Staying Fit, Fed, and Fully Rested for the AAO Annual Meeting

By Kelly Green, MD

The time has come again for us all to convene in a faraway city and have a ball for a few days, learning about new and exciting developments in our fascinating field. As we prepare to travel, stay at hotels, fly on planes, and eat exotic foods, it behooves us to make a solid plan for attack. In other words, we should try to be WELL as we travel to and attend this meeting.

Exercise

In order to get the most out of your educational experience, you should try to maximize your state of health during this trip. This plan begins with finding a hotel that has exercise equipment, or is near a hike and bike trail. If you are a member of the YMCA or other national gym, you can also try to find a hotel that is close to both the meeting and the YMCA. Planning ahead will make it EASY to exercise while you are away from home. First on the list of things not to forget when you are packing: exercise clothes! Make sure you have enough sets of exercise clothes (and don’t forget your shoes) to work out 2-4 days during your trip. While it is not reasonable to expect that you will work out every single day, you should make it a goal to keep moving while at the meeting. You will feel better and have a more effective meeting if you stay fit while you are in San Fran.

Nutrition

Next up on the agenda is appropriate nutrition. Bring any nutritious snacks that you like, such as fruit bars. I find that these bars travel well on planes, and can be easily carried around the meeting. Having a healthy snack option will keep you from being tempted by pizza and other high-calorie items while you are walking around the exhibit floor. In addition to proper food, it is important to keep hydrated. I place a plastic bottle in my checked luggage, and then take this bottle around with me all day. I refill the bottle from water fountains, thus saving money on buying water. Watch out for the open bars at the receptions you will attend—alcohol will dehydrate you and leave you unprepared to wake up at 6AM and go running prior to the sessions! There is a Run for Vision on Sunday, October 25, 2009 starting at 6:30 AM. Register here: http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1738270&CHECKSSO=0

Sleep

Last on the list is my favorite item: sleep. While you are at the meeting, do get rest. Take a white noise machine if you need one to sleep. Take your pillow and padded eye cover for the plane rides. And, if you do decide to stay out late one night, give yourself a break and sleep in a little bit the next day. If you are well-rested, you will get more out of the sessions you attend in the later morning and afternoon.