How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Chances are, you are experiencing altitude sickness.- It's always a good idea to be in good physical shape
The mountain patrol has been called, you're strappedbefore you exert yourself on the mountain with
into the rescue basket and the snow mobile whisksskiing or hiking. Not everyone experiences altitude
you down to a lower elevation and into the medic'ssickness, but sometimes even a healthy person can
office for water & oxygen.feel out of sorts.
WARNING SIGNS- If you are flying into a high elevation airport and will
Beginning at about 6,500 feet, oxygen becomesnot have time to acclimate, ask your physician,
thinner and if you are not used to it, can findbefore you go, about the prescriptions Diamox or
yourself in the beginning stages of altitude sickness.Acetazolamide. Both seem to be the industry
Your body requires time to acclimate to the reducedstandard for the prevention of altitude sickness.
oxygen and changes in air pressure. Lack of oxygen- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and sleeping pills
in your blood can cause:WHO SUCCUMBS TO ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
- Nausea or vomitingEven if you live at a higher elevation, it is still no
- Tremblingguarantee that you will avoid altitude sickness.
- DizzinessAccording to Better Health Channel, Healthier Living
- HeadacheOnline, if you've had elevation sickness before, you
- Loss of appetiteare more likely to experience it again.
- Lack of coordinationYoung and old, healthy and not so healthy, everyone
- Lethargyis susceptible to altitude sickness. After living several
THE FIVE SECRETS TO PREVENTING ALTITUDEyears in the mile-high city of Prescott, Arizona, Kathi
SICKNESSdid not think she needed to take any precautionary
Current wisdom in preventative measures:adjustments before arriving at the ski resorts of
- Acclimate yourself before you reach your elevation.Utah.
At sea level your blood oxygen is 98%. At 10,000Today she finds little comfort in knowing she kept
feet it is reduced to 89%. With exertion you canthe mountain patrol employed when she nearly
easily drop below the level required to stay conscious.passed out on the slopes from altitude sickness. I
So take it easy the first day or two.now draw your attention to the picture of Kathi
- Reduced atmospheric pressure at higher elevationsbeing dragged off the hill in a rescue basket. She calls
can cause your water molecules to virtually leap outit the dummy basket because she didn't heed the
of the body through respiration and sweating.warnings. A little prevention on your part will go a
Hydrate yourself with at least 6-7 liters of waterlong way insuring a fun, healthy and memorable
daily. Whether you are thirsty or not, you need it.vacation.