If you're going to a festival this summer make sure you are prepared
With more than 500 festivals taking place in Britain this summer it’s little wonder that everyone is getting in on the action. And according to research from the Co-operative Pharmacy, one in six festival goers are over 45 years old. But their research also highlights potential risks for anyone wanting to join in the outdoor festivities.
Some of the most common festival injuries are related to alcohol. And with one in five people over 55 saying they plan to drink excessively at an outdoor event, memorising the location of the first-aid tent when you first arrive is probably a good idea. Other common ailments and injuries include:
Sunburn. A hat is an essential – just in case the sun should be shining. Not only will it prevent you getting sunburn on your sensitive scalp and nose, it’ll reduce your risk of heat stroke.
Food poisoning. Often it’s not the fault of the food vendors but a question of poor hygiene on the part of the customer. Washing hands before eating is ideal, of course, but if that’s not practical, antibacterial wipes are an ideal way to remove both dirt and bacteria from your hands.
Foot/leg injuries. With guy ropes strung across your path, it’s no wonder that moving about a festival ground in the dark is extremely risky. To avoid falling, take a good torch, preferably one that you can wind-up to avoid running out of battery life.
Sexually transmitted infections. Unprotected sex, regardless of your age, puts you at risk of a plethora of diseases – all of which are unpleasant and distressing to deal with. Use a condom.