevention. In addition to the prevention program for students, there is also a program for university staff.

The pilot project “KopfHoch – Competently Preventing Headaches & Migraines at Universities” and the results of the scientific surveys conducted within the project were presented at a press conference , at the Federal Press Conference building in Berlin. Press materials with detailed information about the project can be found here .

Highlights of the action day at the Technical University of Dresden:

  • Lecture “Preventing Headaches & Migraines in Everyday University Life” by Prof. Hartmut Göbel from the Kiel Pain Clinic
  • Information and advice booths on a wide range of topics (e.g. mindfulness, stress, headaches, exam anxiety, nutrition, and much more)
  • Introductory courses in MBST (Mindfulness Based Student Training) and PMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation)
  • Individual testing offers (e.g. “Balance Check” and “Stress Scale”)
  • Information and participation opportunities on "Mindful Eating"

Information about the headache prevention campaign HEADACHE HURTS: https://tu-dresden.de/tu-dresden/gesu…

https://tu-dresden.de/tu-dresden/gesundheitsmanagement/news/aktionstag-alles-was-dem-kopf-gut-tut

ZIES gGmbH https://www.zies-frankfurt.de/

Pain Clinic Kiel: https://schmerzklinik.de

The film about the project