As the temperatures in College Park begin to reach the high 80’s and every outfit you wear consists of high-waisted shorts and cute gladiator sandals, there is only one thing on everyone’s mind: the summer! The summer is characterized as a time that is meant to be worry-free, carefree, and stress-free. However, what many people fail to realize, is that the summer is filled with serious and unexpected dangers. These dangers range from sun poisoning, excessive drinking, an increase in car accidents, and risks that can occur on vacation.
As temperatures rise, so does your desire to hit the beach with your best friends while you rock your brand new bikini. Nothing says summer like the perfect, golden tan.
But when you are hanging out on the beach with friends, or lying out in the sun, the last thing on your mind is reapplying your sunscreen. However, regardless of the SPF you use, you are supposed to reapply every two hours to ensure you are doing your best to block your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun poisoning, an extremely severe type of sunburn, can have painful and unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, and severe blisters, just to name a few. The best way you can protect yourself is by purchasing a broad spectrum SPF, reapplying every two hours, and being sure to cover up during the sun’s strongest time between noon and 4 pm.
Although J-Kwon tried to warn us, in his popular 2004 hit “Tipsy”, that “teen drinking is very bad,” teen drinking is consistently on the rise during the summer months. With everyone out of school, parents busy at work, and seemingly ample amounts of free time, more and more teens will turn to alcohol. Although alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning, it also leads to an increase in car accidents. According to a recent survey on USA Today, 19% of teens thought alcohol made them a better driver, while another 19% thought it had no impact on their driving.
However, car accidents are the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-20 in the United States. The period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most deadly time of year for these same individuals, while August is specifically known as the deadliest month. The best way to protect yourself and your friends is to make sure everyone is wearing a seatbelt, avoid over packing the car with people, always follow the speed limit, exhibit extra caution at night, and be conscious of possible drunk drivers on the road during early hours of the morning.
If you and your best friends are lucky enough to take a trip together that does not include traveling to your local beach club, there’s another danger you must be aware of. No, I’m not talking about how much trouble you’re going to be in when your dad realizes your luggage was over by 5 pounds and you needed to pay an extra $50. I’m talking about the danger that faced Natalee Holloway during her 2005 high school graduation trip to Aruba. After a night of drinking and partying with friends, reports have proven that she left with a couple boys she had met that night and she was never seen alive again. When on vacation, whether it is a domestic or international trip, it’s important to stay on high alert. Be sure to protect yourself and friends by always sticking together, watching each other’s alcohol consumption, and be mindful of sketchy situations.
As the days get warmer everyone can’t help but fantasize about their great summer plans. So as finals are completed, rooms are packed up, and you head back home, keep in mind the dangers that many people do not associate with the summer. But also be sure to have fun, that is what the summer is for after all.