Chicago, IL -- May 9, 2003 -- More than 45 million Americans suffer from headache and many report pain and associated symptoms of this disease can be so severe that their ability to perform normal work, school, family and social activities is impacted. In fact, according to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), industry loses approximately $50 billion per year due to absenteeism, lost productivity and medical expenses caused by headache. That is why as part of its continuing effort to educate the public about the impact and severity of headache, and support sufferers of this legitimate biological disease, the National Headache Foundation has declared June 1 - 7, 2003 as National Headache Awareness Week.

This year's theme, "Take Control of your Headaches. Take Control of your Life," conveys to headache sufferers that by proactively addressing their condition, and working closely with a healthcare provider, their quality of life can improve. It is important for those suffering needlessly to acknowledge that headache is affecting their lives, and take action to address this treatable condition.

Headache sufferers can learn how to "take control of their headaches and take control of their lives," by following these five tips from the National Headache Foundation:

1. Recognize that you have a condition that can be successfully treated.

2. Make an appointment to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

3. Become informed about your headache type and treatment options.

4. Partner with your healthcare provider in decision-making regarding your care.

5. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits to improve your quality of life.

1. To gain recognition of headache pain as a real and legitimate condition,

2. To encourage sufferers to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, and

3. To let sufferers know that there are new treatments available.

"When patients actively partner with their healthcare providers, they enjoy better outcomes in their treatment, and are more satisfied with their care and quality of life," said Seymour Diamond, M.D., founder and executive chairman of the National Headache Foundation.

The National Headache Foundation founded in 1970 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving headache sufferers, their families and the healthcare providers who treat them; promoting research into headache causes and treatments; and educating the public to the fact that headaches are a legitimate biological disease and sufferers should receive understanding and continuity of care.

National Headache Awareness Week is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacia Corporation, Xcel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., UCB Pharma/Elan Biopharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

For more information about headache causes and treatments, or National Headache Awareness Week, visit the National Headache Foundation web site at www.headaches.org or call 1-888-NHF-5552 Monday - Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time.