As prom season approaches, students begin to prepare in ways that may not be safe. Prom is a fun, memorable night but sometimes it is not carried out in the most healthy way. From tanning to dieting, going to parties, and even riding in the car with someone students aren’t familiar with, teens face danger.

One of the most common concerns for teens prepping for prom is how to get that golden tan. A very traditional method is visiting a tanning bed. A recent study showed that women who tan indoors are six times more likely to develop melanoma in their 20s. Some students argue that their actions aren’t exactly healthy, but aren’t habitual either. While this may be true, people who use a tanning bed, before the age of 35 increase the risk of developing melanoma by 75%. This increase can occur by visiting the tanning bed as little as one time.

Instead of hitting the tanning bed, laying out in the sun while regularly applying SPF or opting for a spray tan presents a healthy alternative.

Another concern for teens is getting a prom-ready body. Unfortunately, a lot of students go on unhealthy diets or eat as little as possible. While this method will be successful in dropping a few pounds at first, it can be harmful to the overall health of an individual.

After not eating for a while, your metabolism slows and your body tries to preserve body fat for survival. More often than that, people tend to binge eat to make up for what they did not eat.

When people binge eat, the body cannot break down all of the food at once. The excess food becomes body fat.

Instead of going on a hunger strike, teens could make healthy swaps in their diet. Small, frequent meals are an efficient way to improve lifestyle and prepare for prom.

“Often times I think kids our age overlook the big picture of their lives and health. They are concerned about how they are going to look and not that they are damaging their body physically and mentally” said senior Olivia Watson.

Another concern for teens is getting in the car or going to parties with people they are not familiar with.

To ensure the safest night possible, plan how you are getting to and from the dance and what you are going to do after. Make sure that you are spending time with familiar people in familiar places. If students do end up in a situation where they are offered drugs or alcohol, the safest option is to refuse.

“Adults aren’t stupid. We know what happens after prom. We want you to be safe and to remember your refusal strategies,” said health teacher Teresa Myers.