• Contest Consumables

    From Daryl Stout@316:36/9 to All on Wed Apr 19 00:05:08 2023
    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 (316:36/9)