Sun Safety
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At a British festival, it’s best to come prepared for any type of weather. Most people come prepared for wet weather, with wellies and anoraks, but may forget that sometimes the sun comes out! And even when it’s cloudy, it is still possible for your skin to be exposed to harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancers.
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So our advice is to pack good quality sunglasses, loose fitting cotton clothing and a sunhat with a wide brim to allow plenty of shade, and to remember to bring sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50 for adults - SPF 50 is better! Children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults’ and they need the extra protection of SPF 50 or more. Carry your sunscreen with you around the festival site to top it up, and make sure it’s used on any areas of skin that are exposed, from your ears down to your toes!
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Sunscreen sold in the UK has a star rating: higher rated products offer more UVA protection, so the higher the better – five is the highest. Larger festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading will have an on-site pharmacy selling sunscreen and after-sun lotion.
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It may not be easy on festival sites, but try to find some shade between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its’ fiercest. Encourage your friends to do the same, particularly if they are a little the worse for wear and are tempted to lie out in the field to sleep it off. Try to make sure they are lying in a well-shaded area.
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Longer term if you are concerned about changes to any moles or freckles that you notice, always seek medical advice. While people with fair skin, blonde or red hair are at higher risk of sun-damage, everyone with any colour skin is at risk of developing skin cancer. For more information about the harm that the sun can cause please go to:
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http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/about-skin-cancer
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Staying Hydrated
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Warm weather, long days out on the festival site and an increase in physical activity (walking and dancing) can result in dehydration. To reduce this risk and enjoy the festival follow our hydration tips:
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Know the signs of dehydration – headache, nausea, dizziness, dark yellow or brown urine
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Quench your thirst with water or juice before drinking alcohol and between alcoholic drinks
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Be aware of the water points around the festival site and use a refillable bottle – keep it topped up
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Regular sips of water are better than one large volume
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Keep water in your tent so you can drink it before going to sleep and when you wake up
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