www.high-altitude.org http://www.high-altitude.org Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 On A High Alltitude Hike Make Sure to Keep Your Eyes Safe http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/18/on-a-high-alltitude-hike-make-sure-to-keep-your-eyes-safe/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/18/on-a-high-alltitude-hike-make-sure-to-keep-your-eyes-safe/#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=14 You may know about the general health problems that can occur on a high altitude hike, but do you realize that your eyes are also at risk? You may be use to wearing sunglasses when it is sunny, however the days that are cloudy are just as hazardous for your eyes. The rays of the sun are intensified at high altitude and this can damage your eyes if the proper precautions are not taken. When there is snow or water it is even more intense.I found some more information here. The sun reflects off these surfaces and creates strong UV rays that can damage your eyes.

Damage from the sun can be in the form of tissue growth to the white of the eye, sunburned corneas, cataracts and cancerous growths near the eye. The eye does not repair itself when harmed by the sun and the effects of exposure are cumulative. Children are especially susceptible to the rays of the sun and hats and glasses should be worn by all children in high altitudes. Your eyes need to serve you many years, taking care that they are protected in the high altitude is important for protection to eyes that will serve you for a lifetime.

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/18/on-a-high-alltitude-hike-make-sure-to-keep-your-eyes-safe/feed/ 0 Do Not Forget Your Lip Balm On Your Next High Altitude Hike http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/17/do-not-forget-your-lip-balm-on-your-next-high-altitude-hike/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/17/do-not-forget-your-lip-balm-on-your-next-high-altitude-hike/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=13 It is important for individuals planning to go on a high altitude hike to pack lip balm. It works really well for moisturizing and protecting lips. When people go hiking in high altitudes the winds can get really harsh. The temperature drops to very low temperatures to especially at night. In addition, hikers are in direct contact with the sun. These weather conditions can lead to dry, chapped, sunburned lips. Individuals do not have to worry about the damaging effects of the wind or cold air when they pack a lip balm on their hike.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . This little product is so effective and is easy to store in a bag or in a pocket.

Hikers need to protect their lips by always packing lip balm. People who are going to be hiking in high altitudes should also remember to reapply their lip balm several times a day. Individuals need to make sure that the product does not wear off. It is important that hikers keep their lips protected so that they can keep their lips moist. People should remember to choose a lip balm that has an SPF in it so that the harmful rays of the sun do not damage their sensitive lips.

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/17/do-not-forget-your-lip-balm-on-your-next-high-altitude-hike/feed/ 0 Protect Your lungs On Your High Altitude Hike http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/15/protect-your-lungs-on-your-high-altitude-hike/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/15/protect-your-lungs-on-your-high-altitude-hike/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=12 Hiking can be an exciting experience when participating for the first time. However, hiking up a mountain does have unusual effects on your body due to the higher altitude. In high altitude, less air reaches the lungs, which can lead to a rapid decrease in energy, not to mention the rapid weather changes that commonly occur during a hiking trip. No matter how enjoyable the experience, safety is always the most important factor.

New hikers commonly embark on their first journey unprepared.I was looking for more information and found it here. It is important to know your body’s limitations before doing something it cannot handle. During the hike, if you ever feel like your body is tiring abnormally and you’re short of breath, try to find the nearest rest stop or find lower altitude. There isn’t a lot that you can do to prepare for higher altitudes, but one thing that you can do is build up your cardiopulmonary system, which means the ability to hold more oxygen in your lungs. That and knowing your limits might save you and your companions a lot of trouble.

Make sure before hiking that your body is completely healthy. High altitudes can cause various health problems, especially heart and lung related, if you aren’t fully checked out by a doctor. Hiking is supposed to be a fun and thrilling experience full of unforgettable sights, sounds, and memories. Please don’t ruin everything by not knowing all of what can happen to your body along the way.

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/15/protect-your-lungs-on-your-high-altitude-hike/feed/ 0 Altitude Sickness: Signs to Look For http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/09/altitude-sickness-signs-to-look-for/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/09/altitude-sickness-signs-to-look-for/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/?p=10 There are a bevy of mountain climbing movies on direct tv packages but if you’re planning a weekend hike you could be just as at risk for altitude sickness. If you’re worried you may be prone, keep this checklist of symptoms to watch for handy.
Headaches: Most people who experience altitude sickness first come on with a headache which can range from minor to severe like a migraine. If the headache doesn’t subside in a few hours seek medical attention.
Nausea or Vomiting: If you experience stomach issues while climbing you may be having some oxygen depravity issues. Try sitting still for a period and drinking water to balance out your internal systems so you can finish the hike.
Nosebleed: Perhaps the most tangible of all symptoms, if you experience a nosebleed when you’re climbing you’re nearly definitely experiencing altitude sickness. Try to stop the bleeding and descend if it persists so it doesn’t get worse.

Enjoy your hike and don’t get paranoid about altitude sickness! It can be alleviated by climbing back down so it’s worth the risk!

