Spring break is a time when many take advantage of their time off to enjoy a trip with either family of friends. Beach destinations and skiing trips are common places we hear you all are traveling to (and secretly wish we were going with you as well!). Here are just a few reminders to ensure your trip is both enjoyable and safe.
Skiing is a wonderful sport you can enjoy well past your youth. There are many inherit dangers like trees, cliffs, and difficulty of trail. Other variables to think about include frostbite, sunburns, and preventable injuries.
Make sure you dress for variable climates---this includes layers and properly fitting gear. Make sure you take an extra pair of gloves. Do not borrow gear-make sure you have the appropriate skis/boots and bindings which a skilled professional at the ski shop should be able to ensure.
Make sure you wear a helmet---most injuries (30-50%) can be prevented by this simple step.
Also wear goggles to prevent eye injury from stray branches.
Know your limits and which trails match your skill level and brush up on your skills with ski lessons (even experienced skiers brush up on their skills now and then).
Practice ski etiquette-skiers in front and below you can't see you and have the right of way. Never stop in the middle of a trail or under a drop off where someone may not see you.
Ski with a friend and prearrange a meeting place.
Take walkie talkies to communicate as cell service may be variable.
Make sure to take water and a snack as skiing is a strenuous sport.
With the reflection from the snow, you are susceptible to sunburn-always wear a SPF of at least 30 and lip balm with SPF.
One of the most effective ways to prevent injury is to make sure you have strong muscles prior to skiing. Also make sure to stretch prior to skiing.
If your travels take you to a warmer climate filled with relaxation on a beach, by a pool or lake we recommend the following:
Be sun smart-even 1 blistering sunburn in childhood increases your risk of melanoma. Avoid peak sun hours of 10-4 and apply SPF 30 or higher 20 minutes prior to going outside and every 2 hours. Wearing long sleeves, tight woven clothing, hats and sunglasses with UV protection.
Treatment for sunburns include: cool damp towels applied to skin for 10-15 minutes, lotions containing aloe vera or soy, ibuprofen, increase fluids, leave blisters intact and wear cotton clothing.
Monitor for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke- headache, dizziness, nausea- and get out of the sun as well as drink cold fluids. Heat stroke is more serious where a person stops sweating, turns red, can be confused or passes out and needs emergency medical attention.
Be safe in the water-never swim near a pier, monitor weather patterns and adhere to lifeguard's recommendations regarding getting in the water. Monitor for rip currents and remember if you find yourself in one, swim parallel to shore.
Water is teeming with a variety of marine life: which includes jellyfish. Signs you may have been stung include: pain, redness, stinging, and numbness. Treatment for a sting includes: rinsing with seawater or vinegar (fresh water may cause the stingers to fire), using a credit card applied to skin to shave off stingers, and not rub the area.
If your beach trip includes bicycles make sure you wear a helmet and children<10 should not ride on the street (sidewalks only)
