Community Ideas: Summer Get Togethers

One of the most social seasons of the year has just started - so holiday gatherings, barbecues, and summer get-togethers are in full swing. We thought it might be helpful to share tips and tricks for attending celebrations while dealing with migraine, so we asked our Facebook community: "Do you have tips for managing migraine and holiday get togethers?" Check out the community's responses, and share your ideas in the comments below!

I manage my surroundings to prevent a migraine attack:

• Forbid anyone at your gathering to use 'strobe' fireworks. Major trigger.
• I keep a small necklace style 'personal air purifier' on.
• Keep a wet cloth with me to breathe into.
• Don't hug or sit near anyone with strong scents on.
• Keep the next day free to recuperate, if needed.
• Stay way from family [members] that don't understand and make me stress out.
• Try to stay away from fireworks and the smells.
• Celebrate indoors with a small party.
• Keep it small and wear ear plugs.
• No smoking in the house to prevent an instant migraine.

I avoid parties altogether:

• 4th of July celebrations are a thing of the past for me due to chronic migraine.
• You can try to "medicate through"...but I recommend, unfortunately, skipping this kind of event.
• I say sorry and go to bed.

I come prepared:

• Vitamin B2 with Fever Few works for me.
• Take meds prior to, whether I have one or not, and drinks lots of water.
• Pills. Lots of them.
• Stay out of the sun.
• I bring comfortable chair, ball cap, dark sunglasses, ice packs, lots and lots of hydration, and abortives and rescue meds.
• I have been using not only my meds, but also I went and bought a cold compress that you can leave in the freezer and also sometimes warm up in microwave.
• I use the forehead rubs and tiger balm on my head.

How about you? What tactics do you use to deal with migraine when facing a social gathering? Please share in the comments!