Contest Consumables

Contest season is definitely here, even though it appears the ionosphere
didn't get the memo. The essentials like rigs, antennas, and amplifiers
have probably been checked, and are at the ready. Other items now bubble
up in importance. How are your station ergonomics? If your shoulders or
neck hurts after a few hours at the rig, it's time to evaluate why, and
remedy the situation, before it leads to other long-term problems. Good
sleep before a serious contest effort is important. Getting enough sleep
can help minimize the chances of catching and keeping a cold or flu
before contest weekend, and operating when tired just makes everything
more difficult.

Keeping yourself nourished should also be part of the operating plan.
If you have special dietary requirements, make sure you're not ignoring
them just because you're participating in a contest. If you really are attempting long stints in the operating chair, you want what you eat to
help you accomplish that goal. I like to have a mix of foods that can
be prepared with minimal effort and eaten at any hour, prioritizing
protein, then fats, and lastly, sugars. For example, I've made chili,
BBQ ribs, and chicken wings ahead of time, so they could be microwaved
when needed, adding a bag salad or vegetable plate for a small amount
of variety and fiber. Too many calories can lead to grogginess... I
find eating a little bit, frequently, works well for me.

Lastly, don't forget to get up every now and again and move around. It
can enhance alertness, and may assist in avoiding issues related to
physical inactivity, such as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).

Check your station, and take care of your body to make sure all systems
are go for the contest.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)