How To Adapt To High Altitude Life: Rocky Mountain Towns

The elevation of Evergreen Colorado is 7,220 feet and can range to over 9,000 feet in elevation depending on the location. Altitude sickness is common when people are traveling to places of higher elevation in a very short period of time. The higher you climb, the lower the air pressure and oxygen levels get. The rapid change in elevation can bring on a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Start using Acli-Mate® Mountain Sport Drink three days prior to arrival at high elevation.

What is altitude, and why can’t I live here?

Altitude is the difference in elevation from sea level. This affects air pressure and causes changes in climate, which can lead to a variety of health issues for people living at high altitudes. There are two types of high-altitude regions: Mountainous areas like Colorado, where the elevation is between 4,000 and 16,000 feet; and Plateau areas like Utah and Wyoming which typically have an elevation around 5,300 to 6,500 feet. If you live at an altitude of 3,000 to 6,500 feet then you are considered a resident of a high-altitude community. High-altitude environments require different adaptations because they have significantly more oxygen than lower altitude environments. These adaptations vary depending on the individual’s age and health status as well as their personal needs.

Adjusting to High Altitude Living
Adjusting to High Altitude Living

Adjusting to High Altitude - Colorado

Colorado Has a lot of High Altitude Towns

As you may be aware, Colorado is home to a lot of mountain towns. Each town offers its own unique flavor, with high altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 11,500 feet. Some of these mountain towns are more serene and perfect for those who might be looking for a low-key life. Others are more active and exciting. It’s hard to choose which one is right for you. So here are some different aspects of life in the Rocky Mountains that will help you decide which type of living environment is best for you.

Altitude Sickess in The Denver Foothills

High Altitude Illness is a general term used to describe diseases that affect the normal functioning of the lungs and bronchi. Symptoms include: Headaches, Chest Pain, Feeling Sick/Exhausted, Dizziness, Uncontrollable Sweating, Difficulty in Breathing and Shortness of Breath. It can sometimes take days for the body to adjust to high altitude. High altitude can also occur at elevations above 8,000 feet. Avoid driving on mountain roads and the airport if you are a frequent flyer.

What is high altitude living like?

Living at high altitudes is a different experience than living in lower altitude areas. The first difference is the lack of oxygen. This affects the body in more ways than just breathing, but also affects metabolism and immune response. In addition to less oxygen, there are other changes that happen at high altitudes. For example, snow melts faster because of lower temperatures and the water vapor in the air condenses into rain and snow. There is also less pressure. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your body’s circulatory system, which can lead to edema or swelling in your lungs. The biggest concern people have when they move to high-altitude environments is with their health. However, many aspects of life in a high-altitude setting are manageable by just making small adjustments to daily routines like diet and exercise.

How high is high altitude?

The altitude in the Rocky Mountains ranges from 4,000 to 16,000 feet. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is and the harder it is for most people to breathe.

Depending on your health status and personal needs, you

Living at High Altitude

Living at High Altitude

may need high-altitude adaptations like extra oxygen or a pressure chamber. High-altitude environments require adaptations because they have significantly more oxygen than lower altitude environments. For example, Colorado is home to high-altitude towns with altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 11,500 feet. The lower you go in elevation the more oxygen there is. In other words, each mile of elevation decreases atmospheric pressure by one atmosphere (14.7psi). With this much of an increase in pressure comes an increase in oxygen levels.

Altitude and it’s Impact on climate

High altitudes can have an impact on the climate in many ways. The higher altitude means a drier and colder climate, which triggers changes in seasons, temperature, and precipitation. For instance, Colorado is considered to be one of the snowiest places in America with an average annual snowfall of 107 inches. In some mountainous areas, there are more than 300 days of below freezing temperatures each year.

High altitudes also cause changes in elevation that can lead to hypobaric hypoxia when the air pressure is lower than sea level. This causes a lack of oxygen, which can cause health issues for people living at high altitudes.

Adapting to the decreased oxygen

levels

These high altitudes have significantly less oxygen than lower altitude areas. This simple fact has a huge impact on your health because it means that you need to breathe more and exercise a lot harder in order to maintain your activity levels. The key is not to be scared of this change, but instead to embrace it. As with any challenge, you’ll need time to adjust. The first few days will be the hardest, but soon enough you’ll feel better.

If you are living at an altitude of 3,000 feet or higher then you should speak with your doctor about the necessary adaptations for living at this elevation before moving forward with packing up and moving. You may want to consider taking things slow by gradually introducing yourself to the area instead of jumping into a new lifestyle all at once.

Effects of altitude on different age groups and health status

Because of the effects of altitude on oxygen levels, children and older adults are more susceptible to health issues. People who live at high altitudes have an increased risk of developing high-altitude sickness, which can lead to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.

