FALCON HEIGHTS — Of the nearly 2 million people who will visit the Minnesota State Fair this year, a few thousand will wind up seeking help at first-aid stations.

The medical professionals who work those stations say many fairgoers could avoid the need for medical attention if they followed a few simple tips. Fair health officials suggest wearing sturdy shoes instead of flip flops because they cause blisters, drinking plenty of water and seeking shelter from the sun to avoid getting overheated.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the two first-aid stations on the fairgrounds offer free health care from registered nurses, paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Over the past few years, the stations have treated between 3,000 and 4,000 people at each of the 12-day events.