Getting ready for your spring break adventure? Remember the following "S" words.

Sunscreen. Choose one with an SPF of at least 15. This blocks UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. Blocking agents include cinnamates (oxtyl methoxycinnamate and cinoxate).

Other UVB-blocking ingredients are Padimate and PABA, but PABA can stain clothing yellow and sometimes cause irritation.

Shades. Look for sunglasses that absorb 99 percent to 100 percent of the full UV spectrum -- both UVA and UVB rays. Beware of sunglasses that claim only to "block harmful UV" without saying how much.

Sexual health protection. Plan ahead. Latex condoms and spermicides can prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. A good-quality condom has a failure rate of only 2 percent when used as directed. A condom used in conjunction with spermicidal foam, cream or jelly provides close to 100 percent protection against pregnancy.

The Penn State student-led HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Advisory Council is making condoms available for free. Stop by their table on the ground floor of the HUB tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Remember, the best contraception is the method that works best for you and your partner, and abstinence is also a choice.

Spending money. Plan how much money you can comfortably spend and stick to it during your trip. Consider using traveler's checks and a limited amount of cash in place of a credit card. Don't let the credit card in your pocket give you a false sense of wealth.

Sound too obvious? Think about this example. Being a generous person, you offer to pick up the tab for a group of friends at happy hour. Three pizzas at $13 each and five pitchers of Sam Adams at $6.75 each, tax is $6.75, and the waitress was great, give her $15 -- a $100 night out.

Not bad, right? Do that twice during your break plus other expenses, and you've run up a balance of $300.

If your interest rate is 19 percent and you make your card's minimum payment -- let's say $9 per month -- it will take four years to pay it off. And on top of the $300, you will pay $131 in interest.

Social support (friends). Let roommates, friends or partners know where you will be, when to expect you back or if you are going to be late. Watch out for each other. If a friend drinks too much and is unresponsive, call an ambulance.

Don't let intoxicated friends go off with "new acquaintances." Avoid walking (and exercising) alone; stay in groups. Know ahead of time how you are going to get home.

Safety. Remember that alcohol and other drugs can interfere with your ability to communicate effectively and deal with potentially dangerous situations.

In the 2003-2004 academic year, 88 of 107 Penn State victims of sexual assault who sought assistance reported that they had used alcohol prior to the assault.

Make your health a priority and have a great break!