Altitude Sickness Rocky Mountains

Altitude Sickness Rocky Mountains

Depending on their age and health status, individuals may need different adaptations. For example, if you are in your 20s and healthy you might not need any specific adaptations for living at high altitudes. On the other hand, if you are elderly and out of shape, it’s likely that you will experience some health changes due to the decrease in oxygen levels. If you are staying with family members or friends in a low-lying town so that they can help care for you, then this can be less stressful because they do most of the work required for adaptation.

As a general rule:

People who live at high altitudes typically require fewer medical appointments than those with chronic health conditions. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before moving to a new area so that adjustments could be made accordingly.

Active life in a high-altitude town

Are you the type of person who likes to be outside? There are plenty of things to do in the outdoors in Colorado. Mountain towns like Breckenridge, Crested Butte, and Telluride provide activities for all skill levels. If you’re interested in skiing, golfing, hiking, or mountain biking then these towns are perfect for you! If you love the outdoors and being active then a high-altitude town is a great place for you.

Drink Plenty of Water In High Altitude Areas

In high-altitude areas, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. This helps the body compensate for the lower oxygen levels and prevents dehydration. The best option is a water-based drink such as Gatorade or coconut water. If you are unable to drink these because of a health condition, then you should consider adding electrolytes to your water in order to maintain proper hydration.

Adjusting to Altitude of the Denver Foothills

The altitude of the Denver foothills varies between 1,000 and 6,500 feet. It’s important to note that each person will process oxygen differently due to their age and health status. High-altitude living can lead to fatigue, nausea, dizziness and even heart attacks so it’s important for people to be mindful of their personal needs for adaptation.

If you are not accustomed to high altitudes then you might experience some symptoms of altitude sickness such as difficulty sleeping, headaches or nausea. If you have a history of coronary artery disease or other cardiac issues then you may also be at risk for altitude-related complications.

People who live in the Denver foothills tend to have a more active lifestyle with lots of outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and biking trails nearby. People who want a less active lifestyle will enjoy the peacefulness of this area with its wide open spaces and natural beauty.

A few things to consider when assessing your options: Are you interested in living in an urban environment? Is being outdoors a priority? What are your plans for retirement? How much time do you want to spend traveling? If you’re looking for an active life, then this might be the place for you.

Evergreen – Conifer – Morrison – Idaho Springs

If you are looking for a serene and low-key life, then Evergreen, Conifer, or Morrison might be your best option. These mountain towns are all situated in the Rocky Mountain Range and have a lower elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, making them perfect for those who are more sensitive to high altitudes.

High Altitude Illness is a general term used to describe diseases that affect the normal functioning of the lungs and bronchi. Symptoms include: Headaches, Chest Pain, Feeling Sick/Exhausted, Dizziness, Uncontrollable Sweating, Difficulty in Breathing and Shortness of Breath. It can sometimes take days for the body to adjust to high altitude. High altitude can also occur at elevations above 8,000 feet. Avoid driving on mountain roads and the airport if you are a frequent flyer.
Tips for Adjusting to High Altitude in the Colorado Mountains and Foothills: How to Avoid or Manage High Altitude Illness

One thing people don’t think about is adjusting to high altitudes when moving or vacationing at higher elevations in Colorado Mountains and Denver Foothills. When people come from lower altitudes it often takes their body time to adjust to higher elevations. It usually isn’t dangerous and just uncomfortable. Headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Working at high altitude

Although most people think of work related issues, people do work or vacation at altitude. Usually, if your work isn’t physically strenuous you don’t need to do anything special. Exercises can help. But if you do have a job that involves heavy lifting you might need to exercise in the gym at higher altitude. Usually, if you work at an office job, then you should avoid driving on the mountain roads and the airport (I would suggest staying away from the airport for a while if you are a frequent flyer). Getting a sports medicine check-up The best way to get a sports medicine check up is by visiting your primary care doctor. Sometimes, if your primary care doctor is busy, you may need to wait for their call back and they might not be able to see you for awhile.

Moving to Higher Altitudes

You will need to increase the elevation in your home to approximately 1,600 feet to get your heart rate down from your base level. If you have heart disease it might be a good idea to stay lower. Either way, reduce your intake of sodium (salt) and avoid eating anything fried. You might want to try a small scoop of blood pressure medicine (prescription or over the counter) before starting to climb up. Increased salt makes your heart work harder, which can raise your blood pressure. Over time, even a little elevation change can raise your blood pressure, causing what is called reverse hypertension. Low sodium and fried foods can also make you gain weight, causing bloating and feeling tired. Sudden weight gain can lead to fluid retention that can be a major health risk.

