Attending Special Events

Planning ahead for special events like holidays, graduations, and weddings can make it easier and less stressful to deal with the possibility of a flare-up.

• Bring any medicine or other supplies you might need.
• When you arrive, locate the bathrooms.
• If a meal is served, eat small amounts. Don’t eat too quickly.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol or caffeine.
• Make sure you have a way to get home if you feel you need to leave.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do while attending a special event is to try to relax and have a good time. To better enjoy the moment, it may help to learn different ways of reducing stress.

Information adapted from “Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com. Accessed August 23, 2000.