It’s hard to believe that the month of March is here!  What happened to January and February?  Much activity is blowing in the winds of March, such as the end of Mardi Gras, which started February 3rd and ends March 9th.  March is American Red Cross month, as well as Women’s History Month.  The “Ides of March” is on the 15th, referring to the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Be sure to wear green on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day!  March’ birthstones are the aquamarine and bloodstone (courage).  Also, be sure to mark on your calendar: Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8th.

One big March activity for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!   In the world of basketball, the single-elimination playoffs began in 1939, featuring eight teams.  Now, a total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.  Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs began in 1981, and feature 64 teams doing their very best to reach the Final Four.  Following their respective men’s and women’s conference tournaments, games are played throughout the United States, beginning with regional tournaments, which bring much entertainment and excitement to sports fans.

Spring officially starts March 20; however, sometime during the month of March, college students from all over the U.S. take their annual Spring Break.  We want to focus on the health and safety of our students by passing along some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  There are safe and fun ways to enjoy spring break without taking risks that may affect the rest of the school year, or for that matter, the rest of their life.

Most young people think that they are immortal; but in the first three decades of their lives, more Americans are killed by unintentional injuries than any other cause.  So, please, keep these suggestions from CDC in mind:

• Be prepared for trips you plan to take, know what vaccinations you need if going abroad.

• If you are around water, know how to swim.

• When boating, wear a life jacket.

• Avoid too much sun.  Use plenty of sunscreen, (at least UV15), and wear wraparound sunglasses.

• Limit alcohol intake.  To have a memorable spring break, don’t drink too much, so you do remember what you did!

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Think about doing something different this year, such as volunteering.

• Start a fitness program if you aren’t already getting enough exercise.  Jogging, walking, playing volleyball or other activities are fun and don’t cost a thing.

• Get a baseball team or soccer team together.

• Avoid situations where you could be harmed.  Stay with people that you know.

Finally, we hope everyone enjoys the month of March.  Spring is just around the corner, and we all will start to get outdoors more, whether it’s gardening, playing golf, or working in the yard.  Enjoy the warmer weather and always keep safety in mind!