Everyone loves game day in Ann Arbor, but with the football games against Michigan State and that school from Ohio looming, it’s important to have fun and stay safe. Tailgating on game days is always a blast, but things can get out of hand if you have too much to drink. If you choose to drink alcohol, be sure you are also hydrating and eating some food. Some great food options include tortilla chips, soups, and bread products (whole wheat if possible). The combination of water and food helps to slow down the rate of alcohol consumption, helps with alcohol digestion, and may help you feel better the next day. If you’re hosting a tailgate, consider how much food and water you have on hand to make sure that all partygoers can stay safe.
Tracking your alcohol intake on game day is a smart way to avoid over-drinking, which can have very dangerous consequences. Every year 500,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are injured while under the influence of alcohol. With this in mind, take care of your body and drink responsibly! To effectively track your alcohol consumption, check out Stay in the Blue, a handy University Health Service (UHS) resource that helps you calculate your blood alcohol content (BAC) and approximates the effects of your alcohol consumption.
Before you make your way to The Big House, be mindful of the wellbeing of others. In order to be safe, you should never drive under the influence of alcohol, nor should you do anything else that might jeopardize the safety of the people around you. Keep in mind that it is always okay not to drink, so be considerate of your peers’ decisions and never pressure anyone to drink who is not comfortable. Finally, remember to respect all game day fans, regardless of which team they are rooting for. Stay safe out there and enjoy game day! Go Blue!
Contributed by Robert Connolly, –Neighborhood Ambassador