Pass the Sunscreen!

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:51:29 -0400
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Whether choosing to stay in town or headed to places unknown, we want you and your friends to stay safe. Check out these tips for a safe Spring Break!

1. Hydrate: Don’t wait until you are thirsty, prevent dehydration by drinking water throughout the day. You can also include hydrating foods into your diet. Consider eating some watermelon, bell peppers, or strawberries.

2. Fun in the Sun: If you are planning to spend some time outdoors make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher! You can protect your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer by also staying in the shade, wearing sunglasses, and putting on a long-sleeved shirt.

3. COVID-19 Awareness: Continue to take COVID-19 precautions by staying up to date on your vaccines and checking your travel destination for any health notices and guidelines.

4. STI Protection: If sex is a possibility this Spring Break make sure to bring protection. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also prevent sexually transmitted infections. Internal and external condoms along with dental dams are free and available at the Office of Health Promotion.

5. Consent is Mandatory: Make sure you and your partner(s) are on the same page. Don’t know how to have the conversations? Check out this article from Planned Parenthood on how to talk about consent and sexual activity.

6. Alcohol Safety- If you are choosing to drink over break you can avoid self-injury or harm to others by sticking with the same group of friends, alternating water between alcoholic drinks, and staying within your limits. Learn more about UMBC's policy on substance misuse here.

7. Attend our Event: Want to learn more? Make sure to stop by the Spring Break Kick Off this Wednesday from 12-2 p.m.

What are you doing this Spring Break?