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Spring break is here and we need to think about some of the safety precautions we can put in place to help those in distress. One of the things, specifically college students, like to do is have adult beverages. According to Dan Perry who wrote an article for Duke University, 42% of all college students will be drunk at least once during their spring break. With this being said, what can happen in the realm of health and safety if we consume too much alcohol? Well, we want to party, so we drink alcohol a large portion of the day and we do not want to miss any activities so when we get up after a night of drinking, we drink cokes and coffee to get enough caffeine in use to help us stay awake. Caffeine and alcohol both aid in the dehydration process. According to WebMD the signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include:
To help alleviate the over consumption of alcohol and caffeine the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends drinking one nonalcoholic drink for every alcoholic drink consumed: (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/SummerSafety/SummerSafety.htm) . The nonalcoholic drink should not contain caffeine for two reasons: 1) caffeine is a diuretic, and 2) drinking caffeine increases the urge to move more. Using these techniques to help prevent a major first aid need for dehydration can be easily avoided. Always remember to drink responsibly and as we exit the winter months, keep in mind that the goal of a break is to have fun and enjoy life! Feeling bad because of the negative effects of alcohol takes away from the joy of vacation. So, when headed toward warmer climates, please drink some water, replenish your electrolytes, eat a full meal prior to drinking, and have fun.
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Barbara Jackson worked through college as a non-traditional student earning her Master of Science degree in health science focusing in health education. Barbara then went on to set for her national credential exam in 2011 earning her CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) credential as well as being a Licensed Training Provider. Barbara has found her calling as a teacher and began working as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and became a CPR instructor for the Red Cross in 2007, since this time she has earned her teaching credential for American Heart Association and National Safety Council. Barbara is also an adjunct instructor for Arkansas Tech University teaching Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR courses.
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Spring break is here and we need to think about some of the safety precautions we can put in place to help those in distress. One of the things, specifically college students, like to do is have adult beverages. According to Dan Perry who wrote an article for Duke University, 42% of all college students will be drunk at least once during their spring break. With this being said, what can happen in the realm of health and safety if we consume too much alcohol? Well, we want to party, so we drink alcohol a large portion of the day and we do not want to miss any activities so when we get up after a night of drinking, we drink cokes and coffee to get enough caffeine in use to help us stay awake. Caffeine and alcohol both aid in the dehydration process. According to WebMD the signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include:
To help alleviate the over consumption of alcohol and caffeine the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends drinking one nonalcoholic drink for every alcoholic drink consumed: (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/SummerSafety/SummerSafety.htm) . The nonalcoholic drink should not contain caffeine for two reasons: 1) caffeine is a diuretic, and 2) drinking caffeine increases the urge to move more. Using these techniques to help prevent a major first aid need for dehydration can be easily avoided. Always remember to drink responsibly and as we exit the winter months, keep in mind that the goal of a break is to have fun and enjoy life! Feeling bad because of the negative effects of alcohol takes away from the joy of vacation. So, when headed toward warmer climates, please drink some water, replenish your electrolytes, eat a full meal prior to drinking, and have fun.
Vlad Magdalin
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