Remember to stay healthy even during build Season

[iblis432]

Last night I witnessed first hand the results of not taking care of yourself during build season. I was so enthralled with working on the robot, I forgot to drink anything yesterday and ended up passing out while working on the code. I cut myself on the way down and had to get stitches. I would like to use this as a lesson to remember to eat drink and sleep even during build season. It can be easy to forget when your coming up with a breakthrough on the robot, but your still human. Try to learn from my foolish mistake, YOUR BODY NEEDS WATER! XD

[JaneYoung]

Excellent thread title and advice, Bobby.

I'm sorry that you hurt yourself due to negligence on your part and I hope you heal quickly.

It is always wise to think about your health daily - regardless of what you are doing or participating in. Build is not an excuse to perform poorly whether that be safeguarding your health or staying current with your homework/grades or remembering that there are people supporting you effort. Those people are often the unsung heroes: parents, teachers, and friends. Don't forget them or their support and don't ignore it - forgetting to stay hydrated and not eating are great examples.

Good thread topic.

Jane

[keehun]

Wow. That is an alarm for me. I never drink water outside of meals and my lips are always chapped and skin dehydrated but I have never passed out. I guess it is really important to "take care of myself." I don't know why but I feel foreign to this idea. I guess there's no manual to go "RTFM" at

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by keehun

I guess there's no manual to go "RTFM" at

There's no manual this year? Where did you hear that?

AAAAAUUUUUUGH!!!!!!

[EricH]

Taylor, go sit down. We don't need hysterics disrupting class. Bad puns are more than enough.

I drink water whenever I feel thirsty. I keep water bottles in my dorm room, and typically one or both is being drained. Though I do suppose the time I went through 2 liters in about 2-3 hours was a bit much...

Even in cold weather (especially in cold weather) you need to stay hydrated. Dehydration is worse in cold weather because you don't realize that you need more water until you really, really, really need it, but in warm weather, you realize that much faster.

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by keehun

Wow. That is an alarm for me. I never drink water outside of meals and my lips are always chapped and skin dehydrated but I have never passed out. I guess it is really important to "take care of myself." I don't know why but I feel foreign to this idea. I guess there's no manual to go "RTFM" at

There is a manual, but it is in base-4, encrypted, and hidden within over 3 billion base pairs.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by EricVanWyk

There is a manual, but it is in base-4, encrypted, and hidden within over 3 billion base pairs.

That's the specifications and assembly instructions, not the operations manual.

[Dustin Shadbolt]

Good thread. I catch myself not drinking or anything during the build season. I guess I need to pay more attention to that this year. It's just when you are in that mode, you really don't think of anything else. Especially coming down towards the end of the build season. And lol at the manual.

[Ether]

Steve Talbott, "Getting Over the Code Delusion," The New Atlantis, Number 28, Summer 2010, pp. 3-27.

[JaneYoung]

When I read the OP's post, I realized how serious neglecting one's health can be and how dangerous it can become if overlooked. I've started another thread asking for safe practices and suggestions during build and competition season. Please take a look and contribute helpful suggestions.

Thank you,
Jane

[BEEKMAN]

Awesome thread, great point!!

My team tries to get meals almost every night--at least Friday nights, and Saturday mornings and lunches. Eating junk food 5 nights a week really adds up, so we got all the parents together, and have real meals. You'd be surprised as to how many parents are willing to make meals for 25 kids, if it means that their kids are all eating healthy!

[Cyberphil]

Our team has had parent driven meals since almost the beginning. The parents set up pretty much all of the logistics and in turn, save a significant amount of time and effort on the student and mentors part. I always thank, and tell others to thank each parent every night for the meals because they are the people that keep the team going.

As for the competition, our team always has about 10-20 water bottles in the pits, just to make sure everyone is hydrated. Even though food or drinks aren't allowed in the pits for the most part, its not worth having a kid pass out while potentially working with power tools.

On another hand, this is a great thread. I never thought of keeping oneself fed and hydrated as a safety feature. Maybe this could be incorporated into any teams safety presentation at competition.

[wilsonmw04]

I will say that seeing Bobby hit the floor, and the one who had to clean him up after, It was one of the worst moments I've had as a mentor. We have a saying in Goochland, "Rule #1: No Blood! Rule #2: Please see Rule #1." It is our lighthearted reminded to keep safely in the front of our minds in what we do. I hope this is the last time my team breaks our own rules!

BTW: glad to see you back in school, Bobby!

[OZ_341]

Here's a little message I put out to our team every year before we start build season. I hope it helps.

Enjoying Build Season 2011!
Below are a few suggestions that will help you enjoy build season and be a productive team member.

1) Remember that your coaches are here to help. Please see us if you have any concerns. Do not let your problems build up. You are not bothering us! We understand that even in the best of circumstances, there will be issues.

2) Remember that you are on a TEAM! That means not just helping others, but also asking for help if you are in need. We are here to support each other.

3) Care for each other like a family. Help each other and watch out for each other in the shop and when we travel.

4) Listen to each other and COMMUNICATE. Express your concerns, share your ideas and let others know your needs. Remember that your coaches and teammates are listening.

5) Take care of yourself. Eat, sleep, and relieve your stress. Taking care of your mind and body will make you a happier more productive member.

6) Take care of your school work. Prepare yourself for build season by organizing your school work and personal schedule. Being organized will help you make it through with flying colors.

7) Talk to your family about your plans each week and make sure that your plans match with theirs.

8) Do your best at every job, no matter what it is. Doing your best and feeling accomplishment will give build season meaning, help you connect with your teammates, and make it fun.