Overexhaustion: Pace Yourself on Your Next High Altitude Hike
Hiking in nature is great way to get exercise and be in the outdoors. Many people venture off to hike a mountain without realizing the dangers involved with it. There are certain precautions that have to be taken when hiking at high attitudes. The air is thinner as you gain altitude. Even athletes in the best of physical condition can struggle.
High altitudes can lead to a condition known as altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a very serious condition that can lead to death. The symptoms of Altitude sickness are often overlooked. Symptoms of Altitude sickness are; nausea, light headedness, lake of energy, shortness of breath. The symptoms often mirror other things, so it is easy to overlook them. If a person continues on for long periods of time while not doing the proper things, it can lead to a very serious problem.
The best way to handle altitude sickness is to pace yourself on your hike. When gaining elevation, your body needs time to adjust at certain levels. Take the hike slow and steady. This will prevent the onset of Altitude sickness. It will allow your body to adjust to each altitude as you go along. If you feel any of the symptoms then stop and rest until you feel better. Drink some water and allow your body to adjust for a little while. If the symptoms are not getting better, then hike down to a lower elevation and rest. Taking these precautions can be the difference between hiking off the mountain yourself, and having to be air lifted off of it.
Hiking smart will ensure that your experience will be a memorable one. Remember to hike slow and steady. It is not a race up the mountain. Taking the right precautions and knowing the symptoms before hand is the most important step in hiking. Always being prepared for an emergency situation is a must when hiking outdoors.You thought this was good? Brace yourself: How to make sure your Kilimanjaro adventure doesn’t go wrong