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Living in the Colorado Springs area or in many of the surrounding cities, us “locals” are used to living at an 
altitude. In fact most of the time we completely forget about it. But tourist season is just around the corner; and many of us have friends and family that came visit us during the summer time. Also, it’s starting to be the time of the year that many people think about relocating to the area. Consequently I felt it may be a good time for a refresher course on the affects of high altitude.
Colorado Springs is considered one of the “highest” cities in the United States – an altitude of 6035 above sea level , 755 feet above Colorado’s “Mile High City”, Denver.
Here’s the scientific description of what happens to our bodies at higher altitudes:
The concentration of oxygen at sea level is about 21% and the barometric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As altitude increases, the concentration remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. Since the amount of oxygen required for activity is the same, the body must adjust to having less oxygen.
At elevations of 6,000 plus feet (i.e. Colorado Springs) , bodies responds by breathing faster and more deeply; resulting in shortness of breath, especially during exertion. When you take a breath at 12,000 feet (3,657.6 m), you’re breathing in 40 percent less oxygen than at sea level.
Over time, the body begins to acclimate to the higher altitude. More red blood cells are produced, increasing the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood. Also, the amount of myoglobin, an oxygen carrying protein, increases. After returning to lower altitude, these adaptations will reverse.
Following are some recommendations that can decrease the effects of high altitude:
- Increase fluid intake, drink two or three times more fluid than usual; water and juices are best; adequate hydration is the key.
- Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine. When you consume alcohol at this altitude, you may be much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and sedatives.
- Eat frequent small meals high in carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein.
- Maintain moderate physical activity and get plenty of rest.
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