Monday, March 3, 2008
Students preparing for spring break trips this semester can do more than pack sunscreen and sandals.
Many campus organizations offer free services such as travel consultations, “safe spring break” kits and self-defense classes to help students stay healthy and avoid accidents on their trips.
Patricia Denning, chief of staff at Watkins Memorial Health Center, said students needed to be aware of the health risks associated with those trips.
breakbox
March 12 – “Sexual Health and Violence Prevention Day,” 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Kansas Union
March 13 – “Sun and Water Safety Day,” 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wescoe Beach
March 14 – “Tips for Safe Trips,” 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wescoe Beach
“Every year after spring break, we’re seeing different types of problems that we weren’t seeing before spring break,” Denning said.
She said the most common injuries stemmed from the use of alcohol or drugs, which could lead to risky behavior, fist fights or unwanted sexual encounters.
Ken Sarber, health educator at the Wellness Resource Center, said students could start to prepare for their vacations by scheduling a travel consultation at Watkins.
“The most important reason is prevention,” Sarber said. “Why do you want to spend thousands of dollars and get down there and get sick?”
During the consultation, Sarber said students would meet with a doctor or nurse to set up a travel plan and discuss how to deal with things like food allergies. Students would also receive a Travax Report with relevant health information about their travel destination.
Travax Reports, issued by the Department of State, document the viruses present in a country as well as the prevalence of robbery and assault. The reports also indicate whether it is safe to drink the water, use public transportation, withdraw money from ATMs or walk on the beach without sandals.
Sarber said Student Health Services would also provide “safe spring break” kits on campus on March 10, 12 and 13.
The kits will include sunscreen, condoms and information about alcohol consumption.
“The idea is to have fun and not make your spring break a bad experience,” Sarber said.
Angela Oliver, assistant director of the Student Involvement Leadership Center, said self-defense workshops offered at the Student Recreation Fitness Center would also be useful for female students who plan to travel during spring break.
Oliver said the workshops would be free for female students and would include tips from a trained martial artist as well as a discussion about safety strategies.
The next self-defense workshop is on March 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the recreation cente. To reserve a spot in the workshop, call the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center at 864-3552.
For a free travel consultation any time of the year, call 864-9500 or visit the appointment desk at Watkins.
— Edited by Jessica Sain-Baird
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