In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Avoid taking certain medicines before collecting it. This includes anything that might soften your stools, such as Pepto Bismol, Maalox, mineral oil, antacids and Kaopectate. Also, if you have had a Barium Swallow, a metallic compound used to see abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach during an x-ray, you should postpone taking the stool sample. He or she will provide you with the necessary equipment for collecting your stool sample, including a container for storing the sample. Ask about the procedure and if you can receive a “hat.” Follow your doctor's instructions and read any directions that come with your equipment carefully.  Keep in mind that toilet water, urine, paper, and soap can all ruin the stool sample, so make sure that you have a way to protect your stool from becoming contaminated by these things. Set up a way to catch your stool sample ahead of time.  Also, be sure to talk with your doctor about any medical conditions or medicines that you are taking before taking the stool sample. This information will provide them with a better understanding of any test results. The hat is a plastic device that looks like its namesake and is used to catch the feces so that it does not come into contact with toilet water. Ask your doctor if one is available, because it will make the process easier. The hat will fit neatly over a portion of the toilet seat. To put the hat in place, lift up the toilet seat, place the hat over the bowl, and then close the toilet seat again. Position yourself on top of the portion of the bowl covered by the hat. If your doctor does not provide you with a hat, then you can also cover the toilet bowl with plastic wrap. To use plastic wrap, lift up the toilet seat and then place the plastic wrap across the toilet bowl. Close the toilet seat on the plastic wrap to help secure it.  You can also tape the plastic wrap to the side of the bowl for additional security. Before you defecate, push down on the plastic to create a small dip in the plastic where the sample will collect. As a last recourse, you can also use a large sheet of newspaper to collect your stool sample. To use a piece of newspaper, lift up the toilet seat and place the newspaper across the toilet bowl and then close the toilet seat to secure it.  You can also tape the newspaper to the side of the bowl to hold it in place. You may also want to push down on the center of the paper to create a place for the sample to settle. Be sure to urinate first so that you do not contaminate the sample. Whether at home or at the doctor’s office, secure the toilet with either a hat or plastic wrap. Be careful that all of the sample is collected and does not come into contact with the toilet water.
Summary: Avoid medicine that will affect the sample. Consult with your doctor. Prepare your toilet with a hat. Cover your toilet bowl with plastic wrap. Lay a sheet of newspaper across your toilet bowl. Defecate into the collection device.

Problem: Article: Many countries have public restrooms that you must pay for. All that means is you need to plan ahead and have coins on hand. Many travel sites can give you information on a country's restroom situation. While on your trip, it's probably best to avoid any foods that you know cause you problems. For instance, maybe you know caffeine is a problem; don't have coffee while you're away. Similarly, fatty foods and alcohol can also cause issues, so try to skip those, too. If you're in another country, learn the word for "restroom" or "toilet." If you're having trouble learning it, take a small flip book with you that has pictures to help others understand. You can use pictures or words in the country's language. You can also use this opportunity to provide information about your condition if you would prefer. When you need to find a restroom, you're likely going to need directions, and having something to help you communicate will get you there faster. If certain foods upset your stomach, you should probably learn how to say those, and something simple such as "I can't have these foods." Alternatively, have those written on cards in the country's language if you can't memorize them yourself. If you're traveling with friends or family who don't know about your condition, you should probably let them know about your situation, so they will be willing to accommodate you. Many tour guides are also helpful if you let them know what's going on. Eating too much at once or too little throughout the day can make your bowel symptoms worse. Having snacks with you can help even out your food for the day. Smaller, consistent meals help you control your IBS symptoms. In addition, keep new foods to one per day, so that you don't upset your stomach too much, as you don't know if you will react to a new food yet. Carbonated beverages and alcohol may upset your stomach; however, Gatorade is also a safe bet, especially since it can help replenish electrolytes. Also, remember to drink bottled water in a country that doesn't have safe drinking water. Stress can make your IBS symptoms worse, so take some time to practice stress-relief. For instance, take some time out to meditate or practice yoga while you're on vacation. It'll help keep you calm and relaxed. Your meditation doesn't need to be elaborate. In fact, you can try a simple breathing meditation anywhere. Close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Breathe in deeply to the count of four, and breathe out to the count of four. Try to focus only on your breathing, releasing any worries you may have. This medication works by slowing your bowel movements. You can take it in tablet form, liquid form, or capsule form. It's probably easier to travel with capsule or tablet form, as they won't spill, though liquid can be handy if you don't have water nearby. Generally, you begin with a 4 milligram dose and take 2 milligrams with subsequent doses. For regular tablets, you shouldn't take more than 16 milligrams in a day, while with chewable tablets, you shouldn't take more than 8 milligrams. This drug works by increasing water in the intestine, helping to loosen stool. You can take 5 to 15 milliliters of milk of magnesia by mouth up to four times a day.
Summary:
Check out the public restroom situation ahead of time. Skip bad foods. Learn the appropriate language. Talk to the people you're traveling with. Keep your meals consistent. Stick with water. Take steps to relieve stress. Take loperamide for your diarrhea. Take milk of magnesia when experiencing constipation.