Safer Spring Break: Having Fun and Staying Healthy!

Safer Spring Break FAQS

• What are some general guidelines for students to have a safer spring break?

  If you plan to drive to your destination wear your seat belt, drive sober and alert (not fatigued or drowsy), avoid distractions, drive the speed limit, and keep an emergency kit (jumper cables, flares, water, car cell phone charger, flashlight, batteries, non-perishable snacks, map, blanket, etc.) in the car.

  Texas roadside assistance is available through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Call 1-800-525-5555 for non-emergency roadside assistance. Call 911 about an emergency.

  If Traveling Internationally – SHC offers travel health consultations. Make an appointment to speak with a nurse about where you are planning to go. We will review your immunizations and make recommendations based on relevant country-specific information. This can help keep you safe and healthy when traveling abroad.  It is also important to consider purchasing Travel Insurance. 

  It is important to research your destination to understand local customs, laws, safety concerns, key attractions, transportation options, and potential cultural nuances, allowing you to plan effectively, avoid misunderstandings, and maximize your time at your destination.

  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an excellent comprehensive resource page for safety and traveling during spring break.

• Alcohol consumption is often a part of spring break for many students. What advice do you have on responsible drinking and avoiding alcohol-related emergencies?

  To prevent impaired driving, plan for a safe night (or day) out by using this checklist. If staying local, you can utilize the sober ride options on our Planning a Safe Night Out Page to prevent impaired driving.

   

  In Texas, the 911 Lifeline Law can protect a minor in possession or consumption of alcohol if they respond to someone who is experiencing alcohol poisoning.

  

   

  Know standard serving sizes of alcohol. Students can use the online BAC calculator to track their drinks and calculate their BAC.0

  

   

  The only thing that helps someone get sober is time.  Avoid the following:

  1. “Sleep it off.” Don’t let someone experiencing alcohol poisoning “sleep it off.” If they lose consciousness, they may aspirate and require emergency care to prevent death. Never leave an unconscious person alone.
  2. “Sweat it out.” Don’t let an intoxicated friend try to “sweat” it out. The effects of alcohol could cause the individual to injure themselves or others.
  3. “Take a cold shower.” Alcohol and other depressants can cause the body to become cold, so a cold shower may cause someone more harm.
  4. Caffeine/Stimulants and Food: Stimulants can mask the effects of alcohol and cause an individual to feel less intoxicated than they are. Additionally, if someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, do not give them food, as they may vomit and aspirate if they become unconscious.

• Dehydration and sun exposure can be major concerns for students traveling to warm destinations. What precautions should they take to stay hydrated and protect themselves from sun-related illnesses?

  Dehydration can occur with increased physical activity, hot weather, and alcohol consumption.  Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Tips for staying hydrated: Carry a water bottle, drink water before you are thirsty, drink more water if you are participating in physically demanding activities, and use water flavor enhancers if they help you stay hydrated.

• What precautions should students take to prioritize their overall well-being, including sleep, nutrition, and stress management, while traveling for spring break?

  Whether you are traveling or staying here in San Marcos, keeping a regular sleep schedule will help you be prepared for the week of classes once they resume. 7-9 hours of sleep is recommended for adults each night.  If necessary, you can supplement with naps (20- or 90-minute naps are the sweet spot!). For more sleep health tips, you can visit our Sleep Health webpage.

  Consuming balanced, nutritious meals supports your health.  Balanced meals contain fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy (or non-dairy alternatives that contain nutrients and probiotics). You can use online resources like MyPlate.gov to plan balanced meals.

  Participating in regular physical activity can help to manage (and prevent) stress. Spring Break is a great time to relax and get caught up on assignments, but don’t forget to be active as well.  Aim for 150 minutes (about 5 hours) of moderate activity that week.

  Students can continue to utilize FREE mental health resources like TimelyCare while away from campus.

  Take a look at Minds Matter for a consolidated list of common mental health resources offered by Texas State.

• Traveling often exposes students to new environments and unfamiliar situations. What are some key first-aid essentials or emergency preparedness tips should students keep in mind?

  Have a first-aid kit or make sure the site where you are staying has one.

  If you are traveling with medications, check local restrictions and keep medication in its original, labeled container. 

  If you will be outside the United States, make sure you know how to access emergency medical care if you need it. 

  Refer to the CDC Traveler’s Health webpage for more extensive information on planning for unexpected issues and protecting yourself during travel.

• Are there any specific vaccines students should consider before traveling to certain destinations?

  If you want to be sure you are up to date on vaccines, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before traveling for destination-specific vaccines, medications, and other information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a traveler’s health page where individuals can search their destination and find out more about travel health notices, as well as vaccine and medication recommendations.

  As measles cases rise globally and in the United States, it is important to check that you are fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This is important because the majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel. It is recommended that individuals plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least 2 weeks before departure. If departure is less than two weeks away, individuals should still get a dose of the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine includes a series of two injections and is an immunization provided by Texas State’s Student Health Center. 

  At Texas State’s Student Health Center, students can get travel health appointments where medical personnel will recommend and provide immunizations and travel medications based on the destination, duration of travel, activities, and medical conditions. It is recommended that students make a travel health appointment 6-8 weeks before traveling.

• What should students know about food and water safety, particularly if they are traveling internationally?

  Each country is different and may have specific recommendations. University Health Services offers Travel Health consultations and appointments for all Texas State University students, staff, and faculty. UHS recommends making your travel appointment at least 6-8 weeks prior to your planned departure. Counties and cities in the United States could also have food and water safety notifications, so research the city or county before you travel.