No to headaches

Headaches are a pain. If you’re an athlete trying to cope with recurring migraines, you lose focus in training and in competition. They could be caused by something psychological or physiological. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to find out what the root of the problem is. Consulting your doctor is the first thing to do and you’ll be advised how to deal with the issue.

Active NBA players who’ve been known to suffer from migraines include Cleveland’s Dwyane Wade and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Andrew Bogut. “Every (migraine attack) is different and has a mind of its own, but hopefully it will be better,” said Wade who’s been nagged by headaches since he was a boy. “It’s gotten a little better with diet and not doing some of the things they say can trigger it and being careful of light at the wrong times, especially early in the morning.” Bright lighting has been identified as a trigger for Wade’s headaches.

Bogut has complained of headaches since he was 11. He’s an outspoken advocate of migraine awareness. In 2005, he revealed his struggles to the Salt Lake Tribune, saying, “I can’t hardly see out of my left eye … and the whole left side of my body will just go numb so I’m really only feeling half my body … then I go to a darkroom and the migraine will start, like someone’s hitting a hammer on my head.”

Former NFL MVP Terrell Davis was bothered by headaches from when he was seven yet he coped to establish an all-star football career. Another football star Percy Harvin found out his migraines were caused by sleep apnea which he has received treatment for. Boxers, football players and athletes in combat sports who are bogged down by headaches must be examined thoroughly to determine the cause of their migraines. 

For those interested to learn about headaches and cures, there’s an interesting symposium on the subject tomorrow, Nov. 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Forbes Ballroom 1 of the Conrad Hotel. Speakers are prominent headache authorities Dr. Fumihiko Sakai of Japan, Dr. Siwaporn Chankrachang of Thailand and Dr. Shuu Jiun Wang of Taiwan. Moderator is Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas, president of the Philippine Headache Society and head of the Headache Council of the Philippine Neurological Association. 

Topics to be discussed at the symposium are “For Better Headache Care in Asia,” “Headache Comorbidities” and “Headache and Intravascular Disorders.” The symposium is a highlight of the Asean Integration Program with the theme “Building Bridges and Strengthening Ties.” It marks the 12th biennial convention of the Asean Neurological Association and 39th annual convention of the Philippine Neurological Association. The program started yesterday and ends on Friday.

Meanwhile, in the PBA, the probability is the Board of Governors will make drastic changes in the process of approving or disapproving trades sooner than later. Even as the objectives of teams negotiating trades will be respected as their officials are consenting adults, deals must be transparent and in the best interest of the league’s goal of parity. With the 43rd season set to open on Dec. 17, there are rumors in the air of big trades under discussion. In the past, the PBA had trade guidelines where certain players, including marquee stars Ramon Fernandez and Abet Guidaben, were restricted from joining the same team to preserve competitive balance. Similar guidelines may be drawn up for the future.

Meanwhile, the year’s first overall draft pick Christian Standhardinger’s agent Bennet Ahnfeldt of the global management agency YouFirst Sports has expressed willingness to shed light on the Fil-German’s trade to San Miguel Beer if the Board requires his testimony. YouFirst Sports negotiated Standhardinger’s contract with the Hong Kong Eastern Sports team in the ABL this season. It also finalized his contract with San Miguel, effective May 1 next year. Ahnfeldt was recently in Manila.

YouFirst Sports’ other athletes include NBA players Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, Jeff Teague and Kristaps Porzingis. It’s involved in career and wealth management, media, reputation and marketing and legal and financial advisory. YouFirst has offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Kaunas, Istanbul, Paris, Frankfurt, Indianapolis, Miami, Atlanta, New York and Buenos Aires.