Spring Break Health & Safety Tips 

Are you getting ready and packing for your spring break vacation? Keep these health and safety tips in mind to help your trip go off without a hitch.

Bring identification and insurance cards

Make sure you have identification with you when you travel—no matter where you are headed or how you are getting there. For international travel, always carry your license and passport as a safety precaution. Keep both in a safe place and avoid leaving them behind when you travel home.

Also carry your health insurance card to ensure you can seek care if you get sick or have an injury.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

A tan is often seen as the sign of a good spring break vacation. But sunburns and heat stroke should be taken seriously. Be sure to apply SPF when headed out and reapply often throughout the day to protect your skin from damage.

Stay hydrated

You can easily become dehydrated when you’re outside in hot weather, especially when enjoying time with friends. Always keep a bottle of water handy to replenish your body. Continually drinking water will help you continue to have fun without feeling the side effects of dehydration such as dizziness and nausea. Extreme dehydration may also cause the need for medical treatment, so it is better to be safe.

Practice caution with activities

Open-water swimming, jet skiing and hang gliding are fun activities but are also high-risk and can lead to injuries. Do your research before partaking in any activity unfamiliar to you, ask any questions of the supervisor overseeing the activity, and make sure to follow posted safety precautions. When out in the water, avoid swimming alone, check the local weather and only swim in designated areas.
 

Know what to do in the event of an emergency

Call for help as soon as possible if you or a friend are involved in a medical emergency. Destinations outside of the U.S. do not use 911 for emergencies. Be sure to know the correct number to call before you begin your trip.

Call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362) to find a Catholic Health physician near you. Explore our services.