THE average festivalgoer will walk more than 11,000 steps and watch seven bands per day – but will only get five hours of sleep a night.
A study of 1,000 festival fans found over the course of each day of their outing, they will also take a total of 20 photos and make three to four trips to food and drink stalls.
SWNSThe average festivalgoer will walk more than 11,000 steps and watch seven bands per day[/caption]
SWNSThe study also found that after a long day of dancing, festivalgoers will only get five hours of sleep a night[/caption]
And while they will attend with three friends on average – they will lose them at least twice a day.
To counteract this, 44 per cent will pick a meeting point where they will wait and hope for their companions to show up.
While 27 per cent will simply continue on with their day in the hope they’ll appear eventually, and a determined 18 per cent will make it their mission to track them down.
The research also revealed the highs and lows of festivals – with the live music, electric atmosphere, and opportunity to escape from everyday routine voted among the best things.
On the other hand, the discomfort of camping (29 per cent), not being able to rest or sit down (28 per cent), and crowds and long queues (45 per cent) featured in the list of downsides.
More than one in five (21 per cent) also want more support for their health and wellbeing, while 19 per cent wish for dedicated support for specific medical conditions.
The research was commissioned by healthcare company Abbott, which makes the FreeStyle Libre CGM systems for people with diabetes.
It has partnered with diabetic health coach and brand ambassador Vanessa Haydock, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, and consultant nurse and festival medical services lead Lesley Mills to highlight how people can stay healthy and happy through the endurance test that is a festival.
Vanessa Haydock said: “Festivals can be a perfect time to let your hair down and get away from your daily routine, but it’s important to look out for yourself and for each other.
“Make sure you and your friends speak in advance about what to do in certain situations – such as getting lost, overwhelmed, or dehydrated.
“Being open about your needs helps everyone feel more confident and connected.
“And don’t be afraid to prioritise your health – managing any condition in public is nothing to be embarrassed about.
“Living with Type 1 diabetes, I always bring back up snacks and medical supplies, including my health tech.
“I also share my glucose levels with friends using an app, a support tool that comes with my continuous glucose monitoring system.”
The study also found that, of those living with a chronic condition, 88 per cent have experienced stress at a festival as a result of their condition.
This was put down to a lack of places to sit and rest (36 per cent), worries about staying hydrated (26 per cent), and the overall mental load of constantly planning and managing their health (26 per cent).
With 65 per cent leaving a festival early at least once, according to OnePoll.com data.
While 16 per cent now attend fewer festivals than they did prior to their diagnosis and almost one in 10 (nine per cent) no longer attend any at all.
Lesley Mills, who is working with Abbott, said: “When living with Type 2 Diabetes, there’s much to think about when attending festivals – but it should not stop you from having the best time.
“There are many things you can do so that you don’t have to give up something you love, just because you’re living with a chronic condition – preparation is key.”
Top tips for enjoying a festival with a chronic condition
LESLEY Mills and Vanessa Haydock have detailed seven top tips for people with a chronic condition who are heading to a festival.
1. Don’t be afraid to prioritise your health – managing any condition in public is nothing to be embarrassed about.
2. Be confident in checking your glucose levels or taking medication when needed and remember your health comes first.
3. Plan ahead by contacting festival organisers in advance to explain your condition and request permission to bring in essential snacks, drinks, and medication – you can get a letter from your healthcare professional or diabetes team to help smooth this process.
4. Stay hydrated, avoid long gaps between meals, and listen to your body – festivals can be exhausting, but they’re a marathon, not a sprint and it’s not shameful to rest whenever you need to.
5. We often see people walking up to 30,000 steps – so, build up your activity levels beforehand and pace yourself once you’re there.
6. Certain technology can really help you to manage your condition in a busy, unpredictable environment – for example, if you have diabetes, some devices allow you to monitor your glucose levels quickly and discreetly, with real-time data and alerts for highs and lows.
7. Last but not least, let your friends know how to help you in any of these situations – they want to help you, they just need to know how.
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