Tidelands Health offers health tips for CCMF festivalgoers

June 2, 2025 

Contact: Dawn Bryant 

Tidelands Health  
(843) 652-1636 

dbryant@tidelandshealth.org 

News for Immediate Release: 

Tidelands Health offers health tips for CCMF festivalgoers 

If you’re headed to Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, remember a few simple tips to help you feel great from the first note to the final set. 

Tidelands Health, the official health care provider of the festival, offers these health tips to help you prevent sunburn, stay hydrated and avoid other common conditions to help you maximize your enjoyment of the four-day event. Tidelands Health will be on site with local first responders to provide needed medical care in the event medical tent. 

The 10th annual Carolina Country Music Fest kicks off June 5 at the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion property. 

Stay hydrated 

June is one of Myrtle Beach’s hottest months as temperatures and humidity soar. The heat and sweat, plus alcohol or caffeine consumption, can quickly dehydrate you. 

“Make sure you’re drinking enough water and even adding in some electrolyte packs into your water throughout the day,” says Dr. Lisa Centilli, who sees patients at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common. 

She recommends sugar-free or low-sugar electrolyte packets. 

Most adults need about three liters of water every day under normal circumstances. But when you’re out in the sun all day, you’ll need to drink more water than usual. Listen to your body’s natural signs of thirst, and respond accordingly. Don’t forget to bring an empty reusable water bottle that you can refill. 

Apply and re-apply sunscreen 

With hot weather comes an increased risk of sunburn as the UV index increases. Historically, the UV index in Myrtle Beach is 10 or higher in the summer months, which means it only takes 15-25 minutes for skin to burn, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Whether it’s sunny or overcast, be sure to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 SPF or higher 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, if not more frequently. 

“Try to also take breaks in the shade to help cool your body down,” Dr. Centilli says. 

CCMF allows attendees to bring non-aerosol sunscreen into the festival. 

Eat well 

While it can be difficult to make good food choices at festivals, it isn’t impossible. Dr. Centilli says to focus on getting protein throughout the day with meals and snacks. 

“There are all sorts of food vendors that you can make decently healthy choices with,” Dr. Centilli says. “Just try to eat every couple of hours.” 

Keep in mind that CCMF doesn’t allow outside food or drinks. 

Be aware of your surroundings 

Thousands of people are expected to attend CCMF this year, making it easy to get separated from friends or lost in crowds. 

“Using a buddy system is a good idea, so someone is accountable for you, especially if you’re planning on drinking alcohol,” Dr. Centilli says. 

Be cognizant of your surroundings, and designate a place to meet in case your group gets separated in the crowd. 

Wear comfortable shoes 

Don’t let blisters and sore feet get in the way of a good time. 

While sandals or flip-flops may seem like the best option for a day outside in Myrtle Beach, you’ll probably be walking and standing a lot. Choose a closed-toe shoe that offers ample support and will help protect your feet from spilled drinks and from being stepped on in the crowd. 

Consider socks to reduce rubbing and blistering, and avoid wearing new shoes that haven’t been properly broken in. 

Protect your eyes and ears 

Take a hat, visor or sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Squinting all day can lead to eye strain or headaches that can dull the fun. Make sure your sunglasses offer full protection from both UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sun-related eye damage. 

If you’re planning to get close to the stage, consider bringing hearing protection. Exposure to loud music can cause temporary tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and extended exposure to music louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. 

Take frequent breaks, and dress for the weather 

Take breaks throughout the festival. With the excitement of seeing your favorite musicians perform, it can be tempting to ignore signs from your body to rest or cool down, but it’s important to pay attention to signs of dehydration and overheating. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue, muscle cramping and dizziness. 

When choosing what to wear to the festival, focus on lightweight clothing made of cotton, linen, rayon or chambray. Because these materials are breathable, they are good choices for hot weather. Silk, polyester and nylon retain heat, so those materials are not ideal for hot days. 

If you feel faint, lightheaded or like you’re getting too hot, seek medical attention. 

Be prepared for rain 

There’s a popular saying in South Carolina: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.” 

While pop-up showers and storms are common during the summer months, the festival takes place rain or shine. Take a poncho to shield yourself from passing showers. 

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About Tidelands Health 

Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.