Vacationing at Higher Altitudes

Tips for Acclimating to Higher Elevations: How to Get Through the Newness & Tiringness Whether you are heading to a hotel in Pueblo or an apartment in Denver. It takes a little planning. It’s very common to spend a week or more in higher elevations trying to acclimatize and then having to come back down. Most people are able to adjust to high elevations if they spend time in these areas. Section 1.3 High Altitude Illness & Illnesses in the Colorado Mountains High Altitude Illness (HAI) is a general term used to describe diseases that affect the normal functioning of the lungs and bronchi. It is characterized by feeling short of breath or having a cough. HAI is often symptomless and many people with these diseases do not feel ill when they are at sea level.

Living in the Denver Foothills. Will the altitude impact your life?

Life at High Altitudes. A few tips to manage altitude sickness.

High Altitude Illness

It may not be a problem for some people, but it can be for others. High altitude usually refers to altitudes above 7,000 feet, but it is calculated with your starting altitude and not necessarily with the altitude at which you move from. High altitude can also occur at elevations above 8,000 feet. Symptoms include: Headaches, Chest Pain, Feeling Sick/Exhausted, Dizziness, Uncontrollable Sweating, Difficulty in Breathing and Shortness of Breath. It can sometimes take days for the body to adjust to high altitude. Precautions to Follow If you live at high altitude, be sure to stay indoors during the night if possible. This will minimize the chance of catching a cold or a virus. If you live at higher elevations, staying indoors at night is advisable for maximum protection.

How to Avoid or Manage High Altitude Illness

Regular breathing exercises Take cold showers or baths Walk uphill several times a day Use salt tablets to absorb salt from your urine Drink plenty of water and keep it topped up Consider avoiding alcohol while in high altitude Eat fruits, vegetables and healthy fats Use albuterol, an inhaled corticosteroid that relieves bronchospasms (shortness of breath) caused by high altitude, to aid breathing.

The Basics of Making Pre-Travel Plans

Book your hotel and flights early. Set up your fitness and eating plans early. Get as much rest as you can. Get plenty of water, keep your caffeine consumption low and take plenty of breaks. Bring warm, waterproof layers to protect you from the cold wind and be sure to dress in layers to be able to take off layers as needed. Winter clothing will provide warmth in the morning while you’re hiking, but the sun rises at around 9 AM and the wind chills are near zero in the mornings. Wear as many layers of clothing as you think you’ll need and bring a sweater and a buff for the mornings or evenings. Be careful not to overdo your hiking in the mountains, for example, pushing your body beyond it’s capacity.

Preventing Exercise-Induced High Altitude Illness (EIA)

Whenever exercising, it’s important to start slowly if you are going to take on altitude. We recommend at least 15 minutes per hour. It’s important to avoid extreme high-intensity exercise that causes the blood vessels in your lungs and head to constrict. This puts you at a higher risk for damage. High-altitude sickness is usually diagnosed at altitudes above 8,000 feet. People who exercise at a higher elevation are more prone to the flu-like symptoms of low-oxygen and blood pressure drop. These symptoms can often be managed by maintaining a high-protein, low-sugar diet, reducing salt and alcohol, and taking electrolytes such as electrolyte tablets or drinks.

Preventing and Managing the Symptoms of EIA

The main cause of altitude sickness is what’s called a “challenge stimulus”. It happens when the body experiences an exogenous challenge, like a prolonged period of time at a high altitude. Take the following steps to manage and prevent symptoms of altitude sickness: Find a Well-Hosted Hotel Having a well-hosted hotel and any other recommendations from friends, neighbors or friends of friends is often very helpful in preventing altitude illness and providing relief. Know your Physical Exertion Limits You will need to pace yourself or take frequent breaks if you don’t have those at your destination, especially if your altimeter is reading high. Make sure to follow the physical activity recommendations from your doctor or altitude specialist.

Avoidance, Prevention, & Managing High Altitudes During Travel and Work in the Rocky Mountains Subsection  Limiting Exposure to Outdoor Environmental Factors that May Induce EIA during Travel and Work in the Rocky Mountains Subsection  Preventing or Managing Exercise-Induced Airway

Insufficient Dehydration & Dehydration Related Coughing and Dry throat can be one of the most common early signs of an ascending IEA. Keeping adequate liquids in the body with electrolyte drinks or general purpose IV fluids can help prevent dehydration. Workplace Health In Colorado Subsection  Symptoms of High Altitude Illness & How to Manage Symptoms Subsection  Symptoms of High Altitude Illness during Travel & Work in the Rocky Mountains Subsection.

Disclaimer: Of course, I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Just trying to give a little advice to help you adjust to high-altitude living. Please consult your doctor before moving or vacationing at high altitude if you have any concerns.