Take note…
You may have seen it from the constant Instagram and Snapchat stories of people pleading for tickets at face value, but Electric Picnic is on in Stradbally this weekend.
You can see a full line-up of stage times here, but make sure not to sleep on the fact that the peoples’ headliner, Johnny Logan, will be playing on the throwback stage.
50,000 people are expected to descend on Laois this weekend for three days of revelry, music and a fair bit of craic thrown in as well.
While we want everyone to have a great time, the most important thing is that you look after yourself and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has identified unprotected sex, dehydration, and diarrhoea as some of the main concerns for people’s welfare.
They’ve issued their tips to cover the main issues which arise at a music festival, and also warned people to make sure to note the location of the medical posts at the site upon arrival.
Prescribed Medication:
- Make sure to bring along an adequate supply of any prescription medication you may be taking
- Asthma sufferers should take preventative inhalers with them, even if they are not showing any symptoms
- Anyone with an allergy to any prescription medicine, such as penicillin, should wear a bracelet or necklace stating this fact
Sexual Health:
- If there is a possibility you might become sexually active at the festival, take precautions and practice safe sex. Always use a condom to protect against STIs
- Vomiting and diarrhoea can render oral contraceptives ineffective
Stomach Upsets:
- Stomach upsets can be common at events such as festivals where people’s normal dietary routine is interrupted. Ask your pharmacist about appropriate over-the-counter medicines to bring with you should this happen
- It is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration if you are suffering from diarrhoea. In some cases, rehydration sachets may be necessary
Suncare:
- Apply SPF 15 or higher 20 minutes before you go out into the sun, and reapply regularly
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- If you suffer from cold sores, wear a lip balm with high sun protection and carry a cream to treat cold sores
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated
Wash your hands:
- Wash your hands before you eat, after going to the toilet or handling rubbish. Bring along hand gel with a high alcohol content and use it regularly
And after looking after all of the above, have a bloody great time…
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
