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HeadWise

HeadWise

Written by: National Headache Foundation
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 A podcast about the latest news on migraine disease and headache disorders.© 2026 HeadWise National Headache Foundation Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • How Exercise Affects Migraine ft. Laurel Short, DNP

    How Exercise Affects Migraine ft. Laurel Short, DNP
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode, Laurel Short, DNP and host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, break down the science behind aerobic exercise, strength training, and yoga—and how each can influence migraine frequency, intensity, and overall wellbeing. They also discussion the difference between primary exercise headache and migraine, and why it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider when head pain is triggered by physical activity. You’ll learn: How moderate and high-intensity exercise may reduce migraine frequency and severity Why exercise can sometimes act as a migraine trigger—and what factors like hydration, temperature, and fueling have to do with it The difference between migraine and primary exercise-induced headache How strength training and posture can support people living with migraine and neck pain The role of movement in mental health, stress, and mood regulation Practical, SMART goal strategies for starting—or restarting—an exercise routine safely Watch the full episode to explore how to build a personalized, sustainable movement plan that supports both migraine care and overall health.
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    22 mins
  • Meet the New CEO of the National Headache Foundation ft. Katy Oakley

    Meet the New CEO of the National Headache Foundation ft. Katy Oakley
    Dec 31 2025
    In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, welcomes Katy Oakley, the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Headache Foundation (NHF). Katy shares her personal journey living with post-traumatic headache and chronic migraine following a traumatic brain injury in her twenties and how years of daily head pain, delayed diagnosis, and difficulty accessing care shaped her path to leadership within the headache community. Drawing from both her lived experience and professional background in marketing and mission-driven organizations, Katy discusses how she plans to expand NHF’s reach, empower people living with headache and migraine, and strengthen education and certification for healthcare providers—especially in primary care. In this conversation, they explore: - Living with post-traumatic headache and chronic migraine - The emotional and practical toll of daily head pain - Barriers to care, step therapy, and treatment access - Why patient-centered leadership matters - Katy’s vision for the future of the National Headache Foundation - How HeadWise listeners can help shape future episode topics This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership guiding NHF forward—and a reminder that people living with headache and migraine are not alone.
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    8 mins
  • Do Viral Migraine Remedies Work? Breaking Down the Science ft. Fred Cohen, MD

    Do Viral Migraine Remedies Work? Breaking Down the Science ft. Fred Cohen, MD
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode of HeadWise™, host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with headache specialist Fred Cohen, MD, about the viral migraine remedies circulating on TikTok, Instagram, and social media — and whether any of them are actually helpful. Together, they break down popular home remedies and “migraine hacks,” explaining which approaches may offer real relief, which lack evidence, and which could potentially cause harm. Dr. Cohen shares the science behind commonly discussed strategies like caffeine, cold and warm compresses, salt cravings, topical treatments, neuromodulation, and cannabis, while also addressing more extreme trends such as mustard on the feet, banana peels, hair cutting, and specialty ear piercings. This episode emphasizes that migraine is a neurological disease, not a condition solved by a one-size-fits-all fix. What works for one person may not work for another — and some remedies deserve a closer look before trying them. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why caffeine can help some migraine attacks but trigger others - How cold and warm therapies may influence pain pathways - Which viral remedies lack scientific evidence - What the research says about cannabis and migraine relief - When neuromodulation may be a safer, evidence-based option - Why talking with your healthcare provider about home remedies matters If you’ve ever wondered whether social media migraine tips are worth trying, this episode offers clear, practical guidance grounded in medical expertise.
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    25 mins
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