Altitude Sickness

June 3rd, 2011 9:04am - Posted By: Kara

Getting High!

This is the season where we are visited by family and friends and we want to show off our wonderful trails and daily hiking routes. But – we forget that we are use to the altitude here and many times our visitors are coming from lower elevations and can feel the strain of being higher than usual!

You can be in terrific physical condition and still experience altitude sickness.  Believe it or not, altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is actually more common in fit young men than old gals like me because they are more likely to attempt a rapid ascent by racing up the mountain to show themselves or their buddies that they are indestructible! As a general rule, it is far safer (and more enjoyable) to avoid altitude sickness by planning a sensible itinerary that allows for gradual acclimation to altitude as you ascend  -- and yes, you can race back down as fast as you like!

The symptoms of Mild AMS include:
•    Headache
•    Nausea & Dizziness
•    Loss of appetite
•    Fatigue
•    Shortness of breath
•    Disturbed sleep

Some symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside within two to four days as the body acclimates. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate. When hiking, it is essential that hikers communicate any symptoms of illness immediately to others on trip.
The signs and symptoms of Moderate AMS include:

•    Severe headache that is not relieved by medication
•    Nausea and vomiting, increasing weakness and fatigue
•    Shortness of breath
•    Decreased co-ordination (ataxia).     

The best test for moderate AMS is to have the person walk a straight line heel to toe just like a sobriety test. A person with ataxia would be unable to walk a straight line. This is a clear indication that an immediate descent is required. It is important to get the person to descend before the ataxia reaches the point where they cannot walk on their own (which would necessitate emergency evacuation).

So –if you have family coming from Naples, Florida, it is best to spend the day and night at a lower elevation such as Taos before taking on Williams Lake. And, most importantly …

STAY HYDRATED – WITH WATER!!! I put this in capital letters because many visitors tend to stay hydrated with margaritas from the Taos Inn – and it makes the next day’s hike a bit challenging! Nothing wrong with a few margs, but don’t forget the water!
Of course I am emphasizing hydration because Taos Mountain Outfitters has the area’s, if not the whole state’s, best selection of hydration systems from water bottles to packs. So – check it out!

Get out and get high this summer!
 

Posted in: Hiking, Ice/Snow

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Ice Walking - Walk Like A Penguin

January 11th, 2011 12:17pm - Posted By: Kara

It’s January – and although we haven’t had a ton of snow in Taos, we still have ice. And just walking around town requires special attention. At The Good Sole and Taos Mountain Outfitters we can fit you with YakTrax which attach to the bottom of your shoe or boot and will help -- but here are some friendly reminders for getting around on ice:

*Assume that all dark areas on pavement are ice and slippery  

*Avoid shoes or boots with smooth soles. Instead, wear footwear that can provide traction such as non-slip rubber soles.
 

*Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles – use the vehicle for support

*Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in the pockets decrease your center of gravity and balance. Plus, if you do slip, you want your hands free to break the fall. A friend up in Colorado actually broke his nose in a fall because his hands were stuck in his pockets. And no he had not had a drink yet!

*If you do slip, try avoiding landing on your knees or spine. It is better to relax and try to land on your side or your butt which is usually fleshier and provides a little more cushion.

*Most importantly - what living creature handles ice better than anyone?  The penguin. So, walk like a penguin. Point your feet out slightly on ice – this increases your center of gravity. It won’t be your best look, but when it comes to ice, it’s better to be safe than sexy! Plus, you can hum the “March of the Penguins” to help you move.

So take it easy during ice season so you don’t have to spend mud season with any broken bones!

 

Posted in: Boots, Ice/Snow

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