Carolina Country Music Fest: Your health guide

Health

Carolina Country Music Fest: Your health guide

The 10th annual Carolina Country Music Fest is coming up June 5-8 at the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion property in Myrtle Beach.

Now is the time to start preparing for the four-day event so you can feel great from the first note to the final set.

Here are some tips from Tidelands Health, the official health care provider of the festival, to help you maximize your enjoyment. Tidelands Health will be on-site with local first responders to provide needed medical care in the event medical tent.

Stay hydrated

June is one of Myrtle Beach’s hottest months as temperatures and humidity soar. The heat, sweat plus alcohol or caffeine consumption can quickly dehydrate you.

“Make sure you’re drinking enough water and even adding in some electrolyte packs into your water throughout the day,” says Dr. Lisa Centilli, provider at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common.

She recommends sugar-free or low-sugar electrolyte packets.

Most adults need about three liters of water every day under normal circumstances. But when you’re out in the sun all day, you’ll need to drink more water than usual. Listen to your body’s natural signs of thirst and respond accordingly. Don’t forget to bring an empty reusable water bottle that you can refill.

Apply and re-apply sunscreen

With hot weather comes an increased risk of sunburn as the UV index also increases. Historically, the UV index in Myrtle Beach is 10 or higher in the summer months, which means it only takes 15-25 minutes for skin to burn, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Whether it’s sunny or overcast, be sure to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 SPF or higher that protects against both types of rays 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply sunscreen at a minimum every two hours.

“Try to also take breaks in the shade to help cool your body down,” Dr. Centilli says.

CCMF allows attendees to bring non-aerosol sunscreen into the festival.

Eat well

While it can be difficult to make good food choices at festivals, it isn’t impossible. Dr. Centilli says to focus on getting protein throughout the day with meals and snacks.

“There are all sorts of food vendors that you can make decently healthy choices with,” Dr. Centilli says. “Just try to eat every couple of hours.”

Keep in mind that CCMF doesn’t allow outside food or drinks.

Be aware of your surroundings

Thousands of people are expected to attend CCMF this year, making it easy to get separated from friends or lost in crowds.

“Using a buddy system is a good idea, so someone is accountable for you, especially if you’re planning on drinking alcohol,” Dr. Centilli says.

Be cognizant of your surroundings and create an emergency meeting place should something happen, or your group gets separated.

Wear comfortable shoes

Don’t let blisters and sore feet get in the way of a good time.

While sandals or flip-flops may seem like the best option for a day outside in Myrtle Beach, you’ll probably be walking and standing a lot. Choose a closed-toe shoe that offers ample support and will help protect your feet from spilled drinks and from being stepped on in the crowd.

Consider socks to reduce rubbing and blistering, and avoid wearing new shoes that haven’t been properly broken in.

Protect your eyes and ears

Take a hat, visor or sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Squinting all day can lead to eye strain or headaches that can dull the fun. Make sure your sunglasses offer full protection from both UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sun-related eye damage.

If you’re planning to get close to the stage, consider bringing hearing protection. Exposure to loud music can cause temporary tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and extended exposure to music louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss.

Take frequent breaks and dress for the weather

Don’t forget to take breaks throughout the festival. With the excitement of seeing your favorite musicians perform, it can be tempting to ignore signs from your body to rest or cool down, but it’s important to pay attention to signs of dehydration and overheating. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue, muscle cramping and dizziness.

When choosing what to wear to the festival, focus on lightweight clothing made of cotton, linen, rayon or chambray. Because these materials are breathable, they are good choices for hot weather. Clothing made of silk, polyester or nylon retains heat, so they’re not ideal for hot days.

If you feel faint, lightheaded or feel like you’re getting too hot, seek medical attention.

Be prepared for rain

There’s a popular saying in South Carolina, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.”

While pop-up showers and storms are common during the summer months, the festival takes place rain or shine. Take a poncho to shield yourself from passing showers.

Dr. Lisa Centilli is a board-certified family medicine physician who offers a broad range of care to patients of all ages. She practices at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. 

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