by Alex Wilson, 4thYear TRU Psychology Student

Summer is just around the corner and a hugely popular activity for students during their time free from school is attending festivals and concerts. These can be amazing times, where you let go, express yourself through art and dance, and make new, life long friends. It’s important to remember though, that while fun, festivals can potentially pose a number of health risks. Extremely hot weather in the summer months can cause dehydration and heat stroke. Music blared through walls of speakers can cause life long hearing damage. Drug consumption (both legal and illegal) poses the risk of overdoses. There is also always a risk of crime and violence, ranging from theft to sexual assault. It is vital to remember these risks and take harm reduction measures to ensure both your safety and the safety of the people around you. We here at the Wellness Centre have set up this blog post to share with you some of those measures, so you and your friends have fun, safe experiences at festivals and concerts this summer.

Wellness Tips

1. The Buddy System

Always travel with a friend. Always share with your friend any potential substances you have taken and how much. Communicate if you are not feeling well or if you need a break.

2. Chill Out and Take a Break

Dancing and exhausting your body for several hours can result in dehydration or heat exhaustion, with or without the use of substances. Be sure to take a break and cool-down regularly.

3. Hydrate and Replenish Electrolytes

Dehydration and heatstroke are real issues. Drink a bottle of water per hour and supplement with sports drinks such as Gatorade.

Extra Safety Tip: Bring a large jug or camelback to refill and share water with your friends and others around you who may be in need.

4. Know Your Dosage and Source

Here at the Wellness Centre we encourage abstinence from drugs, but if you decide to use drugs (both legal and illegal) it’s important to be mindful and employ harm reduction strategies. The BC Know Your Source website recommends that if you do use drugs you should:
• know your source
• never use alone
• start with a small amount
• not mix substances, including alcohol, as it increases risk of overdose
• call 911 right away if you think someone is overdosing
• make a plan and know how to respond in case of an overdose
• use where help is easily available
• be prepared to give breaths and/or administer naloxone (Narcan) until help arrives

Extra Safety Tip: These tips are even more vital right now with the increase in fentanyl related deaths in Canada. For more information check out our blog post on Fentanyl (http://wellness.inside.tru.ca/2016/02/18/fentanyl-what-you-need-to-know/).

5. Test it!

Take it one step further and test it! If you do choose to use a substance, you should know what you are choosing to put in your body to prevent any unintentional risk. Some festivals like Shambhala Music Festival offer drug testing, but if you attend other festivals you should purchase your own drug testing kit. Dancesafe.org sells personal drug testing kit. Even if you don’t use drugs consider purchasing one to ensure the safety of your friends.

6. Get Proper Sleep and Nutrition

This may be easier said than done, but remember – your body maintains homeostasis with the nutrients and vitamins it needs and a proper sleep schedule. You can still have fun without pushing your body too hard. Make sure to eat healthy meals and get appropriate sleep before and after the event. Make sure to eat well before heading to the event and eat a sufficient meal after.

7. Protect Your Hearing

Sound levels at events can be as high as 115+ decibels, which can cause damage within a few seconds. The risk of hearing damage depends on: (1) How loud the music is; (2) How close you are to the speakers; (3) How long you are on the dance floor; and (4) Previous or a family history of hearing damage. Wear basic earplugs or, if you attend events regularly, invest in a reusable pair that does not distort the sound.

8. If You’re Sexually Active, Come Prepared with Protection

If you are sexually active, come prepared with an option for birth control and protection from sexually transmitted infections. It’s not pretentious to come prepared; it’s responsible and pragmatic. Safe is sexy!

Extra Safety Tip: Protect yourself and others from potential sexual assault by: (1) Be aware of your surroundings; (2) Prepare an exit strategy; (3) Establish your comfort level in discussing healthy relationships and consent; (4) Understand the definition of consent. In Canada, people are legally UNABLE to consent to sexual activity if they are drunk or intoxicated (this includes someone who is passed out). Also, a person must GIVE consent, which means that they actually say ‘YES’ to the activity.; (5) Have a travel buddy; (6) Never take drinks or drugs from strangers or acquaintances that you don’t trust (most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim/survivor knows); (7) If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, address it or find somebody who can; and (8) if you experience any unwanted sexual touching or sexual activity, please disclose the experience to your friends/family. They can help report the incident to festival coordinators in order to raise awareness, improve safety, and get you any health interventions/support you might need.

References/Resources

• Decibel Comparison Chart – http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html
• Hearing Loss and Music – https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000495.htm
• Know Your Source – http://knowyoursource.ca/
• Dance Safe (harm reduction information and drug testing kits) – https://dancesafe.org/
• TRU Counselling Services – OM 1631; 250-828-5023
• Kamloops Sexual Assault and Counselling Centre – http://www.ksacc.ca/default.htm ;  #601 – 235 1st Avenue, Kamloops, BC; 250-372-0179