Electric Picnic 2015 is quickly approaching, and while many of us are busy working out what clothes to wear, we’ve pulled together a little health check-list that might come in handy when packing up your wellies and tent supplies. With three days of fun, (hopefully sun) and a beverage or two to come, here are some common health hazards that can be avoided while moshing in the mud… Alcohol Take your time with the tipple. Yes we know you don’t need alcohol to have fun, but we’re not going to pretend it won’t be part of your weekend plans. Remember there’s three days ahead of you, so pacing yourself is the only way you’ll still be standing by Sunday. Alcohol really dehydrates you, so drink plenty of water to help prevent a nasty hangover and eat at regular intervals. You don't want to miss your favourite band the next day because your head is thumping from the night before. Lather up in suncream In the rare event that the Irish sun will add some fun to the festivities, be sure to protect your skin against burning. Suncream will help protect your skin from hours of sun exposure - as long as you reapply often, especially if you're sweating buckets. Using a sun cream with a minimum SPF15, and applying it regularly, will give you protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you do get burned, apply after-sun to soothe the affected area and remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re fair skinned and the sun does make an appearance, cover your shoulders and neck and opt for a hat to keep the sun from your face.

Prescription medication

First aid staff are not allowed to hand out medication except over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol. If you're on any medication, bring your supply with you and take it as prescribed by your doctor. Keep it on you or get it stored safely in the medical centre. Remember if you're asthmatic, don't forget your inhaler and spare cartridges. Make sure your tent have a pack of plasters and a small bottle of disinfectant for minor grazes and cuts, as well as over-the-counter medication for headaches and stomach upsets. Sex - Practising (safely) makes perfect (sense) Sex is all fun and games until someone gets hurt (or an STI). If you’re planning on indulging in some tent action, have a condom on standby in your purse for added protection. Having sex without a condom dramatically increases your risk of pregnancy or contracting an infection. If you take the pill, remember to bring a supply for the weekend and set an alarm to remind you when you're due your dosage. Remember that the pill may prevent pregnancy if taken correctly, but won't prevent an STI, so be sure to pack in a condom. Think like a girl-scout on this one, and always be prepared. Foot therapy Make sure the only thing you’re murdering is the dancefloor, and not your toes. Music festivals can be hard on your feet. It's important to keep them clean and dry to prevent problems such as blisters and fungal infections. Be sure to pack in waterproof wellies and dry socks to change into should a mud bath appear out of nowhere. If possible, take your shoes and socks off at night to give your feet and skin a chance to breathe. Avoid bringing new shoes that can give you blisters and remember that wellies might cut the back of your calf, so pack in a plaster or two to ward off any cuts. Water You may have noticed that H2O is making a regular appearance in our checklist along the way. Water is your friend this weekend. Between keeping hydrated between bands, and warding off the early signs of a hangover, make sure to drink 2l a day to keep your body in the best festival shape it can be in. Identify your on-site medical centre Find out where the site's medical centres are when you first arrive. If you think you may need assistance with an existing medical condition, make yourself known to the medical staff providing them with any details of your condition and any treatment you take. If you're pregnant and near your due date, let the medical staff know, as well as any medication you may be taking.