It’s 42˚! Where are my shorts and sandals?
March 
VIKES GONE WILD?
Spring break is nearing, and even if many of us aren’t hitting up a warmer destination, we’re all looking forward to spending more time outside, relaxing, and taking the time to let loose a bit. This is all well and good, but it’s important to take a few things into consideration before spring fever sets in completely.
First, after a long winter, we’re stoked to be getting out in the sunshine again. But remember, 90% of skin cancers are caused by the sun and it’s the most common type of cancer for women in our age group. So, protect yourself a little bit before you go out in order to keep that young, youthful glow for years to come. Here are some tips for doing so:
- Wear UV ray-blocking sunglasses.
- Use sunscreen with 15 SPF or greater every day.
- If you’re going to be active, use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply regularly.
- UV rays are most intense between the hours of 10am and 3pm, so plan outdoor activities before or after peak sun intensity hours.
Many of us may also be looking forward to blowing off some of that post-finals stress with some drinking, particularly with friends we haven’t seen in awhile. The following are tips for safe drinking, especially if you’re taking your spring break on the road to an unfamiliar destination:
- Drink from tamper-proof bottles or cans and insist on opening them yourself.
- Watch your own drink and don’t ask someone to watch it while you dance, go to the bathroom, etc.
- Insist on personally observing while any drink you have is mixed or prepared.
Some of us may be looking forward to a little hook-up action this spring break, as well. But keep in mind, while hooking up can be exciting and fun, STIs are pretty prevalent among our age group. In fact, check out the following stats:
- Young people aged 15-24 account for about 40% of new HIV infections.
- Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the US.
- It is estimated that as many as one in four Americans have genital herpes, yet at least 80% of those are unaware they have it.
So, wrap it up, use a dental dam, and don’t sleep with anyone you don’t trust. It’s ultimately an issue of respect for all parties.
Finally, if you are one of the lucky ones venturing out of the Midwest to a different destination, here are a few travel tips to keep in mind, particularly for those long car journeys:
- Carry a cell phone.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Make sure someone you trust is aware that you’re traveling and check in with them regularly and/or give them an itinerary for your trip.
- Pull over at least every 2 hours to rest and walk around.
SLEEP FACTS A TO Zzzz
By Laura Rosenberg
With the stress of finals approaching, sleep is something that most college students are wishing for rather than getting. Unfortunately, being prepared for tenth and finals week goes hand in hand with getting enough sleep, but it seems that college students are missing on the benefits of some good shut-eye. However, quality can make up for a lack of quantity, so try the following to put more sleep in your hours:
- Maintain a regular bed and wake time. Our sleep-wake cycle is regulated by a “circadian clock” in our brains. By establishing a regular bed and wake times, the circadian clock is strengthened. Therefore, the body knows when it is supposed to be sleeping, which can help with sleep onset at night.
- Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine. By establishing a relaxing bedtime routine you are helping your body separate your sleep time from daytime activities that often cause stress and anxiety. Engaging in a relaxing activity that you enjoy may also help you have a deeper, sounder sleep or may help you remain asleep throughout the night.
- Avoid bright lights before bed. Avoid exposure to bright lights before bedtime because it signals the neurons that help control the sleep-wake cycle that it is time to awaken, not to sleep.
- Finish eating 2-3 hours before bedtime. Eating heavy meals right before bed may make you feel uncomfortable while trying to fall asleep. Instead of eating before bed, many people suggest that drinking herbal, decaffeinated teas or milk help with falling asleep.
- Exercise regularly . Having a regular exercise routine makes it easier to fall asleep and contributes to a sounder sleep. However, give your body at least 3 hours to cool down before going to sleep, as cooler body temperatures are associated with better sleep.
- Leave the work at your desk. While your bed may often be the most comfortable, if not the only place, to study in your room, it is likely to cause you to associate it with work rather than sleep. Thus, you may find yourself lying awake thinking about your studies instead of getting the rest you need to study.
