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Healthy Spring Break

Spring break can be quite the phenomenon and is an anticipated academic tradition each year. Whether your week off takes you to warmer, colder or more exotic weather there are ways to enjoy your time off and remain safe. It is good to keep in mind information on staying hydrated, sun safety, sexual health, alcohol consumption, and road trip nutrition tips. If your travels will keep you closer to home there is also many ways to find information on what you can do in Boise during Spring Break. The Peer Educators will be going over this information and more with games and give a ways at our Health Hut March 15th from 10-2pm on the Quad.

Fun in the Sun

  • A white T-shirt has an SPF of about 7, but once it gets wet, SPF drops down to about 3. Skin Cancer Foundation
  • Sunlight makes vitamin D in your skin; it also makes beta-endorphins, which makes you feel better, and nitric oxide, which can help lower your blood pressure, and a host of other health promoting chemicals.
  • Apply SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours whether you go in the water or not.

Water Facts

  • The average amount of water you need a day is about 3 liters for men and 2.2 liters for women
  • Drinking water can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism, which helps you to burn calories faster
  • One energy drink can contain two days worth of the recommended amount of added sugar, choose water!

Sexual Health

  • Having consent means both giving and getting permission to go through an activity. This is done through clear and verbal means.
  • Consistent condom use provides substantial protection against the acquisition of many STD/STIs.
  • If someone is sexually active, it is recommended that you get tested every 3-6 months or if they have a new sexual partner.

Alcohol Facts

  • Within about a two 2 hour time frame 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men is considered binge drinking.
  • One 12-ounce beer has about the same amount of alcohol as one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. It is the amount of alcohol consumed that affects a person most, not the type of alcoholic drink.
  • Excessive vomiting, irregular breathing, and pale or blue skin are all signs of blood alcohol poisoning. If someone is showing these signs it is important to call help right away.