Dresden (02/26/2016) Tension headaches and migraines are among the most common neurological diseases. Women in particular often feel that their quality of life is severely affected. In 2014, more than 21,000 insured people Barmer According to a representative analysis of insured data from the Barmer GEK, that is almost five percent of all insured people in the Free State; extrapolated to the whole of Saxony, that would be more than 200,000 people who suffer from the symptoms so badly that they have to seek medical treatment. More women than men, but also children, are affected.

Helicopter years in life planning

It is striking that in the 20-30 age group, the number of those affected increased among both men and women between 2010 and 2014. The number of people affected also doubled among men aged 30-40. “We can only speculate about the reasons for this,” says Claudia Szymula, spokeswoman for the Barmer GEK in Saxony. “In these phases of life, most people are asked to make a variety of decisions. As a rule, training is completed and career planning begins, while family planning may also be thought about at the same time. In short, the pressure increases in this phase of life to set the right course,” says Szymula, describing possible reasons for the increased numbers in these age groups. There was also a further significant increase among 70-80 year olds. Fortunately, the numbers have fallen in most other age groups.

Learn how to deal with headaches at school

Children and young people already complain about headaches. “We have to start here,” says Szymula. the Barmer GEK significantly supports the “Aktion Mütze – Childhood without headaches” , a nationwide prevention program for schools. “Headaches in adolescents should be avoided through education and a health-promoting everyday life. The project aims to organize children's everyday lives in such a way that headaches occur as little as possible or are avoided entirely. Schools, parents and children are made aware of the topic. Because when your head is buzzing, nothing can go in,” says Szymula, describing the program.

  • Interested schools can request teaching materials for the 7th grade classes free of charge.
  • More information at: Campaign Beanie – Headache Prevention | BARMER GEK. or www.barmer-gek.de/s000068

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