Here’s the thing to remember about spring break: you want to end it in better shape than you began it. The idea is to chillax – not to screw yourself up. Spring break is supposed to help you push through those final weeks ‘til the end of term, not put you in the hospital.
To that end, here’s some advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Cheapflights. The commentary is purely Cheapflights’.
Knock back a couple of beers, but don’t get knocked out. Too many do the latter. A University of Wisconsin study shows 75 percent of college men, and 44 percent of college women reported getting intoxicated daily while on spring break. Half of the male students studied said they passed out at least once during break from intoxication, as did some 40 percent of the women. The CDC says binge drinkers are an astonishingly 14 times more likely to report alcohol-impaired driving than non-bingers. Sobering stuff.
College students hear this nonstop from parents, advisors and everyone else under the sun. But it’s important, so we’ll add to the chorus: practice safe sex.
Out on the beach, always use a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. The higher the number, the better you’re protected. Slather it on often, and not just after a swim. You can sweat out there playing sports. Wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Don’t follow in Jimmy Buffett’s footsteps. Should you blow out your flip-flops, be sure you’ve packed an extra pair – lest you lacerate your feet on something in the sand. Taking along a small first aid kit wouldn’t hurt either. If you’re going out on a boat, wear a lifejacket. Sexy it’s not, but it just might save your life.
Book a smoke-free room, and make sure that anybody with whom you share it abides by the ban. Secondhand smoke sucks – literally and figuratively.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Blyzz)
