Welcome to Summit County! At high elevations everyone's affected by altitude to some degree. As you go to higher altitudes, the barometric pressure decreases, the air is also thinner and less oxygen is available. The air also dryer and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger. At elevations of 8,000 plus ft., your body responds by breathing faster and more deeply, resulting in shortness of breath, especially on exertion. Many people develop mild symptoms of headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and unusual tiredness, which we call acute mountain sickness or AMS. These symptoms usually go away in a day or two. If symptoms are severe, persist or worsen, you should consult a doctor. A short visit to a physician may save the rest of your vacation.
A more serious condition is called high altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE. This condition is recognized by a wet cough, increasing shortness of breath, and the feeling of fluid building up in your lungs. other symptoms may include disorientation or confusion, if you feel any of these symptoms developing you need to seek medical attention immediately. HAPE is easy to treat but can be life threatening if left unattended.

The effects of high altitude can be decreased by following these recommendations:
• Increase Fluid Intake - drink two or three times more fluid than usual, water and juices are adequate hydration is the key to preventing altitude illness. You should drink enough fluids to urinate every two hours.
• Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine on your day of arrival and one to two days thereafter; be very careful if consuming alcohol, and remember, at this altitude, you may be much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and sedatives.
• Decrease salt intake - salt causes your body to retain fluid (edema), which increases the severity of altitude illness.
• Eat frequent small meals high in carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein.
• Moderate physical activity and get plenty of rest.
• Medications and oxygen can help you feel much better. Diamox is prescription drug which prevents the unpleasant symptoms for many people. Recent experience suggests that a small dose of Diamox suffices: 125mgs the morning before you are to arrive at altitude, again that evening, and each morning and night for two days after arrival. It is generally a well tolerated medicine with few side effects. It should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to sulfa.
Some people may experience a tingling sensation in their fingers, toes and around their mouth. You may also notice a subtle change in your sense of taste, especially carbonated beverages may taste flat. As with any medication, take only as directed and discuss any potential side effects with your physician.
• Spending 1-2 nights at a modest altitude of 5000 - 6000 ft. decreases symptoms when you go higher.

SUNBURN: The sun's ultraviolet rays are much more intense at this altitude and are multiplied by the reflection of the snow. Burns can occur within twenty minutes without proper protection. It's important that you protect your face and other exposed skin with a minimum factor 15 sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection. Blisters may need medical attention. Wear good quality sunglasses or goggles to prevent eye burns.

FROSTBITE: Frostbite is caused by cold exposure when ice crystals form in the skin. The most common sites are fingers, toes, nose and ears. The skin initially gets numb, hard and pale. Rewarming causes pain and tingling with color changes. Blisters occur in severe cases. Prevent frostbite by dressing in layers to keep warm and dry. Risk increases with re-exposure of frostbitten areas to cold. Ibuprofen 200mg three times daily helps limit injury. Seek medical attention for blisters, severe pain or large areas of injury.

INJURIES: If injured while on vacation, please do not use heat. Apply ice 15 minutes out of each hour and elevate the affected area for 48 hours. Seek medical help if you have concerns. Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin for pain.