Summer in Chicago means there are plenty of festivals happening around the city and suburbs, and extreme heat. Often at festivals, people get sick from the heat, feel drained from the long days, and are fall victim to dehydration as it sneaks up on you.

Ernest Wang, MD, Emergency Medicine at NorthShore, shares quick tips to keep you healthy and safe during festivals so you can enjoy the fun!

Before the festival:

• If you have kids, talk to them about crowd safety
• Bring reusable water bottles to fill up throughout the day
• Get cash to buy more water if needed
• Pack your ID and medical ID card, or any necessary medications
• Pack SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and buy more if you’re low. Consider travel-size to make it easier
• Pack snacks
• Grab a hat and sunglasses

At the festival:

• Drink water throughout the day. Set an alarm to remind you to drink at least every 30 minutes
• Know the signs of exertional heat stroke and what to do
• Stay away from drugs
• Minimize the fried food
• If you’re there at night, prevent against bug bites
• Avoid alcohol as it can lead to dehydration
• In extreme heat, take breaks from the sun
• If you feel overheated, get indoors or to a cool environment

After the festival:

• Check for bug bites and ticks
• If you are sunburned, apply a cool compress and take an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Drink more water to replenish what you might have lost
• Eat a well-balanced meal to refuel your body
• If you did a lot of walking or standing, stretch your muscles
• Get enough sleep to recover from the fun day

Don’t forget to have fun!