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March is in full swing and in just a few days most of the student body in the U.S. will be out for Spring Break 2015. Some teens spend spring break at a tropical resort, others lend charities a helping hand, and others well…. lets just say they aren’t so lucky. Unfortunately, spring break isn’t always as fun as anticipated. Get ready to read facts that will inspire, relax, and terrify you.

  1. 1.5 million students go on spring break every year and collectively spend over one billion dollars.
  2. The number one U.S. spring break destination is Panama City, FL.
  3. On average, college students consume six drinks per week. On spring break, men and women consume at least 10 drinks per day.
  4. With all-you-can-drink specials and a low legal drinking age, Cancun attracts over 100,000 young spring breakers each year.
  5. Hurricane Katrina jump-started a big volunteer oriented spring break fad. Approximately 35,000 U.S. youth participated in an alternative/ service oriented Spring Break in 2006.
  6. Every year at least one spring breaker dies from falling off a balcony.
  7. A report from the American Medical Association says, “More than half of college students know friends who were sexually active with more than one partner during spring break and nearly 3 out of 5 women know friends who had unprotected sex during spring break.”
  8. When teens go abroad for spring break, it’s easy to forget that foreign laws are extremely serious. 2,600 Americans are arrested on spring break overseas each year.

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Getting pierced during spring break is always a popular thing to do. But make sure you follow some basic rules and always exercise common sense when it comes to your body.

  1. Do not have anything done if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Not only will your judgment be affected, but also the likely hood of excessive bleeding.
  2. Know your infection risk: If you currently have an infection or an open wound, it’s a good idea to put off the piercing until you are healthy. Risk of infection is higher — especially if the piercer is poorly trained and working in an un-sterile environment or using unclean equipment — or if the wound doesn’t heal properly.
  3. Be aware of medical issues: If you have health problems, such as poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions that weaken your immune system, your chances of infection are higher and piercing is riskier.
  4. Factor in lifestyle. A nose ring when you’re 20 may look cool, but it may not be so hip or accepted at 30 in some workplaces. If you’re planning to remove piercings frequently to conceal them at work or from your family, this may increase your chances of infection. It may also lengthen healing time of newly pierced skin. If you play a contact sport and your piercings are in an area where they might rip or the jewelry can snag on clothing, this may injure the skin.
  5. Recognize healing tendencies. Some people may be prone to scarring that may be raised, or thick, and form what are called keloids. Piercing may not be a good idea for keloid-formers. Healing times vary depending on the site pierced, with navels, nipples, and genitals among the slowest to heal.
  6. Consider your anatomy. Not all skin surfaces are well designed for a desired piercing. For example, a belly button with a distinct ridge is easiest for a navel piercing. Tongues with a short frenum (the fold on the bottom of the tongue), known as “tongue tie,” are not good candidates.
  7. Find a trained professional. Most body piercings are done in tattoo and piercing parlors; earlobe piercings may be done in jewelry or departments stores. They should also use sterilized tools and follow safety precautions for dealing with blood and controlling infections.
  8. Share your health history. Piercing professionals should obtain a medical history, including allergies, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma so your health risks are known. Medications taken should be discussed. To limit bleeding, it’s recommended to avoid aspirin for a week before piercing and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for at least a day before getting pierced and for seven days afterward.
  9. Ensure proper materials are used. Nickel-free rings, pins, and studs should be inserted to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and infections. Jewelry that’s too small or thin or of poor quality can move from its initial placement, known as migration, or be rejected by the body.
  10. Follow care instructions. Find out how long the wound typically takes to heal and how to keep it clean afterward. Know the possible side effects from the piercing, such as pain or swelling, and what to do to minimize them.