Your Daily Dose of Sage Advice
Dear Sage Advice,
I’m going to the Everfree Northwest convention for the first time this year! While I’m excited about going to my first convention, I’ve heard something about a ‘Con Crud’ that happens. What is this Con Crud, and how can I avoid it, while still enjoying myself?
Thanks,
-Social in Seaddle
Social-
Fear not, my follower, for while the Con Crud can be a formidable foe, just following some simple tips will fend the fiend off, freeing you to frolic with your friends.
“Con Crud” is a catch-all term for any ailments picked up at a convention, as well as the physical and emotional exhaustion that is the natural result of intense activity. With so many ponies coming from so many different places they unknowingly bring germs that others haven’t been exposed to before, ready to attack the suppressed immune systems resulting from exhaustion. To avoid this you need to keep your immune system energized, and do your part to stay healthy.
Before you leave your hotel room there are three things you should do:
•Get enough sleep. Yes, any convention will have loads of stuff for you to do, with so much to see, and you’ll be so excited you won’t want to close your eyes... but those things will still be there in the morning. Eight hours of sleep is ideal, but make sure you get at least six hours in.
•Keep your body clean. Either a shower or a quick bath, every day, will keep you smelling fresh and prevent even invisible unhealthy build-up. Your fellow convention attendees will thank you. A summertime convention means you will be sweating more than you’ll notice, but the activity levels of any con mean you’ll perspire.
•Take your vitamins. Bring vitamins with you, and take them as directed. This will boost your immune system.
Once you get to the convention, there are three more tips to follow.
•Remember to eat. Yes, money and time are likely to be tight, but eating something will keep your blood sugar up, and keep you from being tired and cranky. If you can’t carve out the time for three square meals, at least get some healthy snacks, like crackers or an apple or two, that you can carry with you.
•Drink plenty of water. Most conventions have plenty of water coolers set up for your convenience, so make good use of them. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; by the time you feel thirsty you’ll already be getting dehydrated.
•Wash your hooves. Whenever you use the necessary, before you leave, make sure to wash your hooves, or talons, paws, or other manipulating appendages you have. This will help prevent the spread of the germs that cause the Con Crud.
So just follow these little tips and you’ll be able to enjoy a happy and healthy convention!
-Sage Advice