With summer break quickly approaching, many people will be attending concerts soon. There are many great tours happening this summer, and it is very important to have fun but also stay safe and healthy while doing so.
During the summertime, it is more likely for outdoor venues to be open. At these venues, it’s obvious that there will be no air conditioning and it will be very hot. It is especially important for concert goers who line up hours (or even days) ahead of time to take care of themselves while they wait.
West Liberty University’s on campus nurse, Christy Bennington, had some suggestions on how to make sure you have the best experience at a summer concert. “Extremely hot temperatures can have an effect on your health. While the body usually cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat this might not be enough. Other risk factors for heat related illness include high humidity, dehydration, prescription drug and alcohol use,” she said. Take precautions to prevent heat exhaustion at summer time concerts by wearing loose, lightweight, light colored clothing. Stay hydrated by drinking 2-4 cups of water every hour. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. Avoid alcohol and high sugar drinks while out in the hot sun.”
Something else concert goers should do to have the best possible concert experience is apply sunscreen every hour or so. This is especially important if you are at a festival that will be going on all day long. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about one ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body.”
It is also very consequential that you choose the right shoes for the concert. For example, if it is a general admission concert, you probably don’t want to wear sandals or heels. Instead, go for a sturdy pair of tennis shoes. Some great choices are Vans or Converse.
Staying safe and healthy at outdoor concerts is something all concert goers should know how to do. It is critical that people take care of themselves when they will be outside for long periods of time. So remember, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather, and try to avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Have fun and stay safe at your concerts this summer!