It’s hashtag Spring Break 2019! Grab your shades and your shorts, your credit card and your cozy PJs. Because wherever you’re going, you deserve to have time for you and time for your wellness. Here are some tips to keep you healthy and safe whatever your plans:

Return refreshed

Spring break is the perfect time to check in with your body – what do you need to return to campus refreshed? Good rest, good food, time with people you love and time doing things you love will all help!

Fuel up! 

You need food to fuel you through your spring break adventures. Keep snacks with you while you’re on the go. Eat yummy foods that make you feel good and include fat, fiber, and protein for long-lasting energy. Learn more nutrition tips.

Help your hearing

Whether you’re front and center for your favorite band or catching some ZZZ’s in your room, earplugs can save your day.

Take care of each other

Because that’s what Tar Heels do. Decide your limits ahead of time and help each other stay in those limits when partying – this reduces your chance of injury or doing something you’ll later regret. Stick with the same group of friends all night and decide how you will all get home safely. Planning to drink alcohol? Alternate water between alcoholic drinks, and eat before and while you drink. Traveling alone? We have a whole blog on that too!

Play safe

If you choose to have sex, consider how to keep yourself safer from STIs and unwanted pregnancy. Grab some free condoms at Campus Health or Student Wellness before you depart campus for you or your friends. Request them online at go.unc.edu/SSSrequest Remember that consent for sexual activity is an enthusiastic, mutual agreement that can be revoked at any time. For more information on consent and safety, visit safe.unc.edu.

Save your skin

Sunburns hurt! They also increase your risk of developing skin cancer and cause wrinkles or pre-mature aging. After you get out of a pool, ocean, or are sweating, dry off and reapply. The sun doesn’t discriminate – sunblock is recommended for all akin tones! Sunscreen details

Pause the pests

Keep mosquitoes away with insect repellent. Use it frequently if you’re spending lots of time outside, especially in the evening.

 

Specs to protect

Head outside in style while protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays with sunglasses. Eye safety looks good on you.

Spring Break Packing List

We know you’ll bring the fun on your adventures! It’s harder to think about what you’ll need when things don’t go perfectly. So for those less likely scenarios, also bring:

• Copies of your travel documents and ID/passport. We suggest one copy in each piece of luggage (in case a bag gets lost!), one copy with a trusted friend or family member at home, and the actual documents with you.
• Prescription medications – the ones you regularly take (and enough of them to get you home) and any special prescriptions for your trip such as anti-malarials or meds to help with travel diarrhea (the #1 health issue for international travelers).  Bring your EpiPen if you have one prescribed to you!
• Over-the-counter medications – ones you regularly use like supplements or asprin as well as those that might help if you become ill while traveling. Antidiarrheal medication is helpful since traveler’s diarrhea hits so many. Bring first aid items like bandages, antifungal and antibacterial creams, moleskin, a thermometer and hydrocortisone. Also think about what works for you if you get a cold, motion sickness, a headache, constipation, indigestion, etc and bring those items as well.
• Insect repellent containing DEET (30 – 50%)
• Water-resistant sunscreen of 15 SPF or greater with both UVA and UVB protection, plus a hat and sunglasses
• Antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Health insurance card (consider supplemental travel insurance if you’re going abroad as many US health plans do not cover all of your needs while abroad).
• Earplugs, travel pillow or other sleep aids
• Water bottle – as well as purification tablets or system if you’ll be in the backcountry
• Condoms – for you or to give away. You can get them for free at Campus Health.
• Yummy and nutrient-packed snacks for the trip. Try for a mix of fat, protein and fiber!

All of these items are available at Campus Health Pharmacy or Student Stores Pharmacy, right on UNC’s campus.