June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. In the U.S., more than 38 million people suffer from migraines. Some studies estimate that 13 percent of adults in the U.S. population have migraines, and 2-3 million migraine sufferers are chronic. It’s safe to say that at least one of your employees deals with this often painful ailment. So what can you, as a facilities manager, do to help? It comes down to making a few modifications.
First, be mindful of your lighting. Many migraines are triggered by bright light, especially to glare. Flickering light can induce a migraine. Some fluorescent lighting is to blame. Lower resolution computer screens are also bad news for migraine sufferers. The use of glare screens in these conditions can be helpful.
Don’t overlook smell. Are you renovating your office? Did you know that certain fumes and vapors can trigger a migraine headache? Carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty furnace can create havoc, too.
Does your workplace have a policy regarding tobacco use? If not, you might want to reconsider. Smoking can provoke or intensify a headache because it causes biological changes in the blood and blood vessels. In addition, loud and irritating noises are the bane of migraine sufferers.
Changing your workplace environment even just a little can help migraine sufferers get through the day without incident. Of course it goes without saying that these considerations should be in addition to a consistent cleaning schedule.