Stay Healthy at this year’s Sundance Film Festival with These Health Tips
Film lovers and celebrities are flocking to Park City, Utah this week for the Sundance Film Festival. Most of these visitors live at sea level and aren’t accustomed to life at 7,000 feet and what that can do to your body. Add in packed schedules and being constantly on the go and it’s no wonder many visitors feel a little off after their time here. That’s why I put together this helpful set of Sundance Film Festival health tips.
Eat Well
You want to have a great time while you’re here, but you also want to support your body and your skin. Eating poorly can cause negative skin reactions such as acne and you definitely don’t want THAT will you are at the festival. Eat nutrient-rich, well-balanced meals. This is especially important when your body is working overtime to acclimate to Park City’s high altitude and dry climate. Not sure where to begin? A registered dietician or even your primary care doctor can help design a food plan customized especially for you.
No time for that? Here are some simple guidelines for eating well, even when you’re eating out:
- At the buffet, fill half of your plate with veggies before grabbing an entrée.
- Like Italian? Choose marinara over cream sauces.
- Look for menu items that highlight the vegetables in the description.
- Always choose whole grain options.
- Start with a salad.
- Order from the appetizer and side menus.
- Choose one cheat item instead of three. If you’re dying for dessert, order water instead of soda or alcohol and skip the bread basket.
Protect Your Skin
You’re going to be out and about quite a bit in cold weather which can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are some ways you can protect your skin while you are at the Festival.
- Hydrate: Drink lots of water, herbal teas, or hot water with lemon.
- Protect Your Skin: Keep using sunscreen even when it feels cold outside. I recommend using a mineral sunblock with zinc oxide like these ones. Make sure to also apply to the tops of your hands as they can be exposed too.
- Use Clean and Natural Products: Use products with the perfect pH (with mild acidity). This helps ensure a healthy foundation for your skin.
- Keep Your Skin Exfoliated: Exfoliation should be done once per week, and especially while you are out in the elements. Don’t use a harsh exfoliant. Your skin is even more sensitive in the winter so go easy on it.
- Moisturize Your Skin: You want to make sure to use the right oils on your skin. They will make your skin feel luxurious and soft even in the winter months when your skin tends to feel dryer.
Ease Muscle Tension
During the festival, you may spend hours sitting and looking up at a movie screen. Of course, there are also lots of opportunities to sit and relax with friends over the amazing food and drinks offered throughout Park City during the festival. All that sitting often leads to a sore, stiff neck and back. You can reduce muscle tension by following three simple rules:
- Be aware of your posture: Make a conscious effort to keep your spine straight while sitting
- Stretch and move: Between films and during breaks, walk around and stretch your muscles
- Get a massage: Park City offers numerous options for a soothing massage to relax both body and mind
High Altitude Health
At 7,000 feet, the air at Park City is thinner and has less oxygen. During their first 48 hours here, many people experience headaches, have difficulty sleeping, or experience feelings of fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite. Typically, these symptoms disappear within a day or two, but you can ease the transition to a high altitude and drier climate.
- Drink extra water
- Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine
- Take it easy for the first 48 hours to give your body time to adjust
- Try a yoga class, research shows it can help improve the way your body uses oxygen
For most people, the symptoms they experience at a higher altitude are mild. However, if yours last for more than a few days or become severe, seek medical attention. Warning signs include extreme fatigue, breathlessness even while resting, wet cough, chest pain or tightness, blue or gray lips or fingernails, dizziness, changes in vision, and an irregular heartbeat.
Enjoy the Sundance Film Festival and stay healthy!
When: January 19 – January 29, 2023 (10-day event held in Park City, Utah)
Where: Various Locations in the Park City Area (25 total venues)
Additional Information: Thousands of independent films are screened in 25 venues throughout the town and a number of music cafe’s and presentations take place during the festival. The Sundance Film Festival is considered to be one of the top three film festival’s in the world and attracts more than 125,000 people.
See Also:
VisitParkCity.com – What to Eat and Do in Park City
www.Sundance.org – 2019 Sundance Film Festival Details
