What causes headaches, and how can they be prevented?

Headaches are like when your brain is shouting for help because something is too tight or too loud inside your head.

Imagine your head is a big balloon full of little strings called blood vessels. When you’re tired, stressed, or dehydrated (which means your body doesn’t have enough water), those strings can get squeezed or stretched, making your brain feel like it’s being pulled, and that’s when a headache happens.

Sometimes, your brain even gets too excited by lights, sounds, or smells, and that extra excitement can cause a headache, too.

You can help your head stay calm by giving it what it needs:

• Drink enough water, just like how you need water to play all day.
• Take breaks when you’re working hard, like taking a nap after playing with your toys.
• Keep your room cool and quiet, if loud noises or bright lights make your brain shout more.

By helping your head feel safe and happy, you can stop the shouting before it starts!