You deserve a break. You have worked hard all semester. Now it's time to relax. I hope you have scheduled some serious downtime for spring break. Sleep late, play a lot, eat chocolate, rejoice. I also hope you plan to stay healthy and safe over break, whether you travel, stay home or do some of both. Just in case you need them, here are some tips for spring break safety and health.
Partying: Many students like to party over break, which often means indulging in mind-altering substances. I'm all for having a good time, but please, be smart. The greatest risk to your life during college is car crashes, which are much more likely when alcohol is involved. Please, please don't drink and drive.
Alcohol and other drugs can also mess with your judgment, causing you to make bad decisions you will later regret. You probably don't want to come back to school with a sexually transmitted infection or an unplanned pregnancy. Not to mention a broken leg from that snowboard jump you wouldn't have risked if you weren't under the influence. Be careful.
Travel: The State Department has issued a travel alert for Mexico due to the increasing violence in the northern and border parts of the country. If you want to travel to Mexico, I recommend you read the advice at Travel.state.gov where there are links to travel alerts as well as to specific countries.
If you're traveling outside the U.S., check out the latest Transportation Security Administration Web site at Tsa.gov. There you can find details about travel documents, luggage security, carry-ons, liquids, etc.
If you're driving somewhere, please buckle up and take a break or trade drivers every couple of hours. If you get sleepy, pull over and sleep. A nap could save your life.
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End of lecture. Have fun. Be careful. See you on the flip side.
Peggy Spencer, M.D., is a board-certified family physician. She has been a UNM Student Health physician for 17 years and a Daily Lobo contributing columnist for three years. She is co-author of the book 50 Ways to Leave Your 40s. Drop your questions in her box in the lobby of Student Health and Counseling, or e-mail her directly at Pspencer@unm.edu. All questions will be considered, and all questioners will remain anonymous. This column has general health information only and cannot replace a visit to a health provider.
