"When you consider that migraine costs American businesses between $5.6 and $17.2 billion in lost work productivity a year, it’s no surprise that companies are increasingly open to innovative programs such as this one," said Suzanne Simons, executive director of the National Headache Foundation in Chicago. "If an employee can effectively manage his/her migraine, it can translate into significant savings for the company over the long term."

During each workplace session, which will take place at various corporations across the country, a physician and patient will speak to a group of employees about the different types of headaches,, what kinds of treatment options are available, lifestyle modifications to prevent migraine onset, and where to turn for help and relief. Employers that plan a "Migraine Mentors at Work" program are encouraged to evaluate the effects of the seminar, and continue the momentum of the session by providing staff members with educational materials.

Experts believe that accurate headache diagnosis and treatment is an important part of cost-effective migraine management. "Migraine Mentors at Work" is expected to raise awareness of migraine in the workplace, and offer migraine sufferers encouragement and information on how to manage the illness – a combination that could result in reduced disability for the employee and reduced medical costs for employers and insurers.

The survey of working women migraineurs also revealed that more than half (55%) report that migraines affect their ability to function at work, 37% report home and family responsibilities being comprised, and, among those who travel for business, half (53%) experience migraines while traveling – potentially rendering business trips less productive.1

For more information about "Migraine Mentors at Work," including fact sheets, an online brochure, and background on patient and professional mentors, please visit www.migrainementors.com.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HEADACHE FOUNDATION
The National Headache Foundation (NHF) is the oldest and largest non-profit organization of its type. Founded in 1970, it provides information for the more than 45 million people who experience chronic recurring headaches, their families and the healthcare professionals who treat them. Dedicated to funding research in the field of headache and various treatment options, the NHF strives to educate the public that headaches are a legitimate biological disease and that sufferers should receive understanding and continuity of care. The NHF is accessible through the Internet at www.headaches.org.

ABOUT ASTRAZENECA
AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of $15.8 billion and leading positions in the sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anesthesia (including pain management), cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS), and respiratory products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is an $8 billion healthcare business with approximately 10,000 employees. For more information regarding AstraZeneca, please visit our Web site at www.astrazeneca-us.com.

Facts About Migraine:
Migraine is a chronic medical condition affecting approximately 28 million Americans and has an estimated indirect financial burden of between $5.6 billion and $17.2 billion every year in North America.2 Attacks are characterized by severe unilateral head pain lasting between four and 72 hours and often are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and/or sound. The condition most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 25 and 55 and predominantly affects women.2

1Women and Migraine Omnibus Survey conducted by International Communications Research (ICR). April 2001.
2Rapoport A, Adelman J. Cost of Migraine Management: A Pharmacoeconomic Overview. The American Journal of Managed Care. 1998; 4: 531-545.
3Lipton R, Diamond S, Reed M, Stewart W. The Burden of Migraine: Compelling Insights from the American Migraine Studies. Consultant. September 2000 (Supplement).