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/11/09/altitude-sickness-signs-to-look-for/feed/ 0 Maintain Sufficient Potasium and Water Levels In the Body During a High Altitude Hike http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/15/maintain-sufficient-potasium-and-water-levels-in-the-body-during-a-high-altitude-hike/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/15/maintain-sufficient-potasium-and-water-levels-in-the-body-during-a-high-altitude-hike/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=8 Hiking is an activity that many people enjoy during summer months. It is a great way to get a workout and enjoy the scenery of nature at the same time. However, precautions must be taken to avoid dehydration. Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to other complications including brain swelling, heart injury, seizures and death. Fortunately, dehydration can be prevented by maintaining the proper balance of potassium and water. Potassium is an electrolyte that all of the body’s organs need to function properly. Water is essential because it was the body is composed mostly of.

People can keep their potassium and water levels normal by taking in many fluids. Water and gatorade are great to drink while hiking. Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration and gatorade can help the body maintain the right balance of potassium. A person wants to make sure that he or she avoids sodas and all other sugary beverages because they have a tendency to dehydrate.

Each summer, emergency rooms are filled with people who faint due to dehydration. That is why people who will be hiking need to make sure that they drink plenty of water and gatorade to prevent this problem from occurring.The information doesn’t stop now. Keep looking: Why does dehydration cause headaches?

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/15/maintain-sufficient-potasium-and-water-levels-in-the-body-during-a-high-altitude-hike/feed/ 0 Proper Headgear Can Prevent a Heatstroke When High Altitude Hiking http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/13/proper-headgear-can-prevent-a-heatstroke-when-high-altitude-hiking/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/13/proper-headgear-can-prevent-a-heatstroke-when-high-altitude-hiking/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=7 When hiking at high altitudes, people can experience different health issues such as heatstroke. This is caused by the lower oxygen content of the air, pressure changes and weather conditions. Proper headgear can help prevent heatstroke and help make high altitude hiking a more pleasant experience. Headgear can help protect you from the heat, protect you from bugs and other conditions you may face while hiking. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Hiking at high altitudes increases the chances of suffering from heatstroke. Adequate headgear can help protect you from the heat when hiking at high altitudes. Proper headgear reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the body. During a heatstroke the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and eventually are unable to deal with the heat. The headgear can help prevent this from happening since it reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the body.
If you are planning to hike at high altitudes investing in some quality headgear would be a smart choice. It can help keep you safe and healthy during your next hike by blocking out some of the heat. Also remember to wear appropriate clothing and dress in layers. Have fun hiking.

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/13/proper-headgear-can-prevent-a-heatstroke-when-high-altitude-hiking/feed/ 0 Prevent Hypothermia With the Proper Gear for High Altitude Hiking http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/12/prevent-hypothermia-with-the-proper-gear-for-high-altitude-hiking/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/12/prevent-hypothermia-with-the-proper-gear-for-high-altitude-hiking/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=6 Climbing in cold weather conditions can be dangerous, especially when climbing high altitudes in wet and windy weather. Hypothermia is an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal condition that can occur at high altitudes. A person suffers from hypothermia when the body loses heat faster than it is produced. Hypothermia forces the blood vessels to constrict which prevents heat from entering the body. In this predicament, the core temperature of the body falls below 95 degrees and the person loses consciousness and slips into a coma.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia shows various symptoms such as numb finger/toes, exhaustion, incoherent speech, shivering, and violent behavior. It is easier to prevent Hypothermia than it is to control it. by taking some precautions. You should wear adequate layers; clothing that allows insulation like silk, wool and artificial fibers and anything that can preserve heat. Headgear is a must due to fact that a large amount of heat is lost from the head first. In addition, you should incorporate sugars in your meals because sugar produces body heat rather quickly.

Dehydration

There is a change in air pressure and thickness when you ascend from low level to high altitude areas. Sometimes, climbers sense shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat due to insufficient oxygen levels. When this happens, you could become dehydrated due to a lack of water in the air and severe sweating. It is imperative that you drink at least 3 liters of water to maintain electrolyte levels and potassium levels.

]]> http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/12/prevent-hypothermia-with-the-proper-gear-for-high-altitude-hiking/feed/ 0 Choosing the Right SPF for Your High Altitude Hike http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/11/choosing-the-right-spf-for-your-high-altitude-hike/ http://www.high-altitude.org/2011/07/11/choosing-the-right-spf-for-your-high-altitude-hike/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.high-altitude.org/&p=5 Choosing the right SPF for your high altitude hike is crucial to ensure health safety, skin protection, and comfort. The sun is intense, but the higher the altitude the more intense the sun becomes, so protecting your skin is a must. How do you know which sunscreen to apply?

Well, sunscreen is available in various SPFs or sun protection factors. Choosing the right SPF for the activity and skin type will make the difference between protected skin and sunburn. The higher the SPF the better protection against harmful UVB rays.

Even if your skin does not normally burn easily, you will want to choose a higher SPF when hiking at high altitudes. The recommended SPF when approaching high altitudes is SPF 50 or more. Sun exposure does not have to be harmful. Protection against those harmful UVB rays and burns is available.

The right SPF is just the first half of protecting your skin on that high altitude hike. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen and reapply after two hours or as often as needed. Take into consideration that you will probably sweat some of the sunscreen off or rub it off, and reapplication will help keep your skin protected.

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